Sleep Beneath Bhutan’s Mountain Skies

During the flight to Bhutan, you may experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century and now housing government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at 3,180 meters. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse and meditated in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After exploring the monastery, you will hike back to the valley in the afternoon and then transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Himalayan mountains from the pass. From Dochula, the road descends through forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

DISTANCE: 12 KM | TIME: 4 HOURS | ASCENT: 940 M | ALTITUDE: 1,280–2,220 M Today, you will begin your three-day trek along the Trans Bhutan Trail. The trail starts by crossing the suspension bridge and then ascends gradually through terraced fields of mustard and winter wheat. Along the way, you will reach a viewpoint with views of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the distance. If the weather is clear, you may also see snowy peaks such as Jomolhari and Kang Bum. The trail continues through the countryside and forests before reaching Limbukha village. Overnight at a tented camp in Limbukha.

DISTANCE: 12 KM | TIME: 4 HOURS | ASCENT: 375 M | DESCENT: 745 M | ALTITUDE: 2,220–2,050 M Today, you will continue along the Trans Bhutan Trail. The trail climbs steeply to a ridge before descending into a small valley. After crossing a stream, you will walk through oak and rhododendron forests towards Dochen La, which offers good views of the surrounding valleys. From the pass, the trail descends towards Dagegon, where you will see traditional farmhouses. Along the way, you will come across Chunni Goemba, an old monastery associated with Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. The hillsides are also dotted with small meditation cells. You will continue to Chungsakha village, where the campsite is located near the temple. Overnight at a tented camp in Chungsakha.

DISTANCE: 13 KM | TIME: 5 HOURS | ASCENT: 550 M | DESCENT: 350 M | ALTITUDE: 2,050–1,555 M After breakfast, continue your trek along the Trans Bhutan Trail towards Samtengang. The trail descends towards the road for about 45 minutes before crossing a suspension bridge. From the bridge, the trail continues through deep, eroded gorges. In December, Daphne flowers begin to blossom in this area. The trail then passes near a lake and through the Basic Health Unit area before descending towards Chhuzomsa and continuing to Samtengang village. Your transport will be waiting at Samtengang to take you to Punakha. You can visit Samtengang village before driving to your hotel in Punakha. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu with a stop at Dochula Pass. After tea, continue the drive to Thimphu. On arrival, you will visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, the Traditional Paper Factory and the Post Office, where you can personalize your own stamps. Later, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, and Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. You will also visit Tashichho Dzong, an important government and religious centre in Thimphu. In the evening, you can stroll through the town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.