Day 01 Flight to Paro, Bhutan (L/D)

You can fly into Paro-only airport of Bhutan from Bangkok (Thailand) or Delhi or Kolkatta (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal).You should allow minimum a night stop in the gateway cities before or after the trip for safe connection to your international flight. Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will be received and transferred to your hotel by Highland Asia representative. Your internal airfare and Bhutan visa will be taken care of by us.

This afternoon, we visit the national museum-housed in Ta Dzong-the former watch tower established to guard the Paro Rinpung Dzong. The museum’s collection range from holy scriptures, Bhutanese garments, ancient paintings, crafts, traditional weapons, utensils, gallery of philatelic collection , stuffed animals etc. The museum also enshrines a tree with four facades representing the sects of Mahayana Buddhism-Sakyapa, Gelugpa, Nyingmapa and Kagyupa . From Ta Dzong, we will descend to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong which is the administrative headquarter and monk body of the district. The Dzong is believed to have been built on the “heap of jewels”. In the evening, we will take relaxing stroll in the township of Paro. Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class hotel.

Day 02 Paro- Cheli La- Haa Valley-Thimphu (B/L/D)

Today, we drive to Thimphu with side trip of Cheli-la pass and Haa Valley-a pristine areas visited by very few travelers. We leave the main Paro-Thimphu highway at Bondey (3 miles from Paro) and head towards Cheli-la (35km/22 miles). The pass at 3810m (12, 497 ft.) from sea level offers beautiful panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains include Mount Jhomolhari and serene Haa Valley down the hill. We descend and drive 26km/17 miles to arrive the valley floor of Haa.

We explore the pristine areas of Haa Valley, hike the hamlets and visit the ancient monasteries. Haa valley, surrounded by forested hilly slopes has checkered fields of millet, barley and potato and beautiful farmhouses with intricately colored wooden cornices and ornately carved windows. We take different route for the return trip and join the main highway at Chuzom which is about 78 km (49 miles) from Haa. From Chuzom, its less than an hour drive to Thimphu. We check in our hotel and take rest for the day. Overnight in Jhumolhari Hotel or similar A class hotel.

Day 03-04 Attend the festival (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we rush to the festival ground at Tasicho Dzong. We will notice that the town and roads are all deserted because the whole population swarms in to the festival location. Series of mask dances are performed by monks and lay people. We will be amazed to see people in colorful dresses jostling in the crowd. There will be fair style stalls selling food, clothes and handicrafts and we can also see people singing folk songs and dancing or picnicking out with delicious food and drinks

In order to avoid monotonousness, we can break the day into two halves-the first half of the day, we attend the festival and in the second half, we visit the local attractions or take some hiking excursions. Textile museums, handicraft museums, traditional paper factory, memorial chorten, Simtokha Dzong, Takin Zoo etc are the major attractions of Thimphu. For hiking, we have some fine destinations such as Cheri Gompa or Phajoding which can be done in 2-3 hours at our pace . We can also visit Dechen Chholing, (about 30 minutes drive from Thimphu) to view the palace of the Queen Mother from a hill top. Overnight in Jhumolhari or similar A class Hotel.

Day 05 To Trongsa (B/L/D)

Following breakfast, we set off on the road for a long day of drive to Trongsa (6 hrs). Leaving Thimphu behind, the road ascends to Dochula pass (Alt. 3010m), where we will stop briefly for panoramic views of the snow capped mountains. Other distinct features of the pass are a group of colorful shrines and strings of prayers flags fluttering over. Descending from the pass, the road passes through varieties of vegetation and arrives at the valleys of Punakha and Wangdi.We stop in the Wangdiphodrang and visit its historic Dzong which used to be the second capital of Bhutan until the power center moved to Trongsa after rising of present Royal family. Leaving Wangdi behind, the road climbs and crosses the Black Mountain at Pele la pass (3420m). The pass offers panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains including Mt. Jumolhari on a clear weather day.

After the pass, we descend to the Mangde region where people speak different dialect. We will also stop in Chendebji chorten and other places on the way for photography and to stretch our legs. We arrive at Trongsa late afternoon; check in hotel and take rest for the day or time permitting; we visit the historic Trongsa Dzong-the site of emergence of monarchy in Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is among the largest and the most impressive of all Dzongs in Bhutan. We will also visit Ta Dzong that once served as watch tower guarding the Trongsa Dzong and houses a memorial of Jigme Namgyel- father of the first King of Bhutan. Accommodation in Yangkhil Resort A Class.

Day 06 To Jakar (B/L/D)

Leaving Trongsa behind, the road crosses Youtongla pass (3425m) and descend to Chume- the first of the four Bumthang valleys. We will stop at the roadside village of Zugney and visit a workshop of Yathra weaving. Yathra is a deep colored woolen textile with a typical pattern. After lunch and some rest, we will set off to explore the wonders of Jakar Valley.

Major attractions of Jakar include Jambay Lhakang, Chakar temple-also known as iron castle, and Kurjey monastery complex. Past Kurjey, the trail leads us across the suspension bridge over the Chamkhar Chu River to Tamshing Lhakang. We stop at Kunchok sum temple and then continue through the fields to Swiss farm area where we meet our transport and ride back to the hotel. Overnight at Mountain Lodge or similar.

Day 07 Explore more of Bumthang Valleys (B/L/D)

We collect our lunch pack and set off on the road for 1 and ½ hr long drive to the beautiful town of Ura. The town has medieval look with around 50 closely packed houses along the cobblestone streets. We visit the Gyeden Lhakhang (Temple) that dominates the town. We will notice Ura women wear typical sheepskin shawl that serves as blanket as well as a cushion. After lunch, we will retrace drive to Jakar and visit the new monastery of Namhai Nyingpo, the traditional hospital, Jakar Dzong, Lamay Gompa and other sights as per available time. Overnight at Mountain Lodge or similar.

Day 08 Retrace drive to Punakha.(B/L/D)

Another long day of drive (6 hrs) brings us back to Punakha Valley. We will stop in the Trongsa and other sites that we might have missed earlier on the way up to Bumthang. This is another opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains from Yotongla and Pelela passes. Overnight in Punatsangchu Cottages or Dragon's Nest A class.

Day 09: Drive to Paro (B/L/D)

After breakfast, we check out hotel and hike Chimi Lakhang and visit Punakha Dzong before we head towards Thimphu and Paro. Chimi Lakhang Temple-known as the “temple of fertility” is 20 minutes soft hike through paddy fields and villages. The temple is dedicated to the Saint Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529), also known as the “divine madman” because of his humorous sexual approach in his teachings.

Punakha Dzong lies in the confluence of two rivers-Phochu and Mochu and is the former winter capital of Bhutan. This is among the largest and the most impressive Dzongs of Bhutan and has fabulous murals on the inner walls, depicting the biography of Lord Buddha. Leaving Punakha behind, the road climbs to Dhochula pass-another opportunity to enjoy the views of the Himalayas. We stop in Thimphu for lunch drive another one hour to Paro. Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class property.

Day 10 Takstang Monastery Hike (B/L/D)

Taktsang Monastery, also popularly known as Tiger's nest clings on a sheer cliff at 2,000ft/600m overlooking the valley. As the legend goes, Guru Padmasambhava flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to this site and defeated five evils, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The first two hours of hiking that brings us at a cafeteria, is a steep uphill, which can be done on a pony as well but the trip onward and for return, the trails are not suitable for pony ride. We will stop in the cafeteria and enjoy the refreshment drinks and snacks with fabulous views of the monastery.

We can opt to either hike further 45 minutes to get a closer look at Taktsang and the surrounding temples or just remain at the Tea house and enjoy the views and return. The return trip is all downhill and takes about half the time of what it takes way up.We meet our transport and drive to visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. We will also visit Kyichu temple and some typical farm houses. Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class property.

Day 11 Departure (B)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport. We bid farewell to our Bhutanese Guide and driver and board on flight to our next destination.