Paro to Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Dhey Wang Tours and Treks representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1hours) following the Paro  River. Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5^th king coronation and on the way back stops at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afternoon we will visit the centenary farmer’s market open on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of people buy one week’s vegetable from here. Ground floor vegetables are mostly imported from India and you can also find our pure organic vegetables on top floor. Most of the sellers are from countryside farmers and you can see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillies cheese and vegetables. Tashichhodzong,  “the fortress of the glorious religion”. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung  Ngawang  Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at hotel.

Thimphu to Punakha

Morning you will drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,150 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 2 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

Punakha you will enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing.After lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong.Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.  Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” was built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the “Unifier of Bhutan”. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.Overnight at hotel.

Punakha to Limukha.11kms,5-6hrs

After breakfast you will drive 25mins to trek start point.The trek begins with gradual climb through chirpine  and oak forest. Some point you will see the magnificent views of Punakha Dzong. After lunch you will come across few houses and shops than after a hour of walk you will see cluster village called Limukha.Your camp site is just above that.Tented camp.

Limukha to Chunsakha.12kms,5-6hrs.

The 12 km trail between Limukha to Chungsakha  through rhododendron and oak forests. You will have lunch on Chungsakha pass(2650m) covered by bamboo forest.Before reaching our camp site we pass a famous  Drukpa Kuenley Lhakhang. Some monks do retret here.Tented camp.

Chungsakha to Samtengang.10kms,5-6hrs.

Today our trek is easy, after walking down two hours  you will cross the bridge and than you will start climbing up following the paddy fields and houses. Our campsite is close to Samtengang School.Tented Camp.

Samtengang to Wangdue.5kms.2hrs.

After breakfast you will start walking downhill till end point, from that than your car will pick you up. Aftrnoon lunch at hotel /take hot shower /rest. overnight at hotel

Wangdue to Paro

After breakfast drive back to Thimphu- Paro en-route Dochula pass. We will be having second chances to see the eastern Himalayas. Lunch at Thimphu. Afternoon we will visit the, School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art, If there is time, you may visit the traditional Hand made paper factory and live painting. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Taktsang Hike

The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then meditated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Overnight at hotel.

Paro International Airport

Drive to airport in time to check in for your early morning departure.