Fly into Paro valley. Enroute on your flight, if the weather is clear, you will be treated with the massive views of the eastern Himalayan peaks, including Kanchenjunga (28,169 ft) – World’s third highest mountain and Bhutan’s holy mountain, Jomolhari (24,000 ft). Land into the enthralling Paro International Airport – the only international airport operational in the country. There’s a time to freshen up and have lunch before heading out to Hike to Zuri Dzong (2,600m /8,600 ft).
This hike is an easy little climb of about 45 minutes above to Zuri Dzong from the National Museum. The Dzong was built by the Unifier of Bhutan Zhabdrung Rinpoche, which also served as watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong down below. The trail lines along the pine woods with the views of the Paro Dzong, the Paro valley and the Airport. This beautiful hike will serve as an acclimatization and adaptation to the terrains of beautiful Bhutan.

Walking distance: 2.5km Walking hours: 1-2hrs Elevation gain: 80m Elevation loss: 200m

In the evening your Bhutan guide will run through the trip programs and attend to any inquires in this regard.

Overnight: Mandala Resort / Equivalent

Today you will fly out to the only remote Yonphula Domestic Airport in the Eastern districts – 45 minutes flight. We’ll pass through small towns and villages giving us our first real glimpse of traditional Bhutanese life, and architecture. At the relatively low altitude of 1150m Trashigang has a mild climate and a relaxed atmosphere and an intriguing mix of people. You will drive down to your serene lodge – about an hour and half driving distance. Enroute there’s a Sherubtse College and a Buddhist University in Kanglung which we will visit if time permits and if you are interested to visit.
We will chance to encounter farming activities and fields aplenty with oranges, beans, maize, mustard, pumpkins and marijuana aplenty for the pigs to be fed, although not legal for consumption by humans. The setting is a typical vibrant thriving community dependent on farming and rural activities. The forests still remains intact and pristine and you will be submerging in the depths of rural Bhutan. The lodge is the nestled serenely in a lushly landscape. It offers a sanctuary for the senses with unparalleled panoramic views of the countryside, elegantly decorated guest rooms, an excellent restaurant serving all Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes. The compound is favorable for meditation and relaxing with Yoga on your own.

Overnight: Lingkhar Lodge/Equivalent

Today morning we will drive to Radhi. The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. We will take a chance to visit one of the private home in Radhi to see this living art passed from mother to daughter legacy in most of the eastern regions. We will then drive up to visit the Rangjung Woesel Choeling Buddhist Monastery founded in 1989. The monastery has more than 300 resident monks and old folks studying the Buddha dharma and carrying out dharma activities for the benefit of the Buddhist community. We will then have our late picnic lunch on the way back to Tashigang. Reaching Tashigang, we will visit Trashigang dzong which was built in the 17th century and has commanding view of the valley. In the past, Dzongs acted as strongholds, protecting the vale’s inhabitants in times of war against Tibetans and internal rebellions. Today, it serves as the center for administrative and monastic life and they also houses the offices of the local government and the resident monk body. The person behind the construction of such fortresses in the country is credited to Zhabdrung Rinpoche who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. Inside are few interesting temples and local government offices.

Overnight: Lingkhar Lodge/Equivalent

Today morning we will take a day excursion to the peaceful Tashi Yangtse – about 2 ½ hours driving distance sharing the border territory with Indian Tawang village. On the way we will first pay a visit to the Gom Kora temple. Buddhist scholars say that the site has been blessed with indefinite virtues and prayers: a mere visit cleanses one of sins, fulfill wishes and guides the path to Nirvana (liberation from the cycle of existence). We will then bypass the old Trashi Yangtse dzong which in the olden days used to protect former trade route with Tibet. Below the quiet town of Trashi Yangtse town is the famous Chorten Kora, the largest stupa in Bhutan built in Nepali style. This is the site of two colorful local festivals which occurs in the beginning of the year. The stupa is believed to have brought peace which otherwise was haunted by the evil spirits in days of yore. One of the amazing story about the stupa is the main relic enshrined within of that of the body of enlightened princess of Tawang who was destined to be put here. The people of Tawang still to this day comes and circumambulate the stupa and offering prayers for their princess. Trashi Yangtse is also home to National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the school where the young people learns the arts and crafts of their forefathers to keep Bhutan’s traditional arts and trade alive. In the evening we will head back to Tashigang and check into our hotel.

Overnight: Lingkhar Lodge/Equivalent

It’s about 3½ hours’ drive to Mongar but it would be a pity not to make a 2 hours detour to Dramitse Gompa, which is one of the most important monasteries of eastern Bhutan. Its name means & the peak where there is no enemy. This is the place from where the famous Naga Chham (Drums of Dramitse, included to the UNESCO list of oral and intangible heritage). The monastery was founded in 16 th century by the descendants of the saint Pema Lingpa. There is number of interesting chapels with a lot of important statues of the saints and protector deities.
If you’re in mood for short hike, you can also pursue 1.5 hours scenic hike from Dramitse to Bagingla via Shergang village. We then continue our drive to Mongar. We set off west for the first time, with our car climbing the 2,450m Kori La (a low pass by Bhutanese standards!) towards Mongar, district headquarter with its own dzong. There’ll be time to absorb the tranquility of this region, look for some of the dozens of bird species to be found here and simply relax and drink in the magic of Bhutan. During all our drives through
Bhutan we’ll be looking out for flowers and other botanical treasures and making frequent stops to admire and photograph them.

Overnight: Wangchuk Hotel/Equivalent

Today morning we will drive to Bumthang for about 8 hours. It’s a long drive but you won’t be bored, instead be thrilled to appreciate firsthand the enormous effort that went into building the highway that links western and eastern Bhutan. The climate will become more temperate as we leave the Far East and head towards central Bhutan, crossing the 3800 m (12,465ft) Thrumshing La pass. After about 141 km we’ll arrive in the wide valley of Ura, with its distinctive new Gompa (temple) and important rural high school. From here we’ll wind our way through forest and fields to Jakar, the township that lies at the center of the Bumthang district, and a favourite to all the visitors.
Bumthang is a place of special spiritual significance. Legend has it that throughout the Buddhist Himalayas there exist valleys hidden from the outside world. Sheltered and protected, together these regions could become the last bastions of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Shangri-La in James Hilton’s Lost Horizons is based on this very idea. There remain few places more suited than Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, to stand as symbols of such ideals. Check into your hotel and relax.

Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge/Equivalent

Today we’ll visit one of the neighboring valleys of high and exceptionally beautiful valley of Tang. Enroute visit the Mebartsho or the Burning Lake from where Terton Pema Lingpa is believed to have uncovered sacred texts and religious objects hidden by Khandom Yeshey Tshogyal, the Tibetan consort of Guru Rinpoche. Today this site has become one of the sacred pilgrim place for the devotees around the country. Tang is the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys with not as much agriculture as the valley below, although in places where the soil is fertile and deep the Arcadian scenes are picture perfect. Terton Pema Lingpa the famous saint responsible for discovering many treasures as prophesized by Guru Rimpoche was born in this valley. The people of this valley raise sheep and at higher elevation, yaks. There is a superb Ogyencholing museum created from the former
home of the local ruling family, set high on a hill. The view and the contents of the museum are beautiful.
Afternoon, we will drive back and divert our way to Pema Choling Nunnery. The nunnery is a residential Buddhist community of 100 women and girls aged 12 – 60. Many of the women arrive at Pema Choling with little or no education, from families of farmers or road laborers or are orphans. The center offers basic education, vocational training and the opportunity to pursue traditional Buddhist studies at the highest academic level. And then we embark on the Bushman Trail Hike to Kharchu Dratshang in Chamkhar. We will
come across a village community and then walk in through the pine trees with a nice view of the valley below. The walk is a gentle climb taking us to a curve and eventually descending down – 2 ½ Hours walking distance.

Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge/Equivalent

Today morning before going out to Trongsa, we will visit Jambay Lhakhang, a fabulous temple built in the 7 th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, on the same day Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. This temple is believed to be pinning her left knee. The temple was later visited by Guru Rinpoche and later restored by Sindhu Raja after Guru restored his life force. It has been repaired and rebuilt several times over time. It’s the one place in the valley that feels truly ancient.
Twenty minutes walking distance from the temple through fields and small Bhutanese houses, we will reach Kurjey Lhakhang. This large, active and important temple complex is named after the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche which was left in a cave when he is said to have meditated here in order to subdue the evil spirit of the valley who had sickened the local king to near- death. The advent of Buddhism in Bhutan is owed to the coming of Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century in Bumthang on the invitation by one of the minister to help cure the illness of the local king. There are 108 chortens enclosed to the complex. We will then continue to Chumey crossing the Kikila Pass (3,200 m /10,600 ft) and descend
down in the village of Zungney and check out the Yathra Factory where ladies weave Yathra, the specialty of the region. The brightly colored wool fabrics are displayed outside the houses. Quality, patterns and color vary widely. We will drive westwards through the forest of magnolias and rhododendrons and the dead dwarf bamboo plants as we ascend to Yutongla (3,425 m / 11,300 ft) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa – 2 Hours driving distance. Late afternoon we will visit the Ta Museum housed in the watch tower of Trongsa Dzong that has been dedicated to the kings and their legacies and some of the precious artefacts in Bhutan. Below the museum is the commanding dzong of Trongsa below with the sweeping views of Mangde Chu. We will meet some monks and interact with him and hear him share his stories.

Overnight: Yangkhil Resort

Back on the road again we’ll wind our way through forest-covered hills and past tiny villages and Chendebji Chorten, believed to be holding the evil spirit who haunted people in the days of yore in the region. Then it’s high into the rhododendron and dwarf bamboo forests of Pele La into the serenely beautiful and expansive valley of Phobjikha. This valley is famed for its winter visitors, the rare black-necked crane. Unfortunately the cranes will not be in residence when we visit but the valley is still breathtaking and there’ll be plenty of flowering plants to capture our attention. But we will take another route from Longmey village just before reaching Pelela. It is a beautiful Longtey Nature Trail Hike via Kumbu La pass (10,500 ft) – 11,700 ft and then down to Gangtey Shedra (Buddhist University)

Walking distance: 8km Walking hours: 4 – 5hrs Elevation gain: 400m Elevation loss: 545m

Head along a sloping, lined pathway that takes you through towering bushes of jade-hued bamboo, swaying together in a jumble of shadow and light. At the end of the bamboo enclave lies a small group of village houses, built in the distinct Bhutanese style, which features elevated platforms, intricately carved timber window panes and wood-lined, arched roofs. As you move upwards, you’ll pass ancient rhododendron forests and soaring trees that sigh in the wind, whispering the ancient secrets of this mystical region. The peak of the pathway features magnificent, unobstructed views of the valley and the lofty monasteries below. Next, head down to the tranquil village of Kumbu, where you can choose to end your walk, or carry on to the deep valley floor and the Shedra, a renowned and mystical place of teaching. Our car will pick us up and drive us to our hotel. Enroute check into the Crane Center to learn more about these impressive birds. Observe the beauty of the glacial valley and its communities. If you are taking a walk, you’ll encounter local students eager to practice their English. They will be happy to talk to you.

Overnight: Aum Pem Homestay/Equivalent

After breakfast at leisure, we will drive up to Gangtey Monastery sitting atop on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. This is one of the most isolated monasteries and the largest Nyingmapa sect monastery in the country. During a visit to the Phobjikha valley, the 15 th century treasure-founder Terton Pema Lingpa prophesied that a Goemba named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here. Every winter to the curiosity of everyone, the revered black necked cranes are seen circling this monastery before landing in the valley and taking off for Tibet for 110 km non-stop journey.
We will then start walking from the monastery towards the long Mani stone walls (like chortens) and start our Nature Trail Hike;

Walking distance: 3.5km Walking hours: 2hrs leisurely Elevation loss: 400m

The trail hike starts from the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. This hike which takes you through the pine forest and small bamboo plants secured with lichens, offering you a spectacular view of the Phobjikha Valley and the wetlands here with Black Necked cranes flocking over and around in the months of November till end of February. We will come across some rural white washed farmhouses, walk through the pine woods and then follow the ridgeline and descend down the valley. Treat yourselves with picnic lunch or just check into one of the beautiful restaurants with the nicer views of Phobjikha valley where in winter one will see these revered birds feeding on the ground. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a local farmhouse to get an insight into how Bhutanese families are living off in the far away countryside. More than 80 % of the populace are still dependent on Agriculture and rearing cattle and yaks. This would be a chance for you to interact with a Bhutanese family in a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse and hear them share their tales of countryside and their lifestyles and about how they are coping up with the trends of modernization elsewhere. We can then walk back on the farm road back to our hotel and relax.

Overnight: Aum Pem Homestay/Equivalent

We will drive further east today to the warmer valleys of Punakha via the same Lawala Pass where we may take chance to hang our prayer flags on this sacred and scenic spot over and yell Lha Gyelo (in victory to Gods). And then going down we will take the road that takes us to Punakha – about 3 Hours driving distance. Punakha has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. The valley hosts one of the most majestic structures in the country, the magnificient Punakha Dzong which is its masterpiece. We will reach the village of Sopsokha in Punakha where we will have lunch after which we will hike to Chimi Lhakhang which is an easy walk through fields and a clustered village homes and local souvenir shops filled with phalluses;

Walking distance: 2km return Walking hours: 2hrs return Elevation gain: 50m Elevation loss: 50m

Chimi Lhakhang was built in dedication to Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman who was famed widely for his irreverent methods of teaching the dharma some 500 years ago. The whole valley is showered with traces of his influence, and villagers still enthusiastically recount the legends of his exploits. The temple is also referred to as the Temple of Fertility. Women having the problem of conceiving comes here to pray and get blessings with a wooden phallus that’s tapped on the head of the women. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and as flying carved wooden phalluses on house tops at four corners. There are souvenir shops around with many displays of phalluses and gifts to take back home.
And drive up to Wolakha Nunnery. The Nunnery is located on a ridge overlooking Toebesa – Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. The main statues of the shrine here is the God of Compassion, Chenrizig bestowing endless love and compassion to sentient beings. The complex also houses a learning and meditation center for nuns where apart from religious training it provides life skill training like tailoring, embroidery, statue making and Thangka painting. We may want to talk to some of the nuns here and interacting with them and learn something from them in their pursuit of Buddhahood and nirvana.

Overnight: Happiness Field Village/Equivalent

In the morning, drive up to Habisa Bridge from where you will start your beautiful Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. The walk starts from the bridge spanning over the Mo Chhu river. The river lately has opened up for kayaking and white water rafting activity. We will walk through the fields of paddies and organic vegetable gardens and Bhutanese houses before slowly climbing up the winding path towards the stupa above.

Walking distance: 2km return Walking hours: 2hrs return Elevation gain: 200m Elevation loss: 200m

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was built in dedication to the King, country and for the wellbeing of Bhutanese. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture majestically located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha. The temple is a 3 storied structure and is 30-meter (100- feet) tall with all sorts of deities imaginable inside the shrines! One can climb up all the way to the roof top of the stupa and be enthralled by the amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the Mo Chhu meandering down the valley south. We walk back the same route back where our car will pick us up and take us to an exclusive camping ground by the bank of the river for lunch. In the morning, we will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, considered one of the most important and also one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the Kingdom. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, and was the seat of the government until Thimphu was established as the permanent capital in the 1960s. It is still the winter residence of the Dratshang (The Central Monk Body). As you move around you will admire the impressive, colorful and detailed artistry of the surroundings, including huge statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung, as well as paintings of one-thousand Buddhas in one of the shrine you will visit. It’s a photographer’s haven for taking pictures in and around the dzong.

Overnight: Happiness Field Village/Equivalent

We will then drive out towards Thimphu – about 3 hours driving distance. The sub-tropical forests will give way to alpine forest as we make our way past beautiful Dochula Pass (3,000 m / 10,000 ft) marked by many prayer flags. There are 108 stupas built over the pass with an astounding panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas of Bhutan including the largest peak, Gangkar Puensum (Mountains of three sisters) at 7,564 m. Bhutanese families enjoy visiting the pass during holidays and weekends to picnic and simply enjoy the scenery. It is common to see families and groups of friends seated amongst the chortens, enjoying a packed lunch and hot tea. It is an ideal location to capture beautiful pictures of Himalayan mountain range during clear, warm days. Thimphu is the largest city in Bhutan with a population of about 1, 20,000 and the city without traffic lights! It is home to the Government, royal families and the head offices of international aid organizations. There are restaurants and disco theque abound! But the city still preserves its
traditional character in fusion with modernity. Time stands still in Bhutan and you will know why. We will then drive down visit the popular Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Memorial Stupa nestled in the heart of the city. It is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu designed in a Tibetan style. Today people from all walks of life flocks here in the evening to circumambulate the stupa. Older generation folks are seen chit chatting and chanting prayers and getting together around the prayer wheels in the vicinity.
We drive up to Motithang, the land of pearls above Thimphu city, and drop by the Takin Preserve to see our national animal Takin, which is endemic only to Himalayan ranges. It is a stout funny looking animal with a mythical story related to it with the Divine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kinley.

Overnight: Tara Phendeyling/Equivalent

In the morning after breakfast, drive about 15 minutes from your hotel to Kuenselphodrang where the largest sitting statue of Buddha Dordenma (169 ft. tall) is located on a hill
overlooking the Thimphu valley facing the eastern realms of the universe. The statue houses three storied shrines inside with more than 125,000 mini stupas of Buddhas. It’s a symbol of peace and harmony bestowing infinite love and compassion upon all sentient beings in the sphere). One will also have a good view of the valley of Thimphu from here. The Buddha looks best in morning light. There’s a beautiful trail that leads us inside the Kuenselphodrang Park where one can enjoy the scenic views of the valley below. The walk will take us about 45 minutes (round trip).

After breakfast at leisure, we drive up to Dodena – about 45 minutes driving distance from town. There’s a beautiful Bhutanese cantilevered bridge spanning the Wangchu (river) and bypassing the stupa, we will start walking up to Cheri Monastery.

Walking distance: 3km return Walking hours: 2hrs return Ascent: 330m Elevation loss: 330m

Cheri Monastery was established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (The Unifier of Bhutan) in 1620. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center for the Drukpa Kagyud sect of Buddhism, the state religion. The Monastery serves as the monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, poetry and many other Buddhist studies. The serene setting and the sanctity of the place here favors one to meditate. Thus you are advised to maintain silence and respect the privacy of the hermits and the resident monks here in solitude. We walk back the same route and make it out for Picnic Lunch by the riverside. Enjoy the peacefulness of the spot with birds chirping and river gushing below. On the way back to town we will drop by in Pangri Zampa College of Astrology. It’s an educational Institute of Central Monastic body for learning traditional astrology of Bhutan. Every year, the institute releases official Bhutanese calendars. It also decides dates for important national events of Bhutan. You may want to find out your astrology if you are interested to learn! Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground where men are playing the archery, Bhutan’s national and the favourite sports. It is one of the active site where crowds cheers on the players who shoots arrows towards the distance of 160 m! It’s fun to watch them jeer onto opponent and then there’s drinking and dancing on the hits on the target. Your guide may consider to walk you out to the hotel since the traffics are busy in the evening by this time. Continue driving towards Jungshi Paper Making Factory where you can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books. The Jungshi paper factory continues to
preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. Our hotel today will be on the outskirt of the city in Motithang serenely located in the pine woods.

Overnight: Tara Phendeyling/Equivalent

Yet another day to explore more of Thimphu. We will begin by visiting the National Institute for Indigenous Treatment. The institute collects medicinal plants from remote corners of the Bhutanese Himalaya and then distributes pills, tablets, ointments and medicinal teas to regional health-care units around the country. The small museum details some of the 300 herbs, minerals and animal parts that Bhutanese doctors have to choose from. National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School) where students are taught the thirteen traditional arts and crafts. The institute operates four- to six-year courses for the students. Though large groups of visitors can disrupt the classes, the craft demonstrations are a photographers’ dream and it’s hard not to be impressed with the skill and discipline of the young students.
A few minutes’ walk will reach us to Folk Heritage Museum. It is a restored three-storied rammed-earth and timber building replicating a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago to provide an interesting glimpse into rural Bhutanese life. Also the place has an open place for the children to have time on their own. There’s a restaurant here that provides delicious Bhutanese cuisines to the visitors. Enjoy your lunch. Royal Textile Academy which showcases the art of weaving and the country’s rich textile heritage and traditional design. You can see the royal robes, watch the video on wearing the Gho and kira, traditional Bhutanese attires. You can also view jewelry, kettles, crowns, and armory donated by the royal family. Just below the museum you will observe weavers working on their pattern. Some of them are young teenager girls learning the trade from the mothers and ancestors and keeping the trade alive. Just above the museum, we can walk across a long stretch of Craft Bazaar stalls to go through
its handicrafts and souvenirs. This is one of the initiative to empower women in self-sufficiency by creating their own arts and crafts and selling it for income. At the end of the Craft bazaar, is yet another Handicrafts emporium runned as NGO by women. Free time / relax in your hotel. For those of us who are interested to walk back to the hotel, you may discuss with your guide and he will coordinate it with you.

Overnight: Tara Phendeyling/Equivalent

It will take us about an hour and half to drive to reach to Paro, one of the spectacular places in Bhutan. The winding road through one of the best highways in the Kingdom following the course of Wangchu till the Chuzomsa and taking right turn, following the course of Pa Chhu which flows from Mount Jomolhari, the second largest peak in Bhutan. Enroute stop by to marvel at the beautiful Tachog Lhakhang dating back to 14th century for photography. Below the temple is the iron-chained bridge built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron chain bridge builder and the one to whom the temple above is attributed to. Upon reaching Paro, visit the National Museum of Bhutan with excellent displays of all facets
of the country’s rich cultural history; old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewelry and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are included within the
museum. And then drive down to visit the fortress on the heap of jewels, Paro Rinpung Dzong. The Dzongs’ structure is vast and full of colors with monks strolling around and always up for cheerful greetings and photography. Talk to some of the monks you will meet here and know their life stories as an ordained monk. A few scenes from Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha (1995) were filmed here. Below the dzong, a traditional wooden- cantilevered bridge spans the Paro Chhu. Drive up to the only Bhutanese owned five star Zhiwaling Heritage away from the hustle and bustle of the town. The hotel won the Unique Lodge Accolade from National Geographic few years back. Enjoy your stay and hospitality.

Overnight: Janka Resort/Equivalent

Early in the morning we will drive to Paro – an hour and half driving distance till the base of Tiger’s nest monastery. And then drive for about 35 minutes from here to the base of the Tiger’s Nest Temple.

Walking distance: 8.5km return Walking hours: 5 – 6hrs return Elevation gain: 600m Elevation loss: 700m

Guru Rinpoche visited and sanctified Bhutan in the 8th century when evil spirits abounded and harmed people. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress’ back to subdue a local demon residing here. Thereafter, he is believed to have meditated here for four months and introduced Buddhism in the valley. Taktsang is Bhutan’s most sacred site, hanging on a cliff on a sheer height above beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons at 10,000 ft. One have the option of making it till the mid-way (an hour and half) where there’s a cafeteria and an amazing sight of the temple in the front. Or else we can still push up for about another 45 minutes to the view point up where you will feel the temple just close by at your height. We can then continue climbing stone steps down until we reach a ravine with a waterfall and then begin our final steps up to the temple for one last ascent. We walk back the same trail and have our lunch in the cafeteria. It’s a full day program for today for the hike so there’s no need to rush but take your pace and enjoy the hike and the scenery. In the evening we visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Legend says that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. So in order to control her, King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet is believed to have built 108 temples which are placed on all points of her body. Kichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 monasteries (pinning her left sole of the feet). We have the opportunity to light butter lamps and offer our prayers for ourselves and for people we love and to all sentient beings.
Continue drive to Paro town. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants and handicrafts for souvenirs. Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two’s stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing. Free time and souvenir

Overnight: Janka Resort/Equivalent

Today morning, you will depart from Bhutan. Our representatives will check you into the airport and bid their farewells there. We hope you had a nice time in Bhutan.

TASHI DELEK & BON VOYAGE