Day 01: Arrive At Paro Airport & Drive To Thimphu (55kms/1.5hour)

Experience the breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro valley (2,200 meters) where you can get the first glimpse of this magical country. After the visa formalities at Paro airport, meet your personal guide and driver.

Discover the mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your way from Paro to Thimphu.

• On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye.

• Upon arriving Thimphu (2,300 meters), check in your hotel and freshen up before visiting the exquisite massive structure of Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong- a master piece of Bhutanese architecture.
• Visit the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport with dance and song with every hit.

• Take a stroll in evening around Thimphu town and absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city while capturing the sight of the contemporary Bhutanese life.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Day 02: Explore The Northern Paradise Of Thimphu

After a good breakfast drive up to Kuenselphodrang and capture the vibrant Buddha Dordema statue in the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous. 

Cheri Monastery: Drive to the Northern end of Thimphu valley and hike an hour up to the Cheri monastery; a place of tranquility and overwhelming quietness. As you approach the 17th century Cheri monastery; the other monasteries dotted atop the surrounding mountains with the backdrop of the blue sky is a delightful view to capture. Usually you will be able to spot mountain goats freely mingling with the monks.

Return to your hotel and spend the evening on your own.

Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu

Day 03: Thimphu- Phobjikha (134kms/6hours)

• Buddha Dordenma: After a hearty breakfast drive up to the vibrant Buddha Dordema statue to the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous.

Journey to Phobjikha, on the way break at Dochu La- Pass at 3,100 meters above the sea level

Sip a cup hot coffee at the Dochu La cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If  skies are  clear, the  high  Himalayan  peaks towards the north east  will  be  revealed  in all  their  glory. Take in the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky back drop.

• On arriving Phobjikha valley pay your respect and get blessed from Gangtey monastery. Admire the craft and sculptors of the monastery.

• Gangtey Nature Trail Hike: The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hike places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes

• Enjoy the tranquil environment scenery of Phobjikha valley while soaking in traditional hot stone bath.

Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

Day 04: Phobjikha- Bumthang (180kms/7hours)

Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces.

Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to what was the original home of the royal family.

• Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to stroll this quaint village and official business permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums.

• Then visit Ta Dzong on the hillside above the town, built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa Dzong.

The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chumey Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving.

Overnight at hotel in Bumthang/Home stay

Day 5: Discover Fascinating Bumthang Valley  

Discover the fascinating spiritual valley, home to some of the ancient temples and monasteries of the kingdom. The valley is also known for its production of honey, cheese, apple and woolen materials called yathra.

Start your day by visiting the auspicious Kurje Lhakhang named after the body imprint left by Guru Rinpoche on a rock and learn about the exciting legends and myths connected to the place. Following the tarmac road to the south takes you to the ancient Jambay Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century.

Uncover the stories and mysteries linked with the construction at Tamzhing Lhakhang before setting out into the wild explore the Tang Mebar Tsho.

Overnight at hotel in Bumthang

Day 06: Bumthang – Sengor- Yotong La (10 Hours)

A short stretch of 26Km of broad leaved forest in eastern Bhutan, found between Sengor & Yonkola is considered by birders as “Birding Capital of The World”.

Sengor to Namling: The hemlock and cool broad leaf forest host birds like Tragopans, Bar-winged Wren Babbler and the fire tailed Myzornis.

Namling to Yonkola: Cool Broad leaf forest over Thrumshing La pass at 3800m hosts species like Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan, Spotted Nutcracker, and Fire-tailed Myzornis.

Namling to Yongko La: Cool and warm broad leaf forests host the yellow -rumped Honey Guide, Rufoused -Necked Hornbill, Laughing Thrush, Coral Billed Scimitar Babbler and the golden breasted Fulvetta.

Overnight at Hotel in Yongko La

Day 07: Yotong La – Lhuntshe

Today, we travel to Lhuntshe, one of the most rural and isolated districts of Bhutan. The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer and pine forests and remote villages. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntshe is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal family and this region is famous for its weavers, in dim light of their homes, make superb dresses called Kishu Thara.

On arrival at Lhuntshe, visit Lhuntshe Dzong built in the 17th century.

You can watch the women of Khoma Village weave silk into the intricate designs of Kishuthara. Khoma is also one of the few locations where you can observe silk being dyed using the traditional method. This ancient process uses various types of plants, leaves, tree bark and flowers to produce colorful and long lasting dyes.

We will also stop at Gangzur village which is famous for pottery and also pay a short visit to Takila and witness the largest statue of Guru Rinpoche.

There are also several households where you can see a home life style for a true taste of Bhutanese hospitality and the authentic rural lifestyle.

Since, there aren’t good hotel facilities in Lhuntshe; it will be worth your experience to stay in a monastery at Do-Zhong, Do Zhong is a monastery located on remote hills of Lhuntshe.

Witness the sound of the bell summoning the monks for their daily prayers. You can even participate in the assembly of monks performing their rituals or discuss about Buddhism with the abbot of the monastery or have a meal with the monks and have an arranged photo session with the monks of the monastery.

Overnight at Do-Zhong Monastery or Home stay

Day 08: Lhuntshe- Tashigang

After breakfast, drive to Tashigang through Kori La at 2,450 meters, marked by pretty Chorten and Mani wall. We descend rapidly down through Yadi village and further drop towards the road finally crosses a bridge of Sheri Chhu (600 meters). A turn on the left leads up to Drametse monastery (2,400 meters), which is 12 kilometers from Sheri Chhu. The temple is situated on the flat top of a hill, founded by Ani Choten Zangmo towards the end of 16th century and is one of the most monasteries of the eastern Bhutan. The famous Drametse Nga Cham/mask dance (the drum dance on the peak of no enemies) originated here, which was classified by UNESCO masterpiece of oral and intangible world heritage.

Have hot packed picnic lunch and drive back to the main road to continue your journey to Tashigang.

Overnight at hotel in Tashigang

Day 09: Tashigang – Tashiyangtshe (53kms/Drive: 2 Hours)

Today we will do a day excursion to Tashiyangtshe. On the way, visit temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river (24kms) from Tashigang. Gom Kora is famous place where Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a demon, trapping it in a rock.

We will continue our journey to Doksum village, where you can see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and chain-link Swing Bridge dating back to the 15th century. The road turns into the hills here, running up the side of winding river valley to Tashiyangtshe.

This area is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make expensive, attractive and useful souvenirs of a visit to this remote region.

Visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank before visiting the School of traditional Art. Return to Tashigang in the evening.

Overnight at hotel in Tashigang

Day 10: Tashigang- Radhi (21kms/Drive: 1 Hour) / Radhi- Merak (40kms/Drive: 3 Hours)

Drive to Rangjung (1,200 meters) and explore Radhi village, yet another place very famous for traditional hand weaving. Radhi is a well known community in the east for the production of bura (raw silk) textiles. The head towards the village of Merak which is 40 kms drive through the dirt road from Radhi.

Overnight at home stay in Merak

Day 11: Explore Merak Village

After breakfast, today the whole day will be devoted to visit in and around the Merak village. It involves visit to the local home, interaction with people and delving deeper into their social, cultural and religious structure of this unique community. Merak is a large village with about 60 or so households, located at an elevation of 3480m.

Late afternoon return back to Tashigang

Overnight at hotel in Tashigang

Day 12: Tashigang – Mongar (91kms/4hours)

Journey from Tashigang to Mongar

Overnight at hotel in Mongar

Day 13: Mongar- Nganglam – Panbang

Today we will drive from Mongar -Nganglam-Panbang. On the way we will come across various birds.

Overnight at Marang Jungle Lodge

Day 14: Explore Panbang And Royal Manas National Park

Today we will raft 13Km from Panbang to Manas. On foot it might take few hours but the boat ride takes only thirty minutes. Many prefer boat rides to enjoy the scenic beauty and watch birds. You can explore the park through various activities like – bird watching, river rafting, picnicking along the river and walking through the Park’s Eco Trail. This place is a treasure house of around 365 bird species among which the Emerald Cuckoo, Spotted Wren-Babbler, White-bellied Heron, Pallas Fish Eagle, Wreathed Hornbill, Pied Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill and Rufus-necked Hornbill are commonly visible.

Overnight at Marang Jungle camp

Day 15: Panbang-Tingtibi

We will drive from Panbang to Tingtibi. On the way you can witness a giant waterfall. We will stay at Tingtibi Eco lodge and later visit the village of Berti. Tingtibi is another hotspot for birds. You may spot Explore Tingtibi where you can spot the Great Hornbill, Rufus-necked Hornbill, Wreated Hornbill, Lesser Yellownape, Scarlet minivet, Sultan Tit, Black-eared Shrike-babbler, White-bellied Erpornis, Long-tailed Sibia,Silver-eared Mesia, Red-billed Leiothrix, Bar-throated Siva, Blue-Winged Siva, Red-tailed Minla,Red-faced Liocichla, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush, Rufous-chinned Laughingthrush, Straited Laughingthrush, White-crested Laughingthrush, Jungle Babbler, Golden Babbler, Grey-throated Babbler, Pin-striped Tit Babbler, Long-billed Wren Babbler, Eye-browed Wren Babbler and many more

Overnight at Tingtibi Eco Lodge

Day 16: Tingtibi-Trongsa

The species found in this area includes Spotted Laughingthrush, Crested Serpent Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Common Kestrel, Himalayan Griffon, Himalayan Swiftlet, Asian House Martin, Nepal House Martin, Common Rosefinch, Beautiful Rosefinch, White-browed Rosefinch, Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Streaked-breasted Scimitar Babbler, Brown Parrotbill, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler, and Speckled Wood Pigeon. If time permits we can also visit Trongsa Dzong Today

Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa

Day 17: Trongsa-Punakha (129Km/5hours)

We will visit Chimi Lhakhang today and learn the myths of Phallus

Overnight at hotel in Punakha

Day 18: Punakha

Today take a picturesque day hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel,which starts  in the valley of Yebisa. We can see many different species of trees and plants as we proceed along the path including rhododendrons, fern and bamboo.  

Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge – The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.

Overnight at Hotel

Day 19: Punakha-Paro (130Km/4-5hours)

Drive towards Paro and on the way stop at Lamperi Botanical garden.

Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery where they brew many styles of beers considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied. This added to the innovative nature of craft brewers all over the world have taken the market by storm, allowing them always to brew something new.  

Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.

Overnight at your Hotel in Paro

Day 20: Paro Taktshang

Get your energy up at breakfast this morning to hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley.

Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place.

On your way back visit the Kichu monastery. It is the one of the oldest and the first ever Buddhist monastery to be built in Bhutan. It was built in the 8th century

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 21: Departure