Itinerary

1. Day 1- Delhi – Paro – Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong

   • Participants arrive at Delhi Airport, where the group gathers before flying to Paro, home to Bhutan’s only international airport.
   • On a clear day, Mount Everest greets us through the airplane windows as we descend dramatically between 4,000-meter mountain ridges. 
   • At Paro Airport, a representative of our company will welcome you and transfer you in comfort through the picturesque Paro Valley, often compared to a mini Switzerland, with its golden sunlit grass and grazing yaks.
   • Paro Valley is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. To the north, the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,300 m) rises, its glacial meltwater forming the Pachhu River that flows through the valley. 
   • After settling into the hotel, we have a briefing before heading to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower above Paro. Built in the 17th century to defend against Tibetan invasions, the six-story structure with 2.5-meter-thick stone walls now houses the National Museum. Its exhibits include ancient weapons, pottery, traditional costumes, Buddhist relics, and two altars significant to pilgrims.
   • From the museum, we descend to the second jewel of Paro Valley, Rinpung Dzong, meaning “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, this large monastery features 14 temples and altars, as well as administrative offices. 
   • The fortress is accessed via a beautifully illuminated bridge at night. Inside, the wooden galleries and walls are adorned with exquisite Buddhist murals. We return to Paro for an overnight stay at the hotel.

2. Day 2- Paro – Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest) and Kyichu Lhakhang

   • In the morning, we embark on an acclimatization hike along a trail winding through pine trees draped with moss and fluttering prayer flags, creating an enchanting atmosphere. 
   • The trail leads to the famous Taksang Lhakhang, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most revered temple and national treasure. 
   • Its intriguing name comes from the legend of Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress—his wife Yeshe Tsogyal in transformed form—and meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours to defeat the demons inhabiting the cave.
   • Perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the valley, the monastery seems to hover over the abyss, alternately shrouded in mist and revealing breathtaking views of Paro Valley. 
   • By noon, we return to Paro to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. 
   • Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, it is said to pin down the foot of a giant demoness hindering Buddhism’s spread across Tibet and the Himalayas. 
   • This legend ties Kyichu Lhakhang to 108 monasteries ordered by the king to subdue the demoness. 
   • After a day filled with awe-inspiring experiences, we return to Paro for a restful night at the hotel.

3. Day 3- Paro – Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha

   • After an early breakfast, we drive to the starting point of our trek, located above Ta Dzong at an altitude of 2,487 m. 
   • Meeting our support team, we begin a gradual ascent through lush pine forests, cozy farms, and expansive apple orchards. After 1.5 hours, we enter a dense protected forest, where the trail steepens.
   • Reaching Jele Dzong, a 16th-century monastery recently renovated, we take a break to enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks while adjusting to the altitude (3,490 m). 
   • Continuing on, the trail descends briefly before ascending again, leading us through rhododendron thickets to the emerald pastures of Jangchulakha Pass (3,780 m), a seasonal yak herder’s camp in winter. We set up camp and settle in for an overnight stay surrounded by the breathtaking Himalayan panorama. Trekking time: 6 hours

4. Day 4- Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho

   • Awakening to the serene sounds of nature, we enjoy breakfast and set out along a trail flanked by juniper and dwarf rhododendrons. The path ascends the ridge, offering sweeping views of the Paro and Thimphu Valleys below. 
   • Descending from the ridge, we reach the crystal-clear Jimilang Tsho (3,870 m), meaning “Lake of the Sand Ox.” According to legend, a giant ox emerged from its depths to join the grazing herds nearby.
   • From the lake’s shores, one can see the Dragon Peak, Jichu Drake, the protective deity of Paro. The lake teems with giant trout, making it a great spot for fishing (with a permit) or quiet reflection. 
   • We set up camp near this sacred lake, where you can fish or meditate while gazing at its tranquil waters. Trekking time: 7 hours

5. Day 5- Jimilang Tsho – Phajoding

   • Today’s trek is the longest, so we start early. The trail leads us past two stunning mountain lakes: Janye Lake (3,956 m), a favorite campsite for nomadic herders, and Simkotra Lake (4,110 m), surrounded by ancient ruins and steeped in mystical energy.
   • Climbing to the ridge’s highest point, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 m), the highest unclimbed peak in the world. 
   • After a short rest, we descend through juniper forests to Phajoding Monastery (3,650 m), built in the 13th century and still active today. 
   • Once one of Bhutan’s wealthiest monasteries, it is now home to 40 monks and orphans, preserving spiritual traditions. We camp near the monastery, with stunning views of Thimphu twinkling in the valley below. Trekking time: 7 hours.

6. Day 6- Phajoding – Thimphu

   • Today’s trek is the easiest, descending through a fragrant blue pine forest. Arriving at Motithang Takin Preserve, we visit the sanctuary for Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, as well as sambars and muntjacs. 
   • We then transfer by jeep to Thimphu, Bhutan’s tranquil capital and a city of artistic architecture with no traffic lights.
   • After checking into the hotel, we explore the city, visiting the School of Arts, the Textile Museum, a handmade paper factory, and the bustling farmers’ market. Enjoy free time to shop for Bhutanese souvenirs before returning to the hotel for the night.

7. Day 7- Thimphu – Paro

   • We dedicate the day to exploring Thimphu’s highlights at a relaxed pace. 
   • On Changri Mountain, we visit the 51-meter-tall Buddha Dordenma, the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan, which houses over 120,000 smaller statues inside. 
   • At Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of Bhutan’s king, we admire the striking complex on the banks of the Wang Chu River.
   • We also visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King, and Changangkha Lhakhang, a 13th-century monastery renowned for its sacred Avalokiteshvara statue. 
   • Ending the day, we return to Paro for a warm farewell evening with new friends, sharing memories and photos of Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes. Overnight in Paro.

8. Day 8- Departure from Paro

   • After breakfast, we transfer to Paro International Airport for the return flight to Delhi, accompanied by our representative. Safe travels!