Trip length: 10 Days
Level: Moderate
Season: February to March & October to December
DAY 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport
The flight to Paro across the Himalayan ranges affords spectacular sights of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey mountain ranges. And if you arrive via Kathmandu, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjanga as well. Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escorted to Hotel Pema Cholling.
In the afternoon take a leisurely stroll across a traditional wooden bridge and a flagstone path up to Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive structure was built in 1646 and its central tower or the ‘Utse’, clad in exquisitely superb woodwork is considered the most beautiful tower in the kingdom. It houses the government offices and religious institutions as do all the Dzongs in the country. Later, visit the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple also happens to be one of the oldest temples in the country.
And in the evening drive back to Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro. At Hotel Pema Cholling you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling at Paro.
DAY 2: Drive to Thimphu and Thimphu sightseeing
After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu. The scenic two hour drive to Thimphu is along a winding road alongside the Paro and Thimphu rivers. We will pass by the Tamchoe Lhakhang as well as Chhodzomsa or the ‘Confluence of the three rivers.’ Once in Thimphu, check into the hotel, freshen up and get ready for today’s sightseeing session.
Past experiences resulted in our coming to the conclusion that different guests have different opinions about what is interesting and what is not, about what they want to see and what they don’t. And therefore we decided that instead of us giving our guests stiff directions regarding which places they are to visit or what activities they are to do, we will leave the choice entirely up to them. Below is a list of some of the major attractions in Thimphu from which our guests can choose and decide for themselves. Our guides will always be at hand to provide you with their valuable suggestions.
***We can also check out the National Stadium at Changlimithang for archery matches or just take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Thimphu
Your night halt will be at Thimphu in any three star lodge or resort of your preference. Please note that guests wishing to lodge in four or five star hotels do have the option of doing so but will have to bear the extra charges themselves.
DAY 3: Thimphu to Tashithang via Punakha
Today we drive to Punakha the former capital of Bhutan and today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body with a stop en route stop for tea at the 10, 500 meters Dochula Pass. The Pass is popular for tourists for its ideal location from where one can enjoy 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens-108 Stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual place for both locals and tourists because of an important temple that is located on the crest of Dochula pass. We can spend some time for photography here. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck has achieved a fine blend of history and mythology in the construction of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.
After a picnic lunch at Punakha by the riverside, we will visit Punakha Dzong, initially named as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, this architectural marvel is the second oldest and the second largest in Bhutan. It is of great historical importance not only because it houses the precious relic – the Rangjung Kharsapani (over which many battles were fought between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans) and the sacred remains of the Zhabdrung and Tertoen Pema Lingpa, but because the Royal Wedding for the Fifth Monarch of Bhutan His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck took place there. Each year, besides the Annual Tshechu there is a festival at the Dzong called the Punakha Dromchoe and it recalls the 1639 invasion of the country by the Tibetans who were successfully repulsed. Surreal sights, excellent views and a very calming experience await you at Punakha. And later we will drive on to Tashithang following Mo Chhu River.
Night halt at the campsite at Tashithang 1,600 meters.
DAY 4: Tashithang to Gasa via Damji
The 6 to 7 hours worth of trekking distance starts by the riverside, following a well-made path through semi tropical forests where wild orchids are in plentiful abundance. But this part of the area is quite wet and leeches are very much abundant as well, so some degree of caution and precaution is recommended. The day’s walk is fairly gentle as we climb up to the village of Damji at 2, 250 meters. The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages up to the Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. There are four pools, with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. The hot spring is believed to be highly effective in curing various ailments and is a popular winter destination for many Bhutanese families. People from all walks of life make this sojourn to the healing waters of Gasa Tsachu almost on an annual basis.
Night halt at the campsite below the Dzong at an altitude of 2,900 meters.
DAY 5: Relaxation day at Gasa Tsachu
You can either spend the day lounging and relaxing in the soothing waters of the natural hot spring or take a pack lunch and climb about two hours to visit Gasa village and the Dzong.
Night halt at the campsite at Gasa Tsachu.
DAY 6: Gasa Tsachu to Geon Damji
After a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. As you coved the distance of about 21 kilometers scheduled for today’s trek, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall seemingly floating in space.
Night halt at the campsite at an altitude of 2, 280 meters.
DAY 7: Geon Damji to Punakha via Tashithang
The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu into the lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation. Another 6 to 7 hours of walking will bring you to Tashithnag at an altitude of 1, 700 meters. Your car will be waiting here to escort you to Punakha.
Night halt at Punakha.
DAY 8: Punakha to Thimphu
In the morning we explore Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. We will then visit Punakha Dzong, initially named as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, this architectural marvel is the second oldest and the second largest in Bhutan. It is of great historical importance not only because it houses the precious relic – the Rangjung Kharsapani (over which many battles were fought between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans) and the sacred remains of the Zhabdrung and Tertoen Pema Lingpa, but because the Royal Wedding for the Fifth Monarch of Bhutan His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck took place there. Each year, besides the Annual Tshechu there is a festival at the Dzong called the Punakha Dromchoe and it recalls the 1639 invasion of the country by the Tibetans who were successfully repulsed. Surreal sights, excellent views and a very calming experience await you at Punakha.
After lunch, we drive to Thimphu. Spend the evening enjoying leisurely strolls through the town visiting whatever places that catches your fancy.
Night halt in Thimphu.
DAY 9: Thimphu to Paro
After breakfast drive Paro and upon arrival, check into Hotel Pema Cholling. In the afternoon hike up to Taktshang – the legendary Tiger’s Nest. We can either hike or opt for ponies. Taktshang is precariously perched on a seemingly impossible rock face at approximately 3,000 feet above Paro valley. It is a very sacred pilgrimage destination as well as a tourist hotspot. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew there on the back of a flying tigress. The Lhakhang was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated. The hike to the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion; the thrill of the experience and the view from up above is truly rewarding.
And in the evening drive back to Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro. At Hotel Pema Cholling you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.
Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling at Paro.
DAY 10: Departure from Paro