After lunch visit the massive Rinpung Dzong, a hub for spiritual life and community events, that has a long and fascinating history. The Rinpung Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro and also houses the monastic community.

Day 2              :      Trek to view Taktsang
Walking distance   :      approximately 2-3 hrs

Acclimatization walk to Taksang Monastery. Taksang is one of the most respected places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan world.  For people unaccustomed to the altitude it takes about three hours at an average walking speed to reach the temple.  Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels; the climb begins, up through a forest of oak and rhododendron to the Taksang tea house, a log cabin.  The view over the Lhakhangs from this tea house is extraordinary, and the effort of climbing up to it is amply rewarded.  The Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 2950m up on a cliff overlooking the valley. The buildings cling to the black rock, overhanging the valley below by some 800m.  It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.  Lunch will be served at the view point cafeteria. 

Afternoon: visit Kyichu Lhakhang composed of twin temples 1) the ancient temple and 2) the recent temple.  The ancient temple is deeply respected for its antiquity and holds one of Bhutan’s holiest statues of the Jowo, Buddha as a prince at the age of eight, which is alike to the one in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.   The recent temple was built in 1968 and is dedicated to Guru Rimpoche.
Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps.  

Overnight Hotel Zhiwa Ling.

Day 3: Trek-Day 1 Drukgyel Dzong (8460ft) to Shana (9480ft)

Distance 17km, time 5-6 hours, Assent/1020ft Descent 260ft
 
We begin the day by driving up to Drukgyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), where the road ends.   View the Dzong, which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. The trek begins, following the Paro River gently uphill through rice paddy terraces, apple orchards, and forest, passing the village houses, monasteries and chortens. Overnight at camp Sharna Zampa, 9480ft.

Day 4: Trek-Day 2: Shana (9480ft) to Thangthangkha (11730ft) distance 22km, time 7-8 hours, Assent/2250ft Descent 32ft)

The trail continues to gradually climb along the side of the Paro River. The valley narrows and closes, and the path then winds along the stream. This day's trek is not difficult, but it is long, and there are many short ups and downs. Nearby the lunch stop we can see the route to Tremo La, which is paved in stone and served as the main trade route to the Phari Dzong in Tibet. It was also the main invasion route of the Tibetans ages ago.  The trek to Thangthangkha continues for 3-4 hours through beautiful forest consisting mainly of birch, fir, larch, maple blue pine and rhododendron. The camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Weather allowing, the Jumolhari Mountain looks magnificent. Overnight at camp 11730ft.

Day 5: Trek-Day 3:  Thangthangkha (11730ft) to Jangothang (13260ft) distance 19km, time 5-6 hours, Assent 1530ft Descent 0ft
your climb today gains elevation and you will be comfortably worn out at day’s end. You are now entering “yak” country. Yaks are utilized for pack animals as well as supply cheese, milk, tea, meat and Yak hair for weaving of huts, blankets, clothes, backpacks and hats. Burley and huge, the yak plays an important role in Bhutan history, yesterday and today. Remote villages are dotted throughout this area. A stone and log bridge provides access to Jangothang.

Unparalleled views of snow peaked mountains form the eastern side of the valley. You are in the most spectacular camp spot in the entire Himalayan range. You are truly in the High Himalayas! Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari 13260ft.

Day 6: Trek-Day 4: Jangothang Rest day
An Easy day hike up the valley towards the foot of Jumolhari. Follow the trail that climbs the moraine and go as far as possible on this towards Jumolhari.  The moraine-ridge walk gives a good view down to the glacier and allows acclimatization in preparation for crossing the Bonte La on Trek – Day 5.

Day 7: Trek – Day 5:   Jangothang (13260ft) to Dhumzo Chhu (12460ft) via Tsho Phu Lakes (14270ft)  and Bonte La (16040ft) distance 17km, time 6-7 hrs Ascent/2790ft Dscent/36000ft
Leaving Jangothang the trail climbs sharply and ascends about 300m in a very short distance.  This point in the Jumolhari Trek gives you unequaled views of Jumolhari (23995ft), Jumolhari II (22770ft), and Jichu Drake (22925ft).

The trail is level along the first lake, and then begins to climb quite steeply above the second and winds up and into an upper valley, with snow-capped peaks in the distance, leading to the Bonte La.
Bonte La is the highest pass of this trek.  Take time to enjoy the scenery.  The trail drops steeply to Dhumzo Chhu Valley where camp is arranged for the night.

Day 8: Trek – Day 6: Dhumzo Chhu (12460ft to Thombu Shong (Thangbue 13510ft) via Takhung La (14880ft) distance 11km time 3-3.5 hrs Ascent/2420ft Descent/ 1370ft
Walk up through rhododendron and oak forests steadily over a steep climb to Takhung La.  The rest of todays trail drops off and winds gently downhill to camp, in the wide and grassy Thangbue Valley.  This is the second highest camp for the trek. 

Day 9: Trek – Day 7: Thombu Shong (13510ft) to Shana (9480ft) via Thombu La (14005ft) distance 14.5km time 4-5 hrs Ascent/495ft Descent/ 4525ft
Cross the valley through rhododendron bushes climbing steeply to Thombu La.  From the pass, view Mt. Kanchenjunga on the Sikkim-Nepal border, as well as some smaller peaks in north Sikkim.  The ridge walk from the pass is one of the best parts of the trek: very high above the valleys on a good trail with a beautiful view.  From here it takes about an hour to reach a giant descent.  The trail ends at today’s night camp by the Paro Chhu.

Day 10: Trek – Day 8: Shana (9480ft) to Drukgyel Dzong (8460ft) distance 17km time 4 hrs Ascent/260ft Descent/1020ft
Four hours hike through the lovely valley, finishing at Drukgyel Dzong.  Drive to Thimphu the Capital city of Bhutan.

Mode of Transport  : Coaster Bus/Land Cruiser depending on the group size
Driving Distance     : 80 kms from Drukgyal Dzong
Driving Time           :       2 hrs
Thimphu is in Western Bhutan

Overnight at Hotel Druk-Executive floor.

Day 11: Sightseeing in the Thimphu Valley
After breakfast visit the Thimphu Weekly Market.  From nomadic farmers that come into the city to trade supplies, to Bhutanese businessmen, to ever-present monks, there will always be a colorful gathering passing by. 
Today is our King’s 51st Birthday.  Across the country, farmers, students, monks, teachers, businessmen, and civil servants all came together to celebrate the 51st birthday of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and to pray for the long life of the light and pride of Bhutan.
Visit the Changlimithang Stadium to watch the celebrations where more than 2000 students from the 18 schools in and around Thimphu will present special cultural programs.
Thousands of government officials, members of the diplomatic and expatriate community, and the public gather at the Changlimithang stadium to join in the birthday celebrations.
Afternoon sightseeing includes visits to the late king's memorial chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and pottery workshops and possibly the National Library. There will also be plenty of time to continue exploring the streets and emporiums. Overnight Hotel Druk Executive Floor.

Day 12: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula (10000ft)
Driving Distance    :      77 kms
Driving Time        :      3.5 hrs
Altitude            :      4300ft

The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey to Punakha is Dochu La (la means pass) at 10.007ft. Dochula offers visitors their first glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan range.
From the pass the road curls its way down into the relative lowlands of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan, Punakha was the Winter Capital for 300 years because of its more temperate climate. The Je Khenpo (leader of Bhutan's religious order) and his council of monks still come to pass the winter months here.

Punakha Dzong, or Punthang Dechen Phodrang, was strategically built at the confluence, the river island between the mighty Phochu and Mochu Rivers in Punakha. While the rivers provided natural defense against invaders, it did not obstruct the view of the Dzong. The imposing structure, the biggest and the most magnificent of its kind at that particular point in time, was visible from all four sides. The construction of Punakha Dzong on the strategic location was completed in 1637 AD and it represented the supreme flowering Bhutanese art and architecture. One of the most important sacred treasures placed inside the Punakha Dzong by Zhabdrung was the Rangjoen Kharspani or the self emanated image of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Chenresig from the first vertebrae of Choejey Tsangpa Jarey Yeshey Dorji, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyue lineage of Mahayana Buddhism.
En-route to our Hotel we take 25 minutes walk to Chime Lhakhang, a beautiful fertility monastery, and learn about the famous saint known as Drukpa Kinley the “divine madman.”

Overnight at Hotel Zangtopelri.

Day 13: Hike to Chorten Nebu a 16th century temple
40 minutes shuttle to Kabjisa trail head and 3 hours hike will reach you to Chorten Nebu.  It is a beautiful walk to a lovely village surrounded by orange groves to a temple, which dates back to the time of 'The Divine Madman' Drukpa Kunley. Visit the temple and make our offerings.  See the tree outside in the courtyard, which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley. Hike back on a different trail through rice fields to the road head.  Overnight at Zangtopelri hotel.

Day 14: Punakha to Paro via Simtokha
Drive to Paro approximately 4.5 hrs from Punakha.  En route visit Simtokha Dzong the first Dzong to be built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal started in 1629 and consecrated in 1631.  In 1961, the Simtokha Dzong was turned into a centre for traditional studies for lay students.  It became co-educational in 1989 and today is referred to as the University.   Overnight at Aman Resort.

Day 15: Paro to BKK

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

PLACES ON ROUTE

at the monastery by ascending either on foot or by pony for about three hours to Tiger's Nest. Walkers can enjoy a rest at the Taktsang Teahouse situated at a wonderful vantage point overlooking the monastery. On clear days you can get a clear view of mount Jhomolhari the sacred peak of Bhutan.

PUNAKHA VALLEY
Altitude: 1,310m / 4,300ft.

The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey east is Dochula (la means pass) at 10.007ft. Only an hour's drive from Thimphu, it offers visitors their first glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan range. The best time to reach Dochu La is early morning when the mountain views are clear and one can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Bhutanese Himalayas. 

From the pass the road curls its way down into the relative lowlands of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan, Punakha was the Winter Capital because of its more temperate climate. The Je Khenpo (leader of Bhutan's religious order) and his council of monks still come to pass the Winter months here.

Punakha Dzong was strategically built at the confluence of the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers by the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, Ngawang Namgyel in 1637. It has been damaged by four fires and an earthquake in 1897 and has been devastated by flood water coming from the great northern glaciers. The Dzong has now been fully restored to its original splendor.

THIMPHU VALLEY
Altitude: 2,350m / 7,710ft.

Thimphu is a small, charming capital city sandwiched in the heart of the Himalayas. It sits in its own valley fanning out from the river. The skyline hardly changes as new buildings are all constructed under zoning regulations. Thimphu's development is strictly monitored and buildings cannot exceed a certain height, nor can they be designed in anything but the traditional Bhutanese style. In fact, Thimphu's first and only traffic light was enshrined in a chorten ! (a small Buddhist temple). Not being suitable to the nature of Thimphu, the traffic light was removed on the King's orders.

Only a sprinkling of cars is found along the main street and the capital's population is not immediately visible. But, if you look inside the bank or the shop, you will find Thimphu's people and Bhutan's heart. Dressed in gho or kira (a wrap-around robe), Thimphu people go about their work methodically, quietly bringing their nation through the growing pains of development and into its own definition of the modern world.
     
One of the most enjoyable ways of passing time in Thimphu is wandering through the town. Full of wonderful restaurants and delightful shops stocked with items from all over Bhutan. Hand woven textiles, woodcarving, tailor made clothing, jewelry. Thimphu's weekend market is another chance to watch the way life in the kingdom. Here, every weekend, Thimphu's residents break from whatever it is that they are doing to stock vegetables, a copy of Kuensel (the weekly newspaper) and to exchange the week's gossip. For visitors who can't share in the gossip, a wander through the stalls reveals mountains of bright red chilies, eggplants and okra, asparagus in season and rice of many types. Traditional Bhutanese masks, incense, hand made knives, jewelry are also sold here. It's an incredible experience for the visitor.

Another of Bhutan's loveliest exports is its wide and diverse collection of stamps. These are best seen in commemorative books at Thimphu's central post office. Other places of interest in Thimphu include the traditional painting school where the age-old styles of Bhutanese painting, including thangkha painting, are taught and the Memorial Chorten build in memory of His Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan. The National Library houses a vast collection of books and research documents of Buddhist studies.

TRIP FACTS

WALKING
Hours of walking, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, Sightseeing and rests.

On certain days our walk takes us into more rugged terrain. Please make sure that your Footwear provides sufficient ankle support.  If it is not possible to do a walk due to bad weather, An alternative will be organized.  Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.

CLIMATE
Bhutan’s climate varies from tropical in the south, to temperate in the centre and can be cold in the north. The weather can also vary dramatically from day to day and place to place. The winter months of December to February can be cold, but are generally clear and dry, with snow at the higher elevations. The most popular times to visit Bhutan is during spring and autumn as the weather is mild, there are spectacular flowers in spring and skies are clear and blue during autumn.

SPECIAL FEATURES
During spring and autumn many of the largest festivals take place. In the autumn the skies are clear and blue; affording views of the high Himalayas from passes and various other vantage points. Autumn is also the time of year when the black-necked cranes migrate to central and eastern Bhutan for the winter. The skies are less clear during the spring, but the flowers are in bloom.

CUISINE
Spicy chilies mixed with a cheese sauce called ema datse is the national dish of Bhutan. The main staples of the Bhutanese diet are rice (red or white) and chilies, served with a variety of fresh vegetables. eat, fish and poultry are also served (often as stews). Bhutanese food tends to be spicy, since many dishes are made with chilies, but the spiciness can be reduced to your liking. Tibetan dishes such as momos and noodle dishes are also popular, and you will also find Indian, Continental, and Chinese foods. 

RESTAURANTS
Meals will be taken in the hotels with picnics or meals in local restaurants at lunchtimes. if there is anything else that you would prefer, you only have to ask.

SHOPPING
Brightly colored and patterned hand made textiles are a specialty of the region, often
made into long flowing garments of silk or cotton called kira which is the national dress of women in Bhutan. Traditional jewels, baskets, paintings and woodcarvings are also popular. Thimphu is a good place to shop and has a large weekend market.

FACILITIES EN ROUTE
Banks: VISA, ATM, MasterCard etc does not exist in Bhutan. Only a few selected shops accept MasterCard/visa.  Please carry enough cash with you.

EQUIPMENT/EXTRA ITEMS
Bring all possible protections against the sun, including a hat and sunglasses, warm and
waterproof clothes as the climate is changeable, walking shoes or boots, camera film, insect repellant, a torch and a capacious water bottle (possibly the collapsible sort)

LUGGAGE
The weight limit on Druk Air is 30kgs on business class. It’s possible to pay for excess baggage, but there is a chance that the luggage will have to be sent on the next flight. Also, there is not a great deal of cabin space; so carry-on luggage should be kept to a minimum.

HEALTH
For the most accurate up-to-date information we recommend that you visit your National Health Service.  You can of course also consult your doctor. The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are used to. Though most visitors will have no problem adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for certain people.

VISAS
All visitors traveling to Bhutan are required to obtain a visa, except for Indian nationals holding a valid Indian passport. You cannot obtain a visa prior to arrival in Bhutan. We will complete the necessary documentation to ensure that you have visa clearance in order to board Druk Air. Please ensure you give us the following details:

1. Name as on passport
2. Date of birth
3. Place of birth
4. Date of passport issue
5. Date of passport expiry
6. Passport number
7. Place of issue of the passport
8. Permanent address
9. Occupation
10. Nationality

Be sure to give us your name and other information exactly as it appears on your passport, or Druk Air will not allow you to board the plane.
The cost of the visa is US$20 per person. You will pay this fee together with your trip payment. Your visa will then be issued and stamped in your passport.

TRAVEL TO BHUTAN
The recommended destination airport for this trip is Paro. It is a good idea to check the destination on the luggage tag that is stuck onto the ticket at the check-in desk; this helps lessen the possibility of luggage going astray. The recommended check-in time is 2 hours. For those who have requested a vegetarian meal on the plane, it is a good idea to reconfirm this at the check-in. Please collect your luggage before proceeding through Customs. In the unlikely event of finding on arrival that your luggage has gone astray en route, please inform us as soon as possible.

MEETING AT THE AIRPORT
The meeting point is at the arrivals area of Paro airport.  Our guide will receive you.

TRAVEL INFORMATION
BOOK LIST
Guides

Footprint Bhutan: Gyurme Dorji  www.footprintbooks.com
“Great traveling companions, constantly entertaining and they know what they’re talking about.” –Michael Plain

Bhutan Handbook: (Footprint 2004)
Practical information about the main tourist
sights along with background information
about history and culture.

Bhutan: (Lonely Planet 2002)
Good practical information and detailed
section on trekking in Bhutan.

So Close to Heaven: Barbara Crosette (Random
House 1995)
Profile of Bhutan and other kingdoms of the
Himalayas.

Literature and Fiction
Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: Journey into
Bhutan: Katie Hickman (Phoenix 2002)
Author’s travels into Bhutan and the remote
Eastern areas, usually closed off to foreigners.

Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into
Bhutan: Jamie Zeppa (Riverhead Books 2000)
Story of a Canadian who went to teach in
Bhutan and her experiences of the country.

Flora and Fauna
A Photographic Guide to the Bitrds of India
and the Indian Subcontinent: Bikram Grewal
(Princeton Uni Press 2003)
Comprehensive photographic guide covering
the birds found in Bhutan.

Field Guide to the Birds of Bhutan: Carol
Inskipp (Christopher Helm 2004)
Specialist guide to Bhutan covering all 555
species found there.