Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Upon arrival in Paro, you are met and transferred to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day visiting few sights most probably we will be able to cover the visit of Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan housed in a Watch-tower. Then visit Rinphung Dzong (fortress-monastery), which currently houses the district office, local court, and the regional monastic body. Later take a short around the charming town. If you are arrival is early, we can cover visits to other sights such as the Kichu Temple complex and Dungtse Lhakhang temple. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro to Punakha (1025 kms / 3-4 Hrs)
Drive down south following the Pachu river and then north, upstream following the Wangchu river towards capital Thimphu. After Thimphu, the road climbs up to Dochula pass (3100m) with a spectacular panorama of the peaks along the Bhutan-Tibet border (weather permitting). Most of Bhutan peaks’ including the highest peak Gangkar Puensum can be seen. Take a short break for tea, visit the Chortens or even a temple atop the ridge and enjoy the views.

From Dochula, the road drops down to subtropics (approx 1400m) in just over 1hr from Dochula pass. This evening or afternoon, we plan on visiting Chimi Lhakhang temple or others as per available time and your interests. Overnight hotel in Punakha or Wangdue.

Day 3: Day in Punakha
After breakfast at the hotel, you could visit impressive Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of the two rivers. Hike up to Khamsum Chorten, which typically takes about 45 minutes uphill through the terraced rice fields. Depending on your interests, we could visit a few other temples, nunnery etc and drive to Talo and Nobgang villages. There are some nice walks and could also hike for an hour or so downhill to Punakha, through fields, villages, etc. Overnight hotel in Punakha or Wangdue.

Day 4: Drive Punakha – Thimphu (85 kms / 2.5 Hrs)
After breakfast, drive to the capital Thimphu. With better road conditions, it should just take over 2 hrs. Spend the rest of the day, visiting some of the many attractions around Thimphu. We will not miss the visit of Tashicho Dzong, the main seat of the Government, the giant Buddha statue on Kueunselphodrang ridge, the memorial Chorten, the Centennial Farmers market (which is vibrant on weekends). You will also have a little time of your own to walk the main streets in Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu

Day 5: Begin Trek to Phajoding
The trek begins from Motithang (above Wind Horse Office and from next to Takin Preserve) at about 2500m. It is approximately 5-6 km of a steep hike uphill and could take 3hrs or more. The path goes through the forest of mostly blue pine, rhododendrons and as you reach Phajoding, the trees turn mostly to shrubs. Phajoding is a large monastic complex with 10 or so temples and residences for the monks on extended retreats. You can visit some of these temples. The campsite is located at about 3700m. Overnight in tents.

Day 6: Trek from Phajoding to Simkotra Tsho.
The trek is much tougher today as we gain altitude. Phajoding a steep hike uphill for about 45 mins brings you to the ridge-top (4090m). However, instead of going directly, you can climb for about 300m from the campsite to Thujedrak Goempa (3950m), a remote meditation center that clings to a side of a precipitous cliff. After the ridge top, your walk is gradual uphill along the ridge with great views of Dochula, Chomolhari, and other peaks. Cross Labanla pass (4235m) and make a long descend through switchback trails to the campsite near Simkotra Tso Lake (4100m). Approx. 11km/4-5hr trek. Overnight in a tent.

Day 7: Trek from Simkotra to Janchu Lakha
From Simkotra, we will follow the main trail at first but instead of going to Jimilangtso, we will use a direct route to Jangch Lakha. This part is expected to take 6-7hrs. Those who are good hikers, can also go to Jimilangtso and then come to Jangchulakha, a yak pasture located at 3750m. Overnight in tents.

Day 8: Trek to Jili Dzong, Jaydika and finish in Paro
Today’s hike is enjoyable as you walk along the sides of the ridge, through meadows and forests, to arrive in Jili Dzong after about 4hrs. You might occasionally see or hear monal pheasants. Jili Dzong (monastery) is located on a promontory at 3540m with views of Paro and Tsaluna valley. The temple inside contains a large impressive statue of Buddha. Then begin a long descent through the dense forests of golden moss to a few settlements with apple orchards and finally arrive at road point after 2-3hrs downhill from Jili Dzong. Meet the vehicle, and transfer to the hotel in Paro valley. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 9: Day in Paro (Taktsang)
In the morning, transfer to the trailhead for a hike to the iconic Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery, which is expected to take 2-3hrs for the uphill part. After visiting the monastery and having lunch en-route, it takes up most of our day. In the evening cover any missed-out sights in Paro valley. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 10: Departure
Departure transfer to the airport in time for your flight.