DAY 1: Arrival & Hotel Transfer.

Arrive at Paro International Airport. Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280m and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. There should be time for a quick stroll around Paro town before lunch. In the afternoon you can visit the ruined Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory), constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro

DAY 2: Short Hike to Tiger’s Nest & Preparation Day

To help you acclimatize for your trek, take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900m above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. If there is any time left for sightseeing after your hike your guide will suggest something for you to see. This evening you can sort out your luggage for the trek. Anything you don’t need to carry with you will be driven safely to Thimphu to await your arrival.
Overnight in Paro

DAY 3: Trek from Paro to Gur

The trek begins with a 2-hour drive from Paro to Genekha where you start walking at an altitude of about 2800 m. Abundant alpine flora and fauna is a feature of today’s walk. After two hours’ gradual climb we take a rest at a huge rock platform, overlooking the valley below. Two hours later we reach the camp at Gur, famous for its spring flowers, at 3350 metres. (15 km, 4 hours)
Overnight in camp

DAY 4: Trek from Gur to Labatama

This is a day to enjoy the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation, amidst flowers and wild asparagus. The first pass at 4170 metres, crowned with a huge cairn, allows a spectacular view of the whole Daga La range, meadows and a yak herders’ camp. After lunch the walk continues through hills and meadows to camp at 4050 metres. (12 km, 6 hours)
Overnight in camp

DAY 5: Acclimation at Labatama.

Spend the day exploring wild Himalayan lakes, with a choice of excursion to Relitsho, Hentsho, Setsho or Jamatsho.
Overnight in camp

DAY 6: TREK From Labatama to Panka.

The day begins with a 20-minute climb to the pass at Labajong La (4400 metres), after which we descend with majestic views of Himalayan peaks (including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tsendegang and Gangche Ta) to the camp at 4000 metres. (8 km, 4 hours)
Overnight in camp

DAY 7: TREK From Panka to Thimphu

We traverse several passes, each more impressive than the last. This is a place to search for different varieties of blue poppy, especially in June and July, and spot mountain birds. After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb leads to the tip of the last Daga La range above the Thimphu valley. Another hour of walking through alpine and mixed vegetation including bamboo thickets and wild flowers brings us to the Talekha monastery and village, with amazing views of the Thimphu valley. We continue to walk through mixed vegetation with apple orchards until reaching the main road where a vehicle will be waiting to take us to Thimphu. (16 km, 8 hours)
Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 8: Sightseeing at Thimpu

Thimphu sightseeing. We will visit the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you could visit the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. The huge 3-storey throne holds several chapels and the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha. You can also visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin, browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or visit the Folk Heritage Museum. You may also like to visit the newly opened postal museum, detailing the history of Bhutan’s postal system and showcasing Bhutan’s rich assortment of interesting stamps. If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely homemade articles with no imports. Tell your guide what takes your interest.
Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 9: Departure Transfer

Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).