Day one: Arrive Paro, Bhutan
The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s sub Himalayan ranges. You will get breathtaking views of the worlds highest and most majestic peaks as the plane approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud scrapping airstrip at the Paro International airport at an altitude of 7330 ft.

Moments before the landing you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Rimpung Dzong (fortress) more popularly know as Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can catch your first breath of the fresh crisp Himalayan air.

The Sky Travels representative will receive you once you have completed the necessary immigration and visa formalities. Our guide will take you to your hotel and after check in and quick refreshment, if time permits you can make a stroll through Paro Town. Overnight Paro.

Day two: Paro local sightseeing
The day begins with a drive through Paro valley to see the Drukgyel Dzong, a historical Dzong which now lies in ruins. This was the place where the last of the Tibetan invaders were repelled, hence the name “Drukgyel Dzong” meaning the “Fortress of the victorious Drukpas”.

On a clear day one can see the 24000 ft domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. It is believed that the goddess Jumo resides on this sacred mountain.

On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you will be able to see the Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 (7th century) by the Tibetan King Tshongtsen Gampo. It is believed he built 108 temples across the Himalayas and Kichu happens to be one of the last remaining ones. Further up the valley you will see the majestic Taktsang (Tigers Lair), clinging onto bare rock face.

After lunch visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656. This is the only museum in Paro and has the country's best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings and artifacts, fine textiles, weapons and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different sects of Buddhism, as practiced in the country. If time permits, we can go for a promenade through Paro Town. Overnight at Paro.

Day Three: Full day Excursion to Taktsang “Tiger’s Lair”
After breakfast drive through Paro town and to Satsam Chorten and further continue on the feeder road to the base of Taktsang. If some of the group members are interested in riding, ponies can be arranged. Generally, most people prefer to hike. It takes about two and half hours to reach the Taktsang Monastery. The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome. We will stop at the Taktsang cafeteria for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit, lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch we will descend down to the valley and if time permits, the group will have time to be on their own for the rest of the evening. Overnight at Paro.

Day four: Paro - Shana
Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the motor-able road ends and begin the trek to Shana. The trek is along the Paro river and one will get to enjoy the view of typical Bhutanese farm houses in and around the Mitsi bridge. The trail climbs gently passing through rice terraces, millet fields and apple orchards. After completing formalities at the army check point at Gunitsawa we will trek for another 15-20 minutes and arrive at the camp site. The camp is located at an altitude of 2870M. The trekking distance for the day is about 17KM and should take about 5-6 hours.

Day five: Shana - Soi Thangthangkha
The trail is a gradual ascent along the Paro River through conifers and Rhododendron shrubs. We need to start early as the trek distance for the day is about 22KM. The path narrows and crisscrosses the Paro river several times and in about two hours we arrive at Shingkharab (3110M), where we will stop at the lone stone house for lunch and refreshments. Following lunch, after a short climb we will arrive on the stone paved trail leading off to the left towards Tremola (the old trade route to Phari, Tibet). One needs to remain alert and avoid this route and instead take the trail on the right side leading down to a wooden bridge. After this, we climb a set of switchbacks and descend down to a cantilever bridge. Thereafter, we will continuously climb gentle slopes up and down until we arrive at a bridge with a white stupa on the other side of the river. It may be reminded that we are not to cross the bridge but to remain on the left side of the river and continue our trek. From this point, after trekking for another 30 minutes we will arrive at our camp site. The camp site is on a beautiful meadow with stone shelters, surrounded by cedar trees. For the first time on the trek, one can view mount Jumolhari in the background. Since this trail can get very muddy if it rains, it is advisable to have your snow guards ready for use. The camp is at an altitude of 3630M. The trekking time for the day is about 6-7 hours.

Day six: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
The trek for the day is fairly easy. One should maintain a steady pace during the trek and remain cautious of the fact that each day we are gaining altitude and experiencing colder climatic conditions. After trekking for about an hour we will arrive at an army post. Soon after, we will cross a bridge over a fast flowing stream and following a gentle climb we will pass by a meadow with a stupa. From this point on, we are entering into in the yak country. On this stretch, if we are trekking in May-June, we normally come across the beautiful Blue Poppy, the National flower of Bhutan. As you trek up the valley along the Paro river, the valley begins to widen and soon we will arrive at the winter shelter of the yak herders at Takethang where hot lunch will be served. After lunch we will trek for approximately one and half hours and camp below the ruins of the fortress of Jangothang which was destroyed during the war with Tibet in the 17th century. We will camp at the base of Mount Jumolhari at an altitude of 4090M. The trekking distance is about 19 KM and should take about 5-6 hours.

Day seven: Jangothang Halt
Depending on the preference of the group, today we will explore the valley in any of the three directions, namely, one towards the lake; second in the direction of Mount Jumolhari and third towards Mount Jichu Drake. We use the day to get acclimatized with the altitude. This is important as we will be crossing the Nyeli-la pass at an altitude of 4890M the next day. In the event anyone suffers from altitude sickness at Jangothang, it is recommended that the person should not continue beyond this point.

Day eight: Jangothang - Lingshi
Today we will try to start early. In the first part of the trek we will passby the last human settlements, and from this point you can get the most spectacular view of Mount Jichu Drake. From here we gradually ascend the mountain side towards Nyeli-la pass (4890M). During the ascend you will get breathtaking views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang (“Mountain goddess of long life and music”). The first climb up the valley appears like the approach to the pass but it is not. When you reach the top of the first ridge then only you will see the real pass. At the pass its very windy and you will not be able to spend much time here. After crossing the pass, we will trek down hill for about ten minutes and stop for lunch. In this area, it is believed that one can spot cordyceps Sinensis (Yatsa Guenbub), a highly priced medicinal herb used in traditional medicine. After lunch, the trail leads you all the way down, and following a short climb, we again climb down to the camp site at an altitude of 4010M. The trekking distance is about 18KM and should take about 6-7 hours.

Day nine: Lingshi to Shodu
The trekking distance is about 22 KM and should take about 8-9 hours. The trail climbs up to the Yale la Pass at an altitude of 4820M. From the pass, on a clear day, you can get fantastic photo opportunities of Mt. Jumolhari, Gangchentag, Tsherimgang and Masagang. The trek from the pass to the camp site at Shodu involves a steep and treacherous descent downhill. The camp site is at an altitude of 4110M.

Day ten: Shodu - Barshong
The trekking distance is about 17KM and should take about 6-7 hours. The trail winds up and down gently along the Thimphu river through a steep-walled canyon with cliffs. Today we will criss-cross the Thimphu river 6 times as we trek down through forests filled with rhododendron trees.The valley narrows as we take the path that gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3680M). We can either camp here or in order to shorten the trekking distance for the next day, continue trekking downhill and set up camp at the river side.

Day eleven: Barshong - Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimphu
The trekking distance is about 23KM and should take about 7-8 hours. After a short climb uphill the remainder of the journey is downhill. The vegetation in this sector manily comprises of rhododendron, birch, and conifers. Dolam Kencho is located at an altitude of 3430M. After crossing Dolamkencho, we will ascend through a thick forst of conifers and broadleaf species and therafter descend to Dodena. In this sector, we can sometimes come across the langur. Dodena is the junction for the famous Tangu and Chari Goenpas. From this point, a half an hour drive will bring us to Thimphu.

Day twelve: Thimphu – Punakha - Wangdue
After breakfast we will visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The Memorial Chorten is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many people it is the focus of their daily worship. The Stupa represents the mind of Buddha in Buddhist way of life. This will be followed by a visit to Handicrafts Emporium and other local handicraft shops. You can buy beautiful hand woven textiles made out of pure silk, raw silk, wool and cotton. Other souvenirs like thankas, masks, and silverwares can also be bought.

After lunch we will proceed to Punakha. The journey will take about three hours. It will take you across the Dochula Pass (3050M) with a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas. The pass is also marked by 108 stupas dedicated to world peace by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen of Bhutan. The descent will take us through sub tropical vegetation and into Punakha. After check-in and lunch, we will visit the Punakha Dzong or Khamsumyelung Temple. The hike to Khamsumyelung will take about 45 minutes. Here you will see some of the finest work of Bhutanese art.

The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, was once the old capital of Bhutan and is today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong occupies an important place in the history of monarchy in Bhutan as the first King of Bhutan, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The Dzong also houses Bhutan's most sacred relic, the Ranjung Kharsapani (the self created image of Avolokitesvara). The inner-most sanctum of the temple houses the Marchen Lhakhang, containing the embalmed body of the Shabdrung, the first secular leader of Bhutan. Today the Dzong also serves as the headquarter to the District Administration. Overnight at Punakha.

In the evening, the group can indulge in traditional hot stone water bath for experience. It can be arranged upon request with the hotel management on payment basis. Overnight at Punakha.

Day thirteen: Punakha - Thimphu - Paro
In the morning visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and continue to Paro via Thimphu. Stop for lunch at the Swiss bakery and continue journey to Paro.

Day fourteen: Departure
Our guide will help you with the departure formalities at the airport and bid you goodbye with Tashi Khadhar.

Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage

Important Note:
Season:Mid April – June & September – October.
Group condition: Minimum of two persons.
Climate: Days are normally warm but nights can be cold with temperatures falling below freezing level. Normally we have monsoon showers (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring:Strong, comfortable trekking boots, sun-glasses, lots of spare vests and socks/stockings, headgear and a raincoat. Warm clothing will be required for the evenings and a down jacket is a must. For those going to Jumolhari and Laya, a good quality sleeping bag that will keep you warm below zero degree is a must. It is advisable that the sleeping bag quality is from medium to heavy duty. (Note: personal baggage for trekking is limited to 25 kg.)
Recommendation: This trekking is relatively difficult. Fitness is required and physical fitness check up is advised.