Day 1 Arrive

Arrive Paro, Bhutan by Druk Air flight from Bangkok or Calcutta.

During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchan Junga and other High Himalayan peaks including sacred Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at the Paro International Airport, representative of Shangrila Bhutan Tours & Treks will receive you with a warm welcome. After completing disembarkation formalities at the airport, drive to hotel, which will take about 20 minutes. Overnight Paro.

Visit Drugyel Dzong, the ruined victorious fortress of the Drukpas, which once defended Paro from Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan Invaders in 1644. It was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day you can see spectacular view of sacred Mt. Jumolhari from the vicinity of Dzong area.

On the way back view Taktsang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery of Bhutan perched on the side of a cliff at 900m above the valley floor. The name Taktsang means Tiger's Nest. The Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhawa, believed as the second Buddha or Precious Teacher flew to the site of the monastery on the back of tigress and then meditated there in the cave for three months. The main building of the monastery was destroyed by fire on 19 April 1998 and the Bhutan Government's effort to re-construct it in its original form is underway.

Visit Kychu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Visit National Museum popularly known to the local Bhutanese as Ta Dzong or Watch Tower. Originally built in 1656 as the Watch Tower (Ta Dzong) of Paro Dzong and the Valley was renovated and converted into National Museum in 1968. Evening drive to Thimphu.

Follow the winding road beside Pa Chu river down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu river then up to Thimphu, the capital city. O/n hotel.

Visit the Memorial Chorten, where the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the late third king of Bhutan chanting their prayers and turning their prayer beads as they walk round the chorten. Visit the Traditional Art and Crafts School National Library, Zilukha Nunnery, Handmade Paper factory, the premises of Tashichodzong and Handicrafts Emporium. O/n Thimphu.

The journey to the Central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 8 hrs. It takes you across Dochula Pass (3150 m.) to the warm fertile valley of Wangduephodrang (1250 m.). Lunch at Wangdue. After lunch continue drive to Trongsa across Pelela Pass (3300 m.). The famous Chendiji Chorten is situated at the base of the hills. O/n hotel.

Drive to Bumthang takes 2-3 hrs. Tales of great Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point you can see the Jakar Dzong "The Castle of White Bird". Lunch at the hotel. After lunch Drive up to Lame Gompa a place built by the 1st King for his two nun Sisters. An old style of Bhutanese Paper making can be seen outside of this place. O/n hotel.

Go to Watch Jambay Lhakhang festival whole day, one the most famous and sacred festival of Bumthang Valley. O/n Jakar.

Full day hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger's nest. O/n Paro.

Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure to Bangkok or Dhaka by Druk Air flight.
TASHI DELEK!