Wangdue Tshechu

Day 1: Paro

On arrival in Paro today you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel, where you can check in and enjoy lunch. After lunch you will visit the Paro Dzong, a historic fortress that today houses the government administration offices and the district Monastic Body. Then spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 2: Paro – Haa – Paro

Today you will be driven to Haa via the Chelela Pass (3900m – approximately 2 hours’ drive). If the weather is clear you will have magnificent views of Mt. Jumolhari (7314 m) and Taktshang Goenpa (the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery). The Haa valley was only recently opened to visitors and remains one of Bhutan’s most pristine areas; the valley is dotted with fields of millet; barley, potatoes, wheat and farmhouses are adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames. You will be able to see the Haa Dzong and stop for pictures. After a picnic lunch you will explore the Haa valley with a visit to Chundu Lhakhang at Hatey village, which will provide an insight into the history of the valley, before returning to Paro. Overnight in Paro

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On arrival you will visit the weekend market, which is a permanent set of stalls; vendors from throughout the region arrive on Thursday afternoon and remain selling their goods until Sunday evening. It’s an interesting place to visit, where locals jostle for the best and cheapest vegetables and foodstuff. This is the only time that fresh produce is available, and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up with the week’s gossip. Next you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where you will learn about rural Bhutanese life. After lunch, sightseeing begins with a visit to the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in 1974 in honor of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is one of the most elegant masterpieces built in the 20th century, with detailed religious wall paintings and sculptures. Afterwards you will visit the 14th century Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also the focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. You will stop at Sangaygang – the viewpoint or “Lover’s Point,” where young couples come to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Thimphu valley. Then visit the Dupthob Lhakhang, a nunnery that has more than 70 practicing nuns. The last stop of the day will be the Handicrafts Emporium, where you will have the chance to shop for some local souvenirs. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast you will be transferred to Punakha – the ancient capital of Bhutan. The drive takes you across Dochula Pass (3100 m), which is marked by a large Bhutanese style Choeten (a sacred structure), 108 small choetens and prayer flags. If the weather is clear you can enjoy spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas before passing down through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and into Punakha. On arrival you can check into your hotel and have lunch. This afternoon enjoy a hike to Chimi Lhakhang – a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay. It’s an easy hike (about 30 minutes each way) that takes you through rice paddies and Yuwakha village. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Punakha

Day 5: Punakha (Wangdue Festival)

After breakfast visit the Wangdue Dzong to witness the annual Wangue Tshechu (Festival). Evening toll around Wangue Town. Overnight at hotel in Wangdue.

Day 6: Punakha – Paro

Morning, you can enjoy a guided hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten, built in 1994 by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the well-being of the people and the country. It is a moderate hike through rice paddies and pine forests that takes about 45 minutes one way; the view of the valley from the Choeten is magnificent. You will then visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. If time permits toll around Khuruthang town and drive towards Paro in the late afternoon. Ovenight at hotel in Paro

Day 7: Paro

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Taktshang Monastery, literally known as “Tiger’s Nest”. This is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. The hike takes you along a trail that slowly rises above the valley, through fields and past four large prayer wheels turned by a stream. Continuing across an open meadow, you hike up a section of trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9,200 feet, where you can stop to enjoy a hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. You will return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may want to try Emadatsi (a chili cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other local dishes. Then return to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Day 8: Paro Depart

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport. Our local representative will bid you farewell.