Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon visit Kichu Lhakhang,the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century, and visit the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House. The Memorial House in Kyichu, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche’s primary residence in Bhutan, was inaugurated as a museum and opened to the public in 2010 to celebrate his centennial. It has been preserved almost exactly as it was when he lived there. Khyentse Rinpoche was one of the main spiritual teachers of the Bhutanese Royal Family. The house includes the reception room where Rinpoche gave private audiences and teachings and his bedroom where he meditated daily and recited prayers, visit the Ta Dzong, the house for the Bhutan National Museum and visit the Paro Dzong, built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. 

After early breakfast this morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 3: Paro – Haa and hike to Sagala.

DISTANCE 5 KM | 3 HOURS | 450m ASCENT | CAMP ALT 3150m

Today after early breakfast, you will drive to Haa via Clele La Pass. Meet your trekking staff and trek through an unpaved motor road for less than hour keeping yourself on the left side of the villages. Taking the trail on the right side of the village, you will climb up gradually through yak herders camp till you will be met by two different trails. (The trail towards the left that goes to the summer yak herding camp and to the border of China is to be avoided). We take the right trail to make your final climb towards your camp just below Sagala pass, 3150 meters. Overnight camp at Sagala(3150 meters)

Day 4: Sagala-Ningula

DISTANCE 9 KM | 6 HOURS | 700m ASCENT | 100m DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3850M

Today, you will start climbing up for 30 minutes to Sagala pass, which on clear weather, you will have superb views of Mount Jumolhari (7,314m) and Jitchu Drake (6,989m). From the pass, walk on the right side of the trail. After making several ascents and descents, walking through the trails of rhododendrons and meadows, you will finally be on the top of the ridge which offers great views of Haa Valley below. Making occasional ascents and descents through forests of hemlock and juniper, you will reach at your camp at 3850 m. Overnight camp.

Day 5: Ningula via Kungkarpo pass to Paro

DISTANCE 11 KM | 6-7 HOURS | 500m ASCENT | 350m DESCENT

Descending for few minutes and following the ridge through meadows and yak herder’s camp, we climb uphill through the forest of tall rhododendrons toward Kung Karpo Sky Burial at 4458m. The view of Haa valley is spectacular as you climb up through these stone cairns to Kung Karpo. From the sky burial, you will be walking up and down with panoramic view of Paro valley on left and Haa Valley on right. The view of Kila Goenpa Nunnery below is also spectacular. Walk further downhill until you reach Chelela pass (3990m), which is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. Your vehicle will be waiting here to transfer you to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 6: Thimphu – Punakha.

After breakfast this morning, visit Buddha statue, School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school); visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); and Changgangkha Monastery. After Lunch, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha. On arrival check into hotel. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 7: Punakha – Paro.

Today you will drive back to Paro via Dochula pass. Before you proceed to paro, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. After exploring Punakha Dzong, you will proceed to Paro with a stop at Dochula pass for the Lunch. After lunch, you will continue drive to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 8: Departure

Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.