Upon arrival in Paro, you will be transferred by private car to Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital. The good thing about arriving by the late morning means that you will have most of the day to relax and acclimatise to the altitude (2,300m) and visit some sights. One of our personal favourites is the Textile Museum; weaving is a very important part of Bhutanese culture and every region has its unique patterns and materials. You could even try your hand at archery!

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu

Meals Included: lunch, dinner 

On the long drive to Trongsa, you will pass Dochu La, a high mountain pass at 3,100m above sea level. Here you can enjoy the view of the Greater Himalayas on a clear day! To stretch your legs, we’ll make a visit to Chimmi Lakhang, the infamous fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most important saints. The hike to the temple will take you on a very gradual path through a village surrounded by rice terraces, and will take approximately an hour.

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Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

After breakfast, we will drive to the trailhead, which will take less than an hour. The trail will take us to a Buddhist retreat centre where monks spend more than 3 years at a time in silent contemplation. We will continue on highland trails surrounded by rhododendron trees and views of the Black Mountain Range before descending to our lunch spot.

Distance: 10.5km / 6.5 miles

Accommodation: deluxe tent, Karzhong

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

We continue deeper into the Mangde Chhu River Basin, following the river upstream. The surrounding forest is full of birdlife, and our local guides will help identify the different residents during your hike. If you are lucky, you might come across deer and martens. Arriving at our next campsite, you will enjoy lunch next to the fields with views of the river valley and surrounding mountains. The afternoon can be spent with a visit to one of the local farmhouses, while each member of the group takes turns to enjoy a private traditional hot stone bath in camp! 

Distance: 10.6km / 6.6 miles

Accommodation: deluxe tent, Jongthang

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Mangde Phug is the only village in this river basin located within the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. There are only three houses here, all belonging to the family of our local friend. Here, we will enjoy a hearty lunch prepared by the family after experiencing milking their cow, tilling the land and churning fresh butter! Most of the vegetables you will enjoy is grown in their garden. Leisurely hike back to Jongthang Village. 

Distance: 13.8km / 8.6 miles

Accommodation: deluxe tent, Jongthang

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

After a lazy start to the morning, we will cross the Mangde Chhu River to the other side of the valley, making our way uphill through the forest before arriving at Bemji, the main village of the valley. For those with a lot of energy to spare, there is an option to hike further uphill to some temples.

Distance: 10.0km / 6.2 miles

Accommodation: The Manor House, Bemji (or deluxe tent for a group larger than 4 guests)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Leaving Trongsa behind, we head towards the subtropical valleys of Punakha, the ancient Bhutanese capital. We will visit Punakha Dzong, the valley’s imposing fortress, which sits at the confluences of two important rivers in Bhutan – Mo Chhu (the mother river) and Po Chhu (the father river). This was once the seat of the government.

Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort, Punakha

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

Today we'll drive westwards from Punakha to Paro. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Bhutan National Museum. The museum showcases traditional masks from the religious dances, local traditional art, as well as flora and fauna of the country.You can then relax for the rest of the afternoon, exploring the hotel’s extensive grounds, enjoy the spa or the teahouse.

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro (a NatGeo Unique Lodge of the World)

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

The pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery is one of the highlights of Bhutan, and rightfully so, because any monastery built into the face of a mountain should be awe inspiring! The uphill hike to the monastery should take approximately 3 to 4 hours, but there is no need to rush! There are different places along the trail where you can stop to catch your breath and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Afternoon in Paro Town for some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Accommodation: Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Paro (a NatGeo Unique Lodge of the World)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner 

This is the end of your Bhutanese adventure! If you would like to extend your trip and see more of the country, please let us know.

Meals Included: breakfast