On this tour one will also have a chance to meet people, enjoy the pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildlife and observe the ancient old traditions of arts and crafts while traveling through the less frequented areas of Bhutan.

Day 01: Paro  - Punakha 
Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression.

On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, your guide from Phuson Travel  for the trip will receive you, and transfer you to the hotel in Punakha. On your drive to Punakha along the curvy Bhutanese road, you will be passing by the outskirt of Thimphu town and up across Dochu La (3050m) from where you can have a spectacular view of the Himalayas to the north when the sky is clear. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa) which are Buddhist reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha. Sometimes actual relics of the Buddha or revered monks are inserted into the dome of the stupa, but whether or not there are relics inside, the stupas mark the landscape with reminders of the Buddha’s teachings. It’s then about a little more than one hour drive down to sub-tropical Punakha Valley.

Approximate driving time – 03 hours. Altitude at Punakha – 1300m
Overnight – Zangthopelri Hotel or Similar in Punakha

Day 02: A day in Punakha
In Punakha, we will visit the Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are housed on the top floor of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987.

Next in line,  we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple on the hillock at the periphery of fertile rice fields which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529) also known as “The Divine Madman”. He was a great accomplished master of Mahamudra Buddhist Tradition but he is remembered more for the outrageous nature of his teachings, often using strong sexual overtones and inclinations. In Bhutan, he is also a cultural icon around whom countless yarns of facts and fiction, and stories and legends have been spun. Drukpa Kuenley originally built a chorten on this site, on which a temple was built in 15th century. It is a pilgrim site, especially for childless couples. It is accessed by easy walk of 15 minutes each way, from near Mitsina at the intersection of Punakha and Wangdi road.

Altitude at Punakha: 1300m
Overnight- Zangthopelri Hotel or similar in Punakha

Day 03: Punakha - Thimphu
A 2-hour drive takes us to Thimphu, perhaps one of the world’s most peaceful capital cities. Thimpu lies on the western slope of a wooded valley formed by the Wang Chhu (Chhu = river). With a population of just under 70,000 you’ll find few cars and little need for traffic lights.

We will drive to Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. This park is home to several endangered and elusive species including the takin (the national animal), snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda and the Himalayan black bear. More than 300 species of birds have been catalogued in the park. We walk across a covered bridge and continue uphill to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on a hill (at 2600m) with views of the valley below. The monastery, built in 1620, is very sacred.
Approximate walking time: 02 hours. Altitude at Thimphu: 2400m
Overnight: Jomolhari Hotel or similar in Thimphu.

Day 04: Chele La Ridge Hike
This morning, we will take a drive to Chele La (3750m) via Paro, the highest motor able pass in the country and hike up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4100m). Weather permitting; we will enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains while walking above the tree line along the ridge that divides Paro and Ha valley. The short steep descent from the top will take us to the nunnery of Kila Gompa.  Here the nuns, called anims, live a life of contemplation and seclusion, with daily prayer and spiritual practice.  The temple itself is surrounded by numerous meditation huts, and many hidden caves lie inside the rocky cliffs.  The gompa is surrounded by a lush forest dominated by tall firs.  Sparkling mountain streams wind down the slopes, which are covered with a variety of wildflowers and plants.
About 30 anims, or nuns, live here, ranging in age from about 20 to 80 years.  The community is one of the oldest of seven nunneries in Bhutan, and was initially established in the early 9th century as a meditation site.  After being destroyed by fire, the temple was rebuilt and officially established in 1986 as an anim dratshang (religious community of Buddhist nuns).
Kila Gompa is historically significant as a sacred meditation site.  Many renowned Buddhist saints have come here to find peace and seclusion.  The main temple houses ancient statues of Chenrezig (Avalokiteswara) and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) among others.
Life here is simple.  The day begins and ends with prayers.  The anims arise at 3 AM and study Buddhist scripture until 8 AM when they go to the temple for prayers.  The first simple meal of the day (rice, vegetables and tea) is eaten at 10 AM, after which studies continue until 9 PM when a simple supper is served.  The nuns retire after a final session of prayer.  Most of the nuns have given up properties and left their families to live with the bare minimum of material things.  Their studies and subsistence are supported by the government.
Some of the older nuns have retired into meditation, while many of the younger ones pursue basic Buddhist studies and perform religious ceremonies.  The course takes 5-6 years, after which they begin meditation, which can range from four months to three years.  One young nun, when asked why she had chosen this life, replied “There is peace in thinking about others, apart from yourself.”  Another said “If I was given back my youth, I would still choose this life but I would start it earlier.  I have never been more at peace with myself.”
The walk down from here to the road is lined with small white chortens and it will take us about an hour.

Approximate walking time: 05 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight: Tenzinling Resort or similar in Paro

Day 05: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today, we hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.

After visiting what is known as one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten track further up to the temples that are on the hill tops above Tiger’s Nest. It’s so peaceful there and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the views from the top be it that of mountains or the valley. No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for the rest of their lives!

Approximate walking time: 06 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight - Tenzinling Resort or similar in Paro

Day 06: Paro
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Phuson Travel  will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.
Tashi Delek & Good Luck!

•    Transfer and tour with English speaking guide (Other languages are subject to availability and can be to surcharges).
•    Accommodation in twin shared room 3 stars hotel and resort
•    Entrance fees, service charge, baggage handling
•    Ground transportation
•    Meals on packages trip
•    Travel insurance in Bhutan
•    Visa to Bhutan

•    Personal expenditure, such as laundry, souvenirs, etc. 
•    Tips & Gratuities
•    International airticket round trip from Bangkok airport

Health & Fitness required:

There is easy to moderate suitable for all travelers, no requirement on this trip.

Meeting point:

You will be welcomed at Paro airport and transfer to hotel.

Finishing point:

Transfer to Paro airport.

What to take:

We suggest you to take suitcase and day bag. Take long paints, long sleeve, shorts, T-shirt, first aid.