Day 01: Bangkok – Paro
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 Paro.

We will have such a profound way to start our pilgrimage with a visit to Satsham Chorten, the purjang stupa (cremation place) of His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche through exclusive arrangement as a Buddhist pilgrim group. Regarded by many as one of the greatest masters of the twentieth century, and the very embodiment of Padmasambhava, Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche was the teacher of many of the important lamas of today.

At the age of 81, after a brief illness, His holiness passed away and had his cremation here that was attended by over fifty thousand people, including teachers and disciples from around the world.

If at all we’re lucky, perhaps we could have blessings or even interact with His Holiness Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, the grandson and Dharma heir to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche who resides here for sometime in a year.

Later, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 07th century by the Tibetan Emporer Songtsen Gampo. It is considered to be one of the 108 border taming temples he built.

In 1971 HM Kesang Choden Wangchuck, the Queen of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, built a Guru Temple next to the old Jowo Temple which was consecrated by HH Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Since then, the annual rites of great accomplishment for the deities Vajrasattva, Palchen Heruka, and Vajrakilava have been held in this temple for the well being of the country under the patronage of HM Kesang Choden Wangchuck.
There is a belief that the two orange trees in the courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang bear fruit throughout the year.

Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight- Tenzinling Resort in Paro or similar

Day 02: Paro - Thimphu
In the morning, we will take a drive to Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government, home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.

A short drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu brings us to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, and the Himalayan black bear. More than 300 species of birds have been cataloged within the park.
Our walk to Cheri Monastery begins from the small village of Dodena. Our trail starts by crossing a covered bridge over the Thim chhu and we climb steadily to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built this monastery in 1620, and this is where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. The monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the ashes of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints. Shabdrung also spent three years in retreat here and it’s a renowned meditation place even today.
After our visit to the monastery, we descend back the way we came, keeping our eyes open for the goral (wild goat) that are often spotted on the cliffs nearby. Back at the village of Dodena we will have picnic lunch along the clean and unpolluted Thimphu River.
Approximate walking time: 03 hours. Altitude at Thimphu: 2400m
Overnight – Peaceful Resort in Thimphu or similar

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha
We take a drive for about an hour along the east-west highway till Dochu La Pass (3050m) to begin yet another hike. From here, one 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.
The location of the 18th century Lungchotse Lhakhang is perfect for a day hike from here. For those who do not fancy walking for hours seeking solitude and peace of mind yet would like to have that, this is the place to go. It is a perfect place to enjoy the bounties of nature. On a clear sunny day one can see the entire Bhutan Himalaya with its snow covered peaks. The sunset from Lungchotse with different colors playing against the sky is a splendid spectacle. The view from the ridge as the sun sets over the rolling hills remains etched in mind for a long time.

The way to the Lungchotse Lhakhang is no less striking. It is a gentle 02 hour uphill walk from Dochu La. The route is well shaded with rhododendron trees growing in abundance all over the place. The path is well padded with fallen leaves. In May and June when the flowers are in bloom it is a magical trek amidst the various hues of white, red, pink and purple.
They say heaven is a place on earth – perhaps Lungchotse is one such place. Anyway it is as close as you can get to in a day!

Getting back on the road, we continue our drive down to the subtropical Punakha Valley, taking about an hour from here.
Approximate walking time: 04 hours.  Altitude at Punakha: 1300m.
Overnight – Damchen Resort in Punakha or similar

Day 04: Punakha - Paro
This morning in Punakha before we return to Paro, we will visit Punakha Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic junction 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.

Approximate driving time: 04 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight – Tenzinling Resort in Paro or similar

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, some monks have chosen this place to meditate for the rest of their lives!

Here, you will have a chance to talk with a monk who is undergoing meditation for more than 26 years now, and share the experience of his life in solitude. Besides, we will ask him to perform a short and small ritual for our wellbeing. For me, he is the real Buddhist!
Coming down from his small hut, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses.

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

Day 06: Chele La Ridge Hike
This morning, we will take a drive to Chele La (3750m), 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. Here on this ridge, we will find a beautiful spot to set up some prayer flags before we begin to descend to Kila Gompa Nunnery. 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.

Tonight, we will have a grand farewell dinner with a cultural show, marking the end to your fabulous Pilgrimage to The Land of Thunder Dragon.
Approximate walking time: 05 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight – Tenzinling Resort in Paro or similar

Day 07: Paro - Bangkok
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.

•    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.