As you step off the plane in Paro, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the Himalayas, a stunning conclusion to one of the world’s most spectacular mountain flights. Our representative from Inner Essence Travels will welcome you at the airport exit, ensuring a seamless transition into your Bhutanese adventure. Following lunch, you’ll embark on an afternoon of discovery in Paro, visiting the Ta Dzong Museum, home to an impressive collection of religious relics, artworks, and handicrafts that offer a fascinating glimpse into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Next, you’ll explore the majestic Rimpong Dzong, adorned with vibrant paintings, including the revered image of Milarepa, the great saint and master of meditation. As the day draws to a close, you’ll drive to Thimphu, the capital city, along the picturesque Pachu River, with an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette awaiting you at your hotel, preparing you for the unique cultural experiences that lie ahead.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for lunch.

In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951)  was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.  In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide track. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and field of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2870m), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Overnight at campsite.

The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forest .After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through Rhododendron forest, and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite (3750m). Overnight at campsite.

The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4040m). From here the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are Superb. Overnight at campsite.

Today we hike back to witness the 1^st day of mountain festival. Marchang ceremony before the festival commences. Followed by welcome dance and local song by Soe community. Opening of the stalls by the chief guest followed by yak and horse show. After lunch open competions for entertainment like Khuru, shotput and horse riding/yak riding. In the evening hike back to Jangothang at the base camp.

Optional 2^nd day festival. Trekking activities to the finest sights in Soe guided by the natives. After lunch visitors would also witness the cultural performances including folk dances and traditional handicraft exhibition by the local communities to entertain the large congregation of spectators. In addition, the communities will also host the visitors in the home stays and cook local food from their own kitchen. The food options depend on what is growing in the kitchen gardens. Hike back to Jangothang at base camp.

The trail follows a gentle stream for half an hour and crosses a bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la Pass (4700m). We descend gradually enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous peaks and Lingshi Dzong from the pass until we reach our campsite at Lingshi (4000m). Overnight at campsite

Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the West side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-La (4820m). On clear day you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. The trail then descends alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face. It then continues on downstream until reaching Shodu (4100m), where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it. Overnight at campsite.

Our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through Rhododendron, Juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3600m), near which we camp for the night. Overnight at campsite.

The trail descends gently through a dense forest of Rhododendron, Birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto Pastureland where we camp for the night at 3600m. Overnight at campsite.

The trail winds in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2600m). Bhutan Travel Bureau transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the third King who passed away in the year 1972. Other highlights include the 12th Century Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts where the students are taught to master the 13 types of Bhutanese art, the National Library housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. In the early evening depart for Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. 
Tashi Delek!