• For the serious trekker, this is about as good as it gets... a rugged trek into the foothills of the Himalaya and glorious views of Chomolhari. Anyone of average fitness should be able to complete this trek and the rewards are immense. The tour still visits the historic and cultural highlights of Bhutan. If you want to go even more rugged, we are able to arrange high altitude treks or even yak safaris following the migratory trails of the yak herders of Eastern Bhutan. •

On arrival in Paro you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Tiger Nest resort, set in pine trees in direct view of the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas (Tiger's Nest). You will enjoy an evening visit to Paro market and town. Paro is set within a beautiful valley, through which you will have flown as you landed at Paro airport (currently the only airport in Bhutan). The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7300m) situated to the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu, the river that flows through the town.

Meals: (Dinner)

After breakfast, visit to the Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to see, Rinpung Dzong. Afternoon visit to the Drukgyel Dzonglruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north. Built in 1649 the the Dzong was said to have housed the finest armoury in the country. Check out the intriguing pictures on the walls of the village houses as you approach the ruins. Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang and a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Today you will hike up to the Tiger's Nest known as Taktsang- one of the most spectacular and most sacred pilgrim sites to all Buddhists. One of the great founders of Tantric Buddhism- Guru Padmasambhava is known to have flown on a tigress to meditate on the cliffs - the tigress being his consort, the divine Yeshe Tsogyel. The Tiger's Nest is popular with locals who are legally obliged to wear national dress to visit it. Lunch will be en route. Continue above Taktsang to the Uygentsemo monastery, on the way to the camp visit an ancient Zangtopelri temple set in serene rocky surroundings over-looking the Taktsang cliff below. The camp at Uygentsemo is a unique experience- you are at the crown/head of Taktsang- the latter being the body of guru Rinpoche. Camp overnight at an altitude of 8000ft.

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Continue uphill along the gorge for 4 hours to Bumdra monastery via Yusergang Lhakhang, set in an open plateau at an altitude of 3000 m with marvellous views of Chomolhari, Jichudrake, and the Paro valley below; Bumdra is locally known for several sacred sky burial (rocky spot, an hour walk above the Monastery; the main temple and several smaller lodgings used for meditation are also familiar grounds to the numerous wild pheasants that are used to humans. Camp overnight by the monastery.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Today you will hike south along the ridge towards the main Paro valley, 4-5 hrs with a pack lunch stop at one of several Lhakhangs dotting the route; pick-up transport awaits you to drive to Thimphu and your hotel. Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimpu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimpu valley. Since the 1950's it has been the seat of the Royal (and now parlimentary) government and is home to several foreign missions and development organisations. It also has Bhutan's only golf course; a nine-hole circuit situated next to the magnificent Dzong.

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Today you will have a sightseeing tour of the capital city- Thimphu: visit the Simtokha Dzong- oldest fort in Bhutan; the national library, school of Thanka painting and the traditional medicine institute. You will also visit the Grand Tashichodzong seat of the Royal Government. We also highly recommend a visit to the Folk History Museum. Founded by Her Majesty the Queens Mother Ashi Dorj Wangamo Wangchuck. The museum is a fascinating look at the life of a genteel family in the Thimpu valley several centuries ago. overnight in your Thimphu hotel.

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Today you will have a morning drive on the mountain route towards the former capital of Bhutan passing through the Dochu La pass (alt. 10,000 feet); you will view stunning scenery of the Himalayan ranges. Descend to Punakha and tour the town. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich, fertile valley is fed by two rivers; the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu. After a picnic lunch by the Wangdi river you continue to Wangdiphodrang Dzong, the most picturesque in all of Bhutan. After this you will return to Paro, and overnight at the hotel.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

You will be transferred to the airport for your exit flight

Meals: (Breakfast)