DAY 1

Start your adventure at the National Museum where you’ll find religious artifacts, fine art, and handwoven crafts that showcase Bhutan’s rich history and cultural heritage. Then, relax in the peacefulness of Rimpong Dzong where the picturesque paintings of St. Milarepa (revered as the Buddhist meditation master) invite you to reflect on his journey to enlightenment.

DAY 2

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stunning display of Buddhist art with its intricately detailed paintings and sculptures. You’ll also explore ancient spirituality at Changangkha Temple, which dates back to the 12th century, and Drubthob monastery, home to the charming Zilukha nunnery. If time permits, make it a point to meet Bhutan’s national treasure, the takin, and explore the history of the 13th century Tashichho Dzong, which houses His Majesty’s Throne Room.

DAY 3

Explore the School for Arts and Crafts, where you can explore the 13 different forms of art in Bhutan. Go to the National Library, where you can learn about the country’s rich history with the 8th century Bhutanese scriptures. Make your way to the Traditional Paper Factory, where you can see the intricacies of paper-making in Bhutan, and the Bhutan Post, where you can admire the nation’s famous stamp designs.

DAY 4

The route of the trek begins with a 4 to 5 hour ascent through a forest. The starting point of the trek is located at Dechhenacholing, and the journey will take approximately 4 and a half hours before the trekkers reach Kabjesha, the starting point for the trek.

DAY 5

On a bright day, you can see Phajoding Monastery and a few of the peaks of the Himalayas. The first few hours of the trek are pretty slow because of the challenging trail conditions, but after a while, you will begin to see Thinley Gang Village, Talo Monastery, and the highway to Thimphu.

DAY 6

Day 3 of the trek commences with a 4 hour descent through thick forest. A stream must be traversed twice before continuing for an additional 3 to 4 hours through settlements and rice paddies to the village located at 1,810 m above sea level.

DAY 7

Today, you will pass through several villages on your way to the road where you will be picked up to reach Punakha, which is the ancient capital of Bhutan. Once you reach the city, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrupchling Nunnery.

DAY 8

Explore the magical Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece built in 1637 at the intersection of the Mo Chu river and Pho Chu river. This winter retreat for the Je Khenpo and many monks has a three-storey main temple with beautiful traditional architecture with four golden and silver entrance pillars.

DAY 9

Start your day with a delicious breakfast before driving to Paro for a memorable hike to the Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This sacred site perched on a cliff is a symbol of Bhutan’s spirituality and will take around 3 hours to reach. In the afternoon, you’ll get a taste of rural Bhutan life by visiting a local farmhouse where you’ll find the traditional three-storey architetchure, with cattle on the first level, hay storage on the third, and the family’s home in the middle.

DAY 10

Head back to the Paro International Airport and prepare for your next adventure.