Day by day trip itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVE PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PARO:

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Evening sightseeing in Paro valley.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 2: PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY:

A day excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery:
Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger.
Picnic lunch at the foothill of Taktsang monastery. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.
After lunch, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the dzong name’s means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Visit Kichu Monastery which, was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It was one of the 108 such Monasteries, which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan and walk down to town on the way you, can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 3: PARO – CHONANA: (Trek starts): (Alt. 3500m. Distance 14 km. Time 4-5 hours).

Start the trek from Olathang 1.5 km from Paro town. Most of the days walk is a gradual climb through the pine forests. Along the trail, you pass through some beautiful farmhouses built in typical Bhutanese architect. The view of the Paro valley from the trail is also excellent.
Over night: Camp in tents.

Day 4: CHONANA – JEBKARPO: (Alt. 3500m. Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 hours).

A beautiful trekking route. You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chele La pass Alt. 3700m. The trail takes you through forest filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees. After crossing the pass, the trail goes along the ridge of Chele La with clear view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Over night: Camping.

Day 5: JEBKARPO – LOWER MINGULA: Alt. 3850m. Distance 15 km. Time 5-6 hours.

Today is a day to be up early. Early morning view from the campsite of Mount Jumolhari Tserim Gang and the famous mountain Jichu Drake are absolutely breathtaking. The trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley.
Over night: Camping in tents.

Day 6: LOWER MINGULA – THONG: Alt. 3950m. Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 hours.

Another day with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route, you will see lots of yaks.
Over night: Camping in tents.

Day 7: THONG – THIMPHU:

A short descend and you are in Paro valley. The trek ends at Drukgyal Dzong and from there you drive to Paro. Lunch at Paro and drive on to Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 55 km and one hour drive from Paro.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8: THIMPHU – SIGHT SEEING:

A full day of sight seeing in Thimphu. You can visit the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and the living quarters of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the Painting and Woodcraft school where the traditional art and painting is kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge Stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu) the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 AD.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 9: THIMPHU – A DAY EXCURSION TO WANGDUE PHODRANG – PUNAKHA - THIMPHU:

A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan which is about 77 km from Thimphu and Wangdiphodrang (16 km from Punakha). You can visit the Dzongs in both the places as well as other interesting sites. Lunch at Punakha or Wangdiphodrang and return to Thimphu. Evening: Stroll freely in the town.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 1O: THIMPHU – PARO:

Morning: Take a leisurely walk in Thimphu town to do some shopping, visit the Post Office to do your philatelic purchases. After lunch, drive to Paro (65km) and takes about 2 hours to drive. Visit Simtokha Dzong en route.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 11: PARO – PARO INTERNATIONALAIRPORT for departure:

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese guide from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.
Best Group size: 3 – 20 pax

WHAT TO BRING:

Personal Clothing: Practical and comfortable clothes are appropriate (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.
For Trekking: Warm sleeping bag (down, -0-5 degree Celsius), strong comfortable trekking boots – water resistant for the rainy season (June – August), several pairs of socks and vests, warm clothing (especially a down jacket for higher altitudes) for the evenings, rain coat or umbrella, torch (flashlight), water flask, a hat or head scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, disinfectant tablets for water, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream for insect bites (summer), Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness, pillow case, wet packed tissue paper.

NOTE: For trekking a load of 25 kilos is allowed.

CHECK LIST:

Travel docume

Reminder:

Climate:

Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cool and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
Trek Grade: Gradual
nts: Passport, Visa, Travel insurance, Air tickets and voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: travelers’ cheques and cash (No credit card facilities in the Kingdom)
Money pouch
First aid kit
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock and torch / flashlight
Mosquito and insect repellent
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Raincoat / umbrella for summer and down jackets for winter
Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
Tampons can be difficult to buy in Bhutan
Lock for your bag

DRESS CODE:

When packing be aware that dress standards are conventional throughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and practical. Singlet, tank tops and shorts are not suitable for Bhutan.

Trip Notes

Bring along two passport photos. Sometimes video or still cameras may not be appropriate in Bhutan. Local people can find these intruding in their privacy. Accommodation in Bhutan will be simple but we try our best to provide the best accommodations. Most of the Bhutanese traditional food is delicious but they can be very hot because of chili, which is the most important ingredient in Bhutanese dishes.

You can find dogs barking all night and might be at times, a little disturbing so we advice to bring ear plugs for your sound sleep.