Arrival at Paro international airport: The flight to Paro is one of the spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating view and an exciting descent into the kingdom. Bhutan’s gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be received by representative of from Fly to Bhutan. Check in your hotel for refreshments later visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, which was built by the founding father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. Today, this fortress houses the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and the district Monk Body with about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the fortress is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king, Sontsen Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Paro [hike to Taktsang]: Today will also take what for many is the nightlight of Bhutan, a visit to the holy Tiger’s nest monastery. This involves a spectacular walk up to the lofty heights of the 300 years old Tiger’s nest monastery. Situated high above the Paro valley, the spectacular view from this ‘temple of Heaven’ are simply breathtaking. Please note this walk can take up to 3 hours but ponies can be provided for those who may find the walk a little too strenuous. On the way back drive to the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong 10 miles end of Paro Valley. Overnight at hotel in Paro

Paro – Shana: The trek starts from Drugyel Dzong (8,500 ft). The trail climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (9,200 ft). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (9,500 ft), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Distance 10.5 miles; Time 5-6 hours

Shana – Soi Thangthangkha: The trail follows the Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite. Altitude 12,300 ft; Distance 12.5 miles; Time 7-8 hours

Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang: The path ascends until we reach the army camp. We follow the river above the tree line. 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. Altitude 13,300 ft; Distance 12 miles; Time 7-8 hours

Jangothang – Lingzhi: The trail follows the stream for half an hour. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (15,400 ft). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingzhi, enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingzhi Dzong as we walk. Altitude 13,100 ft; Distance 11.2 miles; 7-8 hours

Lingzhi – Shodu: The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek route here. 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 (15,800 ft). On a clear day you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue downstream until reaching Shodu (13,500 ft), where we camp in a meadow near a chorten. Altitude 15,800 ft; Distance 13.7 miles; Time 8-9 hours

Shodu – Barshong: Back at tree line the path descends through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls 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 where we camp for the night. Altitude 11,800 ft; Distance 10 miles; Time 6-7 hours

Barshong – Dolam Kencho: The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply. 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, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night. Altitude 11,800 ft; Distance 9 miles; Time 5-6 hours

Dolam Kencho – Dodena – Thimphu: The trail winds in and out of side valleys, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 11,500 ft. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena. Fly to Bhutan transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu. Distance 5 miles; Time 3 hours. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Thimphu – Paro: After breakfast visit king’s memorial stupa (the Memorial Chorten) continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring the mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this land mark was the idea of Bhutan’s Third king His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan) who has wish to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serve both as a memorial to the late king and as a monument to peace. Evening visit to Tashichhodzong, means Fortress of Glorious Religion. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in 1641. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. It was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or Architectural plans. Then visit the Handicraft Emporium and local craft Bazaar, to get a glance of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand woven textiles, Thangkas, paintings, mask, ceramics slate and wood carving, jewelry, interesting item made from local materials. At the evening drive back to Paro. Overnight at hotels in Paro

Departure: Early morning drive to Paro international airport after breakfast