On arrival, proceed to Immigration Counter where you will present your visa approval letter and passport for the official stamp.  As you clear the Immigration check, please make your way to the baggage delivery area and at the exit door of the airport you will meet your Guide who will accompany you throughout your stay in Bhutan.

Transfer to Thimphu: Once a quiet village nestled in a wide, fertile river valley, Thimphu has grown into the vibrant capital of the nation. It is the center of government, religion and commerce with an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. On arrival, check-in at the hotel.

Afternoon free or time permitting, visit the impressive Trashichhoe Dzong/ fortress which houses the throne room of the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and the central monk body. If your visit falls on a working week day, arrive in time to watch the hoisting of the National Flag and the March of the Guards.

Overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning, begin a hike to Cheri monastery, located 15km north of Thimphu at 2,850 meters. Founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was the first monastery he established in Bhutan and remains a major retreat center of the Drukpa Lineage. Zhabdrung spent several years here, and it was at Cheri that he founded the Drukpa monastic order in 1623. The monastery was also visited by Guru Rinpochhe in the 8^th century and Phajo Drugom Zhigpo in the 13^th century.

The hike begins with a 45-minute drive from Thimphu to Dodena, followed by a crossing of a cantilever bridge over the Thim-chhu river. After the bridge, pass a large stupa surrounded by prayer wheels, and continue to the spot where Phajo Drugom Zhigpo meditated. The hike then ascends through oak and rhododendron forests, offering views of birds and the possibility of spotting a Himalayan Black Bear. After a rest stop, continue upwards to the monastery.

At the monastery, explore the temples and take the ring road to the top for stunning views of the surrounding rivers, greenery, and distant landmarks like Tango Dorden Shedra. Then retrace your steps back down the same trail.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, set off east from Thimphu to begin your first day trekking on the ancient Trans-Bhutan trail. Your journey starts at Dochula, a mountain pass situated at 3,116 meters (10,224 feet) above sea level. On clear days, you will be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayas to the north.

From Dochula, descend into the valley and follow the historic Divine Madman trail, retracing the steps of Drukpa Kuenley, the 16^th century Tibetan lama who came to Bhutan to spread his teachings and suppress evil energies. As you trek, your guide will share captivating stories about the lama’s vibrant life. Along the way, make a stop at Thinleygang Lhakhang (temple) before enjoying a traditional Bhutanese lunch at a local farmhouse.

After lunch, rejoin your vehicle and head east towards Lobesa, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy dinner with your guide.

Trek Distance: 9.14km (5.7 miles).

Estimated Trek Duration: 4 – 5 hours.

Elevation Gain: 44 meters (144 feet).

Elevation Loss: 1,337 meters (4,387 feet).

Starting Elevation: 3,116 meters (10,224 feet).

Ending Elevation: 1,770 meters (5,807 feet).

Maximum Elevation: 3,116 meters (10,224 feet).

Overnight in Punakha.

Jiligang hike begins with a crossing of the suspension bridge over the Mo chhu, the (female river) that winds through the valley, merging with the Pho chhu (male river) below Punakha Dzong. The breeze from the glacier-fed river and the sway of the bridge set the tone for an exciting trek ahead. As you hike, enjoy views of the fertile paddy fields and traditional Bhutanese homes, experiencing the peaceful rural life. The moderate climb takes you through chirpine forests, reaching about 1,800 meters, offering cool shade and serene surroundings with views of Punakha Dzong and the valley below. Along the way, the chirping of birds and the sight of meandering rivers enhance the tranquil atmosphere, with tropical bird species, including Himalayan water birds, often spotted in summer.

As you ascend, the view of Jiligang monastery atop the hill will energize you, with the warm welcome of the caretakers adding to the experience. The trail passes through Yebesa village, then climbs above it through pine forests, offering scenic views of the village, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stupa, and the winding Mo chhu river. On the opposite side, you will see Lakhu and Kabesa villages, and Kabji Chorten Nyingpo temple. The panoramic view of Punakha Dzong is especially striking.

Jiligang temple, built in the 15^th century by Lam Ngawang Chogyel, is steeped in legend. It’s said that Lam Drukpa Kuenley tested his cousin’s spiritual power by sending a cat from the mountain’s base, which emerged atop the hill, giving the monastery its name – ‘Jili’ meaning cat, and ‘gang’ meaning mountain. From the monastery, enjoy a 360-degree view of nine nearby villages and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Jiligang monastery is considered to offer blessings similar to those of Chhimi Lhakhang (temple), the famed temple of fertility in Punakha.

Distance: Yebesa – Jiligang : 3.50km.

Jiligang – Punakha – 6km.

Altitude: 1257 meters – 1820 meters – 1240 meters (Yebesa – Jiligang – Punakha).

Ascent: 536 m Descent: 580 meters Duration: 6-hours approx.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, a stunning fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal around 1637, situated at the confluence of the Pho chhu (male river) and Mo chhu (female river). Often regarded as the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, it houses the revered Rangjung Kharsapani, an image of Chenrezig safely kept in the utse (tower). Despite enduring Tibetan invasions, fires, floods, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), the Dzong remains a symbol of resilience. It served as Bhutan’s capital until the early 1950s and was the site of the coronation of His Majesty the First Druk Gyalpo, Ugyen Wangchuck. Today, it is the winter residence of Bhutan’s monastic body.

Next, head west to Paro. Upon arrival, visit Ta Dzong, originally built in 1649 as a watchtower to protect Paro Dzong from Tibetan forces. In 1968, it became Bhutan’s National Museum, housing exhibitions on Bhutan’s rich history through sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. Afterward, visit the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, or ‘fortress on a heap of Jewels.’ Originally constructed in 1458 and later restored by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (Third King) in 1951 to celebrate his Royal wedding, this Dzong is a symbol of Bhutan’s cultural heritage and architectural beauty.

Overnight in Paro.

Drive to Chelela pass (3,988m) the highest motor able pass in the country through the mixed forest of pine, fir and spruces. Take a round hike via sky burial where you can accent up to the elevation of approx. 4,400 meters above sea level to enjoy 360-degree scenery of snow-capped Mt. Jomolhari and Jowo Drakey with the surrounding mountains, and explore the local flora including Blue Poppy – national flower of Bhutan. This is the highest point you will visit during your trip to Bhutan. Descend through the beautiful rhododendron forest and end your hike near Kila Goenpa Nunnery. Visit Kila Goenpa Nunnery, the temple wedged between the cliffs near Chelela serves as the residence to about 100 nuns.

On the way to Chelela, stop above Bondey village to get a best snapshot of the valley and famous Dzongdrakha temple built in the middle of the cliff. Keep your lens ready and eyes open to spot various wild birds and animals including Himalayan monal pheasant, Kalij and deers on the way.

Distance: Chelela – Sky Burial – Kila Goenpa – (5.5km/3.42 miles).

Starting: 3,988 meters (13,083.99 feet).

Elevation Gain: 400 meters (1312 feet).

Elevation Loss: 550 meters (1804 feet).

Time Taken: 5-6hrs.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive northwest from Paro to the iconic Taktshang Goenpa, also known as the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Perched 900 meters (2,950 feet) above the Paro valley, this sacred site is one of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks. Legend holds that Guru Rinpochhe arrived here on the back of a tigress to subdue a local demon, after which he meditated in a cave for three months.

The monastery is accessible only by foot, requiring a 2 to 3-hour hike up the valley. The trek offers breathtaking views and passes a small Chorten, a simple monastery, and a waterfall. Once at the Tiger’s Nest, you can visit the cave where Guru Rinpochhe meditated, as well as explore the temples, which feature stunning murals, chortens, and a sacred spring. After your hike, visit Phuba Mandala Display Center to refresh your mind while enjoying the creation of colored-sand mandala.

Afterward, return to your hotel in Paro for a relaxing afternoon, where you can unwind or enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping.

Trek Distance: 9.15km (5.69 miles).

Estimated Trek Duration: 6 to 7-hours.

Elevation Gain: 724 meters (2,375 feet).

Elevation Loss: 724 meters (2,375 feet).

Starting Elevation: 2,584 meters (8,478 feet).

Ending Elevation: 2,584 meters (8,478 feet).

Maximum Elevation: 3,152 meters (10,342 feet).

Overnight in Paro.

As your unforgettable hiking adventure in Bhutan comes to a close, we hope you carry with you the memories of breathtaking landscapes, spiritual encounters, and the warmth of the Bhutanese people. After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your departure. Whether you are heading home or continuing to your next destination, we trust that your experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon has left a lasting impression.