Hidden Bhutan

Day 1: Paro - Welcome to Bhutan!
After transferring from Bangkok (3 hours), Kathmandu (1 hour), or Delhi (2 hours) International Airports, you will arrive in Paro on Druk Air. Your flight into the Dragon Kingdom will be spectacular, with views of the Himalayan mountain range, including the incredible Mt. Everest and other mountains like Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, and Mt. Tshering Gang. Upon arrival, you will be met by your AAW guide/driver and transferred in your private car to your hotel.  Paro is a charming town located in a valley on the banks of the Paro Chhu, and its main street, built only in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants. If time permits, you will enjoy a welcome tour of the city from your guide.

Day 2: Paro - Tiger's Nest Monastery
This morning, you will hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), which clings precariously to a cliff 2,600 feet above the Paro valley. It takes its name from the legend that Guru Rimpoche (the second Buddha), alighted here upon the back of a tigress in the eighth century. After meditating for three months in a cave, he assumed the form of the Terrifying Thunderbolt and subjugated the Eight Evil Spirits who hindered the propagation of Buddhism, thereby spreading Buddhism into Bhutan. Taktsang is one of the holiest sites in the country and one of the most venerated Buddhist monuments in the Himalayas.  Even for non-Buddhists, its incredible architecture and breathtaking location will make it one of the most memorable sites you will visit in Bhutan. Your afternoon will be free for you to relax and prepare for the start of your trekking adventure tomorrow!

Day 3: Druk Path Trek Day 1
After a hearty breakfast, you will begin your trekking adventure. Today is an easy trekking day, with a gradual ascent to the campsite. If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the Paro valley against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains, including the massive Mt. Jumolhari. Near the campsite are a few monasteries that you will be able to explore before enjoying a delicious dinner prepared by your guides. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Druk Path Trek Day 2
You will begin the day with a two-hour climb through a thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You will have ample time for photos, as you will most likely see yak herders in their black woven yak hair tents and may also spot a pheasant. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Druk Path Trek Day 3
The trail today follows a ridge with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. Your campsite is near Lake Jimilangsto, which is famous for its giant trout. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Druk Path Trek Day 4
Today, your trail will lead you past dwarf rhododendron trees and the pristine alpine Lake Janetsho. You will also pass through a Bhutanese farming village and by more yak herders. Around 70% of the Bhutanese people are involved in farming, and today's journey will give you a more intimate glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life. You will camp by the shores of Lake Simkota, and if you are lucky, you will be able to catch a fresh trout for dinner! (B, L, D)

Day 7: Druk Path Trek Day 5
Your trek will begin with a gradual climb. While crossing Doupchu La Pass, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range, particularly Gangkha Punsum, which is the highest mountain in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed summit in the world. After traveling downhill through lush juniper trees, you will arrive at the Phajoding Cafeteria. Depending on the weather, you will either stay here or will camp. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Druk Path Trek Day 6
Your last day of trekking will be fairly easy, as it is almost entirely downhill. You will travel at a leisurely pace through a forest of beautiful blue pines. You will then be transported to your hotel for a well-deserved hot shower and delicious lunch. Thimphu, Bhutan's incredibly relaxed capital, will enchant you with its mix of tradition and modern urbanization. Red-robed monks wander the streets alongside young children skipping to school and packs of stray dogs. Though rapidly growing, it is the world's only capital city without traffic lights, and traffic is still regulated by white-gloved policemen. The evening will be at your leisure to relax and explore this fascinating city. (B, L)

Day 9: Thimphu - Sightseeing tour around Thimphu
Today, you will enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing in Thimphu. Your first stop will be the Tashichhodzong, meaning "The Fortress of the Glorious Religion," which is the seat of the royal government and the summer residence of the monk body and the chief abbot. The beautiful whitewashed stone building, capped by red-and-gold triple-tiered roofs, is silent within, except for the whir of prayer wheels and the occasional pigeon. You will then head to the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese artisans sell traditional textiles and other handicrafts. This is the best place to buy authentic Bhutanese souvenirs and gifts. Your next stop will be the Painting and Wooden Craft School, where student monks in burgundy robes learn traditional art and painting techniques from a saffron robed elder. You will then visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge golden-spired stupa built in 1972 in memory of Bhutan's third king, and the National Library, which is built in the style of a traditional temple and houses holy and ancient manuscripts, as well as the largest published book in the world! Lastly, you will visit Simtokha Dzong, which dates back to 1629 and is the oldest dzong in Bhutan and is home to the largest monastic school in the country. Your evening will be free to explore the town and have dinner at one of the many unique restaurants near your hotel. (B)

Day 10: Punakha & Wangduephodrang - Historic tour of the old capital
Today, you will travel to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, and Wangduephodrang. The drive over Dochu La Pass is breathtaking and passes through a variety of ecosystems, with fir trees giving way to pine and oak forests, and then to subtropical vegetation. Due to its low elevation, Punakha is home to magnolia and fruit trees, as well as yellow mustard fields, making for a spectacularly colorful setting against the snowcapped mountains. You will visit the beautiful 17th century Punakha Dzong, the winter home of the monastic body. If you would like to, you can take a brief hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built by a divine mad man where unfertile couples come to pray. Further downstream is the Wangduephodrang Dzong, strategically built on a promontory overlooking the junction of the Sunkosh and Tangmachu rivers. This 17th century dzong is a dramatic example of Bhutanese architecture and is the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. After lunch, you will return to Thimphu and have the evening free to relax. (B, L)

Day 11: Paro - Explore Paro
You will depart early this morning to drive to Paro over Dochula Pass at a height of 10,334 feet, from which you will have spectacular views of the Himalayas. Your evening is free to relax and do any last minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure tomorrow. (B, L)

Day 12: Return Flight Home
Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.