Day 1: DEPART FROM BANGKOK TO PARO with Druk Air - 2250 meters

On arrival you will be met at the airport by your guide Tshering and taken to your hotel in Paro where you will check-in and have some time to rest up before heading out in the afternoon for a visit to Ta Dzong – National Museum and the Paro Rimpung Dzong.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• You will take a short walk from Paro Dzong to the town, over a traditional Bhutanese, cantilevered, covered bridge to Ugen Pelri, a small jewell like palace that belongs to the Royal Family of Bhutan. It was completed in the late 1800s with no alterations being made to the structure or the beautiful carvings and paintings within the palace. It is designed after the celestial paradise of Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who spread Tantric Buddhism across Tibet and Bhutan in the eighth century.
• We will then take a stroll through the town and spend some time watching the men playing archery, which is the national sport of Bhutan. It is fascinating and there will be some great photos on offer.
• Evening – Briefing and orientation at the hotel.

Day 2: PARO TO BUMTHANG

This morning we will take a short flight (approx. 30 mins) to Bumthang where if it is a clear day you will be treated to some amazing views of the mountains and the valleys. Maybe even a clear glimpse of the Himalayan Range.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• In the morning - explore Jakar valley by foot to visit ancient temples – Jamphel Lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang and Tamshing monastery.
• In the afternoon explore the town of Chamkhar Bazaar and attend an evening tea and prayer ceremony with monks in Kharchu Dratsang (Monastery). Photography shoot during the prayer ceremony organised.

Day 3: EXPLORE TAMZHING:

This morning we will take a short walk and explore the tiny village of Tamzhing with photo shoots. This afternoon – Classroom workshop and discussion.

Day 4: BUMTHANG TO TANG VALLEY (2900 meters)

Today we will travel from Bumthang to the Tang Valley, which is approximately a 20-30 km journey – approximately 1 ½ - 2 hours in time.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• We will visit Pema Choling Nunnery and interaction with the nuns (Photo shoot will be allowed while ceremony performed for your group).
• Then we will travel to visit, Membartsho, the “burning lake,” a sacred place associated with Pemalingpa. Membartsho is not actually a lake but rather a water-worn defile in a granite stream bed where the water moves slowly. Legend has it that Pemalingpa had a vision in which Padmasambhava instructed him to retrieve a ter, or hidden treasure, from this spot. He dove into the water holding a lamp (a lamp that miraculously stayed lit) and returned with texts and treasures of the Guru. Ters are an important aspect of Mahayana Buddhism as they provide a continual stream of teaching and revelation to future generations. Pemalingpa was one of the greatest tertons (treasure finders). 
• This evening you will be in for a treat. The Tang Valley is very beautiful and you will be staying with locals in their very comfortable farmhouse. This will be one of your absolute highlights as you interact with the local villagers and watch them cook, sing and dance for you. The owners of the house are also great fun. A couple of young lads who speak excellent English and are very keen mountain bikers, having won the “Tour of the Dragon” Mountain biking race (known as the craziest bike race on earth) more than once – the toughest in Bhutan.
• Experience local rituals and ceremonies with the locals while staying at the Farmhouse. Learn how to make buckwheat noodles, butter, cream and milk and even better you get to taste it all as well! (Photo shoots allowed while interacting with the locals).

Day 5: EXPLORE TANG VALLEY (2900 meters) TO TRONGSA (2300 meters)

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• Today we will take a walking tour across the valley from the Farmhouse to Ugyen Choling Palace where we will walk through local villages and temples. It is easy walking and the scenery is just spectacular. Approximately three hours in duration.
• We will visit Ugyencholing or “the palace of Ugyen,” an old ancestral home with dramatic views. We visit the village and, the ancestral home. This area is well known for its yathra - yathra is the name of the locally-produced woollen cloth. Unique patterns and bright colours distinguish this earthy fabric, which is used throughout Bhutan.

Day 6: TANG VALLEY TO TRONGSA

Today we will travel from the Tang Valley to Trongsa. This is approximately 100kms in distance and will take 3-4 hours driving due to the speed travelled. Trongsa town forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• Visit the Yathra weaving center in Chumey valley.
• Visit the Tower of Trongsa – museum dedicated to the Kings of Bhutan.
• Classroom session and online updates in the afternoon.

Day 7: TRONGSA TO GANGTEY (2900 meters)

Today we will drive from Trongsa to Gangtey, which will take four hours and is approximately 125 kms in distance.

Sightseeing and HIghlights:

• Visit the Gangtey Gompa monastery. This 17^th century monastery commands a beautiful location overlooking the verdant hills of Phobjikha. The complex consists of a central monastery, meditation hall, monks’ quarters and a school. The head lama of Gangteng Gompa is the ninth incarnation of the body of Pemalingpa.
• Attend a private prayer and blessing ceremony with the monks.
• Lighting of butter lamps inside the temple.

Day 8: GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA

Today we will drive from Gangtey to Wangdi, which will take approximately 3-4 hours.

We will take a hike on the Gangtey nature trail, which is mainly flat or downhill to see the black-necked cranes in the valley. We will stay in the Phobikha Valley, a classic U-shaped glacial valley. It is one of the most beautiful spots in the country.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• We will visit the Crane information center - the area is most famous for being the winter abode of the endangered black-necked crane. Experts estimate that fewer than 6000 cranes exist in the wild. The cranes migrate from Tibet in mid-November and stay through March.

Day 9: PUNAKHA DAY EXCURSION

Today we will visit the Punakha Dzong (minimum 2 hour visit) – a spectacular sight. To the Bhutanese it is equivalent to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• Visit the Punakha Dzong – A photography session capturing the Bhutanese architecture will be available.
• An hour – 2 hours hike to Khamsum Yuley Namgyel Chorten (elevation gain about 240 meters )
• Walk and cross over the longest suspension foot bridge (230 meters in length) over Pho chu (female river in Punakha valley).

Day 10: PUNAKHA TO THIMPHU

Today we will drive from Punakha to Thimput which will take up to 3 hours and is approximately 90 kms.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

There is a wide range of sightseeing possibilities in Thimpu so it will be dependant on the group. You have the following to choose from:

• The textile museum
• Zorig Chuk sum (Institute of Thirteen traditional art & crafts)
• Weekend market (Friday to Sunday)
• National Handicraft Emporium.
• Zhulukha Nunnery
• Tashichho Dzong
• Memorial Chorten
• Buddha Dordenma – one of the tallest seated Buddha in the world.

Day 11: THIMPHU TO PARO (2250 meters)

Today we will drive from Thimpu to Paro, which will take up to two hours and is approximately 80 kms.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• Morning to visit the vegetable market and photo session
• Afternoon discussion and classroom session at hotel and preparation for Tiger’s Nest hike.

Day 12: PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG – TIGER’S NEST (2250 meters)

Today we will climb up to the Tigers Nest Monastery, which will take approximately 5-6 hours return, depending on the hiking pace. The elevation gain is 550 meters. It is a truly magnificent hike with incredible photographic opportunities.

Sightseeing and Highlights:

• A pilgrimage hike to to Taktsang – Tiger’s Nest
• Visit and tour inside Tiger’s Nest.

Day 13: PARO – DEPARTURE PARO TO BANGKOK with Druk Air

Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight with Druk Air from Paro to Bangkok.