Day 1: Arrive Paro international airport
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalaya Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. In the evening you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro - Wangduephodrang (4-5 hour drive)
After early breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. After lunch, drive to Wangduephodrang. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 3: Wangduephodrang - Phobjikha Valley (3-hour drive)
After breakfast you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. In the afternoon you will drive to Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. In the evening you can explore Phobjikha valley. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Day 4: Trek Begins
Phobjikha - Gogona (distance 15km, time 6-7 hours)
The trail begins from Phobjika Valley, through meadows, and then through a mixed forest of rhododendron, bamboo, juniper, and magnolia. You reach Tsele La (pass) at 3,440, and after crossing some meadows, you will descend to a valley. There will be a short climb to the camp at Gogona. Nearby is a small village where you can drink some homemade arra. Altitude 3,100m.

Day 5: Gogona - Khothangkha (distance 16km, time 6-7 hours)
The trail goes gently uphill. You will notice the daphne plants, from which the Bhutanese make traditional paper (and which you can purchase in Thimphu). After a long, but gradual climb, you will cross Shobju La (pass) at 3,410m. The trail is downhill from here. You will pass an old coal mine and a miner's camp. Eventually you will come to Chorten Karpo, where you will see four chortens in honor of the four chief abbots who came from this area. The camp is near the four chortens. Altitude 2,790m.

Day 6: Trek Ends. Drive to Thimphu
Khothangkha - Tikke Zampa (distance 12km, time 5 hours) After a steep, but short, climb you will reach Tashi La (pass) at 2,800m. The descent will take you through a variety of vegetation, including rhododendron, ferns, magnolias, and sometimes orchids. This area is known for its spectacular bird-watching. You will eventually descend to the road, where your driver will meet you. In the late afternoon you will drive to Thimphu. It is a 3-hour drive. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the following places:
-- King's Memorial Chorten
-- Changgangkha Monastery
-- School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school)
-- Folk Heritage Museum
-- Textile Museum
-- Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom)

In the late afternoon you will drive to Paro. In the evening you will visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day 8: Depart Paro
Your guide and driver will see you off at the Paro airport.