This is one of the rarest and most unique local festivals in Bumthang. This three days festival offers the experience of the Buddhist tradition in a setting of unique architecture, and breathtaking Himalayan landscape. The friendly Bhutanese people share with you their traditional lifestyle untouched by outside influence. A trip gives you unique opportunity to experience Himalayan Buddhist culture.

11th June: Arrival/Paro
flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. Your guide who is going to be with you throughout your trip from Bhutan Wilderness Travels will meet you at the airport. A fifteen minute drive follows the narrow winding road to our hotel which is a traditional Bhutanese building with attractive gardens and an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere. We have some time before dinner to put our bikes together, in preparation for the start of our journey.
Overnight: Uma

12th June: Hike to Taktsang
After breakfast, we finish off the bikes and gear up for the first day’s riding. Bike for about an hour to the trail head to hike up to the Taktsang Monastery. This is one of the Buddhist world’s most venerated pilgrimage sites and is known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is said that the Guru Rinpoche came to Taktsang on the back of a tigress and, whilst meditating in a cave, converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. A number of temples have now been built on the site, and these occupy precarious positions, clinging to a black cliff high above the Paro valley. The visit involves a two-hour climb on a steep foot path through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. The views are well worth the effort. After spending some time at the monastery, we descend back to the road and bike to our hotel along the dirt farm road.
Overnight: Uma

13th June: Haa Valley across the Chele La
Biking easily down to the Paro valley from our hotel, we pass through farmland and scattered hamlets to reach the start of our climb to the Chele La. Setting off on our first big climb, we gain height gradually and at some of the turns have glimpses to the north of the snowcapped peaks of the Bhutan Himalaya. Chomolhari and Jichudrake are the biggest peaks at the western end of the country. After approximately 36 kilometres, which may take as long as 5 hours, we reach the prayer flagged summit of the pass at the lofty altitude of 3822 metres. This is pretty high so early in the trip and anyone not feeling up to this challenge can opt to hitch a ride on the support vehicle at any time. At the pass, we will have a snack lunch and plenty to drink and brace ourselves for a breath- taking 20 kilometers descent. After an initial cruise between the trees, we head down into the valley by way of a series of 10 extravagant hairpin turns. Thankfully, there is almost no traffic on this road.
Overnight: Rigsum Resort

14th June: Bike to Thimphu (7-8hours)
Our destination today is the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, which is 110ks from Haa. Thankfully, this is all on a good and fairly level road-with very little traffic. We start out very easily for 40ks we follow the Ha river gently downhill. We head towards the southeast and then northwards to a junction with Bhutan’s main east-west highway at Chuzom (2068m). Incidentally, the road from Paro also meets main highway here. From here, we follow the Thim Chu upstream through a mixture of rice fields and coniferous forest. We find a suitable wayside spot for a lunch stop and then continue, via a narrow gorge section and a widening of the valley at Namseling. Finally, the quaint suburbs of Thimphu begin to appear. Thimphu is the largest settlement in Bhutan and is spread out across a wide valley. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.
Overnight: hotel Jomulhari

15th June: Across the Dochu La to Punakha (4-5hours)
Our stay in Thimphu is only a short one and we breakfast in anticipation of the bike ride that lies ahead of us. The road up to the Dochu La (3050m) involves a 22ks ride and a height gain of 670m. The hillsides on either side of road are covered in a luxuriant temperate forest, with an abundance of rhododendron and magnolia. The lower slopes are even lusher, with orange trees, bananas and bamboo. Several species of deer and monkeys make their home in this forest. We will meet our support vehicle at the pass and have a stop for rest and refreshment. The pass is marked by many prayer flags and chortens and it offers a magnificent panorama of the Eastern Himalaya, including the all of the giant 7000 meter peaks of Lunana in northeastern Bhutan. The downhill from the Dochu La into the Punakha valley will leave you speechless ¬ 1700 meters of descent, through lush forest and jungle and spread over a distance of 50 kilometers.
Overnight: hotel YT

16th June: Rest day in Punakha
If you like, you may take the bus for a side trip to Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s old capital. Lying at the junction of the Mo (Mother) Chu and the Pho (Father) Chu, Punakha Dzong is the winter home for over 1000 monks. Every year the Punakha festival celebrates the famous victory over the Tibetans, who were repulsed whilst trying to recapture the sacred statue of the God of long life, brought to Bhutan by Shabdrung. We have a sightseeing tour of the magnificent Dzong which was built in 1637 and partly restored following a flood 10 years ago.
Overnight: hotel YT

17th June: Bike to Gangtey
The Central Road across the Black Mountains was completed only 20 years ago and its completion brought about great changes to the people of central Bhutan. We leave our hotel and cycle down to the river and the valley bottom, one of the lowest points of the trip at 600 meters above sea level. Crossing the bridge, we have a short climb to the village of Wangdi and then a relatively flat road for 20 kilometers to a bridge across the river just past the village of Tikke. We stop for a tea break and then begin a long climb over the Black Mountains. This is a deceptively long climb, gaining almost 2000 meters, to a junction with the side road to Gangtey, a few kilometers beyond Nobding. Crossing the pass, we descend into the Phobjikha valley, which is one of the few winter homes of the black-necked crane, which migrates here from the Central Asiatic Plateau in November. A short descent leads into the valley and to our hotel a few kilometers beyond the small village of Gangtey, whose houses are clustered around the monastery. Altitude at Gangtey: 3000 meters. Ride time: 8 to 9 hours.
Overnight: Dewachen

18th June: Cross the Pele La to Tongsa
Moving on from this fascinating spectacle, we head eastwards once again, continuing our climb to Pele La (3300m). There is a good chance that we will see langur monkeys in the forest on this section of our ride. At the pass, the forest opens out a little and we should find yaks grazing by the side of the road. Looking back from the pass, it is possible to see Jhomolhari (7219m). The Pele La is the third of our big passes and by now we should be getting used to the climbs. This pass is traditionally known as the boundary Western and Eastern Bhutan and the landscape which spreads out on the far side of the pass is different to that on the western side. Another amazing descent follows (1530m). It is downhill almost all the way for 60 kilometers to Tongsa.

We take our lunch at Chendebji, a magnificent Stupa built to ward off the demons of the valley. After crossing a bridge at Nika Chhu, we enter Tongsa district and follow a dramatic section of the road, carved into the side of a cliff, high above the Mangde Chhu. The scenery is beautiful – forest as far as the eye can see and with Tongsa Dzong visible from 30 kilometers away, at the end of the valley. Tongsa means “new village” – was founded in the 16th century, which is relatively recent for Bhutan! After so much downhill riding, beware of the final 300m climb up to Tongsa Village – it can catch you out! If we have time in the afternoon we will take a look around the Dzong, which is situated on a spur over the Mangde Chhu, with a commanding view in every direction. Altitude at Tongsa: 2200m. Ride time: 5 to 6 hours.
Overnight: hotel Yangkhil

19th June: Bike to Jakar
The road climbs rapidly through a series of hairpins out of Tongsa and there are great views back to the Dzong and out across the valley. After passing through cultivated fields for a while, we re-enter the forest and at a distance of 30 kilometers from Tongsa we reach the Yutung La (3400m).

Descending to a low point of 2650m at a village called Chumey; the scenery is once again totally different as we enter the wide-open Bumthang valleys. If you like, you may bike downhill from the pass along the historical old trade route which had been abandoned ever since the accessibility of road to this part of the country which is about thirty years ago, and the path is back into its complete wilderness form as nobody uses it now. We will take about an hour to get to the roadside at Chumey, the first of the four valleys in Bumthang, and find out a nice spot to have picnic lunch. After a short climb to Kiki La, we turn a corner for a great descent to Jakar. From almost 20 kilometers away we can see Jakar Dzong, high above the village. Altitude at Jakar: 2600m. Ride time: 7 to 8 hours.
Overnight: hotel Yoeserling

20th June: Day at the festival
This festival is celebrated annually in the fall in honor of Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche to commemorate his great deeds. Both lay people and monks perform the dances of the Tsechu. The dancers take on the aspects of wrathful and compassionate deities. The dances known as Cham bring blessings upon onlookers, to instruct them in the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma, to protect them from misfortune, and to exorcise evil influences. Deities are invoked during the dances; through their power and benediction, misfortunes may be annihilated, luck increased and wishes realized. It is also a social gathering where the people rejoice together, dressed in their finest clothing and jewelry.
Overnight: hotel Yoeserling

21st June: Jakar
Today, we will hike up to Tharpaling Monastery perched way up on the ridge above Jakar. The path goes up through beautiful and virgin conifer forest with occasional view of snowcapped mountains in the north. It’s a treat, to be on top of the ridge after the long climb. A perfect place of contemplation!
Overnight – Hotel Yoeserling

22nd June: Across the Shertang La
The height gain of 900 metres to our fifth pass, the Shertang La, is achieved after almost 40 kilometres of biking. The Ura Valley, on the far side, is the highest of the Bumthang Valleys. Extensive sheep pastures line the road and just before the pass there is a panorama of the mountains of Lunana to north. We descend from the pass by long loops, through pastureland and fields to Ura village. Here, we camp on one of the few flat places in the valley. Altitude: 3000m. Ride time: 6 to 7 hours.
Overnight: Roadside Camp

23rd June: Cross the Thrumsing La to Mongar
Bhutan’s highest road pass! Today is a long day and if we wish to cycle the whole way, we need to set off at first light. After a short descent to a bridge, we start climbing immediately to the Thrumshing La (3800m). The ascent, over 30 kilometers, is quite gradual and the scenery is stunning, as we pass through dense forest of conifer and rhododendron. The climb is actually split into two parts as there is a minor pass on the way to the Thrumshing La, followed by a short descent to a bridge across a river. The pass marks the last of our high altitude climbs. We have lunch (and a celebratory toast!) on the pass before setting off on what must rank as one of the most enjoyable and breath-takingly beautiful descents in the biking world. From the pass, the road plunges 3200m to the valley floor at 600m. The whole descent, over 85 kilometers, passes through dark conifers, then a mixture of deciduous and conifer woodland, before entering the semi-tropical zone at an altitude of around 1800m. Bamboo and an array of rare plant life lines the sides of the road, but no doubt everyone will be too involved in the dizzying descent to notice! The 20 kilometres between Sengor and Namling has the reputation for being the most hair-raising section of the road across Bhutan, but is just perfect for mountain bikes. Hewn out of the side of a cliff, and above a vertiginous drop for most of the way, this is the most exhilarating part of the trip. By the time we reach Lingmithang, the temperature will have risen considerably and we will feel as if we have arrived in the tropics. After 5 hours and 85 kilometers of solid “fun downhill”, most people will be simply speechless. The sting in the tail is a final 20 kilometers climb to the village of Mongar. Altitude: 1600m Ride time: 12 hours.
Overnight: Druk Shongar

24th June: Bike to Tashigang
Another great descent in store for us today, but first we have a further 20 kilometers of our climb to finish, en route to the Kori La (2400m), the first of two relatively minor passes. The road then descends rapidly through cornfields and banana groves and after 10 kilometers reaches the start of the famous hairpins at Yadi (1500m). Thirty kilometers of interminable bends later we arrive at a bridge across the Sheri River at 600m. This has been the second longest descent of the trip, a sparkling 1850m! Back in the hot tropical climate, we can enjoy a very pleasant ride along the side of the Gamri River to the bridge and check post below Tashigang. A steep 10 kilometers climb finishes off quite a hard day’s biking. Tashigang sees very few tourists and facilities are limited, but we stay in the best place in the town which is in reality a very basic lodge. Altitude: 1100m Ride Time: 7 to 8 hours.
Overnight: hotel Doejong

25th June: Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar (08 hours)
We have now reached the most easterly point of our journey as the road now heads south for 200 kilometers to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan’s eastern road border with Assam.
A small celebration will certainly be in order as you will be one of only a tiny handful of people who have completed what is arguably the most beautiful and challenging bike ride in the world.
Overnight: hotel TLT

26th June: Drive to Gauhati Airport
This morning, we drive for three hours to Gauhati, the capital of Assam, where we go straight to the airport to check in for the flight to Delhi.

KONA Biking Team

Day 01: Arrive Paro
Flying in to the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. Your guide who is going to be with you throughout your trip from Bhutan Wilderness Travel will welcome you at the airport. A fifteen minute drive follows the narrow winding road to our hotel which is a traditional Bhutanese building with attractive gardens and an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere. We have some time before dinner to put our bikes together, in preparation for the start of our journey.
Overnight: Uma Resort

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang
After breakfast, we finish off the bikes and gear up for the first day’s riding. Bike for about an hour to the trail head to hike up to the Taktsang Monastery. This is one of the Buddhist world’s most venerated pilgrimage sites and is known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is said that the Guru Rinpoche came to Taktsang on the back of a tigress and, whilst meditating in a cave, converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. A number of temples have now been built on the site, and these occupy precarious positions, clinging to a black cliff high above the Paro valley. The visit involves a two-hour climb on a steep foot path through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. The views are well worth the effort. After spending some time at the monastery, we descend back to the road and bike to our hotel along the dirt farm road.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Uma Resort

Day 03: Ha Valley across the Chele La
Biking easily down to the Paro valley from our hotel, we pass through farmland and scattered hamlets to reach the start of our climb to the Chele La. Setting off on our first big climb, we gain height gradually and at some of the turns have glimpses to the north of the snowcapped peaks of the Bhutan Himalaya. Chomolhari and Jichudrake are the biggest peaks at the western end of the country. After approximately 36 kilometres, which may take as long as 5 hours, we reach the prayer flagged summit of the pass at the lofty altitude of 3822 metres. This is pretty high so early in the trip and anyone not feeling up to this challenge can opt to hitch a ride on the support vehicle at any time. At the pass, we will have a snack lunch and plenty to drink and brace ourselves for a breath- taking 20 kilometers descent. After an initial cruise between the trees, we head down into the valley by way of a series of 10 extravagant hairpin turns. Thankfully, there is almost no traffic on this road.
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Overnight: Rigsum Hotel

Day 04: Bike to Thimphu
Our destination today is the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu, which is 110ks from Ha. Thankfully, this is all on a good and fairly level road-with very little traffic. We start out very easily for 40ks we follow the Ha river gently downhill. We head towards the southeast and then northwards to a junction with Bhutan’s main east-west highway at Chuzom (2068m). Incidentally, the road from Paro also meets main highway here. From here, we follow the Thim Chu upstream through a mixture of rice fields and coniferous forest. We find a suitable wayside spot for a lunch stop and then continue, via a narrow gorge section and a widening of the valley at Namseling. Finally, the quaint suburbs of Thimphu begin to appear. Thimphu is the largest settlement in Bhutan and is spread out across a wide valley. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.
Duration: 6 -7 hours
Overnight: Hotel Jomolhari

Day 05: Across the Dochu La to Punakha
Our stay in Thimphu is only a short one and we breakfast in anticipation of the bike ride that lies ahead of us. The road up to the Dochu La (3050m) involves a 22ks ride and a height gain of 670m. The hillsides on either side of road are covered in a luxuriant temperate forest, with an abundance of rhododendron and magnolia. The lower slopes are even lusher, with orange trees, bananas and bamboo. Several species of deer and monkeys make their home in this forest. We will meet our support vehicle at the pass and have a stop for rest and refreshment. The pass is marked by many prayer flags and chortens and it offers a magnificent panorama of the Eastern Himalaya, including the all of the giant 7000 meter peaks of Lunana in northeastern Bhutan. The downhill from the Dochu La into the Punakha valley will leave you speechless ¬ 1700 meters of descent, through lush forest and jungle and spread over a distance of 50 kilometers. After a quick shower and change in the hotel, we take the bus for a side trip to Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital. Lying at the junction of the Mo (Mother) Chu and the Pho (Father) Chu, Punakha Dzong is the winter home for over 1000 monks. Every year the Punakha festival celebrates the famous victory over the Tibetans, who were repulsed whilst trying to recapture the sacred statue of the God of long life, brought to Bhutan by Shabdrung. We have a sightseeing tour of the magnificent Dzong which was built in 1637 and partly restored following a flood 10 years ago.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Overnight: Hotel YT

Day 06: Bike to Talo
Challenging climb to the Royal villages of Talo through chirpine forests in the morning is followed by an amazing single-track descent to the ancient temples at Norbugang through beautiful forests of oaks and rhododendrons. Continue biking down the trail along the ridge to Punakha.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Overnight: Hotel YT

Day 07: Day at Wangdi Phodrang Festival
Today, we will spend our day at the festival in Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, another district that is not so far down stream towards the south of Punakha. This festival is celebrated annually in the fall in honor of Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche to commemorate his great deeds. Both lay people and monks perform the dances of the Tsechu. The dancers take on the aspects of wrathful and compassionate deities. The dances known as Cham bring blessings upon onlookers, to instruct them in the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma, to protect them from misfortune, and to exorcise evil influences. Deities are invoked during the dances; through their power and benediction, misfortunes may be annihilated, luck increased and wishes realized. It is also a social gathering where the people rejoice together, dressed in their finest clothing and jewelry.
Overnight: Hotel YT

Day 08: Around Punakha ride and rafting
This day combines great sightseeing with the first ever designed mountain biking trail in Bhutan and a white water rafting descent. Riding down the valley, the massive artchitechural building of 17th century Punakha Dzong (fortress) soon looms into view> Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel in a commanding position at the confluence of Pho Chu And Mochu ( Male and female rivers) it is the second oldest Dzong. It served as the seat of the kingdoms’s government until 1955 and today functions as the winter home of je khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with the retinue of 1000 monks. After a look around we head out on an exiting single- track trail along the Po Chu to Samdingkha and picnic lunch will be serve at the put- in for the rafting. This wonderful class three river is a great introduction to whitewater with some fun intermediate rapids. It ends up passing under Punakha Dzong back at the confluence. This exhilarating ride will take you through a series of fast and calm waters allowing you to experience both the thrill of conquering whitewater and the landscape up close.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Overnight: Hotel YT

Day 09: Back to Paro
This morning, we will take a drive back to Paro via Thimphu. We will have lunch and spend some time in Thimphu shopping or just walking along the street before we proceed to Paro. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Overnight: Uma Resort

Day 10: Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan wilderness travels will bid you farewell, and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.

Wangdi Valley

Day 1: Arrival, check- in, orientation and easy walk.
Upon arrival, your tour escort from Bhutan Wilderness Travels welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will take a short walk around Paro for orientation and acclimatization purposes.
Overnight: Tandiling Resort

Day 2: Hike to Taktshang ‘Tiger Nest’ Monastery and visit to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang.
After breakfast you will be driven to the starting point of a hike to view the spectacular Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forests, passing trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. After a refreshment stop at a cafeteria on the way, you will continue for a short distance until you see, across a deep chasm but clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktsang Monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. In the afternoon before returning to your hotel, you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Monastery, one of the oldest in the kingdom.
Duration: 5 -7 hours
Overnight: Tandiling Resort

Day 3: National Museum, Paro Dzong and drive to Haa valley.
Today we visit the National Museum ‘Ta Dzong’, meaning watch tower (open Tuesday- Saturday.) It commands a magnificent view of Paro valley. We then descend to Rinpung Dzong (fortress on the heap of jewel). From there, the trail leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam), past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town.
After lunch, we drive across Chele La (pass) which, at 3810m, is the highest road pass in Bhutan. On a clear day, the view of the snow-capped mountains including Mt. Jhomulhari, one of the most sacred mountains in Bhutan, is magnificent. A 45-minute descent takes us to the remote Haa valley, described as carpeted in flowers and covered with pine, where the Bhutanese continue their age-old rural existence beneath dramatic, changing skies. The Haa valley was opened to foreigners in 2002.
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Overnight: Rigsum Resort

Day 4: Lhakhang Karpo, Dobji Dzong, Thimphu
After a short visit to Lhakhang Karpo (white temple), we continue our drive to Thimphu through beautiful villages and pine forests. It is a pleasurable ride, with many optional stops along the road. A picnic lunch is served on the way. Thimphu, the capital, rests on a wooded hillside by the Wang Chhu. The center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions.
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Overnight: Hotel Jomulhari

Day 5: Thimphu sightseeing.
Sights include the following, time and local conditions permitting:
National Memorial Chorten: Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but he died before his plan came to fruition. The royal Queen Mother resolved to fulfill his wishes and erected a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace.
BBS Tower Viewpoint and Takin Compound:One the way to the Viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose. The Bhutanese have their own story to narrate about how the takin was created by the Master Drukpa Kunley (the divine madman).
View of Tashi Choe Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initialy constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s. Tashi Choe Dzong houses His Majesty’s secretariat, ministers’ offices, and the Central Monk Body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5 pm.
National Institute of Traditional Medicine: The Institute still dispenses traditional herbal and other medicines made from plants, minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems. A tour of its working facility for research and treatment of local people is fascinating (open – Monday – Friday.)
Folk Heritage Museum: This is a very old house in the capital owned by a reputed family for the last three hundred years. In 2002, H.M. Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk converted it to a museum, in order to preserve its traditional value. (Open Monday – Friday)
Overnight: Hotel Jomulhari

Day 6: Drive to Punakha valley (1300m)
After breakfast, we begin our drive to Punakha. On the way, a drive takes us all the way up to Dochu La (3050m) to witness the magnificent view of the eastern Himalayan range (weather permitting). Dochu La is marked with 108 stupas built in memory of soldiers who lost their lives during military action against Assamese rebels.
From here we have a very long decent to the lower valley of Punakha. We will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1636. It was restored many times due to fire, earthquake and flood. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still the winter home of the Central Monk Body.
Duration: 5 – 6 hours
Overnight: Hotel YT

Day 7: Punakha to Paro.
After a short hike to Chime lhakhang (fertility temple), we retrace our journey back to Paro, stopping at Dochu La for lunch. We will arrive at Paro, with still some free time before dinner.
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Overnight: Tandiling Resort

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be driven to the airport in time to catch your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan Wilderness Travels bids you farewell, and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.

Day 01: Arrive Paro Flying in to the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. Your guide who is going to be with you throughout your trip from Bhutan Wilderness Travels will meet you at the airport. A fifteen minute drive follows the narrow winding road to our hotel which is a traditional Bhutanese building with attractive gardens and an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will visit the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1651 as a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. Since 1967, the watch tower has served as the home of the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, ancient relics and religious artifacts. Next in line is Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro and its district administration. If there is time, we will walk along the small main street of Paro in the evening with its typically Bhutanese shops and small lodges. Altitude at Paro – 2250 meters.
Overnight: hotel in Paro

Day 02: A Day of fishing along upper Paro River.

Day 03: Paro / Jili Dzong (4-5 hours) To start our trek, we will have to take a short drive of about 15 minutes to the trail head. Today, we will have to make our way up gradually along the ancient trade route till Jili La Pass (3490m). It’s then just a short gentle walk down to our camp in a yak pasture (3450m). If we have time and if you are not tired with day’s walk, we can walk along the ridge that is just above our camp for the stunning view of mountains and the valleys. Overnight: Camp at Jili Dzong (3450m)

Day 04: Jili Dzong /Jangchu Lakha (4-5 hours) After making a short climb, the trail gets level in the meadow along the ridge for sometime before you walk downhill for a while to climb through thick alpine forest to a saddle at 3,590m. The trail then follows the ridge, making many ups and downs, along the one side of the ridge to the other, heading towards north east to our camp at Jangchup Lakha (3,780m) yet another yak pasture. En route you are likely to see or hear some monal pheasants, and if the weather is clear, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the mount Jhomolhari and its associates.
Overnight: Camp at Jangchuplakha (3780m)

Day 05: Jangchu Lakha/Jimilangtsho (4-5 hours) This morning, we have a short steep climb through the forest of junipers that starts right from the camp. Once the steep climb is done, the trail gets level for a while and then it goes gradually up and down through the thicket of dwarf rhododendrons leading ultimately to Jangchu La (4180m) before you make a big drop to the camp at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m). The name of this lake means Sand Ox Lake, named for a bull that emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a summer grazing ground. This lake is known for its giant sized trout, and if we get to the camp early, you may have a bit of fishing.
Overnight: Camp at Jimilangtsho (3880m).

Day 06: A day of fishing at Jimilangtsho Lake.

Day 07: Jimilangtsho/Simkota (4-5 hours) Today to start our climb, we will have to walk down to the southern end of the lake and then climb through dwarf rhododendrons till the trail becomes a little flat to get to another lake known as Jahnye Tsho. It is so rare to get fish from this lake but if you catch one, it’s going to be a big one. Perhaps we will give a try for the trophy for about an hour or two before we continue our climb to the next camp. From here, the path gets much wider as it meanders uphill through the dwarf rhododendrons till the summit near by the camp. As we climb up, if we take a look back to the lake when the rhododendrons are in blossom, this place with the lake gets so beautiful and special that it takes a long time to forget. Also on a clear day from here, we can see the most part of the trail that we trekked on along the ridge on the other side on day two and three of our trek.
Overnight: Camp at Simkota(4040m)

Day 08: A day of fishing at Simkota Lake

Day 09: Simkota /Thimphu (5-6 hours) The day begins with a short gradual climb along the rocky trail till it gets level for a while and then there is a short descent before you climb up to Phume La (4210m) the highest point on this trek. From here, it’s just under an hour’s walk to the edge of the ridge which is marked by the Chorten and a grove of fluttering prayer flags. On a clear day, one can have the views of long chain of snow covered mountains, and Thimphu valley underneath. From here, we have a long downhill walk to Thimphu passing Thujidrag temple, a retreat center that hangs on the side of a precipitous rock face and some temples at Phajoding (3870m).
Overnight: hotel in Thimphu

Day 10: Thimphu/Paro (2 hours) Today, we will take a short drive towards north to Dodena for your last fishing in Bhutan. This is one of the most beautiful fishing spot along Thimphu River. In the afternoon, proceed to Paro which takes about 2 hours along the national highway.
Overnight: hotel in Paro

Day 11: Departure After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan Wilderness travels will bid you farewell, and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.

Day 1: Arrive Bhutan
Catch an early morning flight to Paro, Bhutan’s only airport. your route parallels the mighty Himalayan mountain chain and if the weather is good we should see Mount Everest. After clearing immigration we’ll drive east through an enchanting valley with its gaily-decorated shingle-roofed houses and willow-fringed river. Red-billed Choughs are quite common in this valley and as we head east we’ll stop to search for Ibisbill and Brown Dipper. With luck we might encounter a regional speciality such as Rufous-fronted Tit. We’ll spend the night in Thimphu, Bhutan’s delightful capital.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu/Punakha
We’ll head east out of Thimphu, up onto the western slopes of the Dochu La, the first of a series of high altitude road passes that we’ll explore. Entering the pristine mixed forests of hemlock, fir, oak, blossoming magnolias, and rhododendrons we should see a wealth of birds including some species-rich feeding flocks. Quarrelsome Nutcrackers are common and past highlights have included a skulking Hill Partridge, a Satyr Tragopan, a Golden Bush Robin, an immaculate Cutia, a Brown Parrotbill and even the gorgeous Fire-tailed Myzornis. Most of our birding on this tour will be from the roads, which are well paved and almost lacking in traffic. Today however, we’ll venture off road on to a trail that enables us to explore the forest more thoroughly. On several recent tours we’ve even managed to have excellent views of Ward’s Trogon, one of Bhutan’s premier avian prizes.
Overnight: Camp in Punakha

Day 3: Punakha
Today, we’ll explore the braided channels of the Mo Chhu river and the bird-rich sub-tropical forests it contains. Our route will take us past the spectacular Punakha Dzong (a fortress and monastery combined). We should see an impressive array of species here, and sometimes we see a White-bellied Heron, one of Bhutan’s rarest birds. We’re sure to encounter several parties of brightly coloured minivets, noisy Striated Laughingthrushes and may also see more Ibisbills. A whole host of forest species such as Bay Woodpecker, Red-headed Trogon, and Wedge-tailed Pigeon, wait to be discovered. Fire-capped Tit breeds here, as does White-gorgeted Flycatcher and the rare Yellow-vented Warbler. We’ll also search for a variety of skulkers including Lesser Shortwing, Spotted and Pygmy Wren-Babblers and two of the three species of tesia.
Overnight: Camp in Punakha

Day 4: Punakha/Gangtey
Continuing east, past Wangdi Dzong (another monastery and fortress combined), we’ll make a series of brief stops to scan the braided river channel.We’ll also check forest edges and explore some of the small patches of cultivation. We’ll enter productive forest near the end of our journey and will stop here to look for species such as Blood Pheasant, Satyr Tragopan and the majestic Himalayan Monal. Spotted Laughingthrush, Yellowish-bellied Bush-Warbler, Rusty-flanked Treecreeper, White-browed Bush Robin and White-winged Grosbeak also occur here.
Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey

Day 5: Gangtey/Trongsa
Leaving Gangtey we’ll follow the twisting road up over the Pele La pass and into ‘Central Bhutan’. A stand of ringal bamboo extends for about three miles below the pass and we’ll search here for specialities such as Great and Brown Parrotbills, and Golden-breasted Fulvetta, surely one of the world’s most attractive passerines.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 6-7: Trongsa/Shemgang
From Trongsa we’ll head south to our first camp site near Zhemgang. Our main target at the start of our journey is the rare and little-known Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, but we should also see a number of other species, perhaps including Fire-capped Tit, Large Niltava, and Russet Bush Warbler. The entire length of this spectacularly forested valley is also a good area for the endangered Golden Langur monkey. We’ve seen Beautiful Nuthatch at a couple of sites on this road and will spend time searching for this magnificent bird. Our camp site, right in the heart of some superb forest, is at one of the lowest altitudes that we will visit in Bhutan and species seen here on recent tours include Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Violet Cuckoo, Pin-tailed Green Pigeon, Rufous-necked Hornbill and Cutia. Rufous-faced Warbler is also quite common here. We also stand a further chance of encountering the rare White-bellied Heron. We’ll spend two nights here camping in modern, walk-in, spacious tents and sleeping on comfortable camp beds all erected for us by our Bhutanese crew.

Day 8: Shemgang/Bumthang
Retracing our route we’ll head back north through Trongsa before climbing over a bamboo-thronged pass into the first of the four Bumthang Valleys. The scenery suddenly changes to broad grassy valleys and rolling hillsides covered in spruce and fir and the avifauna changes equally abruptly. Nutcrackers can be common, though we’ll have to spend a little more time searching for the region’s real specialities – Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler, Fulvous, Brown and Great Parrotbills, White-browed and Rufous-breasted Bush Robins and Dark-rumped Rosefinch.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang/Sengor
We’ll start early today, continuing our circuit east and searching for pheasants which could include Monal, Satyr Tragopan and Blood Pheasant. We will climb, and eventually cross, the Thrumsing La, which at 12,465ft is Bhutan’s highest road pass. The road then plunges dramatically down into rich semi-tropical rainforest and we find ourselves on the Lingmethang road, perhaps Asia’s premier birding road. Many of Bhutan’s most sought-after birds can be found here including Chestnut-breasted Partridge, Ward’s Trogon, the majestic Rufous-necked Hornbill, Blue-naped Pitta, Blue-fronted Robin, and Sikkim Wedge-billed, Long-billed and Bar-winged Wren-Babblers. Accommodation nearby is spartan, so we’ve opted to camp again, spending four more night under canvas.
Overnight: Camp at Sengor

Days 10-11: Sengor/Lingimithang
We’ll spend these days exploring the fabulous, lush primary forests near Linmethang in search of the area’s specialities. We’re sure to see many new birds, and while not all of these are rare, many of them, such as Slender-billed and Coral-billed Scimitar-Babblers, Scaly and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, Broad-billed Warbler, White-naped Yuhina, and Rufous-throated Wren-Babbler are poorly known and unfamiliar to most birders.
Overnight: Camp at Lingmithang

Day 12: Lingmithang/Tashigang
Leaving our campsite we’ll continue our journey east to near Trashigang, a small town in northeastern Bhutan. We’ll spend the night camping at a site where we’ve regularly seen Black-tailed Crake.
Overnight: Camp in Tashigang

Day 13: Tashigang/Narphung
We’ll wind our way south en route to our next base in southeastern Bhutan. Our journey takes us through a series of villages and we’ll stop to view an ornate Buddhist temple, before continuing over several forest-covered passes and down equally spectacular river valleys. Easternmost Bhutan is poorly known ornithologically and we’ll make several exploratory birding stops amid superb forests near Narphung before we reach our camp. In the past we’ve seen rarities such Grey-sided Laughingthrush and Ward’s Trogon on this journey.
Overnight: Camp at Narphung

Day 14: Narphung/Deothang
Our campsite near Narphung is in the heart of prime mid-altitude forest and provides us with opportunities to study the birds of this rich biotope. We’ll spend the entire day birding in the forests between Worong and Dewothang, having breakfast and lunch in the field. We expect to arrive at Samdrup Jongkhar, our base for the following two nights, in the early evening. Today’s target species will include Mountain Imperial Pigeons, Dark-rumped Swift, Long-tailed Broadbill, Rufous-necked Laughingthrush and we stand another chance of encountering the enigmatic Beautiful Nuthatch.
Overnight: Camp at Deothang

Day 15: Deothang/Samdrup Jongkhar
We’ll explore the forested hill slopes around Samdrup Jongkhar, a bustling border town lying at the junction of the Himalayas and the Brahmaputra flood plain. Here we may find species such as Grey Peacock Pheasant, Jerdon’s Baza, Pied Falconet, Dark-rumped Swift, Wreathed Hornbill, Whistling Hawk-Cuckoo, Pin-tailed Green-Pigeon, Violet Cuckoo, and Sultan Tit.
Overnight: Hotel in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Day 16: Departure
Your Indian agent will come and take you to the Airport in Gauhati for your onward flight to Delhi or Kolkota.