Experience one of the world’s most breathtaking flights as you arrive in Paro, surrounded by stunning mountain panoramas. A representative from Zen Eco Travel will greet you at the airport after you complete customs. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour of Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum, which showcases numerous religious relics, artworks, and handicrafts that offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich historical, cultural, and religious tapestry. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to admire the captivating painting of the great saint Milarepa. Dzongs serve as both grand monasteries and administrative centers, originally built as strategic forts. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery. This 1.5 to 2-hour uphill trek takes you nearly a kilometer above the Paro valley floor. For those who prefer not to hike, a horse can be arranged to transport you to the cafeteria. The monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley, is a stunning sight and an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated here in a cave for three months in the 8th century, introducing the teachings of Buddhism to Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit the almost completely reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. Originally built by Shabdrung in 1644 to commemorate his victory against Tibetan invaders, the dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951. On clear days, the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) serves as a breathtaking backdrop. Return to Paro, visiting other attractions in the valley along the way. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Drive to the village of Genekha (2800m) to commence your trek. After crossing a bridge over the Wang Chu (Thimphu River), follow a well-marked trail that steadily ascends through oak forests to a rocky platform—a perfect resting spot. Continue through birch and bamboo forests until you reach your campsite in a meadow at Gur (3350m). Overnight at the campsite.

Set off from Gur on a well-maintained trail that leads to the alpine zone, offering sweeping views of the valley below. Arrive at Gibze Kebze (3710m), a potential campsite. If everyone is acclimatizing well, continue across hillsides adorned with rhododendrons to Pagalabsta La Pass (4170m) for breathtaking views of the Dagala range. Descend to a stone hut used by yak herders at Wataching (4100m). Overnight at the campsite.

From Wataching, cross several ridges while entering more rugged terrain, following a broad valley known as Labatama, dotted with yak herder huts. Arrive at a stunning campsite below cliffs near Utsho Lake (4250m), famed for its golden trout. Explore the area or, if conditions permit, hike up to Jomo for magnificent views, including Kanchenjunga and Chomolhari from its summit. Jomo is revered as a female deity protecting animals, and locals may ask for a respectful pause at the lower peak (4530m). Overnight at the campsite.

Leave Labatama, crossing Labajong La Pass (4400m). Those with energy may detour for stunning views near the pass. Depending on water availability, camps may vary before and after monsoon, but we aim for Panka. If conditions allow, we will take a different route to Panka. Overnight at the campsite.

Awaken to breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake among other Himalayan peaks. Traverse through rhododendron forests, home to Himalayan pheasants. Reach Chole La Pass (4100m), then descend to Kiwi Chowa (4030m). Continue to a pass at 3960m where four paths converge, leading to Talakha Peak (4300m) with exceptional views of the Thimphu Valley. If the weather permits, the majestic peaks should be visible. Descend to a mixed forest of fir, juniper, rhododendron, rose, bamboo, and birch, arriving at Talakha Monastery. Overnight at a campsite near the monastery.

A short hour’s walk leads you down to the road head, from where you’ll drive through apple orchards to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Check into your hotel and unwind before enjoying a sightseeing tour of Thimphu, which has transformed from a rustic village to the vibrant capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built by the Royal Queen Mother in honor of the Third King. Continue to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Continue your exploration of Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, the National Library, which houses Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, and the Traditional Paper Factory. Explore a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If time allows, visit the nursing pen for the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, and Tashichhodzong, the fortress that houses several ministries and the central monk body. For those interested, a hike to the ancient Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 minutes) is available. If you’re here on the weekend, enjoy a stroll through Thimphu Market. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), which offers spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks on clear days, before descending into the lush Punakha Valley (approximately 3 hours). The drive provides glimpses into the daily life of this remote kingdom. The Dochula area is adorned with towering rhododendrons that bloom in vibrant colors each spring.

Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, awaits your arrival. Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the unifier of Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers, it serves as the winter headquarters for the Je Khenpo and many monks. The main temple’s architecture is a breathtaking example of traditional Bhutanese design, featuring intricately embossed pillars adorned with gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan's first king was crowned.

er lunch, take a scenic walk to Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenly. Known for his unorthodox teachings that emphasized the inner essence of religion, he is regarded as a symbol of fertility, attracting many childless couples seeking blessings. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/Wangduephodrang.

In the morning, drive to Yabesa village and hike through rice fields to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. This chorten, perched on a hill by the river, features paintings from the Nyingmapa Tradition. Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch before returning to Punakha Dzong through farmland and along the scenic riverbank.

Drive back to Thimphu, where you can visit handicraft and souvenir shops. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Thimphu before heading to Paro. Alternatively, return to Paro early to explore the beautiful Paro Valley further. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast at your hotel, drive to the airport for your onward flight. Tashi Delek!