6 NIGHTS 7 DAYS PUNAKHA WINTER TREK

DAY 01 : PARO – THIMPHU

During the journey by Druk Air ( Bhutan’s National Airline), one will experience spectacular view of Mt. Everest (of Nepal) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Mozilla Bhutan Tours and Treks.. Drive to Thimph.The distance of about 65kms from Paro airport takes more than 1 hour. Drive south following Pachu River to the river confluence at Chuzom, which is also the hub of road network going to Paro, Ha, Thimphu and Phuntsholing. From Chuzom, the drive takes about less than 1 hour, staying close to the Wangchu River in the valley floor, as you pass through villages and suburbs to the capital, Thimphu. En-route, you can stop to view Tachogang temple.

Thimphu (2,300m): was a wooded farming valley until 1961, when it became Bhutan's official national capital. The massive Tashicho Dzong, about 700 years old, was carefully revamped in the 1960s by the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to house royal and main government offices. Even today, it still only has a few streets and no traffic lights with estimated population of 150,000 people. On arrival check in hotel and takes a short rest.

Later, after lunch visit:Memorial Chorten: This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other parts of the country.

Buddha Dordema: Early in the morning drive to the Buddha point to take beautiful shot of Buddha and the valley. The big statue of sitting Buddha is located on the hill of Thimphu valley. The statue is made of bronze and the high of the statue is 169ft (51.5m).Before you return back to hotel. Make a short walk in Thimphu city. Overnight in Hotel.

DAY 02 : THIMPHU - THIMPHU

After breakfast drive to north of Thimphu and hike to Cheri monastery. Cheri Gompa Monastery (2850m) Cheri Gompa was first built in 1620 by shabdrung and it was here that the central monastic body (Dratsang) was first established. Many of the important priests of Drukpa Kagyul lineage passed periods here, and so it is an important pilgrim’s site for Bhutanese. During the weekends, many Bhutanese are seen climbing up the hill from Dodena (2,600m), where the road ends. Cross a wooden cantilever bridge and climb up the hill with moss-laden pine, fir and rhododendron trees, that takes little over 1 hour. Return to the road.

Instead of walking uphill from Dodena, one can make it more interesting by starting the walk from pangri Zampa. Drive towards northern end of the valley for about 1 ½ hr and start an exciting walk to Cheri Monastery. This is a 2-3 hour pleasant rural walk, gently up a valley through paddy fields and woodland via a Tibetan village, following the Wanchu river-upstream till Dodena. Then walk uphill to Cheri Gompa. Return downhill, meet the transport and drive to Thimphu.

Tashichhodzong: This fortress serves as the office of the King, ministers and various government organizations. It also is the headquarters for central monastic body of Bhutan. Bhutan's spiritual leader Je-Khenpo and the monks of both Thimphu and Punakha reside here during summer. It is also the venue for Thimphu Festival in the autumn season. Overnight Thimph

DAY 03 : CHAMINA - DOPSHING PANG (5 - 6 HRS 3,400 MTR)

Drives north up the valley towards Dechencholing Palace, following the Thimphu Chhu, crossing the bridge after the army camp and before a beautiful monastery. Follow the unsealed road just above Chamina village. The hikes start here. From this point, if the weather is clear, you can see Phajoding monastery, which is located just above Thimphu. After 2 km, you can see Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill until you reach the campsite.

DAY 04 : DOPSHING PANG - CHORTEN NINGPO (7 HRS 2,700 MTR)

The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will take trekkers through thick forests, villages and rice fields. The trek finishes at Chorten Ningpo which is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, better known as the “divine madman”.

DAY 05 : PUNAKHA - PARO

Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with Bhutan’s only airport located here, among the terraced fields, and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with bright colors of the fields and the most popular and important sites also found within Paro district. Paro town (2,280m) is still a small with one main street and less than one hundred small family-run shops.

Rinpung Dzong: meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Built in mid 17th century, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. It is also the venue for Paro festival held in the spring. Several years ago, the colorful movie Little Buddha was filmed here.

Kyichu Lhakhang: Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 06 : PARO TIGERNEST HIKE

Drive to famed Taktsang (Tiger’s lair) monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of a 1,000m seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff, above Paro valley.

The trail begins near the Satsam (2650m) and climbs steeply uphill to the Cafeteria (2,940m), an area of exposed ridge with panoramic view of Takstang. This takes little more than an hour. (Ponies are provided on request to ride up till this Cafeteria, but rest of way, including return downhill must be on foot.) You can get a good view from the Cafeteria or hike further uphill for another hour or so to the temple itself. There are several other temples and sites within the vicinity. Lunch is served at the tea house. The return trek to the road head is quite steep downhill, where you will be met by the transport. Farm House or Village Home: Bhutanese farmhouses are colorful, decorative and traditionally built without any nails.

Majority of the houses are with three story, first floor is utilized for sheltering cattle, second floor for the family to live in and the top for storing and drying of foods and fodder for animal. Almost all the farmhouses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to farmhouse is interesting and provides you with an experience to the daily life of average Bhutanese. Take a hot stone bath. Overnight Paro.

DAY 07 : PARO DEPARTURE

After breakfast check out from hotel then transfer to airport for your destination Kolkata > Bagdogra > Delhi > Singapore > Thailand

Tashi Delek !