DAY 01:  ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Makalu Adventure. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 02: PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.

After lunch visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO – THIMPHU (2 &half hours)

Drive or ride on the bikes: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

 Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch hotel in Thimphu.
Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu

DAY 06 : THIMPHU – WANGDUE PHODRAND VALLEY (5 hours)

Ride on the bikes to Wangdue (79 km) the journey takes about 4 &half hours through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear) and descends down to subtropical area Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.

DAY 07 : WANGDUE PHODRANG – TRONGSA (6 hours)

After breakfast ride on the bikes and ascends up to the Pelela Pass which is 3340m where you can see wonderful view of Himalayan Mountains and this Pass separates the western from the other regions of the country. Lunch in Chendebji.
Over night: Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 08:  TRONGSA – BUMTHANG VALLEY (5 hours)

After breakfast visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest Dzongs in the country, the ancestral home of our Royal family. It was built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the third Desi, in 1648. The Dzong now is the office of the district Administration and central monastic body. Visit also the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) and stroll through the small Trongsa town. Lunch in Trongsa. Ride on the bikes to Bumthang Valley steep up across the Yutola Pass. The journey takes about 4 & half hrs and is one of the most scenically beautiful journeys to Bhutan, Enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese family in farm house or guest house in Bumthang.
Over night: Guest house in Bumthang

DAY 08: BUMTHANG- A DAY EXCURSION TO URA VALLEY

A Day excursion to Ura Valley. Ura has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm houses, it is really worth seeing this valley. Picnic Lunch in Ura Valley and drive to Member (Tsho) the burning on the way back.
Over night: Guest house in Bumthang

DAY 09 : BUMTHANG – SIGHT SEEING

Visit the village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang and visit Jambay Lhakhang Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kuenshusum Lhakhang. Lunch in Guest house.

Afternoon, Visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 AD (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) and in the evening scroll around the town for shopping.
Over night: Hotel in Bumthang

DAY 10: BUMTHANG - TRONGSA - WANGDUE VIA GANGTEY

Drive to Wangdue Phodrang via Gangtey valley which takes about 5 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Phubjikha and drive to Wangdue Phodrang
Over night: Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang

DAY 11: WANGDUE - PUNAKHA – PARO

Drive to Punakha town and Punakha Dzong.  Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. Early lunch at hotel in Punakha. Afternoon drive to Paro.
Over night: Hotel in Paro

DAY 12 : PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.