chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes teeming with fish. There will be a number of temples and dzongs to visit on the way, and in the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas. As well as being able to visit the sites of Paro and Thimphu before and after the trek, you may also enjoy a day excursion to the Punakha valley to visit the imposing Punakha Dzong.

DAY- 1

DAY 1: ARRIVE BHUTAN The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Bhutan Rila Expedition’s representative will meet you at Paro airport. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical and cultural past. Next, visit the RimpongDzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge still in use. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY- 2

DAY 2: PARO-HIKE TO TAKSANG After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century DrukgyelDzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century KyichuLhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king SongtsenGampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

DAY- 3

DAY 3: START DRUK PATH TREK –JILIDZONG –JANGCHULKAKHA DISTANCE 10 KM, 4-5 HOURS, 310 M ASCENT, 50 M DESCENT, CAMP ALTITUDE 3,770 M. You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees.

DAY- 4

DAY 4: JANGCHULAKHA TOJIMILANGTSHO DISTANCE 11 KM, 4 HOURS, 230 M DESCENT, 330 M ASCENT, CAMP ALTITUDE 3,870 M The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the JimgelangTsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant-sized trout.

DAY- 5

DAY 5: JIMILANGTSHO TO LABANA DISTANCE 11 KM, 4 HOURS, 820 M ASCENT, 400 M DESCENT, CAMP ALTITUDE 4,110 M The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Jana tso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life.

DAY- 6

DAY 6: LABANA- PHAJODING- MOTITHANG DISTANCE 12 KM, 5-6 HOURS, 130 M ASCENT, 680 M DESCENT The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount GangkarPuensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing. After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours Evening Program: 3:00 PM- Drive to Buddha Point 4:00 PM -Visit Memorial Chorten 5:00 PM Explore Thimphu at your own Overnight in Thimphu

DAY- 7

DAY 7: THIMPHU After breakfast Visit Painting School Visit Folk Heritage Museum The National Library Lunch at Zasa Restaurant After Lunch Visit Bhutan Post Office Visit Centenary Farmers Market Visit Carft Bazar Visit TashiChhodzong Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground Overnight in Thimphu

DAY- 8

DAY 8: THIMPHU- PARO After breakfast visit Dochula, Dochula Pass is one of Bhutan’s most famous sites, perched at an altitude of 10,200 feet and located along the road from the country’s current capital of Thimphu to its former capital Punakha. A hidden surprise awaits the few who take the time to venture away from the touristy hub. These curious visitors will discover the meditation caves tucked into the hills just above the pass. At first resembling Hobbit homes, these tiny, open-faced caverns are built from stone and painted in colorful detail with Buddhist symbolism. The druk, or dragon—Bhutan’s long-time national symbol and spirit animal—stretches over the cave entrance, bringing good luck and good tidings. After lunch drive back to Paro on the way visit TachogLhakhang. Tachogang means ‘temple of the hill of the excellent horse’. It is said that while ThangtongGyalpo was meditating here, he had a vision of the spiritual horse Balaha-an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. He decided there upon to build a temple at this spot, in addition to one of his famous iron bridges later carried away by floods in 1969. A traditional style bridge with iron chains was restored in 2005. The temple is privately run by the descendents of ThangtongGyalpo. Overnight in Paro

DAY- 9

DAY 9: DEPART PARO