Himalayan Explorer

Highlights

• Comfortable adventure travel
• Experience Bhutan's profound Buddhist culture
• Guided walks
• Witness a puja ceremony
• Tiger's nest monastery and Chele La Pass

Day 1 - Arrive Paro (2,200M)
Fly into Paro with spectacular views of Everest, Khangchendzonga (formerly Kanchenjunga) and other famous Himalayan peaks. A friendly welcome and transfer to Uma Paro. This afternoon a short, guided walk for orientation and acclimatization (D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 2 - Paro
Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan's National Museum with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro town. Drive a few kilometres north of Paro, and pay your respects at Kyichu Lhakhang; this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting, drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 3 - Paro
After a short drive from Uma Paro start your 90-minute easy acclimatisation walk to Drakhapo Monastery, which has a small community of monks living nearby. The main temple room is precariously perched on the edge of a rock cliff and there are some sacred sites to view, including the body-imprint of Vajrayogini and a stone boot belonging to Guru Rinpoche. The monastery is built on a mountain dotted with underground caves. Nearby, one of these caves has a small ladder for the not-so-fainthearted, leading into a large cavern that soon turns into a very narrow crevasse. In the afternoon, guests are invited to try Bhutan's two most popular sports on Uma Paro's own archery ground (Bha Cho). Archery is the national sport of Bhutan, and every village has its own archery range. High-spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions. Using bamboo bows, teams of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimetres in diameter from a distance of 140 metres. Each team has a noisy crowd of supporters. Kuru is another very popular traditional Bhutanese game played in most villages (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 4 - Paro - Thimpu - Paro
The capital of Bhutan sprawls up the wooded western hillside of the Wang Chhu. The centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimpu is a bustling town where traditional ways mingle with modern introductions. The drive from Uma Paro to the capital takes about one hour and sights worth seeing (time and local conditions permitting)

Please note museum, monastery, temple and dzong opening days and times can and do vary with national holidays and events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 5 - Paro - Chele La Pass - Paro
Start early for the drive to Chele La Pass which, at 3,988m, is the highest road pass in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forests for 35 kilometres. On a clear day the view sweeps away to the snow-dome of Bhutan's second highest peak, Mt Jhomolhari (7314m), and down to the Haa Valley, which only opened to foreigners in 2002 due to its proximity to the border with Sikkim and Tibet. This unspoilt valley harks back to a simpler, more traditional time. Striding out along the Edelweiss-covered ridge (Edelweiss flowers during the summer months only), pass a sky burial site. Descend for the two-hour hike through dense rhodendron forest, possibly sighting shaggy yaks, to Kila Goemba, an ancient nunnery nestled in a craggy patch on the mountainside below. Kila Goemba is a serene retreat for 32 Anim (Buddhist nuns) who lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. The nunnery is one of the seven oldest nunneries in the Kingdom. Dupthob Chhoeje Norbu and Dupthob Temba initially established it in the early ninth century as a place for meditation. After being destroyed by fire, the Lhakhang was reconstructed by the 25th Je Khenpo, Sherab Gyaltsen and in 1986, the Government officially established Kila Goemba (monastery) as an Anim Dratshang (nunnery). This sacred place has a timeless quality which is ample reward after the effort of the hike and is about as far off the beaten path as you can get. Having made your offerings and perhaps been blessed, it is time to descend further. An hour later and you are back at the road where you can saddle up on a mountain bike freewheeling down to Paro Valley. For those who would rather a leisurely sightseeing day there is the option to drive from Chele La Pass down the other side to the Haa Valley. In case Chele La Pass is not accessible during the winter months due to ice or snow, your guide will propose an alternative for this day excursion (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 6 - Paro
Riding out from Uma Paro, you descend to Paro Town then turn north past Dungste Lhakhang, a chorten-like temple built in 1433 by Thangtong Gyalpo, and up the Do Chhu Valley. You pass archery grounds, large prayer wheels and houses, heading for Aotsho Lhakhang temple. From here you leave the graded track and head upwards on a logging trail reaching the trailhead deep in the forest after a challenging ride. Returning to Aotsho you make your way through the village and onto another track for a fun descent back to Paro. From here you either head home or up the Paro Valley towards Kyichu Lhakhang on road, before returning to Uma Paro on a track where the last steep ascent awaits you (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 7 - Paro
One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb to the Tiger's Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates which are filled with murals. Retrace your steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Return to Uma Paro in the afternoon for some time to rest and relax and enjoy the facilities such as the steam rooms, swimming pool or a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath (B,L,D).
Uma Paro (Deluxe Room)

Day 8 - Depart Paro
Bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon on departing this charming country (B).

Pricing
As a guide, this 8 day suggested journey in Bhutan will cost from USD$3,368 per person based on two adults sharing and subject to availability.