sample itinerary

You are met at the airport for the 10 minute transfer to Uma Paro. After checking in, you are taken on a short local guided walk in the afternoon for orientation and acclimatisation purposes.

Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (open Tuesday-Saturday) with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to visit Rinpung Dzong. 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. Duration: 5 - 7 hrs (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro). Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Guided with picnic.

Start early for the drive to Haa via Chele La, which at 3810m is the highest road in Bhutan, snaking upwards through blue pine and rhododendron forests for 35km. On a clear day the view sweeps away to snow-covered peak of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Mt Jhomolhari (7314m). After a bracing walk along the prayer flag bedecked ridge it is down into Haa. The whole drive should take no more than 2.5 hours or you can travel by bike if you prefer. Wangchulo Dzong is presently occupied by the Indian Army, however this makes for a quirky experience. Having visited the bazaar it is a short walk (or bike ride) along the Haa Chhu (river) to a picnic spot. At Lhakhang Karpo (the WhiteTemple), many young monks await to offer a warm, noisy welcome and may accompany you to the nearby Lhakhang Nagpo (the BlackTemple). The Haa valley 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. Once back (by vehicle or bike) in the Paro Valley, time permitting, a 20 minute walk out to the dramatically positioned Dzongdrakha Goemba complex is recommended. Duration: 7 – 9 hrs . Difficulty: Easy. Guided with picnic.

Ascend from Uma Paro through blue pine forest to a viewpoint amongst prayer flags on ridge. The path continues up the ridge then traverses to Gemjo La Goemba (monastery) high above Uma. A wide plateau flanked by orchards and forest is reached after a short climb from the monastery. Linger here a while soaking up the magnificent mountain views and exploring the ruined fortress, deserted farmhouses and nearby Chhubjakhar monastery. There is now the option to either head off on a longer walk for further exploration or turn back for Uma Paro. Duration: 5 - 7 hrs depending on which option is taken. Difficulty: Moderate. Guided with picnic.

thimpu

The capital of Bhutan climbs 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 Bhutanese life. The drive from Uma Paro to the capital takes about 1.5 hours and sights worth seeing include the following (time and local conditions permitting):

Market Days: Thimpu’s main markets days are Friday, Saturday and Sunday and your itinerary may be adjusted to include one of these market days if you wish.

BBS Tower Viewpoint and Takin Compound: On the way to the viewpoint over Thimpu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast which some say looks like a bee-stung moose.

National Memorial Chorten: Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, died before his plan came to fruition. However, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfil his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace.

View of Trashi Chhoe Dzong: the “fortress of the glorious religion”, was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960's. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5pm but the nine hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.

National Institute of Traditional Medicine: Still dispensing traditional herbal and other medicines, made from plants, minerals, animal parts, precious metals and gems. A working facility for research and the treatment of local people the tour is fascinating (Open Monday to Friday).

National Textile Museum : Providing an insight into the living national art of weaving, this museum exhibits fine examples of all the major weaving techniques and the changing styles of gho and kira over the years, with weavers demonstrating their skills on traditional back looms (Open Tuesday-Friday and half day at the weekends).

Folk Heritage Museum : If there is still time we may visit this replica of a traditional Bhutanese house as it would have looked 100 years ago and as many Bhutanese families still live to this day (Open Monday to Friday).

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. Duration: 7 – 10 hrs. Difficulty: Easy. Guided with picnic or sample typical Bhutanese fare at own expense in local restaurant.

or mountain biking paro valley and the do chhu trail

Riding out from Uma Paro descend to Paro Town then turn north past Dungste Lhakhang (a chorten-like temple built in 1433 by Thangtong Gyalpo) up the Do Chhu Valley past archery grounds, large prayer wheels and houses, heading for Aotsho Lhakhang (temple). From here, 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 have the choice of heading home or up the Paro valley towards Kyichu Lhakhang (by road) before returning to Uma Paro on a track where the last steep ascent awaits your tired legs. Duration: 5 - 8 hrs. Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (depending on guests’ preference). Guided with picnic.

Enjoy the facilities or perhaps try some other activity like the Bhutanese national sport of archery or a therapy such as the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.

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.