Tshaluna Trek

You will be received by the representative from Byways Tours and Travels at the airport and driven to the hotel.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built in 1656 and renovated in 1968, now converted into the National Museum of Bhutan. Then visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The dzong presently houses the administrative offices of Paro District and the monastery.

After breakfast, take an excursion to Tiger's Nest Monastery. A short drive of around 25 minutes from the main town of Paro takes you to Satsam Chorten, where the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.

We stop for rest and tea with cookies at the Taktsang cafeteria, then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Tiger's Nest Monastery. The history dates back to the 8th century when Guru Rinpoche, a tantric master, flew to this place on the back of a flying tigress, said to be his Tibetan consort known as Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal, and meditated in a cave nearby. The temple was built in the 17th century by the Penlop (governor) of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 600 meters into the valley below.

After lunch, visit Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now in ruins because it was completely burned down by a fire caused by a butter lamp in 1951. The name "Drukgyel" means "Victorious Druk." The dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951.

Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest Buddhist temples, built in 659 AD by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, stroll around the tiny town of Paro. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Today is the first day of your trek, which starts from Ta Dzong (National Museum) where you need to climb to the campsite through blue pine forest in Paro.

The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes before you start your real trek. Once you reach the ridge below Jele Dzong, you descend about 100m to the campsite below the dzong.

You begin with a steep climb for about 20 minutes, then the slope evens out a bit and the ascent becomes more gradual.

Today you will enjoy your walk a lot because you have every kind of terrain: ascent, descent, and flat sections with good views of snow-capped mountains if the weather is clear.

The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yak herders and their yaks around your campsite.

Today it is all downhill and it will be a bit tough on your knees. You will be going downhill through rhododendron, larch, and juniper forest, including maple trees.

Your driver will be waiting for you at the end of your trek and will drive you to Thimphu. After lunch, you can either stroll around the city or relax in the hotel.

After breakfast, visit National Memorial Chorten, which was built in 1974 by the mother of our third king in memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The paintings and statues in the temple are dedicated to the third king.

Then visit the tallest statue of Buddha Dordenma (51 meters tall).

After that, visit the Mini Zoo where you will get a chance to see our national animal, the Takin.

Finally, visit Tashichho Dzong and stroll around Thimphu city for shopping.

Early morning, drive to Paro Airport for your departure flight. Farewell!