On arrival, we will check in the hotel. Later we will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening we will take a walk through Paro town. There is a strong possibility that we will see the national game archery being played in some of the archery fields.

Namsay Chholing Resort (L, D)

After breakfast we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of the sacred Chomolhari,

After breakfast, we will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, now it houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Afterwards we walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong, ("fortress of the heap of jewels"), that has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru, and other cosmic Mandalas.

Later drive to Thimphu, passing through the confluence of two rivers that have on their banks three small chortens, each built in Nepali, Bhutan, and Tibetan style.

If time permitting, visit the Memorial Chorten.

Full day tour of Thimphu including: the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. These museums provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life; the National Memorial Chorten. The third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity, envisaged the building of this landmark. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King ("the Father of modern Bhutan") and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

And, of course we will visit the great Dzong of Thimphu--Trashichhodzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

If interested, we can organize a nice 2 hour hike which gives a great overview of the city of Thimphu.

After early breakfast, we drive up to the Dochu La (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly to take in the view and admire the chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana and finally Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

In the afternoon we'll visit the Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of October 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha.

Danchen Resort (B,L,D)

After breakfast we head to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings. Due to this he is also known as the Divine Madman. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, if they pray at this temple they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about a 30 minute walk from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning field. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. In the evening we will meet up with the rest of the group for an orientation and dinner.

Damchen Resort(B,L,D)

After spending the morning at the Trongsa Dzong and wandering Trongsa town, we leave for the leisurely four-hour drive to Jakar Village in Bumthang. The route crosses Yotong La (10,800 ft.) marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. If the weather is clear we should see Jhomolhari (23,540 ft.) and other peaks, which marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan as well as the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Beyond this is Longte Valley where people raise sheep and yaks.

We continue on to Jakar, the central town of the Bumthang district. As we enter the Chhume Valley (the first of the four valleys that comprise the Bumthang Valley) you will visit a center of Yathra weaving. Yathra is the name for the locally produced hand-woven woolen cloth. Distinctive patterns and bright earthy colors enliven the fabric that is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout Bhutan.

Wangdi Chholing Resort (B,L,D)

After breakfast we tour the Jambey Lakhang to see pilgrims doing a kora (circumambulation). We will spend the rest of the day visiting various temples and villages in the valley including Kurjey Lakhang.

Wangdi Chholing Resort (B,L,D)

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to Ura crossing the Shelthongla La. Just before the pass, hopefully, we will see grand views of Gangkaharpuensum Mountain that is over 25000 feet. Ura is the highest village in Bumthang valley. The main monastery in Ura village is the monastery of Sombrang, established in 1228AD. We will explore the quaint village with its cluster of houses and explore the temples. In the late afternoon, we will drive to the nearby village of Shingkhar where we spend the night at the Shingkhar guesthouse, adjacent to the nearby temple.

Shingkhar Guesthouse (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we gear up for a fantastic drive to Mongar. The journey takes us through mist-covered Thumshing La Pass, which at 13,500 feet is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. On the eastern side of the pass the three-hour drive plunges down almost 10,000 feet through a sunless forest to the village of Sengor. We should be able to see Capped Langur and possibly Red Pandas. After crossing the bridge over the Kuru River we come to the ancient trade route stop of Mongar. Since the area is very mountainous with few valleys, Mongar is built on the side of a mountain. This begins the true homeland of the Eastern People, the Sharchogpas.

Hotel Wangchuk (B,L,D)

In the morning we will visit Yagang Lakhang and Shedra Monastic School. Then we begin our drive to the Gom Kora site. We will cross at the 8,000 ft. Kori La pass. After Sheri Chu we come across roadside sheds where oil is extracted from lemon grass. We continue driving further to Gom Kora where we will stay in a tented camp.

Gom Kora lies in the heart of the agrarian belt of eastern Bhutan. It is a sacred site where, around 850 AD, Guru Rinpoche subdued an evil spirit, he chased all the way from Lhasa, Tibet. The Kora festival at Gomphu Kora was initiated 400 years ago after the Lhakhang was built by Ngagi Wangchuck and consecrated by Terton Pema Lingpa. The place comes alive, once every year, when people all over eastern Bhutan descend upon the narrow valley, dressed in fineries, to partake in the festivity, to worship and to reunite themselves with their illustrious past. The Gomphu Kora Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in eastern Bhutan providing a welcome break for locals to trade, socialize, and celebrate before the start of the farming season.

The festival draws people from remote villages, school children, village youths, businessmen, civil servants, and the Monpas of Tawang from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, India. They endure days of travel on foot over rugged terrain with entire families in tow. Some say that people have done this for more than a millennium, shortly after Guru Padmasambhava sanctified the place in the 8th century AD. So, in just the blink of an eye, the otherwise desolate rock-scarred landscape mushrooms into a town of all shades and colors. Towards dusk, the occupants of these makeshift dwellings join a river of crowd for the clockwise circumambulation of the temple and the rock chanting the omnipotent mantra of Guru Rinpoche. This often lasts till dawn. The Guru is attributed to have said that devotees will flock to Gom Kora for eons to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

Our day will start early on this day with the blessing of the Thangdrul (or the display thangka). Later in the morning we will see the ceremonies and Cham dances associated with the festival. In the late evening we return to Trashigang to prepare for our trek.

Hotel Deojung (B,L,D)

After breakfast we drive about 1hr to the road-end to meet our trekking crew. The road is about 15kms on a very spectacular dirt track through the villages of Radhi and Phongmey (5800 ft.). The trek starts just above the Phongmey High School with a gradual decent to the valley below. Then we ascend to a broad leaf forest very rich in biodiversity, flora and fauna. It is a gradual climb through the village of Joenkhar. Our campsite is near a small river surrounded by lush green forests (5694ft.).

Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

In the morning we will visit Yagang Lakhang and Shedra Monastic School. Then we begin our drive to the Gom Kora site. We will cross at the 8,000 ft. Kori La pass. After Sheri Chu we come across roadside sheds where oil is extracted from lemon grass. We continue driving further to Gom Kora where we will stay in a tented camp.

Gom Kora lies in the heart of the agrarian belt of eastern Bhutan. It is a sacred site where, around 850 AD, Guru Rinpoche subdued an evil spirit, he chased all the way from Lhasa, Tibet. The Kora festival at Gomphu Kora was initiated 400 years ago after the Lhakhang was built by Ngagi Wangchuck and consecrated by Terton Pema Lingpa. The place comes alive, once every year, when people all over eastern Bhutan descend upon the narrow valley, dressed in fineries, to partake in the festivity, to worship and to reunite themselves with their illustrious past. The Gomphu Kora Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in eastern Bhutan providing a welcome break for locals to trade, socialize, and celebrate before the start of the farming season.

The festival draws people from remote villages, school children, village youths, businessmen, civil servants, and the Monpas of Tawang from neighboring Arunachal Pradesh, India. They endure days of travel on foot over rugged terrain with entire families in tow. Some say that people have done this for more than a millennium, shortly after Guru Padmasambhava sanctified the place in the 8th century AD. So, in just the blink of an eye, the otherwise desolate rock-scarred landscape mushrooms into a town of all shades and colors. Towards dusk, the occupants of these makeshift dwellings join a river of crowd for the clockwise circumambulation of the temple and the rock chanting the omnipotent mantra of Guru Rinpoche. This often lasts till dawn. The Guru is attributed to have said that devotees will flock to Gom Kora for eons to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

We have all day to explore the Sakteng valley and its villages. Sakteng is comprised of three villages: Sakteng, Tengma and Borang Tse but the entire area is generally known as Sakteng. Sakteng is believed to be the roaming place of mythical Yeti, or Big Foot.

The people call themselves Saktengpa, but the people living in the lowlands know them as Brokpa (Hilander). The Saktengpa live a semi-nomadic life; they are dependent on yaks, few sheep and they also raise horses for transport. They have a different dialect and their dresses are woven out of Yak hair and sheep wool. They have a unique culture called "Dru Khor", (grain journey). Due to high altitude the land is not fertile for the cultivation of grains, so they barter their cattle products (cheese, butter, etc) with the people living in the lowland. After the harvest in autumn, these nomads make grain journey to the villages to collect their grains.

In the evening we will enjoy a cultural program performed by the locals, that includes their unique Yak Dance and Ache Lhamo Dance.

Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

We leave Sakteng early for another long day of trekking to Merak. The approach to the pass has us gradually ascending through wide valleys and a gradual descent to the village of Merak. (Note: The day few days of this trek are new to Manoj and me. We did not do this last year so the information is spotty.)

Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

After spending some time in the town of Merak, we begin our descent. A gradual path brings us to our campsite near the small river where we previously camped, outside of Joenkhar.

Private Tented Camp (B,L,D)

This is our last day on the trek. We retrace our steps back to Phongmey. We have a short climb through the Joenkhar village and then the know ups and down until we reach Phongmay village, where the transport will be waiting to take us to Trashigang. We should arrive around lunchtime.

Hotel Deojung (B,L,D)

We have a full day of driving via Yangphu La. We will stop at a weaving center near Khaling village. Soon the plains of Assam will be visible as we approach the border town of Samdruk Jongkar.

TLT hotel (B,L,D)

In the morning we cross the Bhutan-India border and drive to Guwahati. Mid-afternoon we fly to Kolkata.

Oberoi Grand (B,L,D)

Depart Kolkata for onward journey.