ROYAL HERITAGE TRAIL (10 Days)
The centrepiece of this tour is walking the historical route used by the royalty when moving between the summer (Bumthang) and winter (Trongsa) residences. The 4 day trek begins from Wangdichholing Palace, climbing up to Jakar Dzong, Kikila pass (3948m) and Jamsapang via Domkar, providing views of Bumthang Valley. The descent passes through ever-changing foliage to Kuenga Rabten Dzong (royal winter residence) before finishing at Yurungchholing Palace via Samchholing Palace. This route passes numerous villages, Dzongs and monasteries, and is home to many of Bhutan's 800 species of birds.

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town will be fine sight. Our Bhutan Travel Bureau representative will meet you at Paro airport. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro includes visit to National Museum: At the top of the hill above Paro Dzong is an old structure that was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum, also known as Ta-Dzong. The museum is a local, as well as a tourist, attraction. Among the exhibits is a collection of Thangkas, both ancient and modern. Of particular importance are Thangkas depicting Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the first Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and the first Druk Desi. There is a display of Bhutan's extensive Philatelic collection on the top floor. At the end of the gallery a doorway leads to the Tshogshing Lhakhang, the temple of the Tree of Wisdom, which was built between 1965 and 1968. This museum offers a great orientation in Bhutan's in History, cultural, religious, natural and economic life.
After that; visit Paro Rimpong Dzong. Paro Rimpong Dzong is one of the Bhutan's most impressive and well-known Dzong and finest example of Bhutanese architecture you can see. The Dzong is built on a steep hillside, and the courtyard of the administrative section is 6m higher than the courtyard of the monastic portion. Specially to see the painting of the great saint - Milarelpa is considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and is believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. We will walk to the bridge and see the cantilever wooden bridge still in use, overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO - THIMPHU
This morning after breakfast, we drive to Thimphu the capital which is 2 hours drive from Paro following the Pa-Chu River and at the confluence where Thimphu River meets the Paro river we have three styled stone monument. Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese styled. These kinds of monuments are built to ward off evil spirits believed to be haunting the places where rivers and spurs meet. These kinds of monuments are also used as trail markers. Most of these monuments are built by high monks or by laymen who dedicate the monuments to the deceased relatives. In modern times people with evil intentions have been ransacking these monuments. You will see many of these Monuments desecrated for want of jewelleries and other precious items. We will visit the school for arts and crafts where the children were taught to master in the 13 types of arts and crafts of Bhutan.
You can visit Bhutan Post Office; this has Bhutan's Beautiful stamps and then visit traditional hospital. The national library is another sight to see the collection of Bhutanese scriptures some dating back from the 8th century. The Folk heritage museum is replica of medieval farm-house and is patronized by HM the Queen Sangay Choden Wangchuck to protect the textile heritage of Bhutan. There are some old collections along with the display of vegetable dyes and materials used for Textiles. The traditional paper factory displays the Bhutanese paper making in process. Tashichhodzong; 'the fortress of the glorious religion': Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan's third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body:
This represents the dual system incorporated in the 17th century where religion and political system is separate. The chief abbot called Je-khenpo heads the religion. The political side is head by Desi till 1907, by the King till 1997 and then by the Prime Minister (one year term) since 1998. Other sights in Thimphu are visiting the memorial Chorten which depicts the Buddhist faith in form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The temple has one door at four directions. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the third King who passed away in the year 1972. Next visit Changangkha temple which was built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lam Phajo Drukgom Shingpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. We also visit Drubthob monastery which houses the Zilukha nunnery. There is also the view point to see the view of Thimphu town and on the way take a visit at the nursing pen for the Takin the national animal of Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 03: THIMPHU-TRONGSA-BUMTHANG
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-La pass (3,088m/10,13ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. It skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Then continue onwards, Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white Chorten and prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendibji Chorten, patterned on Katmandu's Swyambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km, from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong- la pass (3,400/11,155ft). The road wind steeply up to the pass, 28 km, from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into wide, open, cultivated valley known as the Cumey valley. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

4 Day Trek - Start at Wangdicholing and end at Endochholing
Season: mid March - mid December

DAY 4: WANGDICHHOLING PALACE - DOMKAR TASHICHHOLLING PALACE
Route description: The trek starts from Wangdichholing palace (2600m), climbing up to Jakar Dzong, and then ascending towards Kikila pass (3948m). Depending on time, one can make the historical tour of the Wangdichholing palace and visit the Jakar Dzong. The Lunch spot (Soe Zheysa) is 4 ½ hrs walk from Wangdichholing Palace. This was the actual lunch spot used by the Royal family. The campsite (makhathang) on the bank of Duegang Chhu is 3 hrs downhill from Kikila and stands at an elevation of 2908 m, about ½ a km away from Domkhar Tashichholing Palace.
The majority of the trail is in good condition and needs no reconstruction.

Survey Details
Starting Point Wangdichholing Palace
Starting Altitude 2600 m
Lunch site Sew Zhaysa
Distance to lunch site 9.02
Time to lunch site 4 hrs 35 min
Altitude of lunch site 3470 m
Campsite Domkar - alongside river (Duegang Chu) about ½ km away from palace.
Palace still in view. Nice site, privately owned
Distance from lunch site to campsite 7.34 km
Time from lunch site to campsite 2 hr 52 min
Altitude 2908m
Total time
taken 7hr 27 min
Total distance 16.40 km
Difficulty Moderate
Highest altitude reached 3948m, Kikila Pass
Ascent: 1348 m
Descent: 1040 m
Season: Year round; (assess severity of monsoon)
Attractions Heritage Trail with remnants and stories of historical use; Wangdichholing Palace, Jakar Dzong, Domkar Village, Domkhar Palace; view of Tharpoling monastery; scenic view of Bumthang valley; begins and ends at palaces;
Option: From Kikila Pass take existing trail to Tharpoling Monastery -Samtenling - Gyetse-Domkhar Tashichholing Palace;
Survey of this trail option recommended.

DAY 5: DOMKAR TO JAMSAPANG
Route description: The hike begins with the crossing of the Duegang Chu where a bridge is recommended since no proper bridge exists at the moment. A little uphill, the trail leads to a large open area where a construction of a guesthouse is underway. On completion, this privately owned guesthouse can be additional facilities for the tourists.
The trail is mostly uphill and after climbing for about 3½ hrs. We reach a place called Dungmai Jab at an altitude of 3678m which can be identified as the lunch spot.
The campsite (Jamsa pang) is about 2hrs. Ascend from the lunch spot and stands at an elevation of 4019m. Tungla yaa is just a bit away from the campsite.

Survey Details
Starting Point ½ km away from Domkhar Palace
Starting Altitude 2908 m
Lunch site
Dungmai Jab
Distance to lunch site 6.60 km
Time to lunch site 3 hr 30 min
Altitude of lunch site 3678 m
Campsite Jamsa Pang; Privately owned land with cattle herder hut
Distance from lunch site to campsite 2.20 km
Time from lunch site to campsite 2 hr 05 min
Altitude 4019 m
Total time taken 5 hr 40 min
Total distance 8.80 km
Difficulty Moderate
Highest altitude reached 4019 m Jamsa Pang
Ascent: 1111 m
Descent: 0
Season: Feb - May; Sept - Dec
Attractions Heritage trail with remnants and stories of historical use; natural beauty;

DAY 6: JAMSAPANG - KUENGA RABTEN
Route description: The day begins with a slight ascend towards Tungla yaa which is about 15 mins. Walk away from the campsite. Tungla yaa stands at an elevation of 4039m.from where the trail descends and takes about 4hrs to reach the lunch spot locally known as Saphay Pang (2862m). At this point, there is an option to connect to another historic trail that leads to Yurungchholing via Ngada la. Uring the summer/monsoon season, this place is used by the local cattle herders.
Kuenga Rabten Dzong, the Royal winter residence of the 1st and the 2nd kings, is about 4hrs descend from the lunch spot and stands at an elevation of 1774m. The Kuenga Rabten archery ground can serve as an ideal campsite if permitted by the concerned government authorities.
Since the survey was conducted during the start of the monsoon period, the majority of the trail was muddy and there were few landslide prone areas also.

Survey Details
Starting Point Jamsa Pang
Starting Altitude 4019 m
Lunch site Saphay Pang
Distance to lunch site 6.80 km
Time to lunch site 4 hrs
Altitude of lunch site 2862 m
Campsite Archery field at Kuenga Rabten Palace
Distance from lunch site to campsite 8.00 km
Time from lunch site to campsite 4 hrs 10 min
Altitude 1774 m
Total time taken 8 hrs 10 min
Total distance 14.80
Difficulty Moderate; difficult sections
Highest altitude reached 4039 m
Ascent: 20 m
Descent: 2265 m
Season: Feb - May; Sept - Dec
Attractions Tungla yaa with stunning views of Bumthang and Trongsa;
the distinct variation in foliage from Bumthang side and
Trongsa side; birding;

DAY 7: KUENGA RABTEN - KARTALING NUNNERY - SAMCHHOLING PALACE- YURUNGCHHOLING PALACE

a) Kuenga Rabten - Kartaling; 1.5 hour; Walk on motor road to farm road easy walk
b) Kartaling - Samchholing Palace; 20 minutes: continue farm road, easy
c) Samchholing - Yurungchholing Palace; 3 hours; drop down from Samchholing on to motor road, walk motor road for 20 minutes and connect with trail behind old house; trail steep and hot.

Route description:
The hike starts from Kuenga Rabten Dzong via Samcholing village following old trail to Yurung Chholing village. The walk from Kuenga Rabten through Samcholing village is gentle and mild with a beautiful view of Dragten Geog & Kela village & Mangde Chhu. Approaching Samchholing Dzong, there is a private monastery with thousand Buddhas, which is about 12 years old, built in 1994. After Samcholing village, the trail diverts from the motor road bend and starts a steep descend towards a stream. As you cross the stream, the trail leads up the hill and arrives at Sershong Lab-saa. This place could be ideal for lunch spot with Tibetan styled Stupa (Chorten) standing just on the hill and has spectacular bird eye view of Langthel valley at the left & black mountain ranges in front view. The trail leads towards Yurung Chholing village. The vegetation from diversion point to Yurung Chholing village is low altitude chirpine.

Survey Details
Starting Point Kuenga Rabten Palace
Starting Altitude 1774m
Lunch site Shershong Labsa (after river crossing)
Distance to lunch site 9.40
Time to lunch site 5 hr 10 min
Altitude of lunch site 1290 m
Campsite Yurungchholing (or guesthouse - plans from Ashe Kelzang)
Distance from lunch site to campsite 2.00 km
Time from lunch site to campsite 1 hr 50 min
Altitude 1280 m
Total time taken 7 hours
Total distance 11.40 km
Difficulty Moderate; with section of difficult descent
Highest altitude reached 1820 m (Samchholing)
Ascent: Data not available
Descent: Data not available
Season: Year round
Attractions Kartaling Monastery; Samchholing Palace; river valley;
birding; stupa; Yurungchholing Palace and Village;

DAY 08: YURUNGCHHOLING PALACE - PUNAKHA
After breakfast, explore further the fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed, stopping along the way at Trongsa for lunch, which will be served in a local restaurant Famous for its cuisine.
Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Wangdue is a typical small Bhutanese town and its formidable Dzong is the town's most visible feature. In the 17th century Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. And town en route to Punakha, which we will reach late afternoon, dinner and Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 09: PUNAKHA/WANGDI TO THIMPHU/PARO
After breakfast, drive to the nation's capital, Thimphu, a small, bustling city in the heart of the Himalayas. Thimphu charm comes not only from its wealth of museums or places of historic interest, but also from the strong national character of its architectural style. En route visit Semtokha Dzong. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies, overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 10: DEPART PARO
After early breakfast in the hotel, your guide will escort you to the airport for your onward flight.

For full more information, please email tours@btb.com.bt