REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

• A visit to Taktshang Monastery(Tiger’s nest)
• A visit to the weekend market in Thimphu (Fri-Sat-Sun)
• A “welcome” meal on the first day
• A “farewell” meal on the penultimate evening
• An optional evening visit to “down town Thimphu” to enjoy in the bars, discotheques and see the Bhutanese live performances
• A traditional Bhutanese meal in a restaurant
• A lunch meal and hot stone bath in a Bhutanese farmhouse
• A visit to the famous sites such as fortresses, monasteries and museums.
• Exploring much deeper into central Bhutan.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – 2 Paro to Thimphu::

Arrive in the Paro Airport: Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will greet you, brief you about the trip and will take you to the capital city Thimphu where you will be staying. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hr 30 min drive). Visit weekend market, Mini Zoo and Tashichoo Dzong, hike to Cheri Monastery, visit hand made paper factory, 13 Arts and Crafts institute, museums, see people playing archery, stroll around the cit and a night in down town Thimphu…

Day 3 – Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue:

Morning drive to Punakha/Wangdue. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level. (3 hrs drive). Visit the Wangdue market, Punakha Dzong, Hike to Temple of Fertility..

Day 4 – Punakha to Trongsa:

Altitude: 2200m /7260ft above sea level. Morning drive to Trongsa(7 hours drive). On the way you will come across different vegetation as you pass by. Later visit Trongsa Dzong and the museum…

Day 5 – 6 – Trongsa to Bumthang:

Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level. Morning drive to Bumthang(3 hours drive). Visit Jakar Dzong, handloom shops, Tamzing Monastery, Kurjey temple, burning lake and Ura Valley/Ogyen Chholing Palace

Day 7 – Bumthang to Punakha:

Morning drive back to Punakha valley. (8 hours drive)

Day 8 – 9 Punakha to Paro:

Morning drive to Paro (4 hours drive). Visit national museums, Rimpung dzongs, Kichu monastery, hike to Tiger’s nest, visit farm houses, and take hot stone bath……

Day 10 – Depart from Bhutan:

Morning /Afternoon, transfer to airport for onward travel. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will help you out with exit formalities.

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

• A trek through rarely visited valleys
• Awesome views of Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsheringkhang
• Meet yak-herders at their camp sites
• Learn about subsistence living and how life is without Modernity
• Acclimatization hike to Taktshang Monastery(Tiger’s nest)
• A visit to the weekend market in Thimphu (Fri-Sat-Sun)
• A “welcome” meal on the first day
• A “farewell” meal on the penultimate evening
• An optional evening visit to “down town Thimphu” to enjoy in the bars, discotheques and see the Bhutanese live performances
• A traditional Bhutanese meal in a restaurant
• A lunch meal and hot stone bath in a Bhutanese farmhouse
• A visit to the famous sites such as fortresses, monasteries and museums.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – 2 Paro to Thimphu:

Arrive in the Paro Airport: Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will greet you, brief you about the trip and will take you to the capital city Thimphu where you will be staying. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hr 30 min drive). Visit Weekend market, Mini Zoo and Tashichoo Dzong, hike to Cheri Monastery, visit hand made paper factory, 13 Arts and Crafts institute, museums, see people playing archery, stroll around the cit and a night in down town Thimphu…

Day 3 – Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue:

Morning drive Punakha/Wangdue. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level. (3 hrs drive). Visit the Wangdue market, Punakha Dzong, Hike to Temple of Fertility..

Day 4 – Trek Begins: Laya – Gasa Trek

• Standard: medium – hard
• Duration: 14 days
• Distance: 82.5 miles/ 133 km
• Altitude Gain: 11,608ft/3539m
• Altitude Loss: 7987ft/2435m
• Accommodation: Tents
Punakha to Gasa: Altitude: 7282ft/2220m.(Distance: 8.7 miles/14 km. 5 hrs walk).

Day 5 – Gasa to Koina:

Altitude: 3240m/10627ft above sea level (12 kms/7.4miles, 6 hours walk)

Day 6 – Koina to Laya:

Altitude: 3800m/12465ft above sea level. (16 kms/10miles, 6 hours walk)

Day 7 – Laya to Limithang:

Altitude: 4160m/13645ft above sea level. (9 kms/5.5miles, 4 hours walk).

Day 8 – Limithang to Robluthang:

Altitude:4160m/13645ft. (16 kms/10miles, 7 hours walk).

Day 9 – Robluthang to Shakyapasang:

Altitude 4000m/13,120ft (16 km/10 miles, 7 hrs walk).

Day 10 – Shakyapasang to Chebisa:

Altitude 3990m/13,090ft.(14 km/8.7 miles, 5 hours walk).

Day 11 – Chebisa to Lingshi:

Altitude 4010 m/13,150ft. (3 to 4 hours, distance 16km/10miles)

Day 12 – 13 Lingshi to Jangothang:

Altitude: 4044m/13,260ft.(5 to 6 hrs walk distance 21km).

Day 14 – Jangothang to Soi Thangthangkha:

Altitude: 3575m/11,730ft. (17 km/10.5 miles, 5 hours walk)

Day 15 – Soi Thangthangkha to Shana:

Altitude: 2890 m/9480ft. (22 km/13.6miles, 6 to 7 hours walk).

Day 16 -17 Shana to Paro:

Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level (15 km/9.3miles, 5 hrs walk). Visit national museums, Rimpung dzongs, Kichu monastery, hike to Tiger’s nest, visit farm houses, and take hot stone bath…

Day 18 – Depart from Bhutan:

Morning /Afternoon, transfer to airport for onward travel. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will help you out with exit formalities.

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

• A trek through rarely visited valleys
• Awesome views of Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsheringkhang
• Meet yak-herders at their camp sites
• Learn about subsistence living and how life is without Modernity
• Acclimatization hike to Taktshang Monastery(Tiger’s nest)
• A visit to the weekend market in Thimphu (Fri-Sat-Sun)
• A “welcome” meal on the first day
• A “farewell” meal on the penultimate evening
• An optional evening visit to “down town Thimphu” to enjoy in the bars, discotheques and see the Bhutanese live performances
• A traditional Bhutanese meal in a restaurant
• A lunch meal and hot stone bath in a Bhutanese farmhouse
• A visit to the famous sites such as fortresses, monasteries and museums.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – 2 In Paro.

Arrive in the Paro Airport: Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will greet you, brief you about the trip and will take you to the hotel where you will be staying. Later visit national museums, Rimpung dzongs, Kichu monastery, hike to Tiger’s nest, visit farm houses, and take hot stone bath…

Day 3 – Trek begins:Jumolhari Round Trek

Standard: medium – hard
Duration: 8 days
Distance: 82.5 miles/ 133 km
Altitude Gain: 11,608ft/3539m
Altitude Loss: 7987ft/2435m
Accomodation:Tent
Trek from Paro to Shana. Altitude 2890 m/9410ft, (15 km/9.3miles, 5 hrs walk).

Day 4 – Shana to SoiThangkha.

Altitude 3575m/11,730ft, (22 km/13.6miles, 6 to 7 hours walk).

Day 5 – 6 SoiThangkha to Jangothang.

Altitude 4044m/13,260ft (17 km/10.5 miles, 5 hours walk)

Day 7 – Jangothang to Lingshi.

Altitude 4010 m/13,150ft, 5 to 6 hrs walk, distance 21km

Day 8 – Lingshi to Shodu.

Altitude 4080m/13,380ft, (8 t o 9 hours, distance 22km/13.6miles)

Day 9 – Shodu to Barshong.

Altitude 3720m/12,200ft, 14 km/8.7 miles, 5 hours walk

Day 10 – 11 – Barshong to Dolam Kencho to Thimphu.

Altitude:3290m/10790ft, 15 km/9.3 miles, 4 hrs walk). Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft,(7 kms/4.3miles, 3 hours walk). Visit hand made paper factory, 13 Arts and Crafts institute, weekend market, Mini Zoo and Tashichoo Dzong, see people playing archery, stroll around the cit and a night in down town Thimphu…

Day 12 – Depart from Bhutan:

Morning /Afternoon, transfer to airport for onward travel. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will help you out with exit formalities.

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

• A trek through rarely visited valleys
• Awesome views of Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsheringkhang
• Meet yak-herders at their camp sites
• Learn about subsistence living and how life is without Modernity
• Acclimatization hike to Taktshang Monastery(Tiger’s nest)
• A visit to the weekend market in Thimphu (Fri-Sat-Sun)
• A “welcome” meal on the first day
• A “farewell” meal on the penultimate evening
• An optional evening visit to “down town Thimphu” to enjoy in the bars, discotheques and see the Bhutanese live performances
• A traditional Bhutanese meal in a restaurant
• A lunch meal and hot stone bath in a Bhutanese farmhouse
• A visit to the famous sites such as fortresses, monasteries and museums.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – 2 Paro to Thimphu:

>Arrive in the Paro Airport: Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will greet you, brief you about the trip and will take you to the capital city Thimphu where you will be staying. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hr 30 min drive). Later visit Weekend market, Mini Zoo and Tashichoo Dzong, hike to Cheri Monastery, visit hand made paper factory, 13 Arts and Crafts institute, museums, see people playing archery, stroll around the city and a night in down town Thimphu…

Day 3 – Trek Begins – Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek:

>Duration: 6 Days
Max Elevation: 4,520m
Highest Camp: 4,300m
Standard: Medium
Season: April to June and September to October
Start: Gynekha (Thimphu)
Finish: Chamgang (Thimpu)
Accommodation: Tents
Start: Gynekha(Thimphu) to Gur, Walking Distance: 7 km, Walk Time: 5 hours
Ascent: 550m, Descent: 210m, Camp Altitude: 3,290m

Day 4 – 5 Start:

Gur to Labatama, Walking Distance: 12 km, Walk Time: 6 hours, Ascent: 1,220m, Descent: 110m, Camp Altitude: 4,300m

Day 6 – Start:

Labatama to Panka, Walking Distance: 8 km, Walk Time: 6-7 hours
Ascent: 260m, Descent: 520m, Camp Altitude: 4,000m

Day 7 – Start:

Panka to Talakha, Walking Distance: 8 km, Walk Time: 5-6 hours
Ascent: 180m, Descent: 1,110m, Camp Altitude: 3,080m

Day 8 – Start:

Talakha to Chamgang(Thimphu), Walking Distance: 6 km, Walk Time: 3 hours, Ascent: 0m, Descent: 440m

Day 9 – 10 Thimphu to Paro:

Morning drive Paro(1 hrs 30 minutes drive) and visit national museums, Rimpung dzongs, Kichu monastery, hike to Tiger’s nest, visit farm houses, and take hot stone bath…

Day 11 – Depart from Bhutan:

Morning /Afternoon, transfer to airport for onward travel. Your representative from Raven Tours and Treks will help you out with exit formalities.

REQUEST FOR A DETAIL ITINERARY HERE

Bhutan is a home away from home, amid virgin nature, spectacular fortresses, chanting monks and fluttering prayer flags.

This program, as you can see highlights so much – cultural immersion, wonderful mountain and river scenery, superb hand loomed textiles and great cuisine, provided through comfortable lodges.

Itinerary:

Day 1 – Arrive at the Paro Airport. Altitude: 2280m/ 7524ft above sea level(1 hour 30 minutes drive).

Later arrive and transfer to hotel.

Orientation tour of the major sights of Paro valley

Walk up the Paro main street for some handicrafts.

Later visit, Ta Dzong: This means – watch tower, which it served as during the 17th century to guard the region from the Tibetan invasion. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968 which has collections of textiles, handicrafts, etc…

Rimpung Dzong: Means fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644. It is also the venue for the Paro festival (Tsechu).

Kichu Lhakhang(Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight in Paro

Day 2 – Paro to Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level.(1 hour 30 minutes drive)

Morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8^th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimopche/ Padmasambhava (2^nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. Three hours hike(to and fro)

Visit Farmhouse: Eating, taking bath and staying for a night at a local farmhouse gives a different variation, and a chance to see the inside of such a home, rather than just the brightly decorated exteriors.

Later drive to the capital city Thimphu(1 hours 30 minutes drive).

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3 – In Thimphu

Morning visit the weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full colour and gathered to meet and to barter, much like the street markets in London!

Textile museum: It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts.

Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8^th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes as valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all the ages. The Traditional paper is recognized and held high esteem both in home and outside world.

Zorig Chusum Institute: The 13 arts and Crafts institute. The two main objectives of the institute are a) to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts and b) to create job opportunities for the underprivileged group of the society.

Folk Heritage museum: It was inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, who is the founder and patron of the Museum, on 28^th July 2001.It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of its items and artifacts used in rural households.

Memorial Chorten: This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan.

Mini zoo: Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national animal- the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo.

Sangaygang View Point: The view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimpu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where the largest Buddha in the world is being built.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4 – Thimphu to Punakha. Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level.(1hour 30 minutes drive)

Morning driving towards Punakha, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- a 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.

Later visit, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of second king it served as a seat of the king.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits.

Overnight in Punakha

Day 5 – Punakha to Trongsa via Gangtey. Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (3 hours drive)

This morning is an early start and drive to Trongsa via Gangtey.

Visit the carpet factory and the sacred Gangtey Monastery

Overnight in Trongsa

Day 6 – Trongsa to Bumthang(Jakar). Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level.(3 hours drive)

Morning visit, Trongsa Dzong: It was built by Chhogyel Mingyur Tempa (sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan to bring under the rule of the Desi) in the year 1644The dzong dominates the horizon, dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Both the First and the Second King ruled the country from this Dzong. And also visit the Trongsa Museum.

Later visit, Jambay Lhakhang: It is one of the 108 monasteries built by King Songtsen Goenpo in the 8^th century to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region.

Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan. It is after his visit to the Monyul (country in the darkness); Buddhism was introduced in the country.

Then hike across to Tamzhing Lhakhang: “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD. We can see the paintings done by him on the wall and an iron jacket which was also made by him.

Mebar Tsho(Lake of Burning Fire):This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12^th century.

Visit the Swiss farm and taste sweet cheese, apple brandy and locally brewed wine and beer.

Visit the Ura valley the highest valley in Bhutan. The cobbled streets of the traditional village of Ura give a medieval feel. The old women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7 – Bumthang(Jakar) to Mongar. Altitude 1690m/5575ft above sea level(6 hours drive)

The journey from Mongar to Bumthang is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing the 3,800m high Thrumsingla pass.

Overnight in Mongar

Day 8 – Mongar – Khurbazam – Kurtey Khoma

Today trek from Khurbazam to Khoma Village (1½ hours each way), where some of the most famous and expensive textiles are woven in silk and cotton. Khoma village is famous for Kishuthara weaving and it is the main income source of Khoma villagers. Kishuthara is a silk on silk weaving with intricate hand laced patterns. It is the most expensive textile in Bhutan.

Spend a full day in Khoma to see weaving and learn how the local people make vegetable dyes.

Overnight in Mongar

Day 9 -  Mongar to Trashigang. Altitude: 1144m/ 3775ft above sea level.

This is the largest district in Bhutan and it lies in the Far East on the banks of the river Gamri Chu. It was once the center of a busy trade with Tibet. Today it is the junction of the east west highway with road connecting to Samdrupjongkhar and then to the Indian state of Assam. The nomadic people from Merak and Sakten who are remarkable for their exceptional features and costumes use this town as their market place mostly during winter.

Overnight in Trashigang

Day 10 – In Trashigang

Trashigang is in the region of the village Rangjung where you can see the raw silk textile weaving, known as “Bura”, which is done in private homes of the village.

Overnight in Trashigang

Day 11 – Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar via Khaling

Drive south to Khaling to visit the government run Textile Weaving Centre studying the entire process of spinning, dyeing and weaving.

Continue on to Samdrup Jongkhar in the afternoon.

Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar

Day 12 -  Depart from Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati Airport.

Early breakfast at the hotel and your will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.

1. There shall be no charge for CHILDREN up to the age of 5 years. However, those between the age of 6 to 12 years accompanied by elders/ guardians shall be given 40% discount on daily rates.
2. Full time STUDENTS below the age of 20 years holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions shall also be given a 20% discount on daily rates.
3. A discount of 50% on daily rates shall be given to one person in a group of 11 to 15 persons. A 100% discount shall be given to one member in a group exceeding 16 persons.

We have designed a range of itineraries by carefully taking in mind those “visitors wishing to come in any months of the year” to experience the unique cultures, festivals and to see remarkable terraces and stunning colours which combine to form a beautifully picturesque landscape.

However if you would like us to provide a tailor made itinerary with your own dates to meet your requirements then just complete the Featured Trip Form here ,giving us an outline of your thoughts, or just asking us to contact you and we’ll plan something together

Also please note that any of the trips mentioned in the website can be arranged for your independent private trip.

Raven’s 7 Day Trip to Bhutan, 2010

Raven’s 10 Day Himalayan Discovery, 2010

14 Day Wild East West Trip to Bhutan, 2010

Raven’s 11 Day Thousand Lakes Trek, 2010

Raven’s 7 Day Bicycling Trip to Bhutan, 2010