Today, following breakfast, we bring you back to the airport in time to catch your return flight to Bangkok, Delhi or another gateway city.

Today you have the unique opportunity to spend the day and experience Paro through Yeshey's eyes. Born and raised in Paro, most of Yeshey's formative life experiences have been in Paro, and he has watched it grow with him from a sleepy little village market to the bustling town on the make it is today. Release any expectations you may have, and and let our kind and gentle trip leader share his hometown in the way he'd like. We may all be more than a little touched and surprised by what we learn from letting go.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Paro Olathang Lodge

After a hearty breakfast today, drive the two hours back to Bathpalathang Domestic Airport and catch the flight back to Paro with time in the afternoon to relax at your cottage in the pines. This evening, you may have enough left in the tank to head up the valley for a soak at the little riverside hot-stone baths on the way to the Tiger's Nest.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  Accommodations: The Cottages at Olathang

Today choose one of two trekking routes, the first a difficult and grueling trek from the Jakar Valley center, following the aquamarine Chamkharchhu River to the Ngang Lhakhang, or ‘Swan Temple.’ This ancient royal trail winds through the surrounding villages to a high pass before a dropping down along a spectacularly rolling mountainslope into Tang Ogyen Choling.  The other option, along a shorter route, takes us on the Trans Bhutan Trail proper, winding up a farm road, to rise through tall forests of pine and fir up to a modest pass that drops down to the Pemacholing Nunnery, from where we take our support van to The Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum. Tang Ogyen Choling is an atmospheric old central Bhutanese palace that dates back to ancient regional nobility. This evening, if we’re lucky, we may be able to share a lovely and informative conversation with our hosts Ashi Kunzang Roder, the very well traveled and well-read present-day descendent of an ancient noble family, and her Swiss Forester husband, who has advised and worked for the Bhutanese government’s natural resources services for decades. The retired couple now lives in the old renovated manor and are among the most consummate and storied hosts in all of Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  Accommodations: The Tang Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum

Today, following breakfast, we bring you back to the airport in time to catch your return flight to Bangkok, Delhi or another gateway city.

Today you have the unique opportunity to spend the day and experience Paro through Yeshey's eyes. Born and raised in Paro, most of Yeshey's formative life experiences have been in Paro, and he has watched it grow with him from a sleepy little village market to the bustling town on the make it is today. Release any expectations you may have, and and let our kind and gentle trip leader share his hometown in the way he'd like. We may all be more than a little touched and surprised by what we learn from letting go.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Paro Olathang Lodge

After a hearty breakfast today, drive the two hours back to Bathpalathang Domestic Airport and catch the flight back to Paro with time in the afternoon to relax at your cottage in the pines. This evening, you may have enough left in the tank to head up the valley for a soak at the little riverside hot-stone baths on the way to the Tiger's Nest.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  Accommodations: The Cottages at Olathang

Today choose one of two trekking routes, the first a difficult and grueling trek from the Jakar Valley center, following the aquamarine Chamkharchhu River to the Ngang Lhakhang, or ‘Swan Temple.’ This ancient royal trail winds through the surrounding villages to a high pass before a dropping down along a spectacularly rolling mountainslope into Tang Ogyen Choling.  The other option, along a shorter route, takes us on the Trans Bhutan Trail proper, winding up a farm road, to rise through tall forests of pine and fir up to a modest pass that drops down to the Pemacholing Nunnery, from where we take our support van to The Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum. Tang Ogyen Choling is an atmospheric old central Bhutanese palace that dates back to ancient regional nobility. This evening, if we’re lucky, we may be able to share a lovely and informative conversation with our hosts Ashi Kunzang Roder, the very well traveled and well-read present-day descendent of an ancient noble family, and her Swiss Forester husband, who has advised and worked for the Bhutanese government’s natural resources services for decades. The retired couple now lives in the old renovated manor and are among the most consummate and storied hosts in all of Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  Accommodations: The Tang Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum

The hike from Yotongla Pass to Gyetsa on the Trans Bhutan Trail begins at Yotongla Pass, situated at an elevation of 3,425 meters (11,236 feet), and descends to Gyetsa village at 2,891 meters (9,484 feet). This section typically takes around 4 to 6 hours to complete. The trail offers a variety of terrains and ecosystems, making it particularly rewarding for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Starting at the high-altitude Yotongla Pass the trail, historically associated with Bhutan's royal family, it descends through open meadows offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail then cuts through stretches of open forest, providing shade and a chance to observe local flora and fauna. The final portion of the hike offers a pleasant riverside walk as you approach Gyetsa village. The route also passes through the famous weaving village of Chumey, where our support van will meet us in case we decide to purchase the colorful local yak-hair and wool weavings known as Yathra. We take the 30-minute drive from Chumey or Gyetsa to Mountain Resort, our family lodge opposite the historic Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort

The four-and-half-hour drive from Punakha to Trongsa takes us on a scenic journey through Bhutan's Black Mountain range. As you leave Punakha, the road follows the Mochhu and Dangchhu rivers, offering beautiful views of the landscape. It climbs through lush mountains covered with trees and vegetation. Lunch is at the Willing Waterfall Restaurant before ending your day at the Yangkhil Resort, the grande dame of Trongsa lodges.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable

Next, explore the local markets in Paro town to discover traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Meet local weavers and stroll the charming and bustling main street with shops filled with Himalayan tchotchkes and treasures sitting side by side. In the afternoon, after lunch at a well-regarded local restaurant, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, believed to be one of 108 temples constructed to suppress a metaphorical demon sprawled across the Himalayas. This serene temple is renowned for its ancient orange tree that bears fruit year-round. Conclude your day at Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It serves as a religious and administrative center and offers stunning views of the valley. The dzong features intricate woodwork and murals depicting ancient Buddhist teachings. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Paro Olathang Lodge

This early evening, after our capital city explorations, join the meditative and colorful stream of capital city residents circumabulating the National Memorial Chorten.  The remainder of the day is yours to plan as you see fit.   Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Capital Hotel

The Trans Bhutan Trail section from Paro to Tsaluna begins with a steep climb past the scattered apple orchards above Paro, before entering dense forests of pine and fir, and finally ascending to the small, ridge-top Jele Dzong. The trail spans an estimated 14.2 km (8.8 miles) and typically takes all day to complete because of the steep climb up to the exposed mountain ridge with distant views, in good weather, of the greater Himalayan peaks. It begins in Paro at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,546 feet) and ends in Tsaluna at about 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The highest point of the trail is at the Jela Pass, reaching 3,528 meters (11,575 feet). The Jele dzong, a short distance above the pass, is well worth the visit. It was constructed in the 15th century by Lam Ngawang Choegyal (1464-1540), the brother of the kingdom’s legendary and beloved prankster saint Drukpa Kuenley. The building features a fortress-like structure typical of Bhutanese architecture, and houses a small chapel dedicated to Bhutan’s protective deities. It serves as an active monastic school affiliated with Paro Rinpung Dzong. From there the trail descends steeply into the Tshaluna Valley through forests of rhododendrons and pine to emerge above scattered village homes, small farms, and a community school at the base, from where we transfer to the capital by car.  Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Capital Hotel

We begin with a scenic drive to Chorten Nyingbo Monastery, located about 15 kilometers from Punakha town. Founded in the 18th century by Jigme Sengye, this historic monastery is nestled amid lush rice terraces. Meet the young resident monks, visit their classrooms, and learn about their monastic life. The monastery is home to sacred relics associated with Guru Rimpoche, patron saint of the Himalayas. In the afternoon, stop by the picturesque hilltop called Potolo, the site of an open-air art studio run our old friend Asha Kama Wangdi, one of Bhutan's most celebrated contemporary artists. Known for blending traditional Bhutanese art with modern techniques, Kama Wangdi is also the founder of VAST Bhutan, an initiative nurturing young artists. At his studio, which uses found and discarded objects from the urban areas, displayed works often include works in progress by talented Bhutanese artists, featuring Buddhist iconography with environmental and cultural themes. Learn about Kama’s artistic journey and the evolving art scene in Bhutan, gaining a unique perspective on Bhutanese life through contemporary art. We end the day at Ama Om's Homestay, where we enjoy an early dinner featuring authentic Bhutanese dishes made from fresh local ingredients. After dinner, unwind with a hot tub session, often infused with medicinal herbs, beside a rushing stream, providing a perfect and therapeutic way to relax after our day of exploration. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations:Ama Om's Homestay, The Zhingkham Resort, Dhumra Farmstay or comparable

There are two options today, both on the 'Divine Madman' Trail:  Option 1. The steep day trek on the Trans Bhutan Trail to the serene mountain top Lungchutse Monastery where, on clear days, you can see Bhutan's highest peaks, including Gangkar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain at 7,570 meters (24,835 feet).  Or,  Option 2. Take the optional hike on the Divine Madman section of the Trans Bhutan Trail to Thinleygang Lhakhang, a temple that now serves as a school for young monks, before continuing the short distance down the hill to Mendegang Heritage Home, our home for the night, offering a genuine cultural heritage experience. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mendegang Heritage Homestay