Alpine Flower Photography Trek

On arrival at the Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by your tour guide and driver. Check into your hotel and after a brief rest, start your magical experience of Bhutan by first visiting the impressive Rinpung Dzong/Fortress of Heaped Jewels, a fine example of the ostentatious Bhutanese art and architecture.  The Dzong is located in the heart of the town and a few minutes’ walk through Nyimazam, one of the few last remaining traditional cantilever bridges in Bhutan. Dzongs in Bhutan serve as a monastic institution and as district administrative office.

Located above the Dzong is the National Museum that houses various antiques and artifacts of Bhutan and provides a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich cultural and religious history.

Visit the 3 storied Dungtse Lhakhang/temple, built in the mid 1430’s by Thangtong Gyelpo, the iron bridge builder, to subdue a demon and the temple is firmly chained to the ground. The three floors of the temple represent hell, heaven and earth and house some of the finest murals in Bhutan. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden and farm animals. Enjoy a hot stone bath in a wooden tub, get some cooking tips and help in preparing your dinner which you will eat in the traditional Bhutanese style with the whole family.

Have a sumptuous breakfast for your hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. Riding ponies are also available till halfway if you think the hike is a bit daunting. Located around 900 meters above the Paro valley on a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, Taktsang Monastery is truly a wonderful and spectacular sight in terms of its location, setting and history. In the 8th Century this was one of the major sites where Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery. It is one of the holiest site in the Buddhist arena and the most important cultural icon in Bhutan.

You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.

Before you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.

If you wish you can go for a stroll through the valley/market places or rest in hotel.

On the first day you will drive about one and half  hour from Paro valley to the Chele la Pass (3989 m). Chela la pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan and on a clear day you can see Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Kanchunjunga of Sikkim. You will be trekking on the top of the ridge with beautiful Paro valley on the right and Haa Valley on the left and through jungles of Rhododendrons flowers in full bloom, rare blue poppies with trees of Juniper and fir. You will pass through a yak herders camp from where you will drop down to an elevation of 3766 m. Trek up to a meadow filled with blooming rhododendron shrubs which slowly opens the way to your campsite in Pangka la (4062m).  An over whelming feeling of awe and serenity instantly lightens your spirit when you see your tents pitched amidst blue poppy and shrub rhododendrons dotted all around.

Walking Distance: 5-6 hours

Campsite: Pangkala ( 4,062m )

Start your day by exploring the beautiful landscape of Pangka la just above your campsite.  Pangkala is the highest altitude on the trek and carpeted with flowers all the way and you will see an aerial view of the neighboring mountains and the path you will trek along for the day. Wake up early to enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise, hear the birds chirping or venture out to spot some of the numerous species of Himalayan birds.  The endangered Monal pheasants are spotted mostly around the campsite and the trails you will trek through is scattered with yellow poppy and other wild flowers. You will follow the trail to the Dzonglela pass (3565m) that was once a major trade route amongst Paro and Haa valley. You can hike leisurely till you reach your campsite at Tsendula (3775m).

Today is the last day of your Alpine Flower Photography Trek. As you descend you will see the change in vegetation from shrubs to thick forests of fir and juniper trees. Your driver will be waiting for you at the road head in the beautiful village of Dawakha.

Walking Distance: 4 - 5 hours

You will be driven to Paro or Thimphu as per your choice/itinerary. Your can either enjoy the last night in Bhutan at a luxury hotel with massage and spa therapy or visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden and farm animals. At the farmhouse you can enjoy a hot stone bath in a wooden tub, get some cooking tips and help in preparing your dinner, which you will eat in the traditional Bhutanese style with the whole family.

Over night at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.