BHUTAN UNSHAKABLE

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Wangditse Day Hike - The walk from the Radio Tower, Wangditse is a moderate hike with great views over Thimphu. The peace road finishes at broadcast tower, which further up is adorned by fluttering prayer flags. The view of south Thimphu from here is superb. WangditseGoemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan's 8th Desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The goemba housesthe statues of the guardian deitiesYeshey Gonpo (Mahakala), Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Tsheringma (the Goddess of Longevity)

Motithang Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only inBhutan, Nepal and Burma.

Institute of Zorig Chusum - Commonly known as the Painting School, or the School of the Thirteen Arts, theInstitute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and craftsof Bhutan. It is a hands-on trip for you. Enjoy few moments with future artists of the country.

Simply Bhutan – A living museum and a photo studio with a mission to engage and empower youth entrepreneurs through preservation, promotion and showcasing of Bhutanese tradition and cultural diversity.

Centenary Farmers' Market - Most of the Thimphu population congregate on the banks of Wangchhu River where the weekend market is held. Villagers from the Valley and other nearbyplaces come to sell their wide range of agriculture products in the market. The market is by far the largest domestic market in Bhutan. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities,as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.

In the evening, we will visit Tashichho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries,His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Thimphu Elevation: 2400 m

Phunakha Elevation: 13000 m

Punakha - The ancient capital of Bhutan, about two and half hour drive from Thimphu across Dochu-La Pass. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha Dzong, the second dzong to be built in Bhutan.

Dochula Pass - At 3,150 meter, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Himalaya’s mountain range with its 108 chortens that was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is also a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.

Druk Wangyal Chorten - The construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate the victory over the Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the lives lost.

Chhimi Lhakhang - Chimi Lhakang also known as Fertility Temple located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha right before the junction in Lobesa. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley 'Divine Madman' known for his outrageous behavior. The existing footpath to Chimi Lhakhang passes through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple.

The Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chhimi Lhakhang. The Divine Madman sits there thougha statue this time. Do not miss the master's deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children

Treat yourself with good lunch and prepare to visit most beautiful fortress in the country i.e, Punakha Dzong. Phunkha Dzong is placed well at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Do not miss the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all Bhutanese kings

Phunakha Elevation: 1300 m

After breakfast Enjoy a short hike to Khamsum Yullay Nmagyal Chorten – the chorten sits majestically on the ridge above Phunakha valley with spectacular view of country side and the hills below. The Chorten was built in the year of 1994 by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck to ward off the evil forces and also to bring peace and harmony for all living beings. It is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. The Khamsum Chorten is located about 30 minutes drive from Phunkha town and a 45 minutes uphill hike form the base of the hill through the rice fields.On the base of Kamsum chorten one’s will come across with the water rafting starting point. Then have a picnic lunch on the riverbank.

In the afternoon, explore the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan Punakha Dzong - Phunakha Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King GongsarUgyen Wangchuck. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in the recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. At the Dzong enriches your trip with the opportunity to see the highest standards in woodwork. Do not miss the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all Bhutanese kings, the Dzong chung at the entrance to the Dzong and the cantilever bridge over the Mochu that has been recently renovated.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge - The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspensions bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong andthe Pho Chhu Valley.

Phobjikha Elevation: 3000 m

Phunakha Elevation: 1300 m

Phobjikha Valley - Well known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau.The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March.

Gangtey Goempa - Situated south of the road and east of Wangdue Phodrang, is Gangtey Gompa, an old monastery dating back to the 17th century. The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay.

Phobjikha Nature Trail - A short trek of about 90 minutes known as Gangte Nature Trail startsfrom the Mani stone wall to the north of the Gangteng Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.

Black-Necked Crane Information Centre - The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to inthe winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. BlackNecked Crane Information Centre, which has informative display about the cranes and the valley environment.

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

Tiger Nest’s Monastery Elevation: 3000 m

Paro Valley - PThe beautiful valley is home to many of Bhutan's old monasteries and temples. The valleyis also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. Paro Dzong (aka Ringpung Dzong) - Explore the Rinpung Dzong, which the locals call the ‘fortress ofa heap of jewels’. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township. It is linked by the traditional cantilever bridge (called the Nemi Zam) over the Pa Chu where one may pose a photograph. PNational Museum (Ta Dzong) - On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, originally built as a watch tower. In 1968, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the first National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection. Start or end your trip with a visit to this marvelous museum. PKyichu Lhakhang - Also known as Kyichu Temple or Lho Kyichu, is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Just like Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and pin down an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. According to legend, all 108 temples were built in a single night. Go back in time and history and visit the 7th century Kyichhu temple. As the name suggests, the temple isa reservoir of peace, where you will feel at peace here. Next to the temple is the house that is turned into a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. One can come across photographs and other artifacts belonging to Rinpoche.

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

Are you ready? We will be making the hike up to one of the key highlights in Bhutan today! Tiger's Nestaka Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang Monastery - Often called the Tiger’s Nest, perched on the cliffs, has awestruck many a visitor. “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed, it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. For those not choosing the spiritual side, it is the dramatic, artistically built monument that becomes a hiker’s delight. Take a trip to this dramatically set Buddhist relic hanging from a cliff. Experience the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor. According to legends, it is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a Tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves. Guru Rinpoche performed meditation and emerged in eight manifestations, and the place became holy, thus gaining the name Tiger's Nest.

Hot Stone Bath - You can go for a locally own Hot Stone Bath, which can take four people at one time. This bath will help loosen your joints, release muscle tension and invoke a profound sense of relaxation. The cost is approximately USD 25/- per person. (Not included in the packages).

Paro Elevation: 2400 m

After breakfast you will be transfer to air port and the representative of Bhutan Unshakable Tours and Treks will bid farewell and see off you in airport.