This trip allows the travelers to enjoy the daily lives of friendly Bhutanese people by visiting villages, temples, monasteries, and gigantic fortresses. It gives you a chance to meet people, enjoy the pristine forest with rare glimpse of wildlife and observe the ancient old traditions of arts and crafts. We would be traveling through the less frequented areas of Bhutan. Our journey starts from Paro Valley where our flight from Bangkok will land and continue by road through the lush valley of Thimphu and to Punakha.  Continue our overland journey to the enchanting valleys Phobjikha, a winter habitat to the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibetan plateaus in winter. We will continue our drive to Historical Trongsa Valley, which played a key role in influencing Bhutanese history, culture and religion.  We begin our first day of the trek by driving for about two and half hours to Riotala from where we begin our 6 days trek. The trek route is ideal for the winter season with abundant areas of warm broadleaved forests at relatively low elevations that support native and cultivated citrus, bananas, avocados, and papaya just to mention few items. Travelers to this area experience numerous natural settings each with its own associated vegetation and wildlife. Rivers, streams, waterfalls, and high cliffs are common along this route. The blue whistling and blue rock thrush frequent the flowing waters as well as cormorants, brown dippers, and plumbeous water redstarts. Rhesus macaques and golden langur monkeys occur adjacent to the trail; barking deer tracks and scats are common, and occasionally deer call from nearby forests and glimpse encounters are experienced. Along the towering cliffs raptors such as the serpent eagles fly quite occasionally. Extensive stands of chirpine and cool and warm- broad-leaved forests with blooming rhododendrons (depending on the season of trek) are traversed. The warm broad-leaved and sub-tropical forests offer an exotic appeal, with extensive understory of banana and other subtropical vegetation that would be in fruit or flower during the winter season. In and near villages and cultivated areas the bird life changes to common mynas, blue-fronted redstarts, oriental turtle doves, long-tailed shrikes, and Eurasian sparrows, to mention just a few common species. In addition one encounters Globally threatened and unusual species such as the rufous-necked hornbill, golden-throated barbet, and the yellow-bellied flowerpecker are present.  The villages are often faced with crises of cats, such as Black Panther, Leopard and other meat-eating mammals, if lucky you may come across one of this majestic animal. The villages that you will pass along this route are Kuda, Phrumzor, Jangbi, Korphu and Nabji. These villagers are Monpas considered to be the first inhabitant of Bhutan. Monpas are a close-knit community that work in groups and share a joint family system. They have traditionally engaged themselves in weaving cane and bamboo products. Although the villages of Korphu and Nabji are relatively better off economically than others along the route, these communities in general are among the least educated and poorest of Bhutan's people; formal education started in 1996. These remote villages, all within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park, are composed of one and two room bamboo-walled, thatched-roofed huts, as well as some larger more traditional timbered and plastered Bhutanese house with multiple rooms and floor levels. This area is rich in cultural resources that document the early history and development of Buddhism in Bhutan. It is believed that, when Guru Padmasambhava was invited to Bumthang in the 8th century, he traveled through this route to Bumthang. It was in the village of Nabji, the Guru mediated the peace between the King Sendhu Raja of Bumthang and the King Naoche of South Bhutan. In the small temple of Nabji a sacred stone pillar that marks the declared peace between the kings is housed. There are various other ancient monuments, caves and relics of many other saints are found in these regions. Monpas practice a mix of Buddhism and Bon (Shamanism) religion. Each village can be considered as "Living Museum" as far as tools, cooking implements, food gathering, local festivals, songs and other practices. Each village unto itself is a cultural resource. During the visit, you will have ample opportunity, to visit houses and mingle along the locals. You will then return to Trongsa and take the same highway back to Paro for your flight back.

DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO 
Fly to Paro on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan, is the only practical way to get into the country in a reasonable period of time. The beautiful Paro Valley, a major agricultural center and site of the only airport in Bhutan, is situated in the central western region of the country at about 8,000 ft. After we have cleared customs, we will be transferred to Thimphu the capital city. Overnight in Thimphu hotel.

DAY 02 THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 meters / 10004 ft). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, lunch will be served here at the cafeteria. We start our drive downhill along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further to Punakha town we will hike up to the Chimi Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. Return back to roadside and continue by car to our hotel. Rest of the evening free or we can take a walk downhill or uphill from the hotel enjoying the spectacular views of the valley. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03 PUNAKHA (5,500 feet) PHOBJIKHA (9,600 feet)
After breakfast we will drive to Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong ( fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo ( the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past this Dzong served as the capital seat of the country for 300 years. After the visit drive south to Mesina and take a 30 minute hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple located on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. It is about 30 minutes hike from the roadside. Your lunch will be served in Wangdue Phodrang at Dragon Nest Hotel. After lunch visit the Wangdue Dzong and then continue your drive to Phobjikha Valley. Overnight at a Guest House.

DAY 04 PHOBJIKHA (9,600 feet) – TRONGSA (7,200 feet)
The village of Phobjikha is the winter home to hundreds of endangered Black-necked crane that migrate from Tibet. You will rise early today, hike to the roosting ground of the Black-necked cranes (endangered). After 30 –40 minutes of observation walk back to the camp for breakfast. After breakfast hike uphill to Gangtey monastery, about 40 minutes hike, observe the cranes feeding in the midst of dwarf Bamboos. From Gantey monastery you will start your drive with gradual climb crossing Phobjikha Pass, continue your drive to Pele La Pass, we will stop here for about 40 minutes for you to explore the thick field of dwarf bamboos, if lucky you might find the Red Panda. Although this area is known for having Red Pandas, but it will solely depend on your luck. Try your luck by climbing higher up the pass through the dwarf bamboo field. Continue your drive to Trongsa, lunch will be served here, after lunch visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong and Taa Dzong. Overnight at Trongsa Yangkhil Resort.

DAY 05 TRONGSA (7,200 feet) – NIMSHONG VILLAGE  (4,297 feet).
After breakfast your car will shuttle you to Riotala (3,280 feet) (packed lunch will be served here), which takes about 2 hours. It is lose of 3,920 feet. From here it is a steep descend of 2050 feet to the riverbed of Mangde Chu within an hour. It is then a steep climb for about 2 hours to the 58 household of Nimshong village (4,297 feet) with an approximate population of 465 people. Camp near the village. You have lost an altitude of 2,903 feet from Trongsa.

DAY 06 NIMSHONG VILLAGE (4,297 feet) – NABJI VILLAGE (4,264 feet)
Start your fabulous hike through the forest of broadleaf with abundant bird and wild life. The trail is gradual climb and is almost on the level of Nimshong village. It is about 5 hours of hike from Nimshong to Nabji with 55 household and approximate populations of 400 people, situated at the foothill above the terraced field of rice. Campsite will be at Nabji Village (4,264 feet). There is lose of 33 feet only. Overnight at camp.

DAY 07 NABJI HALT (4,264 feet)
It is a rest day, people can chose between strolling around the Nabji village or take an excursion to Korphu village. Korphu is situated on the hill with an altitude of 4,920 feet, consisting of 76 households with approximate population of 600 people. It is a spectacular hike uphill and the view from the clustered village of Korphu is breathtaking. We will spend time in the village, chatting with the village seniors and the children.

DAY 08 NABJI (4,264 feet) – PHRUMZUR VILLAGE (4,592 feet).
Start your trek with gradual climb to Kuda village. It takes about 3 hours. Kuda is situated at an elevation of 4,428 feet. Continue your hike with gradual climb to Phrumzur village gaining altitude of only 164 feet and takes about 3 hours. Your camp will be set near Phrumzur village (4,592 feet) consisting of 7 household with an approximate population of 55 people.

DAY 09 PHRUMZUR (4,592 feet) – JANGBI VILLAGE (4,428 feet).
From Phrumzur we will start our hike to Jangbi village takes about 3 hours. It is another spectacular hike with ample of birding, loosing 164 feet, Camp will be set near Jangbi village (4,428 feet).

DAY 10 JANGBI (4,428 feet) - TONGTONGFI – TRONGSA
Once again it is steep descend of 3, 116 feet to the bridge and then climb to Tongtongfi, takes about 3 hours. From here your car will shuttle you to Trongsa for a real bed and shower. If time permits you will visit Kungarabten Palace and the Nunnery above the highway. Overnight at Yangkhil Resort.

DAY 11 TRONGSA (7,200 feet) – PUNAKHA
Take the same lateral road and drive to Punakha, it takes about 6 hours to arrive.

DAY 12 PUNAKHA – THIMPHU
After breakfast you will start your journey to Thimphu en route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal and presently used as institute of Traditional Studies for both laymen and women. Check into your hotel and rest of the day free for you to explore on your own. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 13 THIMPHU - PARO
After breakfast we will drive to Paro, this will take about two hours. In Paro we have choice of sightseeing, either just visit around the valley or take an excursion to Tiger’s Nest.

OPTION 1: SIGHTSEEING AROUND PARO VALLEY
In Paro visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 Kms. up the valley. Built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts, village and on a clear day view the spectacular Mt. Chomolhari (7,314 meters). Drive back south and visit Kyichu Temple, which, according to Bhutanese tradition,  was initially built by a Tibetan King,  Songtsen Gonpo, in the seventh century. Return back to hotel for lunch. Afternoon visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). This museum is considered to be a temple by the natives because of the number of ancient religious objects it contains. The museum not only contains works of art but also handcrafted objects of daily life stuffed animals, costumes, armor and even stamps. We can thus get an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan in a very short time. We will take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. Return to hotel.

OPTION 2: EXCUSRION TO TIGER”S NEST
If you still feel like hiking then we will take an excursion to Tiger’s Nest. Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. Taktshang means "Tiger's Nest," so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 3,000 ft above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly scenic! It takes about two hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. If you still feel like hiking then you can take another hour to reach the temple.

DAY 14 DEPART PARO BHUTAN.