Winter season is perhaps the best opportune time to visit Bhutan and experience a tranquil facade of the country not usually seen by most visitors. Advent of winter brings about peace and tranquility in the region, as life in Bhutan settles down quietly in preparation of the winter months. One can truly appreciate the natural beauty at this time of the season, with crystal clear view of the snow-capped mountains against the backdrop of bright azure sky. The fields in the valleys are abounding with the colors of poinsettias and green banana plants. The rooftops of the villages are covered in red with hot chilies drying in the winter sun, as the villagers pass the time leisurely. It's a time of rest and nature's way of rejuvenating ones body and the spirit, with every breath of fresh air. It is indeed a unique experience not to be missed.

This special program is one of the easier lower altitude treks in Bhutan. Starting from the Punakha valley, the trek ends in the western part of Wangdue valley. The only difficulty is that the few climbs are steep, in fact on the last day there is a steep descent of almost 2 hours to the main road. During the trek you may see (weather depending) Mount Jhomolhari (23,995 ft) in the west and KangBum peak, located above Gasa (20,665 ft). Tiger Mountain (Gangchentag 22,435 ft) north of Laya might also be visible.

Tour begins from Paro and continues through Thimphu and Punakha. It is designed as a moderate trek for anyone in good physical condition to participate. A leisurely four - five hours daily hike passes through villages with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery, and to experience the hospitality of the local people. The trek ends at Wangiphodrang followed by a drive to Phobijikha to witness a rare glimpse of the black-necked cranes, which migrate each winter to this beautiful valley. Spend the night at a traditional farm guesthouse, and early next morning venture to a vantage point to see the roosting grounds of the cranes.

DAY 01ARRIVE BHUTAN
The flight from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air is a befitting introduction to Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then drive you to Thimphu the capital city Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
A visit to the Memorial Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns), National Library and the painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas ( sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Visit the  traditional Medicine institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and return to the town for your lunch break. After lunch you will visit  Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal traditional silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper factory. Drive south and visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal. It is now used as the Institute for study of traditional teachings for the lay students. Return back to hotel for overnight.

DAY 03 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 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend 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. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 04 PUNAKHA – LIMUKHA (TREK)
After breakfast begin your car will shuttle you to the Punakha old town. Here you will visit the majestic Punakha 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 was the capital seat of the Kingdom. After your visit inside the dzong you will begin your trek. The trek starts upstream from the dzong crossing the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan across the Phochu River. Ascend gently on the left side of the Pho Chu River through terraced fields of mustard, wheat and rice. After two and half hours of hike through the pine forest, fern, oak and some rhododendron you come upon a clearing. The view from here is spectacular, lunch will be served here. After lunch you will continue your ascend, upon reaching a chorten and some prayer flags on the skyline at 7215 ft indicates the end of todays climb. From the chorten it is only about one hour hike to our campsite at Limukha (7,280 feet).

DAY 05 LIMUKHA – CHUNGSAKHA
After breakfast we make a steep climb of about 500 feet up to a small ridge (7775 feet) through cold dense forest. After a steep descend into a small valley where a stream is crossed. Surrounded by beautiful birdsong and oak and rhododendron forest. After about two hours of climbing reach a small pass, Dochen La (8676 feet), from here one will have the opportunity of breathtaking views of Mount Jhomolhari, Mount KangBum, Tiger Mountain etc. if weather permits. From the pass it is a steep descend along a forest trail. The forest opens as you reach Dhagyalgong with a beautiful big old farm house, the view is again br4eathtaking. Before reaching our today’s campsite you will cross the Dargyal Monastery, an old monastery of Drukpa Kuenley, the “divine madmonk”. Your campsite is at Chungsakha (6070 feet).

DAY 06 CHUNGSAKHA – WANGDI – PHOBJIKHA
After breakfast it is 45 minute of descend to the road side. Your car will pick you up here and then drive to Phobjikha Valley situated at 9000 feet, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Kingdom. It is also the home to the rare black-necked crane that migrates from Tibet in the winter. Your car will drop you at the Monastery where you will visit the surrounding village and the monastery. You will then walk downhill to the valley floor where you will see the beautiful cranes dancing in the marshy ground while some are feeding themselves on the bamboo roots.  Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 07 PHOBJIKHA – THIMPHU - PARO
Early morning visit the roosting ground of the black necked crane from a vantage you will be able to see hundreds of cranes preparing to depart for hunt of food. Return to the guesst house. After breakfast you will resume your drive to Thimphu, You will have couple of hours for shopping and will resume drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08 PARO SIGHTSEEING       
After breakfast your car will drop you at the starting point of the excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. Afternoon visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to your waiting car at the valley floor and take you to the Hotel. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09 DEPART PARO BHUTAN
After breakfast drive to the airport for your flight to Bangkok or Kathmandu.