The trek across the top of eastern Bhutan is tough and involves a tremendous long, steep descent; it used to be an important trade route before completion of National Highway.
Day 1: Arrive Paro	During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu	After breakfast drive to Drukgyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), a ruined fortress built to commemorate victory of Bhutanese warrior over Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Witness the snowy dome of sacred Jumolhari, “mountain of goddess” that looms directly over the Dzong. Along the way see the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. This temple reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. After lunch visit to Ta Dzong, originally as watchtower, now houses national museum of the kingdom. It boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons, amours, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of heap of jewels” which has a long and fascinating history. Drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers at Chuzomsa (confluence). Three different styles of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond, on the left is Tacho Lhakhang, the Temple of the Hill of Excellent horse. Over night: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu – Sight seeing	After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972,this stupa was built in 1974. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient Buddhist manuscripts are preserved. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu. Afternoon visit Simtokha Dzong, this is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: Opened in 2001, they are living testimonies of the Bhutanese traditions. Handicraft emporium: it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Trongsa	Drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains of Masanggang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Teri gang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (1,170m), Zongpaphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana and finally Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), the highest mountain in the country, and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear). Lunch at Dochula pass. The descent from Dochula to Wangdiphodrang valley is quite long as the difference is 1700 meters. Proceed to Trongsa across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. A large prayer flag marks the pass and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by lama named Shida. It is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points and drive to Trongsa. Over night: Hotel in Trongsa
Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang	After break fast walk by Trongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1647 and visit to the epic Ta Dzong (watch tower). Then drive to Bumthang, which is about 3 hours, through the Yutong La pass (alt.3, 400m 29 km from Trongsa). Further 13 km ahead, the road enters into a wide, open cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. Lunch at Bumthang. After lunch visit to Kurjey Lhakhang (where the saint body imprint on a rock), Jambay Lhakhang (7th century), Tamshing Monastery (containing one of the oldest painting in Bhutan), the Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Later, take a stroll in the village. Over night: Guest house in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang: (Trek starts)	Trek begins today. The route takes you around Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. Lunch at the Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in 13th century. Further ahead you enter Ngang Yul, ‘Swan Land” and at its center is Ngang Lhakhang, the “Swan Temple”. This part of the valley was at first inhabitated by swans who gave their name (Ngang) to the place. The Lama Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of how to build a temple, shot an arrow at the spot where the arrow landed, the Ngang Lhakhang was erected. Overnight at the camp at an altitude of 2,800m. Distance is 20 km, walking time 6/7 hours. Over night: Camping
Day 7: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing	Climb gradually to Phephe La pass (3,353m), altitude of 2,850m Follow the trail until the pass takes you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allow for stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Over night: Camping
Day 8: Ugyenchholing – Phokphey	Today’s walk is through bamboos, hemlock and finally up to alpine forest. Overnight camp at an altitude of 3,600m. Distance 17 km, walking time 5/6 hours.
Day 9: Phokphey – Ungaar	Continue ascending for half an hour until you reach Rodungla (3,800m), and then continue downhill through the gorge, overlooking some of the mountain valleys. Towards the camp you see pine trees. Overnight camp. Distance 20 km, time 6/7 hours.
Day 10: Ungaar – Taskila	This trail winds up and down till you reach Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang en route. It is one of the oldest temples in existence today, built in mid 7th century by the King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to subdue demons. Overnight camp. Distance 21 km, time 7/8 hours.
Day 11: Taskila – Lhuntse	Proceed to Lhuntse guesthouse for lunch. After lunch it is leisure time. Overnight camp.
Day 12: Lhuntse – Menji	Arrive firstly to Kuri Zampa and the trek from here is gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Overnight camp. Distance 12 km, time 4/5 hours.
Day 13: Menji – Pemi	Continue uphill through thick forests overlooking mountain views. The camp is under forest shelter at an altitude of 2,400m. Distance 20 km, time 6/7 hours.
Day 14:Pemi - Taupang	Continue up to Dongla where you will have the fascinating mountain views. Descend through thick evergreen forests till you reach campsite. Overnight campsite. Distance 21 km, time 6/7 hours.
Day 15: Taupang - Tashiyangtse	Today is the longest trek. It is a gradually downhill till Yangtse through Chir pine and hardwood forests like oak of sub tropical forest zone. Overnight camp. Distance 24 km, time 8/9 hours. Over night: Hotel or camping.
Day 16:rashi Yangtse - Trashigang - Mongar	In the morning drive to Trashigang, visit Trashigang Dzong, walk around the town and see the ancient and modern Bhutanese way of living, and drive to weaving center in Khaling (which is operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan), Sherubtse College in Kanglung (Bhutan's first college), and Zangdo Pelri Monastery. IN the evening drive to Mongar. Over night: Hotel in Mongar.
Day 17: Mongar - Bumthang	After breakfast drive the spectacular 8-hour route back to Bumthang, with stops for picnic lunch and tea in nearby villages. Over night: Guest house in Bumthang.
Day 18: Bumthang - Wangdiphodrang	After breakfast drive to town, you might want to buy a gift for your beloved one, and drive to Wangdiphodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. Over night: Hotel in Wangdiphodrang.
Day 19:Wangdiphodrang - Paro	After break fast you will drive to Paro via Thimphu. If it's the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. After lunch you will drive to Paro. At Paro visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Over night: Hotel in Paro.
Day 20: Paro –ParoInternational Airport for departure	Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.

Reminder:

Feb to October.

Climate:

Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cool and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.

Trek Grade: Strenuous Trek

Group size: Minimum 4 pax.

WHAT TO BRING:

Practical and comfortable clothes are appropriate (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.

For Trekking:

Warm sleeping bag (down, -0-5 degree Celsius), strong comfortable trekking boots – water resistant for the rainy season (June – August), several pairs of socks and vests, warm clothing (especially a down jacket for higher altitudes) for the evenings, rain coat or umbrella, torch (flashlight), water flask, a hat or head scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, disinfectant tablets for water, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream for insect bites (summer), Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness, pillow case, wet packed tissue paper.

NOTE: For trekking a load of 25 kilos is allowed.