Destination Covered : Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro Duration: 05 Nights/06 Days

Day 1 : ARRIVE PARO/THIMPHU    (Surface- approx. 55 Kms 01 Hrs)

Flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower).

Arrive Paro. Meeting assistance upon arrival and drive to Thimphu. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. Visit National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at hotel

Day 2 : THIMPHU

After breakfast at hotel, morning visit the Late King’s Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the indigenous hospital specializing in herbal medicine, handmade paper factory, and the nunnery at Zilukha.  Afternoon, tour of the school of fine arts where young students learn the traditional arts and crafts (Zo Rig Chusum – the thirteen crafts); Zangtopelri Lhakhang, the Handicraft Emporium and the local handicraft centers to see the varieties of  textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, jewellery etc. on display. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 : THIMPHU – PUNAKHA    (Surface – approx. 03 Hrs drive)

After breakfast at hotel, morning drive to Punakha (3 hrs. drive), the old winter capital. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs via a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 10,000ft/3,048m.  On a clear day panoramic views can be had of the eastern Himalaya, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m.  The road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley.

Afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the divine mad monk’s temple. It is a beautiful walk through a lovely village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site. Also visit the courtyard of Punakha Dzong . Overnight at hotel.

Day 4 : PUNAKHA – PARO     (Surface – approx. 04 Hrs drive)

 /After breakfast at hotel, drive back to Paro via Thimpu Upon arrival check in at the hotel . Afternoon City Tour Ta Dzong (Sun, Mon Govt holiday closed): once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating  history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5 : PARO  (Excursion to Tiger’s Nest Taktshang)

 After breakfast at hotel proceed for an excursion to Tiger’s Nest Taktshang or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ as it is often referred to for Taktshang Pelphung monastery, is one of the most venerated and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of a 900m sheer cliff. It is an im2 /pressive and unmissable site, but accessible only by walk or to ride mules/ /pony. From the trail head at Rumtokto (2600m), the walk till the Cafeterianb is a steep one hour uphill (about 350m ascent). Once inside the monastery, there are several shrines or temples with few monks in residence. After visiting Taktshang monastery’s many shrines, most tours schedule lunch at the Cafeteria upon return.

After lunch, retrace back to the road-head where you started in the morning. The return from Cafeteria is all downhill and takes just over half hour. Further, if you have more time, energy and ready for more challenging day, you can start early and trek beyond Takstang to see several monasteries, temples, retreat houses in the surrounding area. The most notable among them are Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tsemo. Pony/horse can be hired for ride up till the Cafeteria. However you cannot ride beyond the cafeteria or come down hill on the horse.. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6 : PARO – ONWARDS /

After breakfast at hotel departure transfer to the airport for your flight to onwards destination.