Day 1: Arrival Paro, Bhutan
When you first arrive at Paro International Airport, you will met by one of our delightful tour guide just outside the arrival hall. At 7,333 feet above sea level, the first thing you will likely notice is the effect of the high altitudes, so we will give you time to acclimate as we take a short drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel. During the evening you can wander through the shops, bars, and cafes of Thimphu. (D)
Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar
Day 2: Thimphu
After breakfast, visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit Changangkha Lhakhang, this temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th Century by Lam Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get an auspicious names for their newborns or blessing from the protector deity “Tamdrin”. Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and glided in gold. Visitors can also get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point. Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu Valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the institute of Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the painting school) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. (B/L/D)
Hotel: Bhutan Suites or similar
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Today we travel to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955, and will stop off at Dochula Pass long the way. This popular tourist spot provides stunning 360- degree views of the Himalayas. It is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens (stupas) Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1673 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six story, gold domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here? Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic, though long established here. After exploring Punakha city centre, embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From road point, it takes about 10-15 mins walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. It is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as “Divine Madman” It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually with a child very soon. (B/L/D)
Hotel: Hotel Lobesa or similar
Day 4: Punakha – Paro
Today we travel to Paro , follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the Valley. Proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from all the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Evening take a stroll around interesting city centre of Paro. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (B/L/D)
Hotel: Metta Resort or similar
Day 5: Paro – Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 Hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. This site has been recognized as a most scared place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half day excursion. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”), the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In the evening, drive to Thimphu. Overnight in Hotel. (B/L/D)Hotel: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar
Day 6: Departure Paro, Bhutan
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. (B)
***End of Tour*** | 
