DAY 1-Paro –Thimphu.

You will welcomed by your guide and driver with traditional scarves. Drive about 1 hour 30 minutes to Thimphu (2,300m),the capital of Bhutan.

After lunch at the Paday Bistro( Grilled Rainbow Trout), visit the Memorial Chorten, built in1974 in loving memory of the Third King, His Majesty JigmeDorji Wangchuck, where a multi-storied Stupa and numerouspaintings are exhibited providing an insight into Buddhistphilosophy. You will find lots of elderly citizens going around the stupa to wash off their sins and pave their way to their better future rebirth

DAY 2-Thimphu-Thimphu

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, built in the thirteen century by Lam Phajo DugomZhigpo, situated on a ridge, all the new born in Thimphu get their name here. You may find some parents offering local liquor and milk to appease the Guardian Deity.  Visit the Takin Preserve, where you can see thenational animal of Bhutan (Takin).In the evening, you can visit Tashichho Dzong (the fortress of the glorious religion). TashichhoDzong houses His Majesty’s Secretariat and the Central Monk Body.

Visit the National Library, established in the 1960s, whichholds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and asmall collection of books.Institute of Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the PaintingSchool) where you can see young children learning andpracticing the ancient arts and crafts of Bhutan. ZorigChusum literally means the “thirteen traditional arts andcrafts”.Visit the Royal Textile Academy, which provides an excellent introduction about the techniques,style of various textiles woven in the country along with exhibitions of the nationaldress ‘gho’ formen and ‘kira’ for women.If your visit falls from Friday till Sunday, then visit the weekend vegetable market held at theCentenary Farmers Market. The market provides an opportunity to mingle with the local peopleand sample local organic produce. Local arts and crafts are also available.

DAY 3-Thimphu – Punakha

The first stop after leaving Thimphu is Dochula pass at10,500 ft. (23km from Thimphu – 45 minutes drive), whereyou can see one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. Ifweather permits, from this pass, the breathtaking peaks ofBhutan’s northern border can be viewed.

At Dochula, you will also see a unique cluster of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral up tothe main Chorten known as the “Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”. Her Majesty The QueenMother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, dedicated these chortens as a tribute and monument tothe selfless service and visionary leadership of our Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme SingyeWangchuck. The Chortens are also a celebration of the stability and progress that His Majesty theKing brought to the nation. These chortens are a new landmark for travelers as they crossDochula, the first mountain pass into the interior of the country.Reaching the village of Sopsokha, you can walk about 20 minutes across the rice fields up to themonastery, Chimi Lhakhang. It was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the DivineMadman by the West). It is believed that childless women who visit the monastery will conceiveafter receiving the ‘wang’ (blessing).

Blessed with a temperate climate and drained by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, is the fertile valleyof Punakha. The District has hosted several historical events such as serving as the Capital ofBhutan since 1651 till 1956. The First King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was enthroned in 1907 andthe first session of the National Assembly was held in 1955. It is still the winter residence of HisHoliness the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and Zhung Dratshang (the Central Monk Body).

Visit Punakha Dzong located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, builtin 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong served as the religious and administrativecenter of Bhutan until the mid-1950s. It was here that the dual system of government wasintroduced in the early 17th century and where the Bhutanese enthroned the First King. Or Visit Farm Houses and indulge with locals in brewing local alcohol and helping them in roasting rice to produce puffed rice.

DAY 4Punakha – Paro

Drive towards Nezergang and hike about 1hour 30 minutes toKhamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten, built by The QueenMother, Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, in1999 for the protection of the country and universal peace inthe world.

Drive to Paro and visit Rinpung Dzong (the fortress on a heap ofjewels). The Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyelin 1646.

DAY-5-Paro Tour

Day hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsangmeaning “Tiger’s Nest”, is built around a cave inwhich Guru Rimpoche (also known as GuruPadmasambhava) meditated. The monasteryclings seemingly impossible to a cliff at 914mabove the valley floor.For the local people it is a place of pilgrimage, but for a tourist, a hike up to the viewpointopposite the monastery is exhausting, thrilling and mystical. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche issaid to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave.

Drive to the end of the valley and visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. It was built by ZhabdrungNgawang Namgyel in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders.Enroute to Paro town, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang is said to have been built by KingSongtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is believed that it holds down the left foot of an ogress, so large thatit covers Bhutan and most of eastern Tibet. It is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan Kingin one day throughout the region of the Himalayas; according to legends. The temple also housesa museum dedicated to late Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche and hosts a range of artefacts belonging to the Rimpoche

DAY 6 DEPARTURE –Transfer and departure from ParoInternational Airport.

• Minimum of 3 star rated accommodation
• All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)
• All internal transportation (excluding domestic flights if any)
• Airport pick-drop
• Professional English-Speaking guide and driver
• All road permits and entry fees
• Government fee, royalty and surcharges
• Adventure Equipment
• Camp Assistances
• All services and assistance before, during and after the trip