Day 01: Arrive Paro
On your arrival at Paro airport, our representative will transfer you to Thimphu (55 km, approx 1.1/2 hours drive) the modern capital town of Bhutan. The green walls of the hills are known as gateways to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens. Farm houses dot the hillsides on either side of the plane. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
(Lunch and Dinner)
Day 02: Thimphu
After having the breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour in Thimphu valley. Explore some of the great sights including the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After lunch, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
(Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 03: Thimphu
After the breakfast, take a short drive towards the northern end of the town to visit Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Continue on to BBS Tower for a fascinating view of Thimphu valley, visit Mini zoo or Takin Preserve - the Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Also visit Anim Dratshang (nunnery) at Drubthob Goemba. On the way back to town visit Trashichhodzong: this impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.
(Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 04: Thimphu/ Punakha
After having your breakfast, drive to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If the sky is clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang, table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. After that drive to Wangduephodrang, and visit Dzong and local market. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.
(Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 05: Punakha
After the breakfast, excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. Afternoon explore Punakha locan market and town. Overnight stay at the hotel.
(Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 06: Punakha / Paro
After breakfast, drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.
Afternoon in Paro , visit Ta Dzong, 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. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. 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. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
(Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 07: Paro
After having the breakfast, drive to the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to the monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
(Breakfast and Dinner)
Day 08: Depart Paro
After the breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport to board the flight for you onward journey.
(Breakfast )