Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu

After arriving & visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan

• Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Free until lunch time for some rest from early morning flight, refreshment and lunch
• Afternoon, you can choose to visit any or all of the following places:-

Tachogang Lhakhang

Tachogang Lhakhang is located in Paro district, on the way to Thimphu. It was founded by ThankthongGyelpo after he experienced a vision of Guru Rimpochhe, Amitaba and Avalokiteshvara near site. The caretakers today are said to be descendants of ThangtongGyelpo. Inside the temple one can see the master’s relics, including his walking stick.

National Memorial Chorten

The National Memorial was built by Bhutan’s third king, H.M. JigmeDorjiWangchuck who is also known as the “father of modern Bhutan.” He wanted to erect a monument carrying the message of world peace and prosperity. However, he was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state and other regal responsibilities. After his untimely demise in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to eternal peace, harmony and tranquility.

Tashichho Dzong

The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the DrukDesi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutan’s government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer caital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan.

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 2:  Thimphu Sightseeing 

Thimphu sightseeing in the morning.  After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing. Buddha View Point: Another place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang).

You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha Statue, the largest in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley and then visit the revered Memorial Chorten, and the traditional paper making factory. In the afternoon we will visit TashichhoDzong, the ‘’fortress of the glorious religion.’’ This massive building was constructed completely by hand and without a single nail it houses government offices, the king‘s audience chambers,the Je Khempo (head of the Drukpa Kagyu line of Mahayana Buddhism in Bhutan)   And a multitude of temples, and many monks. Afternoon Relax and walk around the Thimphu town by yourself to enjoy the city.

Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 3: Thimphu to Punakha

Thimphu to Punakha (3 hours drive). In the morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges.  In the afternoon visit the imposing PunakhaDzong “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).  And then take a pleasant walk for half an hour or so across terraced fields to see ChimiLhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15^th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama DrukpaKuenley) [2 hours total for walk and temple].

Overnight in Punakha  

DAY 4: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

Today after breakfast check out from the hotel, drive to Phobjikha valley where you enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges.   In Phobjikha the villagers continue live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.  This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet.  As a result no electricity is run to the valley to avoid disturbing their habitat.  Evening leisure time for you

 Overnight in Phobjikha .

Day 5: Phobjikha to Punakha

Phobjikha Valley – Gangtey Nature Trail

 After breakfast check out from the hotel and you can have pleasurable walk (around 2 hours) that gives a nice feeling for Phobjikha valley. It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. After passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the local community school; this involves a 30 minute walk up to the start of town. The Nature Trail can be combined with a visit to Gangtey Goemba and the local school. Gangtey Goemba is a 16th century monastery situated picturesquely at the hilltop at the edge of Gangtey village, making it the landmark structure of Phobjikha valley. Later drive back to Punakha

Overnight in punakha

DAY 6: Punakha to Paro

 After breakfast in the Punakha hotel we will drive back to Paro on the way we will visit SimtokhaDzong one of the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Lunch in Paro. After lunch you can visit Ta Dzong (‘the watch tower’) now housing the National Museum.  Built on top of the hill above RinpungDzong, it was originally used to defend RinpungDzong and the Paro valley during times of war.  Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.

Overnight in Paro

DAY 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest 

Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which climbs to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress.  He subsequently meditated here for three months.  It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries.  You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.

Overnight in Paro

 DAY 8: Transfer to Paro Airport

 In the morning after early breakfast we will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward destinations.