Day 01 – B L D
Arrive Paro
Meet our representative at the airport and after completion of arrival formalities you will be taken to your hotel. Afternoon free for leisure.

Day 02 – B L D
Paro
Paro is home to the country’s only airport and many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. Drive up the valley to visit Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering outer walls are still an imposing sight. From here, on a clear day, you will have a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari.

Later visit Ta Dzong, which was built in 1651 as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. Since 1968 it is home to the National Museum. Its collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a short hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’ built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro’s monastic community.

Day 03 – B L D
Paro|Taktsang excursion
Take a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery, which is famously known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave for 3 months. Afternoon is free.

Day 04 – B L D
Paro |Haa |Thimphu
Start the day early with a one-hour drive to Haa via the Chele-la pass. You will have a  superb view of the mountains Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, and if the weather is favorable you will stop here to stroll around. After a picnic lunch by the river visit Lhakhang Karpo (“White Temple”) and Lhakhang Nagpo (“Black Temple”).  Leave for Thimphu in the late afternoon.

Day 05 – B L D
Thimphu
The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Visit:

• The National Memorial Chorten, built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king, “the Father of Modern Bhutan”, and as a monument to world peace
• The National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained
• The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
• The National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format
• Tashichhodzong, “the Fortress of the Glorious Religion”, which is situated by the Wang Chu and Thimphu’s most impressive building. It houses His Majesty’s secretariat, some ministries, and also the central monk body during the summer months.

Day 06 – B L D
Thimphu |Punakha |Wangduephodrang
After breakfast proceed to Punakha, which was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Afternoon sightseeing includes the breathtaking Punakha Dzong, then drive back down the valley to Wangduephodrang.

Day 07 – B L D
Punakha |Paro
Today is a 5 hr drive to Paro. En route you will visit Bhutan’s oldest fortress Semtokha Dzong (built in 1627), which has a series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

Day 08 – B
Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.