DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO 

Your flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a panorama of some of the highest mountain ranges on earth. As you descend into the beautiful valley of Paro, you will be greeted by sights of lush green paddy fields and a gush  of fresh air as soon as you come out of your aircraft. Our representative (your guide and driver) will be waiting for you at the Exit to welcome you. After lunch, you will be taken to enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro. You will visit to the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, you will be taken to Rimpung Dzong (Fortress). Dzongs were once strategic forts but presently they are used for both Monastic and Administrative purposes.

DAY 2: PARO-THIMPHU (55 KMS)

After breakfast, you will drive to Thimphu (The Capital City of Bhutan), which is about an hours’ drive from Paro. Thimphu is one of the most beautiful and the largest town in the Bhutan. Upon arriving Thimphu, you will begin your sightseeing by visiting Buddha Point , it is the largest Buddha Statue in the world. The Buddha Dordenma is located on a ridge above Thimphu Town. The Buddha was constructed in recent years and was consecrated by the present Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan. Then, you will take a short hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang, from where you will be picked up by your car. Next you will drive down to the Takin Conservation Center, where you will see the National Animal of Bhutan. The Takin Center is located amidst beautiful pine forest and was established under the Royal Command. You will, then visit the Bhutan National Post Office .Here you will have the opportunity to customize stamps of your own, with your photo. Then you will visit Jungshi Hand Made Paper factory, to observe the making of authentic Bhutanese paper. Then you will return to National Memorial Chorten, which is located in the heart of the Thimphu City. The chorten(stupa) was constructed by Her Majesty, the  Queen Mother  of Bhutan in the loving memory of her son, His Majesty Third King of Bhutan. Today, it is the centre for devotees to offer prayers and to hold religious ceremonies. In the afternoon, you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum; the museum is dedicated to the culture and tradition of Bhutan. At the museum, you will see the how Bhutanese lived in the olden days. Then, on return, visit to National Textile Museum, where you can see the beautiful textiles of Bhutan, some very rare and priceless textiles are on display and also women weaving the textiles. Then you will proceed to Traditional Arts and Craft School at Kawajangsa. The school was established to uphold the values of 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan (Zorig Chusum). Students learn the Bhutanese craft and art at the institute. In the evening, you will be visiting the Tashichho Dzong, the majestic structure which houses the office of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and also the Central monk body. In the evening, if you like, you may stroll around the town or if you are not too tired you can also visit Karaoke places or have quite, relaxing drink with our staff.

DAY 3: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA

After breakfast, you will leave Thimphu for Punakha. On your first one hour drive, you will gradually ascend to one of the most beautiful passes of Bhutan – Dochula. Dochula has 108 stupas built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the present Queen Mother of Bhutan in honor of His Majesty the Fourth King and the Royal Bhutan Army. The view from the Dochula is very impressive and if you are blessed with beautiful weather, you will be able to get a spectacular view of the vast mountain ranges.

You will then proceed to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Devine Madman). This temple is considered very sacred because of the belief that temple blesses childless couple with child. Though, the temple is small in size, there are many amazing things depicting the history of Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Today, your lunch will be served as the picnic lunch, along the Punakha River.

A little drive from the temple will take you to Punakha Dzong. The majestic Dzong is located between the two rivers, Phochu (Male) and Mochu (Female).The Dzong is connected by a traditional cantilever bridge over the Mochu River. The Dzong was built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is considered as one of the exemplary architectural structures in Bhutan. Here too, the Dzong houses both the administrative and monastic centre of the district. It is the winter residence of the Central Monk Body.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA (HIKE TO KHAMSUM YUELLAY NAMGYAL CHORTEN)

Today, you will visit the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten/Stupa. Standing regally on the hill above the Punakha valley, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a classic example of gorgeous traditions and architecture of our country. This chorten/stupa however was not designed for community worship or for monastic retreat. It was built by the Queen Mother HRH Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck for spiritual protection, peace and harmony for all the living beings.   After visiting the stupa, you will trek back to the road and meet your driver. Later, towards the evening, you will visit the suspension bridge which connects the other side of town. This is the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan and many people like to relax and walk across and take pictures.

DAY 05: PUNAKHA- BUMTHANG

As this day will be mostly spent of driving, soon after breakfast, you will leave Punakha for Bumthang. The journey will take you through Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag/District. You will be able to see the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, which is currently under reconstruction after a great fire tragedy left the Dzong in ruins. On your way to Bumthang, you will come across few high passes and beautiful villages in between. After a several hours of driving, you will come to view the great Trongsa Dzong, standing on the ridge above the Mangdechu. The journey will take you through rich and beautiful natural environment. On arrival in Bumthang, you will settle down in hotel to take rest.

DAY 06: BUMTHANG

 In the morning, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where the great saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and the7th century Jambay Lhakhang. Jambay Lhakhang’s history dates back to the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan and it is one of the Kingdoms’ oldest temples built  by the Tibetan King Songsten Gonpo in a single day, to subdue a demoness. After lunch, visit Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa which houses interesting, ancient Buddhist wall paintings and artifacts. After lunch you will be driven towards the Tang Ogyen Chholing Palace/Museum. This palace was former residence of a ruling family but now it is converted into a museum to promote its conservation and to drive tourism to the village. Then drive back to visit the pool of Mebartso (The Burning Lake). It is here that Great Treasure Discoverer (Terton) Pema Lingpa is said to have revealed a treasure hidden by Guru Rinpoche, in the presence of local people. Towards evening, you can enjoy exploring the town and if you are interested, enjoy some locally manufactured beer in a local bar.

DAY 7: BUMTHANG – PHOBJIKHA

 Start early today for Gangtey, Phobjikha, which is about 6 hrs from Bumthang. Farmhouses and temples dot the landscape. You will see farmers working in the fields, wearing the traditional woven bamboo hats and with woven baskets on their backs. The wide and picturesque Phobjikha valley is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and the chosen winter home of the rare Black necked Cranes (November – March). The Cranes migrate to Phobjikha from the Tibetan plateau during the winter. You will then visit Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and explore Phobjika Valley, taking nature hike.

DAY 08: PHOBJIKHA – PARO

Morning visit to the Black-Necked Crane Centre which houses a lone , injured and very famous crane (Karma), before departing for Paro (approx. 7hrs drive). From Gangtey the road gradually descends into the balmy Lobesa Valley, before climbing up over Dochu La Pass. Then, you will enjoy your lunch at the Thimphu, after that, you will continue towards Paro Valley. You have a choice to either take rest or go and enjoy the night life in Bhutan. If you want your guide will take you out to enjoy some dancing or singing. (Tuesdays are dry day, thus there’s no night life).

DAY 9: PARO (HIKE TO PARO TAKTSHANG)

After breakfast hike to Taktsang (the Tigers’ Nest) Monastery. The walk of approximately 1 and half hours to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The Great Saint Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddha Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century.  In the afternoon you will drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate the victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Rest and farewell Dinner.

DAY 10 PARO

Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport.

Service Included

• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
• Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
• Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.

Service Excluded

• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone.
• Tips to guide and driver.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
• Adventure and sport fees
• Luxury Hotel cost