Arrive Paro; Drive to Thimphu (55 kms/2 hrs)

Upon your arrival in Paro this morning, you will be met by our representative at the airport. After a warm welcome, drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Upon arrival check in at your hotel and freshen up.

Later this afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

[Thimphu altitude: 2350M]

Day in Thimphu

Today, enjoy discovering the serene and beautiful city of Thimphu, world’s only capital city without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress which houses most of the Government offices and the King’s throne room.

Then visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum and Bhutanese traditional handmade paper factory. Also visit the National Library, which houses a wonderful collection of Buddhist text and manuscripts.

After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which offer a wide assortment of beautifully handcrafted products, including the splendid Thangkas paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Also visit Arts & Crafts School,, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth.

[Thimphu altitude: 2350M]

Thimphu to Punakha (75 kms/2 Hrs)

This morning embark on a short drive to Punakha, the erstwhile winter capital of Bhutan.

Enjoy the scenic drive through Dochu-la pass (3080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Take a photo stop and enjoy some light refreshments whilst enjoying breathtaking Himalayan views.

Continue drive to Punakha and upon arrival check in at your hotel and freshen up.

This afternoon visit Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th Century. Enjoy a stroll in the local market before taking a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, from where you see beautiful views of Mo-Chu River and villages below.

[Punakha altitude: 1350M]

Punakha to Paro (via Wangdue) (165 Kms / 5.5 Hrs)

This morning, embark on your return drive to Paro.

En-route, stop for lunch at the beautiful town of Wangdue (Wangdiphodrang). Take a brief stop and visit the local market famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.

After lunch, continue to drive to Paro, en-route viewing Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the school for religious and cultural studies.

Upon arrival check-in at your hotel for 02 nights stay.

[Paro altitude: 2250M]

Day in Paro

Early this morning, hike to Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as Tigers Nest, perched on a cliff, overlooking Paro valley. Return trip hike takes approx 5 hours; alternatively, if you don’t wish to hike, you may ride a pony. This is one of the most sacred sites of Bhutan, visited by all Buddhists at least once in their lifetime. The climb is steep, so en-route you may stop for refreshments at a local cafeteria, located halfway up the trail overlooking ‘Tigers Nest’. Once we reach the Tigers Nest, enjoy the beautiful views and waterfall along with a visit to the monastery.

This afternoon, visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong), which houses an interesting assortment of costumes, artifacts, thangkha paintings, and world-renowned stamps, bringing alive the history of Bhutan. Also visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the political and religious center of Paro district, built in the 17th century.

[Paro altitude: 2250M]

Paro/Departure

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport, to catch your flight to an onward destination.