Morning:

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight.

Afternoon:

We then transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, passing through hills and some astounding countryside for 1 to 2 hrs. Later check in hotel in Thimphu.

Morning:

Drive to visit Kuensel Phodrang to visit the Buddha Statue, 169ft, symbolizing indestructibility and one of the most religious monuments built in recent times. The view of Thimphu valley from the Kuenselphodrang is spectacular. We then visit the National Memorial Chorten: Built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Elderly devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. Visit CSI market, a marketplace where you get all products made in Bhutan.

Afternoon:

Drive to visit Takin Enclosure to see the National Animal of Bhutan. Visit the Art and Craft Institute, a vocational training Institute for students learning some of the 13 arts, preserving and producing skilled man power. After that Lunch at one of the local restaurant in Thimphu. Afternoon we visit the Royal Textile Museum “living art of Bhutan” which houses old Bhutanese Textiles and artifacts from the various regions and tribes of Bhutan. Take a short trip Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of glorious religion,” seat of the national government and the central monk body.

Morning:

After early breakfast, drive up 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 skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From Dochu-la pass, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Take lunch at Wangduephodrang town, then continue on to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags.

Afternoon:

There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon and check into the lodge for the night.

Morning:

Visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governor’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.

Afternoon:

Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check in at your lodge. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Morning:

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region).

Afternoon:

Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Morning:

explore further the fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Punakha, stopping along the way at Trongsa for lunch, which would be served in local restaurant, famous for its cuisine.

Afternoon:

Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and town enroute to Punakha, which we will reach late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Morning:

Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa.

Afternoon:

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. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Morning:

Drive to the north of Paro valley to Ramthangkha and hike to visit Taktsang monastery, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of trees festooned with moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayers flags. This monastery is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world, the legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (founding saint of Buddhism) flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress and meditated for three months.

Afternoon:

After visiting the monastery, walk down to cafeteria for lunch. Afternoon walk down to the base and drive to Paro town before a visit to Paro Kyichu Monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

Morning:

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the Bhakdora airport for flight to your onward destination. We bid farewell and wish ourselves in the hope to meet again. We hope you cherish this special trip in your life and nourish yourself with all the positive energy accumulated through the journey.