DAY 01: Arrive at Paro and drive to Thimphu (55km-1 hours). Upon arrival, drive to capital city Thimphu, Check in hotel and visit Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan‘s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Next visit Buddha point the largest statue of Buddha. Later visit Trashi chhodzong “fortress of the glorious religion” Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

DAY 02: Thimphu Sightseeing. After breakfast visit Painting School the Institute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Next visit Folk heritage Museum or Simply Museum provides glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese life. The artifacts which are kept inside the house remind the visitors about how the rural Bhutanese live today. Then visit National Post Office where you can make stampswith your own photos. Afternoon visit,Sangay Gang the

best place for photographers. On the way back we will visit the small zoo dedicated to the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Visit the Traditional paper making factory, Jungshi Paper, 

DAY 03: Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley 4 and half hours Today after breakfast you will drive to Punakha (1300m/4265ft) the former capital of Bhutan. On the way after 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu will reach at highest pass between Thimphu and Punakha the place called Dochula pass (3140m) where you can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on clear day. On arrival, visit Gangtey Goempa, the oldest Nyingmapa temple in western Bhutan. Then explore valley on foot is the best way to experience Gangtey as you will walk by small villages and picturesque scenery. Later visit, Crane Information Centre which gives all the information about birds.

 Day 04: Drive to Punakha valley(70km- 2 and half Hours). After breakfast, do the Nature Trail hike which is around 2 km to enjoy the valley and meet with the locals and enjoy the fresh lush green vegetations all around Bhutan. After the hike we bid goodbye to Phobijkha valley and drive towards Punakha valley. Upon reaching Punakha valley visit the impressive Punakha Dzong impressive Punakha Dzong, the Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. It is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monk body has returned to Thimphu. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. After visiting the Punakha Dzong take a leisurely walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan. We have a great view of villages on the other side of the river.

Day 05: Explore Punakha valley

Today after the breakfast drive for awhile towards north of Punakha, upon reaching the base of Khamsung Yulley Chorten. You will begin with a hike up through fields of rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning 

monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. After the hike we drive towards Talo Nunnery perched on a mountain top where all nuns of all ages practice Buddhist teachings. It’s a good spot for taking good pictures from the top of the valley.

Day 06: Punakha to Paro 3 and half hours. 

After early breakfast drive back to Paro, After 20 minutes of drive we stop at Chimi Lhakhang a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Take a leisurely hike to temple through the lush green rice fileds and the village. After the hike we continue our drive towards Paro. After lunch you will visit Kichu lhakhang one of the oldest temples to have been built in Bhutan by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD. Later visit Drugyel Dzong now the old ruins built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. 

 Day 07: Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Distance 3-4Hours walk round trip). This morning you will hike to Taktshang, Tiger’s Nest. Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. Tiger’s Nest is located atop an 800 meter cliff in Paro.
Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694. 

  

Day 8: Haa Valley Excursion

Today you will do a day excursion to Haa valley, thru the seldom travelled route. Climbing over Chele La thru forests of rhododendrons, cypress and fir, magical views await you as you reach the highest point in Bhutan. Upon arrival at Haa valley, stops at the venerated Chhundu Lhakhang and Lhakhang Karpo provide interesting insights into the history of the valley and its religious founding. 

Return to Paro climbing back over Chele La pass and check in at the hotel for relaxation or stroll in Paro town for shopping of Bhutanese souvenir. In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse to share in a traditional meal with a Bhutanese family and experience Hot Stone Bath at the farmhouse. It’s your last day in Bhutan – make the most of it

Day 09: Departure 

Tashi Delek! You have completed your journey in the Land of Thunder Dragon

Note: 

Ø The above Itinerary is general; It is flexible and can be changed depending upon your interest and choice of visit 

Ø The visit of Painting School, National Post Office, Folk Heritage Museum, National library and Royal Textile Museum remains closed on weekends and Government Holidays.