Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan with approximately 0.1 million  people and is famed for being the only city without a single traffic  light. With one foot in modernity and another griping its ancient ways  of life, exploring Thimphu gives a glimpse of Bhutan at the cusp of the  East and the West.
Highlights: (i) Visit the ancient Tashichhoe Dzong  (monastery fortress), the secular and religious seats. (ii) A short  hike up to Chari monastery via the Tango Buddhist University is both an  opportunity to stretch and get a glimpse into the life of a Buddhist  monk. (iii) Enroute, visit he 16th Century Pangri Zam that houses a  monastic training school for astrology.

Punkha valley is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the seat of the first  secular and religious head of Bhutan, the Zhabdrung. It now serves as  the winter residence of the religious head of the state, the Je Khenpo.
Highlights:  (i) A very dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La (3050  masl) with its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupa). Weather permitting,  the view of the Himalayan ranges is spectacular from this point of view.  (ii) Visit Chime Lhakhang, the temple in honour of the Divine Mad Man,  Drukpa Kuenley and legends of the phallus that blesses. (iii) An evening  stroll along the banks of the Phochu (male river) to get a glimpse of  the rare White-bellied Heron, a majestic bird on the brink of  extinction.

Highlights: (i) Visit the village of Talo, home of the Queen Mother of  Bhutan still holds Bhutan rural authenticity. (ii) Later in the  afternoon a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge  can be organized or time given to enjoy the farmhouse and spa of the  lodge. (ii) Take a short hike through charming rice fields dotted with  prayer flags to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal, a stunning monument  overlooking the valley. (iii) The monumental Punakha Dzong is home to  the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the  winter residence of the monastic order.

Highlights: (i) Retrace the journey back to Dochu La and hike to the  quaint Hongtsho Monastery. (ii) Follow the Wang Chu and Pa Chu (rivers)  to Paro valley. (iii) Enroute, visit the iron bridge and Tamchoe  Lhakhang before crossing through to Tshongdue (Paro Township).

Overlooking the picturesque Paro valley and perched high on a cliff is  Bhutan’s iconic landmark, the Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest. First built  in 1692 at the site of a meditation cave, legend has it that Guru  Rinpoche (the lotus born) flew on the back of a tigress and meditated in  the same cave to subdue a demon-ess.
Highlights: (i) A total of 5 hours hike to and from the Taktsang and perform an offering ceremony  with the monks at the monastery. (ii) Visit the National Museum, housed in the Tadzong (a watchtower) for  observe a large collection of artifacts providing an introduction to  the rich culture and heritage of Bhutan. (iii) A short walk down the  hill is Paro Rinpung Dzong, with its architectural splendour and Neymey  Zam as we walk the ancient path toward Tshongdue. (iv) Enjoy an evening of spa with a traditional dinner with a cultural show at the hotel.

Airport drop off and farewell