ARRIVE AT PARO, PARO - THIMPHU

On arrival at Paro International Airport, meet our representative who will transfer you to Thimphu. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 1,00,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast, drive to visit Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels.

Afternoon the visits include Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum & Trashichhoedzong. Evening time can be spent strolling through Thimphu city centre and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

THIMPHU - WANGDUE - PUNAKHA

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La. Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Dochula is a scenic location with chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate this highest point on the road. If skies are clear, it may be possible to see the following peaks from this pass in the order 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.

At Dochula pass, visit to Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple), built in honour of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the temple and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.

On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here. Later in the day explore Wangdue town and its market. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

PUNAKHA - GANGTEY

Today morning after breakfast, drive to Gangtey . The mountains are covered with beautiful rhododendrons. Arrive in Phobjikha, a glacial valley in Bhutan where the view is very romantic. Discover the valley and Gangtey Gompa , the only Nyingmapa monastery in western countries. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

GANGTEY SIGHTSEEING

Today morning after breakfast, a day spent exploring this magnificent valley. A walk of 3 to 4 hours takes us through many villages and farms. The valley also has a carpet that you can visit. Back to Gangtey. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

GANGTEY - PARO

Today morning after breakfast, go through the Dochula pass peaking aTag 3200 m and marked by 108 chortens. Enjoy views of the surrounding countryside and the Himalayas in the north. You go around Thimphu , the capital, to reach the green valley of Paro. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG (TIGERs NEST) MONASTERY

Today morning after breakfast, visit Taktsang Monastery , also known as the " Tiger of Refuge ." The route to the monastery climbs through a moss-covered pine forest with prayer flags tied to scattered trees. Although the rise is a little tiring, it is worth it because once up, a feeling of satisfaction and relaxation that overcomes you. An overnight stay and dinner at hotel.

DEPARTURE FROM PARO

The tour will end today. After the breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. Carry smile on your face, eyes with memories unlimited. Tour staffs will bid you farewell at the airport departure gate with the quick prayer of save journey and to see you again in future.