The flight into Bhutan on a clear weather day will offer some dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the slivery Pa chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town will be fine sight. After finishing your immigration formalities you will be met by our Representative at the arrival hall.

After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing (depending on flight schedule) around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime.

Then we drive 1 ½ hrs to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.

Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Includes : Arrival Pick Up, Transfer to Thimphu on a private vehicle, Lunch, Dinner and accommodation.

Our tour today starts with a visit to the National Library which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back to several hundred years.  After, we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where student undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Then we visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), where the medicinal herbs abundant in the Kingdom are compounded and dispensed, and traditional medical practitioners are trained.  After our tour takes you to the National Memorial Chorten, the building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity.  Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is a both a memorial to the late king (‘the father of modern Bhutan’), and a monument to world peace.   The painting and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. We continue our tour by visiting the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Includes : Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner; Tour with Local English speaking guide, entrance fee during sightseeing tours, accommodation and private transportation

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centres, which were once strategic forts.

After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.

Includes : Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner; Tour with Local English speaking guide, entrance fee during sightseeing tours, accommodation and private transportation

In the morning we drive to Yabesa village then after hike through rice fields up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. This Chorten is perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, it houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639 the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers.

Drive back to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Includes : Breakfast+Lunch+Dinner; Tour with Local English speaking guide, entrance fee during sightseeing tours, accommodation and private transportation

After breakfast, we visit Taktsang Monastery which is one of the most spiritual places of Bhutan. It is birthplace of Bhutanese Buddhism and has been built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor.  Also it is also one of the most challenging monasteries to get to. It involves drive of around 20 minutes to the car parking lot then 2 hours uphill walk through tons of prayer flag and views of the valley.(for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). Once we reached there we will visit temples etc. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Refreshments and lunch will be arranged in the tent specifically pitched on the path to Taktsang Monastery.

Return back to the hotel.

Includes : Local guide,  entrance fee during sightseeing tours, private vehicle during the tour, accommodation & Meals as stated above.

Today transfer to airport for your onward flight

Includes : Breakfast; airport transfers