The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the 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. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town offer a fine sight. Your guide and vehicle will receive you from the airport and drive to Thimphu along with scenic views and sightseeing on the way.

Discover the majestic mountains speckled with sacred temples and monasteries on your journey from Paro to Thimphu.

On the way stop at Tachhog Lhakhang (the Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River). Devour yourself to the invigorating ambience of the cool-sweeping breeze and bright colored prayer flags. The whole set up a feast to the eye.

Visit 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 both a memorial to the Late King (”the father of modern Bhutan “) and a monument to world peace. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. The temple serves as an important place of worship for all Bhutanese.

Upon arriving Thimphu (2,300 meters), check-in your hotel and freshen up before visiting the exquisite massive structure of Thimphu Tashichoe Dzong– a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Set into the Grand Kuenrey, the most splendid room of the Tashichho Dzong. The assemblies of monks perform their daily prayers here before the enormous statue of the Buddha.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Buddha Dordenma: After a hearty breakfast drive up to the vibrant Buddha Dordema statue to the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from this mountain is gorgeous.
Visit the Takin sanctuary at Motithang to gaze upon Takin, the National animal of Bhutan.
The Takin, a large shaggy hoofed mammal, is closely related to the musk ox – so designated due to its prominent place in a popular Bhutanese myth from the 15th century .Drive further upwards towards Sangaygang where will have wonderful views of the Thimphu Valley from the hillside below the telecommunications tower (elevation 2685m), high above the town.

After lunch, drive to visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers a course ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Visit Folk Heritage Museum.
General Post Office where you can make a postage stamp with your own picture which can be posted within Bhutan.
In the evening if not tired, visit local farm market, Immerse in a sensory experience at the Thimphu Weekend Farmer’s market before visiting the local archery ground where the locals celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 Chortens, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.

If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Sip a cup of steaming coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.

Set out to the beautiful alpine valley of Phobjikha. Observe the vegetation change from pine to alpine zone. The valley is popular for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness. Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the Black-Necked Cranes (Grus Nigricollis), that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. The birds can be observed from early November to end of March.

Upon arrival at Phobjikha valley visit 17th century Gangtey Monastery overlooking the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley. Take pictures of the monks with the exquisite carving and sculpture of the monastery.

Visit the Crane Information Center.

Listen to the bell calling the monks to the temple and you can also participate in morning/evening prayer with the monks at the Gangtey monastery.

Enjoy the tranquil environment of Phobjikha valley

Overnight : Hotel in Phobjikha.

In the morning, hike from your hotel to Gangtey Monastery. The most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from Khewa Lhakhang and ends at the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds–Black Neck Cranes. (1.5 hours)

Drive towards Punakha:

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 damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge – The 160 meters Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Overnight: Your choice of hotel in Punakha.

Drive towards Paro and on the way stop at Lamperi Botanical garden.

Visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery where they brew many styles of beers considering the different drinking palates for taste, making sure that all beer-lovers are satisfied. This added to the innovative nature of craft brewers all over the world have taken the market by storm, allowing them always to brew something new.
Evening free or can visit the Paro town with a street of typical Bhutanese traditional buildings.
Overnight: Your choice of Hotel in Paro

Get your energy up at breakfast this morning to hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery. Venture through the pristine surroundings of the Tiger’s Nest monastery. Be rewarded to an overwhelming sight monastery resting on edge of a cliff at 900 meters above Paro valley. Tigers Nest Monastery or Taktsang Goemba is one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan and acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived at this place from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress and blessed the entire place. On your way back visit the Kichu monastery. It is the one of the oldest and the first ever Buddhist monastery to be built in Bhutan. It was built in the 8th century Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.