Day 1

Arrive in Paro and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro valley. Visit the impressive Rinpung Dzong, which featured in Bertolucci’s film “Little Buddha” and then descend on foot to the traditional bridge and into Paro town, where you can spend some free time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   O/N Paro

Day 2

Drive to Punakha (3½hrs). A one-hour drive from Thimphu brings you to the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,000m. Stop to circumabulate the 108 chorten and enjoy the view of the Himalayan peaks in the distance.  Then descend to 1,200m and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of 15^th Century Lam Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman”. Continue towards Punakha Dzong, which was the former fortress capital of Bhutan. The monks live here during the winter months, moving from their cooler summer residence in Thimphu Dzong.

                                                                                                                                                                                                            O/N Punakha

Day 3

Spend the morning in Punakha. Either take a short hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten from where you can get a view of the river valley and rice fields.  Alternatively, visit a nearby village such as Kabesa or Talo.  You also have the option to go rafting on the wide river during the right seasons (book with us in advance).

Drive to Thimphu (2½hrs). Spend the rest of the day sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the Chang-gangkha Temple, where locals take their children to be named. Drive up to the Takin Reserve to see the national animal and visit one of a choice of museums. Finally, visit the impressive Thimphu Dzong (Trashichodzong) which is a fortress-like building housing important offices of both the government and the monastic  body as well as a number of temples.

     O/N Thimphu

Day 4

Start the day at the huge Buddha statue with a great view over the city.  Visit the Folk Heritage Museum to get an idea of life in an ancient Bhutanese farmhouse. At the Institute for the 13 Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum) students learn one of 13 skills such as statue-making, Buddhist painting or silk embroidery. If you are interested in traditional herbal-based medicine you can choose to visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Alternatively, at the Textile Museum you will learn about the intricate silk weaving which is very much a part of Bhutanese culture. Finally, take a stroll to the Memorial Chorten, where you will meet people of all walks of life circumambulating the stupa with their hand-held prayer wheels.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          O/N Thimphu

Day 5

Morning free in Thimphu. While browsing in town, we suggest a visit to the Post office museum to see the stamp collection or to make your very own stamp and a visit to the handmade paper workshop or the various weaving centers. Alternatively, take a half-day hike to an outlying temple such as Tango or Cheri.In the afternoon, drive to Paro. En route stop at the chain bridge at Tamchog Lhakhang.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    O/N Paro

 Day 6

Morning hike or horse ride to Taktsang temple, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, which is built into the sheer rock face at an altitude of 3,000 meters. This is a highlight of the tour and involves a 2-hour uphill hike. The visit to the temple, and the return downhill to the base makes this a 4-hour round trip. This hike requires a certain level of fitness but is not excessively difficult.

In the afternoon drive towards the ruined fortress Drugyel Dzong from where you can get a view of the distant Jhomolhari mountain and enjoy the rural scenery of the valley with its small villages and farms scattered here and there.  On the return to town, visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. You may wish to book a massage at one of several hotel spas to relax after your busy day.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  O/N Paro

Day 7

Flight departure from Paro.