DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1.5 HRS)

The visual experience of this tour to Bhutan, begins even before you arrive in to Paro, since, you get a chance to take in a wonderful visual of the mighty Himalayas even as the aircraft is descending through the forested mountains of the Paro Valley in to Paro airport. Flying into Bhutan is an amazing experience.

On arrival at the Paro airport, you will be driven to Thimphu, a distance of approximately 55 kms.

Upon arrive Thimphu, check in to the hotel.

Later, after lunch, sightseeing of Thimphu including visits to the Memorial Chorten National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage museum, and the National Library. Also visit the Memorial Chorten, the stupa constructed in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974. The Late King was popularly known as the Father of modern Bhutan. Beautiful paintings and statues inside the monument provides a deep vision of the Buddhist philosophy. After the visits you could also spend some time shopping for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and jewelry.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

DAY 2: DISCOVER THIMPHU

After breakfast, pick up from the hotel for sightseeing tour of Thimphu.

A short drive to visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, it is beautiful fortress, like a temple and a monastic school, on a ridge above Thimpu, South of Motithang. For amazing views of Thimphu valley, drive to the BBS Tower, followed by a visit to the mini zoo or the Taking Preserve- it is the National animal of Bhutan, and it is a cross breed between cow and a goat. Finally visit the AnimDratshang (nunnery) at DrubthoGoemb On your way back visit the Trashichhodzong: an impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.

 Overnight stay in Thimphu.

DAY 3: DRIVE THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (75 KMS / 3 HRS)

This morning you drive over the high mountain pass of the Dochu La, at an altitude of over 10000 ft, driving through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, enjoying beautiful views of the Phobjikha valley.

Continue drive to Punkha, upon arrive Punakha, check in to the hotel.

This afternoon visit Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17^th century. In the evening, enjoy a stroll in the local market.

Upon arrive Punakha, check in to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

DAY 4: DISCOVER PUNAKHA

After breakfast, trek up through the vegetable and paddy fields along the banks of the Mo Chhu river to the upper end of the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a magnificent monument constructed and blessed in1999 by the Queens.

Later in the afternoon hike up to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman), situated on a Hillock in the centre of the valley, dedicated to Lama Drupa Kenley, who is the late 15^th century used his unorthodox ways of humour, songs, outrageous behaviour and sexual overtones to dramatize his teachings and hence came to know as ‘The Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the ‘temple of fertility’ and is popular amongst couples wanting child. It takes about 30 minute walks across the field to reach the temple.

Evening at leisure or explore around.

Overnight stay in Punakha

DAY 5: DRIVE PUNAKHA – TRONGSA - BHUMTHANG (220 KMS / 9 HRS)

After breakfast, early this morning driver to Bhumthang Vallery.

Driver through Pele -la-pass (3300m) marked by a large white chorten and prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.

Driving through Bhutanese villages, we take a photo stop at Chendebjii Chorten, Patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa. This was built in the 19^th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was believed to be killed here.

Continue drive to the town of Trongsa. Here was stop for lunch and also visit Tringsa Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Built in the 17^th century, this  was once the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat.

Continue drive to Bhumthang. The last stretch of your drive across the Yutong-la pass (3400m – the highest pass on your journey) finally brings you to wide open cultivated Bhumthang Valley.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Overnight stay in Bhumthang.

DAY 6: DISCOVER BHUMTHANG

After breakfast spend the day exploring Bhumthang. Visit the Wangdicholing Palace, first palace of Bhutan that was not designed as a Dzong (fortress). This was the summer residence of both the first and second King of Bhutan. The palace is known for its five giant water driven prayer wheels.

Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, the sacred site of 3 temples surrounded by 108 stupas, considered to be one of Bhutan’s most auspicious places. Also visit the nearby temple of Tamshing Lhakhang, to appreciate some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan.

Later in the afternoon, visit some unique cottage industries of the region-Red Panda Brewery, Bhumthang Cheese / Dairy Facility and Bhumthang Distillery.

DAY 7: DRIVE BHUMTHANG – WANGDIPHOGRANG (200 KMS / 7 HRS)

Early this morning embark on a long return drive to Wangdue (Wangdiphograng), long the scenic mountain highway.

En-route drive into Gangtey valley. Here we visit the Gangtey Gompa and the nearby Phobjikha village, the winter home of the black necked cranes that migrate from Siberia.

Continue your drive to the beautiful town of Wangdue, and upon arrival visit the local market famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.

Overnight stay in Wangdiphograng.

DAY 8: DRIVE WANGDIPHOGRANG – PARO (125 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast, checkout from the hotel and drive back to Paro, en-route view Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses  the school of religious and cultural studies.

Upon arrival in Paro, check in at hotel and freshen up. This afternoon visit the Bhutan’s National Museum, Ta Dzong which was once a watchtower, constructed during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Ta Dzong holds intriguing collections of religious Thangkha paintings, art, relics and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Also visit Rinpung Dzong which has an elaborate history. This large monastery was constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first ruler of Bhutan. The entrance to Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called NemiZam. A walk through the bridge, gives a beautiful view of the architectural marvel of the majestic monastery and the life around Dzong.

Overnight stay in Paro.

DAY 9: DISCOVER PARO

After breakfast, you can take an excursion to the Taktshang Monastery (5hrs trek). Taktshang Monastery is one of the famous monasteries of Bhutan. The Taktshang Monastery is balanced on a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche reached here on the back of a tigress and meditated here at the monastery and so it’s called the’Tiger’s nest’. The Bhutanese atleast once in their lifetime visit this sacred monastery. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Those not keen to trek can visit the Chele-la pass (alt 4200 meter). The beautiful road hikes up towards the pass through blue pine & rhododendron forest for about 45 km. The Chele La view point offers outstanding view of 7314 meter Chomolhari peaks &Jichu Drakey. It is about one and half hour drive from Paro city to the pass. A short walk around the view point can be taken to smell the grand view of Eastern Himalayan range.

On your way back to Paro, visit Drukgyel Dzong, it, is a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to honor his victory over the Tibetan invaders, also visit the temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, built in the 7^th century.

Overnight stay in Paro.

DAY 10: DEPART PARO

After breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Paro airport to catch your flight for onward destination.