Bhutan has some of the best trekking in the world, with breathtaking scenery, a rich Buddhist culture, friendly people, and few other visitors

On arrival, received by our representative and transfer to Thimpu (55 km, 2 hours), the modern capital town of Bhutan.

Evening at leisure in Thimpu

Overnight — Hotel

Day 2 THIMPU:

Breakfast is at the hotel.

Post breakfast, proceed for the full day of sightseeing tour of Thimphu valley visiting.

National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and Manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.

Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

Handicrafts Emporium: It displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products.

Memorial Chorten - the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Trashichhodzong ; the beautiful forteresses/monastery which houses Secretariate building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.

Overnight — Hotel

Day 3

THIMPU — PUNAKHA

BY: SURFACE

Breakfast is at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060 m), 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.

On arrival, check in at the Hotel.

Overnight — Hotel

Day 4 PUNAKHA:

Breakfast is at the hotel.

Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuk was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa.

Afternoon proceed to an excursion to Chimi Lakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way) The Chimi Lakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as 'Divine Madman'. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning 'field'. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lakhang.

Overnight — Hotel

Day 5

PUNAKHA — PARO

BY: SURFACE

Breakfast is at the hotel.

After breakfast drive to Paro & upon arrival check in at the Hotel.

In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong: once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors

Afterwards walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzonga (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.

Overnight — Hotel

Day 6 PARO:

Breakfast is at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery (5hrs hike): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

In the afternoon visit Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.

Kyichu Lakhang : It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lakhang in Bumthang). The Lakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern.

Overnight — Hotel

Day 7

PARO — BANGKOK

BY: INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT

In time you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to Paro airport to board the flight back to Bangkok.

— TOUR ENDS —