On your Druk air flight to Bhutan, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. You will be flying over some of the tallest Himalayan peaks in the world. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-­‐inspiring beginning to our adventure. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by our representatives who will accompany the group throughout your journey in Bhutan. We begin our adventure in Bhutan with a drive through the valley, past small farming villages for an hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at chuzom (confluence). Three different styles of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way beyond, on the left, is Tachogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, by the famous Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo who came from Tibet in search of iron ores. After a quick stop at the sight we will continue our drive to Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel. After some time to refresh and relax, we will visit the King’s Memorial Stupa, around which elderly Bhutanese in their colorful traditional clothing circum-ambulate the holy structure, while spinning their prayer wheels. We will then drive up to Kuensel Phodrang and visit the gigantic 51 meters tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue which is overlooking the Thimphu valley. Later, visit the Tashichho Dzong, which houses the royal office of His Majesty the king. The Dzong also houses a number of important ministries offices and the highest religious authority of the country. Tonight we have organized a special Bhutanese welcome cultural program for you in authentic Bhutanese restaurant over dinner. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning we visit the general post office to take picture and develop our own personal stamp and buy some post cards. Then we drive 10KM north of Thimphu and undertake the beautiful one hour hike to Tango Monastery. There are possibilities that we might find the monks chanting and in deep prayers for the wellbeing of the sentient beings. Later drive to Kabesa village and visit the Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS), the only charitable art school in the Kingdom, which provides an opportunity for economically disadvantaged students from different parts of Bhutan to obtain training in the preservation of traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. A presentation by the principal will be organized followed by lunch at the school. Classroom visits will be organized where you can interact with the students and watch them painting, drawing, carving and embroidering. At the small shop at the school you have the opportunity to purchase craft items made by the students. Later in the afternoon, we drive back to Thimphu and take a short drive to see the takins, the national animal of Bhutan (with a cow’s body and a goat’s head). Overnight at Hotel.

Morning after breakfast we will drive to a sacred 17th century monastery where we will get blessed from the ancient Buddha statue to promote long life, the removal of obstacles in life, and good health for you. After being blessed, you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Punakha Valley ascending to Dochu La (pass) 3100 mtrs. At the high pass you will find the 108 Stupas, commissioned by the Queen mother as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low intensity conflict in late 2003 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya. After some time to savour the Mountain View and spirituality of the place, we continue our drive to the Punakha.  Towards the evening visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery and appreciate the beautiful paintings and carvings while interacting with the resident nuns. Overnight at Hotel, Punakha.

This morning we drive to the base of the Nezergang village where we will first hike to Kamsum Yuelly Namgyal Chorten. Return back from the hike, we will go on a 2 hours raft on the beautiful Mo Chu River. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the serene landscape and possibly spot the White Bellied Heron, an endangered bird species only few hundred remaining in the world. At the end of the rafting, we will have a picnic lunch by the riverside in a small beach with a magnificent view of the Dzong.

Later we will visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers – Pho Chu and Mo Chu (the Male and Female rivers). The Punakha Dzong is an architectural wonder and it has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the Kingdom. The Dzong had been destroyed four times by fire, earthquake and flood. The Dzong has been now fully restored to its original splendour. The official name of Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang translates as “the palace of great happiness.” Later, take a leisurely walk across one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan situated close to the Dzong over the Pho Chu (Male River). Overnight at hotel,

This morning we will depart Punakha for Paro Valley. Enroute, we will go for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. As part of this fertility cult, this temple is frequented by couples wanting children, who go there to be blessed by a large wooden phallus. We continue our drive to Paro and make a stop at the Lamperi Royal Botanical Garden. Take a gentle walk and to enjoy the fresh mountain air and be in the tranquil environment of the nature.  Before reaching the Dochula Pass, hang some prayer flags on the mountain with some special prayers to bring good luck, peace and happiness for you and the family.

 After arrival in Paro, visit the Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders and Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit. In the evening, you can take a leisurely stroll along the main street in Paro town and check out the many interesting shops, handicrafts and cafes. You will have great opportunity to interact with the locals. Overnight at Hotel, Paro.

Today we will hike to the famous Taktshang Monastery “The Tiger’s Lair”, the national symbol of Bhutan. Clinging to a black rock face, 900 meters above the valley floor, nestles Taktshang Lhakhang, one of the holiest and the most beautiful site of Bhutan.  Taktshang, the tiger’s lair, acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress. The hike to the Monastery is a gradual climb through lush meadows, oak and rhododendron forest, past quaint hamlets, fluttering prayer flags and rotating prayer wheels. The hike takes you about 4-5 hours from the car park. 

Later we will visit a typical Bhutanese farm house to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family in Bhutan. A visit to a local traditional farm house will take you right back to the olden days in Bhutan as you enter the huge compound of the three storey farm house made of rammed mud. You would be greeted by the host family who will first serve you traditional butter tea and snacks made of puffed rice/roasted rice, followed by the locally brewed Ara (Rice Wine) at their warm spacious living room. After interaction and getting to know the family they will be show you around their home. This experience will allow you to immerse with local community and learn about their culture. If you are interested we can also organize a hot stone bath for relaxation at the farm house. Overnight at Hotel, Paro.

Drive to Paro international Airport.  See off by our representatives.