On your flight to Bhutan, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. 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.

After some time to refresh and relax, visit The Royal Textile Academy (RTA) which is one of the nation’s first institutes dedicated to the conservation and exhibition of textiles. Weaving is a fundamental component of bhutanese culture, thus the RTA was estiblished at the behest of her Majesty Gyalyum (Queen Mother) Sangay Choden Wangchuk as a nonprofit institution in 2005. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory which produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the daphne bush. You can see the whole process, from soaking and boiling the bark to sorting, crushing, pulping, layering, pressing and drying. Products for sale here include lovely decorated paper with embedded leaves and even dried chillis, plus cards, notebooks, lampshades and calendars. 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. In the evening, you can take a leisurely walk along the main street of Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu.

Morning we will visit the weekend farmers market which offers almost everything from fresh organic vegetables, to cereals to local handicrafts. The vendors from villages all around the district gather at the farmers market to sell their wares, the best vegetables and other commodities. The whole market is divided into various sections depending on the type of commodity and it is a great place to meet with the locals and interact with them. You will also have lots of photo opportunity. Then we drive north of Thimphu and hike to Tango monastery. Tango monastery is a Buddhist Monastery situated near the scenic Cheri Mountains in Bhutan. Tango monastery has a rich history and is one of the highest Buddhist learning centres in Bhutan.

In the afternoon, visit the King’s Memorial Stupa, around which elderly Bhutanese in their colourful 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. Visit the Takin Preserve to see the National Animal of Bhutan, the “Takins” which has a head of a goat and a body of a cow. There are lots of mythical stories surrounding the unique creation of this animal by the popular saint knows as the Divine madman.  Overnight at Hotel, Thimphu.

Today morning, drive to Kabesa village and visit the Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) which provides opportunity for students to obtain training in the preservation of traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. 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, you will be transferred by road towards the Punakha Valley. Enroute, we will make a stop at the sacred 17th century temple and get blessed from the ancient Buddha statue for long life, peace and happiness. The experience will give you a good insight into the Buddhist practices and rituals. We continue our drive to Punakha ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the spectacular 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 afternoon, 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 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.

Our adventure today begins with an early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor monastery.  We start our hike from the Sang Choekor Buddhist monastery located at (2800m) to Yak Pasture below Bumdrak Monastery (3800m). The initial 1-2 hours ascent of ridge can be steep at times but in cool shade. We will reach a clearing with prayer flags and enjoy a spectacular view of both Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. About 1-2 hours walk away is the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple) which nestles at the side of the mountain. The trail continues and when we reach the last steep elevation we will see a temple overlooking the views of Paro Airport and the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. After another 20 minutes of climbing through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we hike into the ancient forest for about 40 minutes before we reach a wide meadow with sacred Chortens and prayer Flags. We will spend a night at Bumdrak Monastery (the cave of a thousand prayers).

After a hearty breakfast, we will start our trek to Paro via Taktshang Monastery. After 1-2 hours of descent we catch glimpses of golden roofs of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between the monasteries and temples before reaching the gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) from here you get view of taktsang in the cliff far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang Monetary looking across the gorge a steep descent to a waterfall then ascent on steps and you are passing into the Tiger’s Nest itself. Taktsang Monastery is 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. Further walk downhill for an hour will reach road head where your vehicle will be waiting for you. Evening take a leisurely walk along the main street in Paro and check out the many interesting shops, cafes and handicrafts. Overnight at hotel, Paro.

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