The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the
Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting
descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be
cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection,
you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital
town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro
rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this
confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left
TschogangLhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in
15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a
manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre
of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture
of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000
it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area. Also visit
theLocal Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.
Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate
and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The
National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students
undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit
Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form.
Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural
heritage of the Bhutanese people. After lunch take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri
Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of
Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism
and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from
Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the
Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of
the valley.
King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras
and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of
Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”)
who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974
after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a
monument to peace.
Later visit to Trashichhoedzong: This 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 at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan,
the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass
offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a
clear day.
After checking into hotel, proceed to 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.
Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive
till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total
about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in
the centre of the valley, 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. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny
settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give
you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers
Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
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After breakfast, hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along the banks of
the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently
built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.
Later visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid
pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the
magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple
houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong
chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padma Sambawa, Gautama Buddha,
Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha
of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the
handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a
permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious
trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and
thangka painting.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway,
enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now
houses the School for Buddhist studies.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally
built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection
includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects
and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung
Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and
fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall
paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the
wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic
Mandala.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours
walk): 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.
Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought
Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of
goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the
Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the
introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro airport for return flight back home.