Day 1 Arrive at Paro Airport

The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains of the world. Landing in the Paro Valley, surrounded by 4000 meter high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, enables you to have a visible landing which is indispensable and makes your day an unforgettable one.

Drive to Thimphu, the capital city (2 hours drive)

On the way to Thimphu visit, Tamchhog Lhakhang (1 hour drive) which is located on the opposite side of the river. This is a temple built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet.

After arrival in Thimphu visit:

Zorig Chusum Institute: 13 traditional arts and crafts. It was established in 1971 by the Royal Government in order to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote the arts of Bhutan.

Hand Made Paper Factory: Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan.

Textile Museum: The foundation was laid in 2000 under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. It was established with the aim of preserving and promoting Bhutanese textile arts.

Folk Heritage Museum: It was inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, who is the founder and patron of the Museum, on 28 th July 2001. It is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past.

Tashichho Dzong: The `Fortress of the glorious religion` houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretariat building and the central monk body...

Day 2 Thimphu

Take a hike to Cheri Monastery (includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wild life Sanctuary): The hike of about 2hrs leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). The trail starts by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Wang Chu, and then climbs to the monastery.

Thangtong Dewachen (nunnery): It was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel, who is considered as emanation of Thangthong Gyalpo(1363 - 1485), the builder of numerous iron chain bridges across the Himalayas.

Mini Zoo: Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan`s national - the Takin. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over).

Sangaygang View Point: As well as being the location of the transmitter tower of the only national television tower in the country (BBS), the view point is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimphu.

Later you can relax and stroll around the city.

Day 3 Thimphu - Trongsa

Morning visit to the weekend market: We can see people from all walks of Bhutanese society who come to buy fresh products. During weekends we can also see the archery matches at the Changlimithang ground. Archery is the national game of Bhutan.

Later visit, Memorial Chorten: Chorten are memorial structures designed to evokethe same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself. This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country.

Driving towards Trongsa (6 hrs), we come across a pass known as Dochula from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially in clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Day 4 Trongsa - Bumthang

Morning visit, Trongsa Dzong: Trongsa used to be the winter capital of the Bhutan before Thimpu and its Dzong is one of the most impressive in the country - indeed, it provided the seat of power for both the first and the second Kings of Bhutan.

Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang will take around 2,5 hours. On the way visit Hand Loon Factory.

Day 5 Bumthang

- Kurjey Lhakhang: Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan.

- Tamzing Lhakhang: `Temple of good message`. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD.

- Kenchosum Lhakhang: Its establishment dates back to 7 th century.

- Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang : It is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang.

- Jakar Dzong : The Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549 by the great grand father of the Zhabdrung..

- Mebar Tsho (Lake of Burning Fire): This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12 th century..

- Ura Village: Ura lies in the Tang valley, a one and a half hour drive from Bumthang town. The drive is mainly through sheep pastures and along the way one can glimpse a magnificent view of Mount Gangkhar Phuensum from Ura La(Pass).

Later stroll around the town and see how locals live.

Day 6 Bumthang - Gangtey

After breakfast a 5 hours drive will lead us to Gangtey. Gangtey is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque black mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley which is one of the biggest and the most beautiful valleys in the country.

During winters, we can also see the famous Black Necked Cranes there. Overnight in the guest house.

Day 7 Gangtey - Punakha

Morning drive to Punakha town, on the way visit Wangdue Dzong. Wangdue Dzong is dramatically set on a hill at the confluence of 2 rivers. Wangdue has a unique town to look around with small huts by the side of the road. This Dzong also houses the District Administration office of the Wangdi district and the office and the living quarters of the district monk body. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D.

Day 8 Punakha

Morning hike to Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang (Monastery): It was built by HRH Azhi (Queen) Tshering Pem Wangchuck for a successful rule during the reign of the present King.

Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu.

Chimi Lhakhang: This Temple was built by lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road - a welcome chance to stretch your legs after the drive. His style of teaching was thought shocking, insulting and including obscene behavior.

Later drive to Paro Valley.

Day 9 Punakha - Paro  

Visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong. Ta Dzong means watchtower and it actually served as a watchtower in the 17^th century to guard to region from a possible Tibetan invasion. The interesting museum houses a fine collection of for example Bhutanese art, relics, religious Thangka`s. After Ta Dzong we also take you to Paro Rimpung Dzong. Rimpung Dzong means fortress in the heap of jewels. It was build in 1644 by Zhabdrung, who till today is deeply revered by the Bhutanese people as a dynamical political and spiritual leader.  Especially from the other side of the river very nice pictures can be taken of the majestic Paro Dzong with Ta Dzong at the background.

Kichu Lhakhang: It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Paro Rimpung Dzong: Means fortress of the heap of jewels. It was built during the time of Zhabdrung (deeply revered to this day as dynamic political and spiritual leader) in 1644.

Day 10 Paro - Taktsang Monastery `Tiger`s Nest`

Early morning take a hike to Taktsang Monastery. Generally regarded as one of the most holiest places in Bhutan, the Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger`s Nest, is strikingly iconic of the country's culture and traditions. The Monastery is perched on a high granite cliff, overlooking the northern Paro Valley. The only sounds here are the murmurs of wind and water and the chanting of Buddhist Monks. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress (dorji drolo) to the site of the monastery where he meditated for 3 months.

Day 11 Paro, departure