Estimated driving distance from Paro to Thimphu: 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on traffic conditions) Assemble at the airport and take-off to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be accorded a very warm reception by a Representative and transfer to restaurant for Dinner at Thimphu. Stay at Thimphu.

This morning, visit Kuenselphodrang Nature Park (Buddha Point), where you can catch a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and marvel at the 169-foot-tall bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest statue in the country. Next, explore National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built to honour the late 3rd king, before heading over to Motithang Takin Preserve (Mini Zoo) – a wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Thereafter, visit Zorig Chusum commonly known as 'The Painting School', operates four to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Catch a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese life at Folk Heritage Museum. The artifacts which are kept inside the house remind the visitors about how the rural Bhutanese live today. Jungshi Traditional Handmade Paper Factory creates authentic Bhutanese paper using ancient methods. Bhutan Post Office, it is home to the world’s largest photo book and most bizarre collection of Bhutanese stamps. One of the very interesting thing one can is to get a personalized stamps in the post office (own expenses). Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong), is an impressive structure that houses the throne room and offices of the King, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance.

Note: If the school is closed, it will be replaced with a visit to the Traditional Weaving Centre.

Estimated driving distance:

1.5 to 2 hours (depending on traffic conditions)

After breakfast, take a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha. We will pass by the beautiful mountain pass Dochula Pass and over here we will be able to see Druk Wangyal Chortens, where the construction of 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother. Camera ready as we proceed on to Punakha Dzong Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. After Lunch, visit the Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge - The 160 metres Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge is known for the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which gives you spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley. Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Fertility Temple,” the single building site was originally built in 1499 on a short hill that had been blessed by rogue Buddhist leader Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, we will head out and start the adventure. Khamsum Yuley Temple is a stunning Buddhist monastery known for its architectural elegance and panoramic views of the Punakha Valley. This four-story temple, built in 2004, is a prominent pilgrimage site, offering a peaceful ambiance and intricate religious artwork. It stands as a testament to Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and spirituality, drawing visitors seeking tranquillity and spiritual solace. Chorten Nyingpo is a prominent stupa that holds great religious significance in the region and is a revered pilgrimage site. This beautiful, adorned stupa features intricate architectural details and colourful paintings, making it a captivating cultural and spiritual attraction. Visitors can immerse themselves in Bhutan’s rich Buddhist heritage while exploring Chorten Nyinpo. Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang the scared site is known for its stunning architecture, featuring intricate woodwork and traditional Bhutanese design elements. It holds great religious significance and is a popular pilgrimage destination and offers a serene and spiritual experience in the heart of the picturesque Punakha Valley.

Today, we will have a packed breakfast and check out and take a scenic drive back to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, we will visit Ta Dzong - National Museum of Bhutan is a cultural museum in the town of Paro in western Bhutan. Established in 1968, in the renovated ancient Ta-dzong building, above Rinpung Dzong under the command of His Majesty, the King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third hereditary Monarch of Bhutan. Thereafter, marvel Rinchen Pung Dzong or commonly called Paro Dzong which means Fortress on Heap of Jewels as it was built with stones rather than clay. Visit to Kyichu temple which dates to the 7th century. Kyichu temple is one of the last three surviving temples. In the 7th century 108 such temples were built by a Tibetan King. To date only three have survived, two in Bhutan and one in Tibet, known as the Jokhang. Paro Town, nestled in the picturesque Paro Valley of Bhutan, offers a charming blend of traditional Bhutanese architecture, vibrant markets, and the iconic Paro Taktsang monastery, beckoning travellers. Visit a Bhutanese farmhouse to see how a Bhutanese farmer lives. Taste a local Peach Wine and try out Archery, the Bhutanese National Sport. End the day with a Farewell Dinner with Cultural Dance Performance + Costume Trying (Gho and Kira).

Today, you will have an early breakfast, and begin the hike to Taktshang Monastery, perched giddily on a rocky ledge, with a waterfall cascading as if from the blue. Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Guru Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha, alighted from flying tigress, and meditated at this shrine in the second half of the 8th century. As a result, it is the dream destination for Buddhist pilgrims from the world over. If desired, pony ridings would be arranged by your own expenses.

Optional – Hot Stone Bath

Today check out and transfer to the airport for your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your vacation with our company. We look forward to seeing you again for your next trip.

Suggested Excursions:

Additional activities that complement your holidays will be at your own discretion and is entirely optional. *Minimum group size may apply.

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery Pony Ride USD40 per person per pony

• Hot Stone Bath – USD50 per person

Service Fee Guideline: (based on 7D6N)

• USD80 per person

Notes:

• A minimum group size of 10 passengers is required for a confirmed departure.

• The sequence of the itinerary, flight schedules and hotels are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

• Activities are subject to prevailing weather conditions.

• During major events, accommodation may be relocated without prior notice.