Fly into Paro Valley on our national airlines, Drukair or the Bhutan Airlines. In clear weather, you can witness magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks giving way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane – a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. Our guide and the team will welcome you at the airport and you will be then transferred to your Hotel in Paro.
In the afternoon visit one of the holiest temples in Bhutan, Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Dungtse Lhakhang was built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan Lama, Thangton Gyelpo (1385-1464), also known by the name of Chagzampa, ‘the builder of iron bridges’ or Drubthob, ‘the realized One’. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are considered to be some of the best in Bhutan.

Afterwards visit Kyichu Lhakhang. King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet built this temple in 659 AD. It is believed to be holding down the left foot of a demon whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This Lhakhang contains a 5 meter-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another of Tara, who represents one of the wives of King Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan.

If time permits, explore Paro town, either accompanied, or on your own. Welcome Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Drive to Thimphu, a journey of approximately 1.5 hrs. On arrival check in to your Hotel in Thimphu. Spend the remainder of the day on a tour exploring some of Thimphu’s many sites. These include the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who died in 1972. Also visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu valley, the National Library featuring an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old, the School of Traditional Arts and the Folk Heritage Museum. If time permits, you can visit the tallest Buddha statue in the country overlooking the Thimphu valley. The bird’s eye view of the Capital city can be seen on the way to Buddha Statue. If it is weekend, you can visit the weekend market beside the Wangchu ( chu mean river of Wang valley ) where you can buy the local handicrafts and textiles.
In the evening before dinner, stroll through the streets of Thimphu to explore the city center.

After an early breakfast drive to Tango Monastery, located about 12 kilometers north of Thimphu. The trail to Tango Monastery is a climb of 280 meters and takes about an hour. Tango Monastery was founded in the 12th century by one of the Tibetan saints, and was rebuilt in its present form in 1688 by the 4th temporal ruler of Bhutan, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. It is now the residence of his young 7th reincarnation. Tango Monastery is also the only Buddhist University in Bhutan. Refreshments will be served at the base.On the way back, you can visit the School of Astrology at Pangrizampa. Return to hotel for lunch and some time at leisure. In the late afternoon, visit Tashichoedzong, ‘The Fortress of the Glorious Religion’. The Dzong houses some of the Ministries, His Majesty’s Secretariat, and the Central Monk Body.

After breakfast begin your drive to Punkaha, a distance of approximately 72 kilometres. The road climbs to Dochu La Pass, located 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level and marked by a large array of prayer flags and 108 chortens. On a clear day the pass offers a panoramic view of the Bhutan Himalayas. You will have the best chance of a view in the early morning between October and February.

Following lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the unifier of Bhutan. The Shabdrung died in 1651 while he was in meditation at Punakha Dzong, and his body is preserved in one of the Dzong’s temples. Punakha Dzong is the winter headquarters of the Central Monastic Body headed by the Je Khenpo. The Central Monastic Body shifts to Punakha for the winter and back to Thimphu for the summer. The three-storied main temple of the Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. The coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck, the First King of Bhutan, took place at Punakha Dzong in 1907.

Return to hotel where you will have time at leisure.

Enjoy a morning visit to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, perched high on a hill on the opposite bank of the Mo Chhu (Female River). Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck had the three-storied chorten built for the protection of the country. It was consecrated at the end of 1999. The monument is situated an half an hour’s walk from the road amidst an idyllic rural farming area. It is renowned for its beautiful paintings featuring incredibly complex iconography.

A sumptuous lunch will be served on the way back from Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten by the side of a river. You can enjoy the picturesque rural scenery.
After lunch visit Chimi Lhakhang, approximately a 20-minute walk from the road at Sopsokha. Lama Drukpa Kunley, ‘The Divine Madman’, built the temple in 1499. He subdued the demon of Dochu La with his ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang. Drive to Paro, a journey of approximately 4 hours and half hours. Overnight at Paro.

After breakfat, drive to the foothill of Taktsang Monastery. There are two options available to enable you to reach Taktsang Monastery (Please note that riding pony downhill is not recommended). You can either choose to ride a pony or hike. It takes approximately one and a half hours uphill to reach the Taktsang cafeteria overlooking the magnificent Monastery perched on the side of a cliff 900 meters above the floor of the Paro valley. From here it is about another hour to a lookout point beside the monastery.

Taktsang means ‘tiger’s nest’. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress. Guru Rinpoche then meditated in a cave for three months and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. According to Bhutanese tradition, the tigress was a form taken by one of Guru Rinpoche’s consorts for the occasion.

After having lunch at the foothill of Taksang Monastery, visit the Rinpung Dzong, also known as ‘fortress of a heap of jewels’. Built in 1646, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro, and features beautiful architecture and ancient frescos. If you wish, you can also enjoy an exploration of Paro Town at leisure.

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your flight to your onward destination.
End of Service and Tashi Delek!