Arrival - Paro - Thimphu : (L/D)
Welcome at Bhutan – Paro International Airport . During the journey offers fascinating views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest. Arrival Paro, enjoy the Bhutan local lunch at Paro. It is revered as one of the most holy shrines in Bhutan and embodies the arrival of Buddhism here. Visit to Rimpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. The dzong is famous for its wall murals depicting Buddhist parables, symbols and the lives of prominent saints. After finish, drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The road meanders alongside the Paro Chu (river) and terraced fields until the confluence of two rivers at Chuzom. In the evening visit Tashicho Dzong, the center of government and the monastic order. After that, continue to visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa conceptualized by the Third King to ward off negative influences. Dinner at hotel and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Thimphu - Punakha - (B/L/D)
After breakfast at hotel, we will drive towards Punakha and on the way with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) where if the weather is good, enjoy spectacular view of mountains. After Lunch at Chimi Lhakhang Cafeteria. Visit the 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. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. Drive to Wangdue, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman and renowned for blessing barren women with fertility. Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Punakha - Paro : (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Paro via Thimphu. Lunch at Edelweiss Restaurant, and after lunch you will visit the National Post Office, where you can spend only USD 6, to have your own photo for a set of stamps. Visit another place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. 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. Drive to Paro and visit Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro District, Bhutan. The dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. Transfer back to the hotel in Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro
At Paro : (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the foot of the Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest cliff before walking uphill for 2 hours to reach this monastery, giddily perched on a sheer 800m rock face. Taktshang means 'Tiger's Nest' as legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the eight century. He meditated here making this temple a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. The trip to and fro takes 4 hours for which riding ponies can be arranged (USD 15/per pax). After lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria, visit one of the oldest landmarks in Bhutan. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. After dinner, overnight at hotel in Paro.
Paro - Departure : (B)
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for flight to onward destinations.
