Blissful Bhutan

Arrival at Paro airport and transferred to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Later in the day take an exploratory walk around Thimphu Craft Bazaar located a few-minute walk from down town hotels. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts. After Wear the traditional Bhutanese Dress (Gho for men and Kir for women) and while putting on this dress, you can visit the Dzong. Conclude the day with a visit of Trashichhoedzong. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Thimpu,Visit National Library - The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Institute for Zorig Chusum - Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Folk Heritage Museum - The museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households; it also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipment. Bhutan Postal Museum - The postal museum narrates the story of evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan through different phases of the changing time. Memorial Chorten - The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Buddha Dordenma or 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. Here, you will have an opportunity to meditate inside the temple. After tour back to hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3080m). Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Here, you can indulge into meditation for a while in one of the caves above Dochula and shall also hoist prayer flags. After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. After visit Chimi Lakhang - 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. After motorable road one has to walk hrough paddy fields and villages (This is total about 1.1/2 hours walk, both ways). After back proceed to hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

Today visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery - The nunnery is perched on a ridge amid pine trees overlooking Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Continue your drive to Talo Monastery - The site was founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye.After visit Khamsum Yuley Chorten - Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well-being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. It is one of the finest Bhutanese architects. It is located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha, about 30 minutes’ drive from town. After return walk back, there is an option to walk along the riverside, following the ancient trail that goes through farmlands, homes, Sonagasa village and arrive near Punakha Dzong. This extra walk takes another two hours or so. It is particularly interesting for those interested in birding and to enjoy the walk viewing the countryside. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. En route visit Simtokha Dzong - the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. Today have a Royal Indian Thali lunch at Le Meridien Riverfront. Later in the day after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong,originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. Ta Dzong visit shortly followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong 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. Tonight, you will have dinner with a local family while interacting with the family members and to understand their way of life. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5 hrs hike): 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’. On the way back to town stop at a Farm House and enjoy Butter Tea, one can also opt for Hot Stone Bath here on direct payment basis. Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang - is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Here, you will be lightening up 108 butter lamps. OR After breakfast at hotel, drive to Chele la (mountain pass), at an elevation 3,988 meters, considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly-forested road, is this botanical paradise located. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Later in the day drive back to town. Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area. Overnight in Paro.

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight to hometown.