Day 01: Arrive at Paro – Thimphu

Described as one of the most captivating experiences, the flight to Paro offers you views of the Himalayan treasures, such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsrim Gang. As the flight descends to land at Paro airport, you will have a bird’s eye view of Paro and the adjoining valleys, an experience beyond expression. The landing at the airport is also thrilling.

Our guide will meet you there and after a brief stopover at a hotel, escort you for your first experience that awaits you. Today we will drive straight away to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Depending on the availability of time we will be visiting places of historical importance and landmarks of the capital, such as Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third king of Bhutan Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck and statue of the world’s largest Buddha

Day 02: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue

After breakfast we proceed to Punakha, which is about three hours drive from Thimphu. However, after a 45 minute drive, we will stop at Dochula Pass, (3,100m), which offers visitors the first spectacular glimpse of the snow-capped eastern Himalayan Ranges, consisting of peaks averaging heights of 6000m to 7554m. The pass is beautified by 108 stupas (chortens) built around a mound. From the pass, the journey descends through outgrowths of rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. We enter the low lying sub tropical valleys of Wangduephodrang and Punakha. En-route to Punakha, we will visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (Fortress), which was tragically razed to the ground by a fire in 2012. Originally built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung, it has played a significant role in medieval Bhutan’s history. We then proceed to Chimi Lhakhang. About half an hour hike from the road point, it is associated with the great Buddhist master, Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “Divine Madmonk,” and was constructed in the 15th century. After lunch, we move to Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Punakha Dzong (Fortress) is an architectural masterpiece, which from far looks like a large ship rocked on a still mass of water. Built at the confluence of two rivers, called the Pho (male) and Mo (female) chus (rivers) in 1637 by Bhutan’s unifier, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it has played a very significant role in Bhutan’s history. Home to some of Bhutan’s most prized religious artifacts, it was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor, and is the home of the country’s Chief Abbot and religious body during the winter months. There will also be a visit to Khamsumyulay Namgyal chorten.

Day 03: Punakha – Paro & the Taktsang Experience

We will drive back the same road towards Paro from Punakha and visit Thimphu city once again for the lunch. After lunch continue towards Paro and pay visit to historical sites such as Paro Rinpung dzong and National museum (Ta Dzong).

Day 04: Hike to Taktsang monastery

After breakfast, we drive to Taktsang view point and begin the hike up to Taktsang Monastery – “The Tiger’s Nest.” We follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the holiest Buddhist Shrine in Bhutan and the ultimate point of pilgrimage. A blend of the spiritual and architectural wonder, the monastery is perched on a 1000m cliff overlooking the valley. Legend has it that the great Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet to Taktsang on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. On the way back, we visit Drugyel Dzong, ” ”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” located 16 kilometers from Paro town. In ruins now, this Dzong was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the invading Tibetan forces in the 16^th and 17th centuries. On a clear day, one can see the Jhomolhari Peak, “Mountain of the Goddess” from here.

Day 05: Paro – Bangkok

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your flight out of the country. We look forward to see you in future.