Highlight: Views of Himalayas

Once you land in Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed in Bhutanese traditional style by an English/Chinese speaking tour guide. Proceed to visit Paro Dzong, a monument built in 1646 AD. It is a large Drukpa Kagyu Buddhist Monastery and houses the district Monastic Body, and government administrative offices of Paro.  Lunch is followed by a 3.5-hour drive to Phunakha, the old Capital of Bhutan via Thimphu, the Modern Capital of Bhutan, and Dochu La Pass (Alt. 3050m) where you can enjoy the first view of the eastern Himalayan Mountains. Overnight Stay.

Highlight: Chimi Lakhang Temple

Visit the Punakha Dzong between the Phochu and Mochu rivers, symbolizing the masculine and the feminine co-existence. Their currents are of different colours, and the two rivers unite at this spot. Enroute visit Chimi Lhakhang in Lobesa, a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who is also known as the “Divine Mad Monk”. After Lunch, proceed to Thimphu, the Modern Capital of Bhutan which is 3 hours away from Punakha. Entering Thimphu, visit Trashicho Dzong which houses the main Secretariat of the Government, offices of the King, Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance, and also the Throne of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.  It is an impressive large structure surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens. Overnight Stay.

Highlight: Ema Datshi & Ara

Today sightseeing starts with the National Memorial Chorten, Traditional Medicine Institute, National Library, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, and School of 13 Arts & Crafts. After Lunch visit the Takin mini zoo, Zilukha Nunnery, General Post Office, and traditional paper factory. Proceed back to Paro which is 1.30 hours away from Thimphu. Explore the main street where there is a vintage-looking complex with richly decorated buildings, housing small shops, institutions, and restaurants. In the evening visit the local farm house where you can experience the making of the famous local dish “ema datshi” (Chilli & Cheese) and taste “Ara” – the local wine. Overnight Stay.

Highlight: White Temple and Black Temple

After breakfast, depart to Haa Valley which is a 2-hour drive via Chele La pass (Alt. 3810m) witnessing awesome views of Bhutan’s highest mountains and Himalayan peaks. Ride through the deep pine forests and narrow valleys of Haa. Haa Valley is made up of five counties and was closed to outside world until 2002. Haa Dzong is current occupied by military with a strict no visitation policy, but the view is stunning. After a picnic lunch, visit the famous monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).  Drive back to Paro. Overnight Stay at Paro.

Highlight: Tiger Nest Monastery

Today, visit the Taktsang Monastery also known as Tiger Nest Monastery. It is perched precariously on a side of a cliff. Guru Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha, arrived on a flying tigress and meditated at this shrine in the second half of the 8^th century. As a result, it is the dream destination for Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world.

Evening you can enjoy hot stone bath (Dotsho or Menchu), and exclusive dinner at Beer Factory to get taste of the country’s best.

Overnight Stay.

Your exploration of Bhutan will end today. Have a safe trip back home.