Destination: Bhutan
Route: Paro-Punakha-Thimphu-Paro
Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Land Cost: $2200-$2800

Day 1: Arrival in Paro
International Airport where you will be met by our representatives, then you will be transferred  to Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (3.5 hours), en-route stop at Dochula Pass (3100 meters) where you will visit the Druk Wangyel Monastery and the 108 chortens. You will also get to see spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan Range including Gangkar Punseum (7590 meters), the highest mountain in Bhutan, and also the world’s highest unclimbed peak. Dinner at hotel. Overnight

Day 2: Punakha
Discover Punakha valley, 30 minutes drive from Wangdi. En-route visit Chimmi Lhakang, the monastery of the Divine Madman and the fertility monastery. Follow by visit to Puankha Dzong, considered to be the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Punakha used to serve as capital of Bhutan till early 20th century and today it is still the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. The Chief Abbot and about 1000 monks live here for six months in the winter since Punakha is located at a lower altitude than Thimphu. Follow by visit to Khamsum Yulley Chorten, a monastery built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother of the 5th King. Picnic lunch will be served. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Wangdiphodrang/Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha-Thimphu
Sightseeing day drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (2.5 hours). Thimphu has a population of roughly 90,000 and like any other bigger towns, rural- urban migration is very high here. Visit Handmade Paper Factory, Silversmiths and Tashicho Dzong. Wander in the main shopping streets of Thimphu, Dinner at a Bhutanese home. Overnight.

Day 4: Thimphu
After breakfast continue sightseeing around Thimphu. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts, the National Library, and the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. Visit the Zilukha Nunnery, the Mothithang Zoo which solely houses the Takins (National animal of Bhutan), and Changangkha Lhakang, a monastery built in the 12th century. Evening, take a leisurely stroll from your hotel to the National Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The Chorten has recently been renovated and many locals come here throughout the day to take the opportunity to go round the Chorten to gain merit. Dinner at hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 5:  Thimphu-Paro
Scenery drive back to Paro (1 hour). Sightseeing tour in Paro. Visit the National Museum which is housed in the TA DZONG (WATCH TOWER) built in the early sixteenth century to protect Paro valley against Tibetan invasion. It was transformed into the National Museum by the late King Jigme Dorji wangchuk in 1968 and has got excellent collection of all facets of Bhutan’s rich cultural history. Paro Dzong which was built in 1646 by the first theocracy ruler Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and it is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. Overnight Paro.

Day 6: Paro.  Tiger’s Nest.
Hike Tiger Nest Monastery (Taktsang) which is the most famous from over two thousands monasteries in the kingdom. This monastery is perched on the side of a cliff more than 2000 feet above Paro valley. The name Taktsang means Tiger’s Nest (English translation) because Guru Rimpoche the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan was said to have flown to the cave on the back of Tigress for meditation. This site is considered sacred by Mahayana Buddhists and a highlight of one’s visit to Bhutan. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 7:
Early morning drive to Paro airport for departure

This tour program includes:

• Visa support
• Ground Transportation (air-condititioned)
• English-speaking guide/escort
• Hotel accommodation in double room
• Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
• Entrance fees to museums and monuments