Day 1: Arrival in Paro and drive to Thimphu Valley (1 hr 30 mins)

Upon arrival you will be greeted by guide and driver and will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside en-route. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

After checking into hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options include visits to the National Memorial Stupa; the celebrated Royal Textile Academy and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu

This morning visit the majestic Tashichhoe Dzong and the newly consecrated Tara Lhaden Zhingkham Lhakhang (temple). Continue on to the awesome Golden Buddha which also offers an excellent 3 km hike option with sensational valley views.

Other recommended places to visit are Zorig Chusum –  the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (closed over school holidays and weekends); the Folk Heritage Museum; the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts; the hand-made paper making factory & the colourful weekend markets (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits & vegetables, home-wares, handicrafts and clothes.

Don’t forget to take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam, which offers good shopping and the Craft Bazaar. For those who have an interest in quality weavings and local art check out the Gagyel Lhundrup weaving centre, where you can interact with the weavers, and the adjacent S. Bishwa art gallery. The city bars are also worth a visit. Your guide will advise you the best options. Please note Tuesday is ‘dry day’ in Bhutan and most bars in the city will remain closed.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha Valley, (3+ hrs)

This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Punakha Valley. En-route pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya.

On arrival into the Punakha valley stop and visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) who has a very colourful history, and which is an, easy 20 minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.

After lunch enjoy an orientation tour of the valley including the nunnery and, time permitting, consider a visit to the small very traditional village of Talo where you can wander through the serene grounds of the monastery with its beautiful gardens.

Overnight: Punakha Valley

Day 4: Sightseeing in Punakha valley

This morning visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formerly served as the seat of government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use.

This afternoon we especially recommend you travel northwards up the valley and take a fascinating hike through fields of vegetables and tiny hamlets to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Alternatively take the afternoon at leisure and don’t forget the markets if you are there on a Saturday morning. If of interest white-water rafting is available in this valley at extra cost. Your guide will advise if the conditions are suitable. Please ensure your travel insurance covers this activity first!!

Overnight: Punakha Valley

Day 5: Punakha Valley to Paro Valley  (4+ hrs)

Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch.

This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge and the National Museum, to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artifacts. Finally take a wander along the main streets which offer good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.

Overnight: Paro Valley

Day 6: Hiking Pilgrimage & Sightseeing in the Paro Valley

Taktsang Monastery is one of the most scared and revered monasteries in the Kingdom and all Bhutanese Buddhists desire to make a pilgrimage visit to Taktsang at least once in their lives. Each step taken towards the monastery gains merit points towards their future.

Choose between a 1.5 to 2 hour round trip hike to the monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at over 800 metres above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.

Take a Bhutanese vegetarian lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint and, returning from the hiking trail, visit nearby Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit.

Overnight Paro Valley

Day 7: End of tour. Departure day. Fly to onward destination

Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro airport for your onward flight.