BHUTAN – Buddhist Kingdom on the Himalayas

Today embark on a mystical journey to “Druk Yul - The Land of the Thunder Dragon !” - Bhutan. Welcome to the land of Happiness. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by our local friendly representative who will assist you for your transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute (time permitting) stop at Tamchog Lhakhang (Iron Bridge) at Chuzom (Confluence), meeting point of Thimpu River (Wang Chhu) & Paro river (Paro Chhu). Rest of the evening is at leisure. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity make Thimphu the ideal location to immerse in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast proceed for a Thimphu sightseeing tour covering Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower, which offers an exquisite view of the whole town of Thimphu. Later visit Buddha point - The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, a Traditional Art & Craft School, Textiles Museum, Handicrafts Shops, Zangthopelri Lhakhang Monastery. Visit Simply Bhutan – A Museum resembling a Bhutanese village, featuring traditional cuisine, demonstrations & performances. Also visit Motithang Takin Preservation Centre, a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.

After and early breakfast proceed to Punakha - the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The drive is over Dochu La pass (3080 Mts / 10102 Fts) which is very scenic as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. Along the Dochula Pass, there are 108 memorial chortens (also known as stupas) called the 'Druk Wangyal Chortens'. The hills are also decorated with colourful religious flags in five colours to represent the natural elements - blue for the sky, red for fire, green for water, white for clouds, and yellow for earth. To the local Buddhist people, these flags are symbols of veneration and the inscriptions of prayers on each flag symbolizes peace and prosperity for Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong – one of the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. If time permits visit the Suspension Bridge and then proceed to Chimi Lhakhang Monastery. Overnight in Punakha.

This morning after and early breakfast at the Hotel proceed for a full day excursion to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots offering breathtaking views of vast expanses of green fields. At Gangtey visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre, Gangtey Goempa Monastery. One could take home the intricately designed handwoven carpets from the famous factory in Gangtey or handicrafts from the village shops. Return back to the hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast you will be transferred to Paro. Enroute Stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Garden. The Royal Botanical Park is the first botanical park in Bhutan and forms the backdrop of the Dochula Pass. On arrival at Paro, check in to the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Visit Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Rest of the evening is free to explore on your own. Overnight in Paro.

This morning after an early breakfast proceed on a hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site - Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest Monastery). This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site. Return back to Paro. Rest of the evening is at leisure for you to indulge in some local shopping in the market. You can buy Woven Bags, Traditional Jewellery, the traditional dress of Bhutan - Kira & Gho, Brassware, Yak-Bone Jewellery, Hand-Woven Bamboo Items, Carpets, Masks, Thangkas - a Tibetan Buddhist painting on cotton, silk appliqué, usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Also popular is the Handmade Paper and finely Crafted Metal products. Overnight in Paro.

After an early breakfast, start the day for a full day excursion to Haa Valley via Chele-la pass (3800 Mts / 12465 Fts) - the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Visit Haa Dzong, Lhakhang Karpo, Lhakhang Nagpo, Wangchulo Dzong. This tiny region is one of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the kingdom, adorned with pristine alpine forests and tranquil mountain peaks. Evening you drive back to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for your flight back Home. Return back with wonderful memories of your trip to Bhutan !