DAY 1 - Arrive Paro, Transfer to Thimphu (1 hr drive/54km) (B/-/D)
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after clearing immigration, you will be met by your representative (Guide). Drive from Paro to Thimphu. On arrival to Paro, check in to your hotel & freshen up. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu’s Fortress). Tashichho Dzong has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby. This fortress is an impressively large structure surrounded by well kept lawns and beautiful gardens. End your day by visiting the Changlimithang stadium and the farmer’s weekend market. Changlimithang Stadium is now the site of the national archery ground, a large football stadium and parade ground, as well as the head quarter of the Bhutan Olympic Committee. It’s always worth checking what event is taking place here If you are lucky, you can witness an archery tournament. The weekend market is in a permanent set of stalls north of Changlimithang Stadium. Vendors from through out the country arrive on Thursday morning and remain until Sunday night. It is an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best and cheapest vegetables and food items. This is the only time that fresh produce is easily available and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up on the week’s gossip. (best to visit on Thursday, Friday, & Sunday).

DAY 2 -  Explore Thimphu Valley  (B/L/D)
Begin your day by visiting the Folk Heritage Museum, a restored mid 19th century house which gives one insight into the average household & lifestyle in the region during that era. You will also visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, a painting school where classes for 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught. After which, you will be brought to the Memorial Chorten, a memorial dedicated to world peace. You will also visit a weaving center and a traditional handmade paper factory. There is also the option of going for a night tour (at an additional cost) for happiness and Buddhism.

DAY 3 - Thimphu – Punakha (2.5hr/76km) (B/L/D)
Drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La Pass (3,050m) where on a clear day, there is a panoramic view of the towering Himalayan peaks. Punakha is located in a sub-tropical valley with warm summers and pleasant winters. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thimphu. On arrival, walk through a small village to Chimi
Lakhang. This site is still believed to hold fertility powers for women! From the vantage point of Chimi Lakhang, there is a spectacular view of the Punakha Valley.

DAY 4 - Explore Punakha Valley – Talo/Nobgang Village Walk (Total Hike Time 3 hrs) (B/L/D)
Explore the picturesque villages of Talo & Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m and is known amongst Punakha villages for its neat and clean appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty. Enjoy a packed picnic for lunch. From here, walk through another village that will lead to a village school. From the school take a few minutes’ walk to a private orchard. Take your evening tea in the orchard while enjoying the great view of the Punakha Dzong from there. (You are welcome to try some fruits that grow in the Orchard: Himalayan grapes, passion fruits and pears in the months of May to June. Lemons will be there throughout the year. Mandarin fruits will be in season from October until late December). Walk another 25 minutes to reach your vehicle waiting near the Punakha Dzong Cantilever Bridge. In the evening, drive to Nalanda University, a Buddhist monastic school where you will get an opportunity to socialize with the monks and observe their evening routine. The monks here are learning English, therefore, they will love to practice their English with you.

DAY 5 - Punakha - Paro (4 hr drive/130km) (B/L/D)
After breakfast proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochula Pass. In Paro visit the Zurig Dzong, founded in the 14th century. Then visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the Museum. The Paro Musuem was built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong and currently being renovated to house the National Musuem.  A sample of the exhibits are currently on display in an adjacent site.  

DAY 6 - Paro Valley Exploration /Tiger’s nest Hike (Total hike time 4-5 hrs) (B/L/D)
Tiger’s Nest” monastery, most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, is spectacularly located on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley floor. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and
meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, “Tiger’s Nest”. In the evening, you will visit a local Bhutanese farmhouse to get an insight of the Bhutanese architecture and the way of life. If you like, you can have dinner with the local family and they can conduct a simple cooking demonstration of Bhutanese food. End of the day by hoisting prayer flags and reflect on your time here in Bhutan. Lung-dhar meaning Wind Horse consists of colored square cloths strung together, the colors represent the five elements – Yellow (earth), green (wood), white (iron), blue (water) and red (fire). The prayers and mantras are written on the cloth.

DAY 7 - Transfer to Paro Airport for International departure. (B/-/-)
Check out of your hotel and be transferred back to airport.

*Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan

*The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. There may be delays in transfer time due road conditions, road repair/widening works, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances.