Day 1: Arrival Paro – Thimphu
Arrive Paro by flight. The transfer to Thimphu. Afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and National Library, and stroll Main Street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts. Overnight in Thimpu
Day 2: Thimphu
This morning visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, and pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that house a monastic training school for astrologers. A short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba. Overnight in Thimpu.
Day 3: Thimphu / Gangtey
A dramatic drive over the high mountain passes of Dochu La and on to the Phobjika Valley. Visit the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass and descent down thru the Punakha Valley on through the scenic village of Wangdi. On arrival visit the striking Gangtey Goemba. Overnight in Gangtey
Day 4: Gangtey
This morning will start with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Centre. Walk or a mountain bike ride thru this magnificent valley can be arranged. Or relax for the day. Overnight in Gangtey
Day 5: Gangtey / Punakha
Today’s drive to Punakha. In the afternoon explore the hidden village of Talo, home of the Queens’ and the valley’s protective deity lhakhang. Later a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop. Overnight in Punakha
Day 6: Punakha
In the morning a beautiful hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built by the queens of Bhutan. Later drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong. Afternoon visit the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery. Overnight in Punakha
Day 7: Punakha / Paro
In the morning follow your way back up the Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys to Paro. In the afternoon, take a stroll to the nearby ruins, a visit to some of the valley’s oldest and holiest religious monuments or ramble down Paro’s main street. Overnight in Paro
Day 8: Paro
The day starts with a visit to the National Museum the Ta Dzong. Visit the dominating Paro Dzong, crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and then driven to the 16th Century town temple. After lunch visit the Dumtse Lhakhang to view the beautiful, well preserved wall paintings. Overnight in Paro
Day 9: Paro
Morning an auspicious pilgrimage to Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery. The afternoon will be at leisure. Overnight in Paro
Day 10: Departure Day:
In time transfer to Paro airport to board flight for onward destination.
