8 Days 7 Nights

Places to Visit : Thimphu, Paro, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha, Phobjikha

Day 1: Arrival at Paro and Drive to Thimphu.

1. Memorial Chorten: The Memorial Stupa, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa. The stupa was built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells.
2. Tashichho Dzong: 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.
3. Buddha Dordenma: This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

1. Changangkha Lhakhang: This popular temple, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, hums with pilgrim activity. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin
2. Takin Zoo: It’s located in theMotithang district of Thimphu, Bhutan is a wildlife reserve area for takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.
3. National Library: The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. For tourists it is of interest mainly as a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture, but there are some great historic photos and on the top floor is a copy of a letter sent from the DrukDesi (secular ruler) to British army officer and surveyor Samuel Turner in 1783.
4. Zorig Chusum: This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture,thangkas – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls, etc), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay).
5. Folk Heritage Museum: The museum gives you a glimpse of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle, in addition to artifacts from rural households; it also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipment.
6. Royal Textile Muesume: Thimphu's best museum is part of the Royal Textile Academy and is the place to learn about Bhutan's living national art ofthagzo (weaving).
7. Drop to hotel/resort.

Day3: Thimphuto Punakha

1. Dochula: Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Himalayan mountain range.
2. Druk Wangyal Lhakhang: The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the lhakhang (temple).
3. Chimi Lhakhang: The Chimi Lhakhang Monastery calls for at least one visit when in Punakha. This extraordinary temple is popularly known to be the fertility temple among many and is frequented by childless couples and others alike for blessings.

Day4: Punakha

1. Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning very awesome dzong "the palace of great happiness or bliss"), is the administrative centre of Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan.

Day5: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

1. Visit to Gangtey Goemba: Gangtey Goemba enjoys the valley’s prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. The extensive complex consists of the central Goemba, monks’ quarters, a small guesthouse
2. Nyelung Dechenling: Travelers with a sense of the magical will want to visit this unassuming Chapel, one of eight residences (ling) built by the 14^th century Nyingma Dzogchen master Longchen Rabjam (Longchenpa)
3. Khewang Lhakhang: on the east side of the Phobjikha valley, opposite Tabiting, is the 15^th century Khewang Lhakhang, which features three two-storied statues of the past, present and future Buddhas (due-sum-sangay).
4. Drop to hotel/resort.

Day6: Phobjikha Valley to Paro via Thimphu Valley

1. Drop to hotel/resort.

Day7: Paro (Hike to Tiger Nest)

1. Hike to Tiger Nest: Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 hundred meters above the Paro Valley.

Day 8: Depart from Paro

• Private guided tour
• Visas for Bhutan
• Airport transfers
• Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
• Accommodation at 3 star hotel
• A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
• An experienced driver
• A tour vehicle
• Entry fees & road permits
• Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
• Mineral bottled water

• Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
• Flight on other airline to catch Drukair Flight
• Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
• Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
• Expenditure of personal nature
• Travel Insurance
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Alcoholic drink