Fly into the Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as doors or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climb continually higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountain sides and to the north, the great snow capped peaks of the inner Himalaya rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the National Museum, above it. Received by our representative at the airport and after completion of airport formalities, drove through the fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel. Evening leisure in Thimphu town, overnight Thimphu.

Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family. Morning visit to Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King. Tashichhodzong is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as painting school), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Proceed to the national Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years, Also visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, opened in 2001. Overnight at Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, main wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zong Huang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. After visit to Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Overnight stay at Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple in the fertile Lobesa village of Punakha Valley. The temple is dedicated to the divine madman-Saint Drukpa Kuenley and the temple is also known as the Temple of Fertility.The temple is accessible by 20-25 minutes from the village near the junction of the road that branches out to Wangdue and Punakha. We first walk through the village of Sosokha and then gradually hike through the paddy fields to Lobesa Village and arrive at the temple.The temple is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley lived in Bhutan around the 1500s. He was a highly accomplished Buddhist master but he was called Divine Madman for his humorous approach and sexual overtones in his teachings.  As per the legend, Lama Drukpa Kuenley subdued a demoness here who was terrorizing the residents of the valley and marked the site for the temple to be built later by his cousin.It’s a general belief that if a childless couple visits the temple and wishes for fertility, they will be blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley and will be able to bear children. Nobody knows exactly how and when the tradition of seeking fertility blessing started in Chimi Lhakhang but today, the temple is famous as the Temple of Fertility.Punakha Suspension Bridge: One of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 350m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chu. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong, mainly used by locals from the other side of the town as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast, visit Taktsang Monastery. This most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is spectacularly perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. Taktsang is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. 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”. The site, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The principal Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking renovation work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. 

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.Ta Dzong originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Evening free for shopping, overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast proceed to Paro Airport.