After breakfast at hotel, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.

After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student’s monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.

Afternoon visit, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one's mind to never leave the site. This is the biggest nunnery in Bhutan and the interactive session with nuns is very informative. It is a good experience to know about their lifestyle from themselves. Knowing about their experiences, beliefs and education is quite a fun activity.

Overnight in Thimphu

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Enroute proceed for the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not havechildren and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.

Overnight in Punakha.

Today the day start early to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley (3 to 3½ Hrs One way) The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.

At Gangtey visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre , Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), Back to the night halt.

Overnight in Gangtey

Today you will be travelling to Bumthang via road. So have an early breakfast and leave for the road trip immediately.

Upon your arrival at the hotel, complete your check-in formalities and start with your sightseeing tour. The first destination in the city is the Jakar Dzong. This picturesque location overlooks the Chokhor valley and was built in 1667. It is also known as the Yuelay Namgyal Dzong. This is in honour of the victory over the troops of the Tibetan ruler.

After the tour of this Dzong, spend some leisure time at the local market of the town and you can also try out some local delicacies if you wish to. Later on, return to your hotel and catch up on some rest.

Overnight at homestay in Bumthang.

Start your day by having a healthy breakfast at the hotel. You can then continue with your sightseeing tour in the town of Bumthang. The first destination for the day is the Wangdichholing Palace. The palace was built in 1857, on the site of a battle camp. Fun fact is that it is the first palace in Bhutan that was not designed as a fortress. The place is definitely worth a visit.

Your next destination is the Jampey Lhakhang. This temple was built in 659 by the then Tibetan Kingon the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro. Also, the temple was visited by Guru Rinpoche during his visit to Bumthang and hence holds lots of spiritual value to the locals.

Later visit Kurjey Lhakhang. This temple complex is huge and very active. It is named after the body (kur) print (jey) of Guru Rinpoche. The body is preserved here in a cave inside the oldest of the three buildings that make up the temple complex.

Post the tour of this temple; you will visit the Ngang Lhakhang. Even this site was visited by Guru Rinpoche and hence holds utmost importance in the town. Go there for its structure and architecture and you will not be disappointed.

Later on, return to hotel for night stay.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Today you will be travelling to Punakha via road. So have an early breakfast and leave for the road trip immediately. On arrival in Punakha you will check in homestay for night halt.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast at hotel, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro (120 KMS / 4½ HRS DRIVE APPROX) along scenic highway, enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), 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 Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Parovalley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, mountain of goddess can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Evening, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro.

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our guide will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.