Welcome to Paro. One should experience when the flight into Bhutan takes you to
the great Himalayas & offers you the most scintillating scenery of the world's
highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa-chu
(Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and the Ta
Dzong. Assistance upon arrival at Paro airport and drive to Thimphu, the Capital
of Bhutan. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure to
discover the Capital on your own.

Today after breakfast visit the Memorable Chorten dedicated to the 03rd King of
Bhutan, The Textile Museum & Folk Heritage Museum that provides a
fascinating insight into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Drive to
the 15th century Changakha Lhakhang spectacularly located on the spur. The
Takin Sanctuary near the lhakhang will give the visitor a chance to glance at the
National animal of Bhutan, Takin. Also visit the school of Arts and Crafts and the
National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts as well as
modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.Evening visit
the Tashichho Dzong; the main secretarial building which houses the throne
room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and also the head seat of Chief Abbot of
Bhutan.

After breakfast depart for Punakha. The view over the Himalayan panoply at
Dorchula Pass at 10,500 feet is one of the most spectacular sights in all Bhutan.
Added is the 108 chortens (small stupas) making it a visual delight. Retrace back
towards Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang. Take the picturised walk through the
paddy field to reach the Chhimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Devine Mad Man,
Drukpa Kuenley. Further drive to Punakha, and visit the most beautiful Dzong in
Bhutan built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan
prior to the present dynasty. It is an old capital, which still serves as the winter
residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here
in 1907. It is now the winter residence of the Central Monastic Community and
administrative headquarters of Punakha district.

After breakfast we will retrace back towards Dochula Pass and Simtokha to drive
towards Paro. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.Visit the National Museum
which houses and impressive collection of fine arts, paintings, bronzes, textiles,
jewellery and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stamps for which the
Country is very popular. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of
Jewels, built in 1645 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is an imposing square
fortress, representative of typical Dzong architecture, with a central tower and
courtyards housing the administrative (Dzongkhag) and has a community of
about 200 monks.A hike down the moderate slope to the cantilever bridge, one of
the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each
end.

After breakfast drive 20 minutes to the end of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong from
where one can see the towering peak of Jomolhari (7,316m, 24,003 ft). This
mountain, also revered as a powerful goddess, forms the border with Tibet and
provides magnificent background to the ruined Drukgyel Dzong and village.Drive
to Rumthangka and have the glorious view of Taktsang. The hike is optional.On
our way back, we will visit Kyichu Temple (built by the Tibetan King Songtsen
Gompo in the 7th century).Rest of the time free for souvenir shopping in the
small town of Paro.

Vacation comes to an end with good memories that will last forever.