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 Trongsa drive to Dochu La Pass (3050m). If the
weather permits you can see a range of high peaks toward the north east. The
recently built 108 chortens gives the ridge a very beautiful and charming
presence. Continue the drive via the Pele La Pass (3300m 10800ft) crosses the
Black Mountains, the traditional boundary between west and central Bhutan.
Crossing the pretty villages of Rukubji and Chendebji to reach the huge 18th
century Chendebji Chorten patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa,
with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built by Lama Shida from Tibet to
cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Further drive to
Trongsa with the beautiful view of Trongsa Dzong while approaching Trongsa.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

After early breakfast visit the Tongsa Dzong located on a spur overlooking the
Mangde River. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern
Bhutan. Both the first and second King of Bhutan ruled the country from this
ancient seat. All five Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘Governer’) prior to
ascending the throne. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping
down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Also visit the Ta Dzong (watch
tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Continue drive to
reach Punakha. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong is 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. From the distance this Dzong look like a
giant ship on sail. We will further 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. Taktsang Monastery, clinging on the steep rock, is one of the holiest
temples in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the Tigress back and
meditated here. The trek to the temple through the pine tree and sweet aroma of
the air is indeed a very special and memorable event. The return hike will take
about 05-06 hours. 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.