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 towards 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 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 Bumthang
ascending quickly with an impressive of the Trongsa Dzong, passing the forest of
Rhododendrons and old decimated trees. After the Yuto La Pass (3400m 11155ft),
the dramatic scenery changes to gentle spruce and fir covered slopes, reminiscent
of the Alps. We will have a brief stop at Zugney to watch the ladies weaving
yatras, the specialty of the region. These brightly coloured wool fabrics are
displayed outside the houses for sale. Continue the drive over Kiki La (2900m
9515ft), we will have a bird’s eye view of Jakar Dzong and the Bumthang Valley.
Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure.

Today after breakfast visit Jampey Lhakhang, Kuje Lhakhang, and Tamsing
Monastery. Jampey Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in
07th century. Kuje Lhakhang is where Guru Rinpoche left the imprint of His body
in the cave He was meditating. Tamsing Monastery is the private monastery
where we can wash our sins if we carry the coat of nail thrice around the shrines.
This coat of nail is made my Pemalingpa Himself. Also visit the Jakar Dzong, the
Fortress of the White Bird, founded in 1549 by the Drukpa Lama Ngagi
Wangchuck who saw a white bird landing there when he was looking for a place
to build a temple. The headquarters of the Bumthang district is established here
but there are no resident monks.

After breakfast depart for Punakha, en route 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. Rest of the
time at leisure.

After early 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 begin the Taktsang hike. 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.