Beauty of Bhutan

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative at the airport. After a warm welcome, continue departure to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. On arrival check-in at the hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, visit National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at hotel

Today, you will enjoy discovering the serene and beautiful city of Thimphu, it is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the medieval fortress that houses most of the government offices and the throne room of the king. Next, visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum and Bhutanese traditional handmade paper factory. You can also visit the National Library, which houses a wonderful collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After lunch visit Handicraft Emporium offering a wide variety of the beautifully handicraft emporium products, including the splendid Thangka paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. You can also visit the School of Arts and Crafts, famous for traditional Thangka paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on fabric. Overnight at hotel

This morning embark on a short drive to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic drive across Dochu-la pass (3080m) which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Take a photo stop and enjoy refreshments while taking in stunning views of the Himalayas. Continue to Punakha and upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and freshen up. In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th century. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the local market. Overnight at hotel

This morning, depart for Phobjikha, en route a short walk through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice along the river banks to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, from where you can see fine views of the Mo-Chu River and villages below. Then, depart, by a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha, is one of the few glaciated valleys in Bhutan and the chosen winter home of the black-necked cranes (November to March) migrating from the Tibetan Plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. On arrival at Gangtey, check in to your hotel. Later take a leisure walk through the valley. Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, embark on the Longtey Trek. This is a 30-minute drive from Phobjikha to the starting point at the village of Longtey on the East-West Highway. Start by walking downhill following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bamboo bushes towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on either side of the valley and in the winter months yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the beginning of the bewildering ancient rhododendron forest. The last part through the forest is a bit steeper uphill until you reach the pass with stunning views of Gangtey Goemba, Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley below. Before continuing along the path down the valley towards the idyllic village of Kumbu. You may be picked up from here, or you can continue to Shedra or all the way up the valley. Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, depart for Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, check-in to your hotel. After lunch, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses an interesting array of costumes, artefacts, Thangkas paintings and world-renowned stamps, bringing to life the history of Bhutan. Also visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the political and religious centre of Paro district, built in the 17th century. Overnight at hotel.

Early this morning, hike to Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger's Nest, perched on a cliff, overlooking the Paro Valley. Trekking back journey takes approximately 5 hours, alternatively, if you do not wish to go walking, you can ride a pony. This is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan, visited by every Buddhist at least once in their lifetime. The climb is steep, so en-route, it is possible to stop for refreshments at a local cafe, located halfway along the way overlooking 'Tigers' Nest. Once we reach Tigers' Nest, enjoy the beautiful views and a waterfall along with a visit to the monastery. Next, we visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetans. Nearby visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers an insight into the daily life of the local people. Also, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan, built in the 7th century. Overnight at hotel

Today, you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight for your onward journey.