Arrive by flight into Paro. Upon arrival you are met by Bhutanese Guide and driver and transferred to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, we should be able to cover some sightseeing such as the National Museum, Rinphung Dzong and have time to stroll in the charming small town of Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Three-four hours journey to Wangdue/Punakha valley via 10,000ft Dochula pass. From the pass you can see panorama view of snow capped peaks of eastern Himalayan range (weather permitting). We descend through changing vegetations and landscape into semi-tropical Punakha valley. During our stay visit the impressive Punakha Dzong fortress located at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers. We’ll take an easy walk in the valley, visit some of its monasteries, villages, take short drives and enjoy this idyllic countryside dotted with farm houses and terraced hillsides. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

We have a long drive (7hrs) traversing Pele la pass into Mangde/Trongsa region and then across Youtongla pass to arrive in Bumthang district. We will make occasional stops along the way to ease the long journey. We have a full day to explore by easy walks and short drives. Among others visit Kurjey Temple complex, the 7th century Jampay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang monastery. We also have visit Jakar Dzong, local village, and visit KharchuDratsang monastery, during their active evening debate or communion prayers. You can also sample some local buckwheat dishes during your stay in Bumthang. Overnight hotel in Jakar.

Retrace short drive back to Trongsa. En-route, stop in Bumthang’schumey valley, where we check-out Yathra weavers. Then crossing Youtongla pass, descend into Trongsa. Visit Trongsa’s dzong. Set above the dzong is the Ta Dzong, the watchtower, a lovely old building which has been recently renovated to houses an excellent museum with several floors of royal memorabilia and sacred artifacts. The views from the roof are well worth the climb. In the evening stroll around the town. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.

Our journey brings us back to Pele la pass, passing through several small towns and alpine settlements, with spectacular views. After short decent, our road makes a diversion off the main high-way to Gangtey. Famous as a main wintering ground for Black Necked Cranes, which arrive here late October and stay until early spring before heading back to their breeding grounds in Tibet and Siberia. Visit ancient Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingma monastery, located atop the hill. Then walk along the nature trail, a footpath encircling the winter roosting grounds of the cranes. Overnight hotel in Gangtey. (Total 4-5hrs drive)

Backtracking our drive back through ever changing vegetations to Punakha and Wangdue valley. From Punakha, climb up to Dochula pass, for one more opportunity to take in a magnificent mountain vista. Enjoy the views over cuppa near the pass in cafeteria. This evening, we should have sometime available to visit great Tashicho Dzong and stroll along the main street of the capital. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. (Total 6+hrs drive).

Thimphu is an attractive valley location and is relatively small for a capital city that has grown greatly in recent years. We have a full day to tour and visit the capital of Bhutan as per interests. Drive up to giant Buddha statue, visit Memorial Chorten, Takin Preserve, Zilukha nunnery, Traditional Art School, Hospital for traditional medicine, National Library, Textile Academy and Museum, Changlimithang ground where you may see Archery, Centennial farmers’ market, which is more vibrant over the weekend (Fri-Sun) or you can spend half day hiking to Cheri or Tango Monastery north of Thimphu. You can decide these activities with you guide when you are here. Overnight hotel in Thimphu

Today is another easy day. We will cover any remainder sightseeing of Thimphu in the first half of the morning and then drive to Paro, which takes only about an hour. Along the way, we will stop to visit a nunnery in Sitsina village and depending on your interest, we can also stop to walk across the river and visit Tamchoe Lhakhang temple. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Dzongdrakha, a group of temples and farmhouses located along the cave. Then in afternoon visit beautiful Kichu Lhakhang, and Dungtse temple, followed by visit to local village, including a visit to local farm house. Overnight hotel in Paro

After breakfast, head north of the town (1/2 hr) to the trail head for hike uphill to the iconic Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery, perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It is said to be where the legendary Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigeress to subdue the demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Descend the same way back, meet the vehicle and transfer to the hotel. After freshen up, you may wish to take one more visit in the town, before your farewell dinner. Note: For those looking to take up more challenging hike, one can climb up further uphill to visit Zangdopelri temple and Ugyentsemo monastery.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.