1

 Arrival at Paro airport. You will be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to hotel. Your unique exotic experience of travelling to Bhutan begins even before you arrive there as you are flying along the Himalayan range offering you magnificent view of Chomolhariand Jichu Drake Mountain peaks. The first reward for your Bhutan trip is the cool, clean fresh air which you will feel as soon as you step out of the plane. After lunch, start the tour with a visit to Paro Dzong, which means fortress on a heap of jewels. The Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly. The Dzong is located on a vantage point on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). Rest of the day is to enjoy festivities of Paro Tshechu. In the evening, return to your hotel for overnight stay.

2

Full day is at your disposal to enjoy festival at Paro which is in honour of “Padmasambhava”, popularly known as “Guru Rimpoche”. He was an Indian saint who made an immense contribution in spreading Tantric Buddhism around 800 A.D. in the Himalayan region of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. He is also the founder of Nyingmapa, the old School of Lamaism which even today has a number of followers. The dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen during the festival. Although this is a religious festival but this also gives an opportunity for people to socialise as people from all regions come here to celebrate. It is a very special occasion on which people are dressed in their finest traditional attire. The main highlight of the festival is masked dances which narrate events from the life of “Padmasambhava” as well as stories of other saints. Dance, folk songs, and music (cymbal, drum, flute, and yak-horn) are performed both by monks and general public . This also provides an opportunity for Bhutanese people to re-establish connection with their Gurus who have deep impact on their life. In the evening, Transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.

3

In the morning, leave on foot for excursion to Taktsang Monastery. The Monastery is situated on a nearly vertical cliff at 3000 metres above sea level, north of Paro. This is also known as “Tiger’s Nest” because it is said that Guru Rimpoche had flown on the back of a tigress in 8th century and he meditated in a cave there for three months. It is at this place that monastery was built. The cave is considered to be the origin point of Buddhism in Dragon Kingdom. After enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings, you will gradually walk down to the valley. Overnight stay.

4

Enjoy the last day of participation in ParoTsechu for few hours at Paro Dzong. It is one of the most important day and the unfolding of the silk Thangka which is so large that it covers the face of the building, is considered to be the most sacred blessings to people in entire kingdom of Bhutan. This is exhibited only for few hours, at day break of the final day of the festival. Later drive to Thimphu and upon arrival check-in at hotel. In the afternoon, visit Memorial Chorten, built in memory of third king of Bhutan in 1974 is a prominent landmark of Thimpu. Also visit Radio Tower which offers great view of entire valley. Later visit Tashichho Dzong which is one of the most impressive edifices in whole Bhutan. (The visit to Dzong is permitted only after office hours and subject to permission). If time permits, you will visit Junshi Handmade Paper Factory before returning to your hotel for overnight stay.

5

After breakfast, departure for Punakha valley. It is a very scenic drive through pine, oak and rhododendron forest with stop at Dochula Pass (3150 mts) Here you will enjoy unforgettable spectacular views of Himalayas on a clear day. Continue drive to visit Chimi Lhakhan Temple which is dedicated to Lama Drukya Kunley, the divine Madman. The Temple is also known as Temple of Fertility. Later on visit impressive Punakha Dzong which was earlier known as the Druk Pungthang Dechhen Phrodang meaning “The Palace of great happiness”. The massive Dzong built in 1637 was damaged six times by different reasons. You will be amazed to see spectacular Kuenrey (assembly hall) as it is now open to visitors. Overnight stay.

6

Today will be a long drive as you have to reach Bumthang which is considered to be cultural Capital of Bhutan. En-route you will drive through Trongsa across Pele-La Pass at an altitude of 3300 metres, considered to be a traditional boundary between Eastern and Western Bhutan. You will realize sudden change in vegetation with high altitude dwarf bamboo replacing mountain forest. On the way, you will stop at Chendbji Chorten which is designed on pattern of famous Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu. Drive to reach Trongsa where you will visit Trongsa Dzong which is a true masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. After lunch, we proceed to Bumthang which is situated in a fascinating valley for overnight stay.

7

Morning visit Bumthang valley and nearby Jakar. The valley is truly spectacular and being religious heartland of Bhutan, is home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. In the morning, we will trek to visit Tamshing Monastery which lies on other side of the river opposite Kurje Lhakhang. It is one of the oldest monasteries set up by Terton Prema Lingpa, a re-incarnation of Guru Padmasamhava in 1501. Here Saint Padmasambhava is said to have conquered a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. Later visit Jambay Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built by King Songsten in 8th century to suppress evil spirits in Himalayan kingdom. Later visit JakarDzong which was built as a monastery by Great grandfather of Zhabdrung in the year 1549. It is located on a ridge above Jakar town in the Chamkhar valley and is considered to be the largest dzong in entire Bhutan with are of more than 1500 meters. Overnight stay.

8

Morning driver back towards central Bhutan and pass through beautiful Phobjikha valley and this remote valley is home to black necked cranes which migrate from Tibet during winter season. Visit the great monastery of Gangtey which is perched on a small hill overlooking the valley. Gangtey Gompa as it is called locally is surrounded by local village which is home to 140 Gomchens families who look after the monastery. It is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in entire Bhutan, founded by Pema Trinley in 17th century. Then continue drive to pass through Pelela pass again descending through open meadows and you will come across many villages and yak herders on the way. Finally, drive to Wang due which is a typical Bhutanese town. Overnight stay.

9

 Wangdue is home to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong which is built on a spur at the confluence of two rivers, Punak Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu. The Dzong has a wonderful location as it overlooks the spur and you will have a magnificent view over both the north-south and east-west roads. The Dzong was built in 1638 by Zhabgdrung and holds an important place in Bhutanese history as it was once second capital of Bhutan. Unfortunately, it cough fire in 2012 and was destroyed except some remains and now it is being rebuilt. Later departure for Paro. On the way, Visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is known for elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. The evening is free to explore the town. Overnight in Paro.

10

Morning transfer to Paro airport to catch flight for onwards destination.