1

Arrival at Paro airport where you will be met and driven to Thimphu which is 1 hour 30 mins away. In the first phase we drive from Paro to Simtokha. En route we pass the Tamchog Lhakhang built by Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder-a saint from the 14th /15th century who introduced the art of building suspension bridges with iron chains). There’s an orange tree which fruits in the courtyard due to the blessings of the saint and monastery (oranges are not native to that region). We pass Chuzom (Meeting of the rivers or confluence). Bhutanese believe that evil influences gather at such places and hence three shrines have been built on this spot. The shrines have been built in three different styles- Nepali, Tibetan and Bhutanese. Vehicles need to register with check post at point. Continue drive to Thimpu. Lying at an elevation of 2320m above sea level the capital of Bhutan is a blend of the traditional and the modern. It is the only capital in the world without streetlights relying instead on the elegant gestures of the traffic policemen. The population of Thimphu stands at around 40,000. Geographically speaking the capital lies in a valley with the Thimphu River running through the valley. Overnight stay.

2

After breakfast visit the Tashichodzong, Dzongs are traditionally built without nails or written plans. The dzong houses the monk body in summer and is the seat of government, the king’s offices are in this dzong. There is a picturesque cantilever bridge below the dzong. You guide will take you to the National Library which houses ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts in a huge traditional building. Each floor has an altar with statue of Bhutan’s most important historical/religious figures. People sometimes go around the building in prayer because the building houses many holy books.

You can also visit the School of Arts and Crafts, traditionally there are 13 arts and crafts in Bhutan. The students sell the works in a shop nearby to supplement their income. The 13 arts and crafts are Painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmith, bamboo works, gold smithing & silver smithing, weaving, embroidery, masonry, leather works and paper works. This school offers live practice lessons to students to master the crafts.

The bustling weekend market where all Bhutanese buy their groceries etc. also houses a handicraft section. Other sites time permitting should School of Arts and Crafts. Traditionally there are 13 arts and crafts in Bhutan. The students sell the works in a shop nearby to supplement their income. The 13 arts and crafts are Painting, Carpentry, Carving, Sculpture, Casting, Blacksmith, Bamboo works, Gold Smithing & Silver Smithing, Weaving, Embroidery, Masonry, Leather works and paper works. Guests can visit the school to see the students master the crafts. Visit local emporium and handicrafts shops in the town. Overnight stay at hotel.

3

After breakfast leave for Punakha which is approximately 3 hours away. The drive is in three phases. After reaching we climb from Simtokha to Dochula pass. En route we pass the Simtokha Dzong which is the oldest dzong in Bhutan and which now houses the Institute for language and Culture. At Hongtso there is an immigration checkpoint where we need to register. We also cross Dochula pass (3150m) where on a clear day we can see views of the Himalayas.

The last phase of the journey is downhill to Punakha valley. En route we pass prayer wheels which are run by flowing water.

Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the magnificent dzong is situated on an island in the middle of the river. It is also the winter residence of the Central monastic body. It is a climatically a warmer valley than Paro and Thimphu. We can visit the Punakha dzong and short hike to Chimi Lhakhang where many go to pray for progeny. A visit to a traditional Bhutanese village can be arranged so that guests can view life in rural Bhutan. For those desiring more energetic pursuits – hiking to nearby villages can be arranged. Overnight stay at hotel.

4

After an early breakfast drive to Bumthang which is often referred to as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The drive first climbs but then mellows into pleasantly winding roads. We pass chume village, which is known for its yathra weaving- yathra weaving is indigenous to Bumthang and is delightfully woven embroidered cloth. There is another festival in Bumthang, which can be viewed along with the other sights.

Bumthang is often known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Buddhism was introduced into Bhutan by The Guru Padmasambhava who was invited into Bhutan by a local king of Bumthang. (At that time unified Bhutan under one ruler did not exist as such).

Walk past a suspension bridge beyond a carved Buddha on a rock to Thankabi Monastery. Thankabi goemba is located amongst fields of buckwheat. The trail continues through meadows and forests (blue pine and scrub bamboo) to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). The valley was originally inhabited by swans which gave the valley its name. A renowned lama (Lama Namkha Samdrup) had a vision of a monastery in that area. He shot an arrow and the monastery was built at the spot the arrow landed. Black-necked cranes winter in the area. Picnic lunch en route if so desired

There is also plenty of additional sightseeing to be done like visits to the Sey Lhakhang and Chakkar Lhakhang. As Buddhism was first introduced in Bhutan via Bumthang this place abounds with religious sites. Overnight stay at hotel.

5

After breakfast sight-seeing tour of Bumthang.

Ambay Lhakhang is a revered monastery built by the Tibetan King Songsten Goembo. Inside the Lhakhang there are three steps which are said to represent the three ages. One for the age of the historical Buddha, the next the age of the Guru (also the present age) and the last represents the new age. It is believed that when all three steps sink into the earth the world as we know it will end.

Kurjey Lhakhang: There are three temples dotting this sanctuary. The oldest monastery holds a body print of the Guru on a rock. The first King of Bhutan and the present Queen Mother built the second and the third temples respectively. This monastery complex is revered by the Bhutanese as one of the most sacred sites and there is a spring located just above the monastery complex which is believed to be blessed with curative properties. You could also visit some of the other sites like Tamshing goemba and Mebartsho.

Tamshing goemba: It is believed that Pema Lingpa built this monastery with the help of fairies. In the main temple there are three thrones – one each for each incarnation of Pema Lingpa (body, mind and speech). In the lower floor is a chian mail armour made by Pema Lingpa and it is believed to be auspicious to carry it around the Goemba three times

Ura: The picturesque village of Ura lies 2 hours away (one way) from Bumthang proper. It is a quaint village with cobblestone paths and celebrates a festival every spring. Visiting this village will allow our guest to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality. Overnight stay at hotel.

6

After breakfast depart for Gangtey. A magnificent drive with many waterfalls alongside the descending road. Phojikha is one of the Baeyuls or hidden valleys where it is believed that one can find refuge. It is also a protected area being the winter home of the black necked crane

The valley is dominated by the Gangtey monastery which has been restored to its former glory. Visit the Gangtey Goemba which overlooks the valley. The monastery was founded in the 17th century. Overnight stay at hotel.

7

After breakfast drive to Paro, start early as it is a long day (drive 6-7hours approx.). Paro valley extends from Jumolhari on the Tibetan border to Chuzom which is the confluence of the Thimphu and Punakha rivers. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

In the afternoon Start the tour with a visit the Paro Dzong: The correct name of the Dzong is Rinchen Pung 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 vantagepoint on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). As with all Dzongs the local administrative and monk body are housed on the premises.

Later visit National Museum, located above the Paro Dzong in the ancient circular watchtower. The museum consists of six floors dealing with different aspects of Bhutanese culture. The museum also houses a great collection of Thangkhas (embroidered or painted religious hangings). The Tshogshing Lhakhang (the temple of the tree of wisdom) is also located in the museum. You can then walk down to the Paro Dzong for a visit, the correct name of the Dzong is Rinchen Pung 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 vantagepoint on the hillside and has two Lhakhangs (monasteries) and a Central Utse (Central tower). As with all Dzongs the local administrative and monk body are housed on the premises. Overnight stay.

8

After breakfast, you will be taken for excursion/hike to Tiger’s Nest.

The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is built on the where guru Padmasambhava is reputed to have flown to on the back of a Tiger. The monastery is a revered site for the Bhutanese. The walk up to the viewpoint takes roughly two hours and is an uphill climb through alpine forests. LUNCH on the trail or can be eaten at the cafeteria, which provides a good view of the monastery. The monastery was partially destroyed in a forest though restoration works are almost complete. The local people have provided the labour for restoration. Bhutanese believe that participating in the restoration of holy places helps in the accumulation of good merit.

Drive back to the hotel after the hike and rest of the day is at leisure. You will be tired after the hike to the Tiger’s nest, so you can relax or make a spa appointment. Overnight stay at hotel.

9

After breakfast transfer to the Airport for your departure to onward destination.