Day 1 (7 Oct, Tuesday): Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest , Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan . On arrival at Paro International Airport , you will be received by your tour operator and take you to Thimphu which is 60 km from Paro Airport and about 2 hours drive. The drive to Thimphu takes you along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu , then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu . Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 2 (8 Oct, Wednesday): Thimphu
Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who ruled the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Wood Craft and Painting School where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive. Visit the handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Evening: Relax. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 (9 Oct, Thursday): Thimphu Festival
After an early breakfast attend Festival, which is held in the courtyard of Tashichhodzong. This is the main Secretariat Building , where the government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Lunch at the hotel and watch Thimphu Tshechu. Evening: relax at the hotel or stroll through Thimphu Town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 (10 Oct,Friday): Thimphu Festival
Attend full day festival.
Day 5 (11 Oct, Saturday): Thimphu
Take a day excursion to Phajodhing, which lies on the west of Thimphu at an Alt. of 3,700m. It is about four hours walk from Thimphu and this is considered one of the most enjoyable hikes. From Phajodhing, you have a beautiful view of the Thimphu valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several monasteries and a state monastic school in Phajodhing. It is also a place of meditation for many devout Buddhists. Picnic lunch will be served at Phajodhing. Afternoon, hike back to Thimphu . Evening: Stroll freely in the town.
Day 6 (12 Oct, Sunday): Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast you will drive to Punakha, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan , and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Check into the hotel. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 7 (13 Oct, Monday): Punakha-Thimphu with excursion to Wangdiphodrang
After break fast drive to Wangdiphodrang. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Continue driving to Wangdiphodrang, and visit Wangdi Dzong, which is located on the spur overlooking the river below. After lunch drive to Thimphu across Dochula pass. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Thimphu .
Day 8 (14 Oct, Tuesday): Thimphu - Paro
After break fast, visit Nunnery Temple, Chaggangkha Monastery, radio tower for the great view of Thimphu Valley and the Folk Heritage Museum (which depicts the life of a rural Bhutanse farmer). After lunch, you will drive to Paro. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 9 (15 Oct, Wednesday): Paro sightseeing
In Paro, visit the following places of interest: The National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in l968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong, massive fortress which is located on a hilltop above the Pachu ( Paro River ) in the Paro Valley . It houses the District Administration Office and the District Monk Body. After lunch, visit the Drukgyal Dzong which is located 16 Km away from the Paro Town . The name Drukgyal means "Victorious". Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7329m/24,029ft.). Evening: Take a stroll through Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 10 (16 Oct, Thursday): Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is the most famous monastery in Bhutan . Guru Rinpoche, an Indian saint is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley . The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Hike back to Paro. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 11 (17 Oct, Friday): Paro International Airport
Drive to the airport for departure. Our guide will bid you farewell.
