Classic Bhutan

Day 01: Arrive Paro, Paro - Thimphu

Arrive in Bhutan and as land, keep your camera at the ready, as when you come out of the plane you wilbe totally bewildered. At immigration present your visa Approval letter and Passport fand get it stamped. You will be met by our representative at the airport and then transferred to Thimphu, which is approximately 1 ½ hours and modern Capital of Bhutan. After checkin you can visit the, weekend market, National Memorial Chorten, and perhaps time to stroll the main Street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts or souveniers. (Overnight: Thimphu)

Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha

Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, is the seat of government and home to Bhutan's royal family.Morning visit to Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne of the King. Trashi Chhoe Dzong is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. Then visit the National Library to see the extensive collection of Buddhist literature. You can visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six-year training course is provided in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Kingdom of Bhutan.

Post lunch you visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was planned by Bhutan's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who wanted to build this monument to world peace and prosperity. It was completed in 1974 after his death. It is both a memorial to the Late King and a monument for peace. Visit the capitals cottage industries and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the hand rolled incense, traditional paper making and splendid thangkha paintings and gracefully woven textiles.

Later in the afternoon drive over Dochu-la pass (3,088mtrs) to reach Punakha.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 03: Drive from Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Paro

Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.Originally the town was situated on a riverbank but was relocated to a safer site few kilometres away as there were extensive floods on the riverbank. You will be visiting Punakha Dzong which is an impressive monument. It is home to the remains of Bhutan's first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal.

Later we will drive to Wangduephodrang. It is the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Situated on a ridge Wangdiphodrang Dzong the town's most visible feature. You can also visit the local temple and row of intimate shops before

Post lunch we will drive to Paro. Enroute we will be visiting Simtokha Dzong. This Dzong was built in 1627 and is the oldest in Bhutan. It now has the institute for Language and Cultural Studies. Continue drive to Paro and check into the hotel on arrival.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 04: Explore Paro

Morning you will visit the National Museum, which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower).It was built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was inaugurated National Museum in 1968. The museum has an interesting collection of artefacts, which provides an insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Later walk down a hillside trail that leads to Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and interesting history.

Post lunch we will drive to the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. This is the location where the Bhutanese repelled many invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

Evening visit to a traditional farmhouse will be organised to interact with a local family and learn about their lifestyle. Evening can spent strolling on the main street or shopping .

Overnight in Paro.

Day 05: Depart Paro

After breakfast we will transfer you to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.