Day 01 Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro Bhutan airport is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, a constantly changing panorama of the some of the highest mountains on the earth.

The charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colourfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants, though these appear under threat as the town grows and multi-storey concrete buildings continue to propagate. For now Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two’s stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing.

We will be checking into the hotel that combines the culture, heritage and architecture of Bhutan, with 21st century comfort and technology.

In the afternoon, we can visit some of the iconic sites of Paro.
• Paro Rinpung Dzong – The Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known dzongs, and perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you’ll see. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley.The dzong’s correct name, Rinchen Pung Dzong (usually shortened to Rinpung Dzong), means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. In 1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the construction of the dzong on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche.

• Paro Weekend Market – Paro’s weekend market isn’t very large but it has a traditional feel and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan’s unique local products, from organic Tsirang honey to the squares of dried jellied cow skin known as khoo (a local snack). The market is busiest on Sunday mornings but the vegetable stalls remain throughout the week. As you wander the stalls, look for strings of chugo (dried yak cheese), either white (boiled in milk and dried in the sun) or brown (smoked). The fruit that looks like an orange egg is actually fresh husky betel nut, imported from India. The jars of pink paste contain lime, which is ingested with the betel nut. There are also exotic-looking ferns, powdered juniper incense, and patties of datse, the cheese used in almost every Bhutanese dish.

• Kyichu Lhakhang – A short drive from Paro is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism into Tibet. Additional buildings and a golden roof were constructed in 1839 by the penlop (governor) of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo. Elderly pilgrims constantly walk around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels.

Day 02 Paro
After breakfast, we leave Paro freely for sightseeing.
Later, enjoy its wide array of services, which includes:
• Joining the monks at the Meditation House
• Soak up the tranquility of the Tea House
• Enjoy a unique selection of spa treatments imbued with spiritual symbolism
• Unwinding with a drink at the Mad Monk Ba

PLACES OF INTEREST:
• Paro Rinpung Dzong – Rinpung Dzong, also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels “, was built in 1646 by Zhangdrung Rinpochhe. It now houses as administrative and religious centre of Paro Dzongkhag. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam which offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.

• Drukgyel Dzong – Drugyal Dzong which means victorious fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung to honor his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. It was strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951.

• Ta Dzong – Ta Dzong (watch tower) built in 1951 to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was re-established as the National Museum in 1967 and was rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. It holds mesmerizing collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps etc. 4. Kyichu Monastery: Kyichu temple is one of the most holy and oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, to subdue the demons that were petrifying the Himalayan countries.

Day 03 Drive – Thimpu (By Road) (55 Kms/1H appx.)(The Capital of Bhutan)
Drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place.

In the afternoon, visit the following sights:
• National memorial stupa – This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

• Institute for the 13 arts and craft (Zorig Chu-sum) – Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

• Weekend market – Every Thursday to Sunday most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Alternatively, you may choose to hike for 3-4 hours, starting from Changangkha Temple, a popular fortress-like temple perching on a ridge, to Kunselphodrang (the Buddha Point), and be rewarded with a spectacular, panoramic view of Thimphu. Kunselphodrang is also famous for the massive statue of Shakyamuni, one of the largest Buddha statue in the world (standing at 51.5 meters). The statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Day 04 Drive back to Paro (By Road) (55 Kms. / 1 hr. appx.)
Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery
Enjoy breakfast in Thimphu, before making embarking on a 1hr 30mins bus ride back to Paro. We will be visiting the famous Taktsang Monastery, otherwise known as the Tiger Temple (built in 1962). The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight.

The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. After the hike, guests will return back to the hotel for resting and washing up, before we end the day with the Gala Dinner.

Day 05 Paro Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for the flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro Bhutan airport is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, a constantly changing panorama of the some of the highest mountains on the earth.

The charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colourfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants, though these appear under threat as the town grows and multi-storey concrete buildings continue to propagate. For now Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two’s stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing.

We will be checking into the hotel that combines the culture, heritage and architecture of Bhutan, with 21st century comfort and technology.

In the afternoon, we can visit some of the iconic sites of Paro.
• Paro Rinpung Dzong – The Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known dzongs, and perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture you’ll see. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley.The dzong’s correct name, Rinchen Pung Dzong (usually shortened to Rinpung Dzong), means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. In 1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the construction of the dzong on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche.

• Paro Weekend Market – Paro’s weekend market isn’t very large but it has a traditional feel and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan’s unique local products, from organic Tsirang honey to the squares of dried jellied cow skin known as khoo (a local snack). The market is busiest on Sunday mornings but the vegetable stalls remain throughout the week.

As you wander the stalls, look for strings of chugo (dried yak cheese), either white (boiled in milk and dried in the sun) or brown (smoked). The fruit that looks like an orange egg is actually fresh husky betel nut, imported from India. The jars of pink paste contain lime, which is ingested with the betel nut. There are also exotic-looking ferns, powdered juniper incense, and patties of datse, the cheese used in almost every Bhutanese dish.

• Kyichu Lhakhang – A short drive from Paro is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism into Tibet. Additional buildings and a golden roof were constructed in 1839 by the penlop (governor) of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo. Elderly pilgrims constantly walk around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels.

Day 02 Paro – Thimpu (By Road) (55 Kms. / 1 hr. appx.)
Drive to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place.

In the afternoon, visit the following sights:
• National memorial stupa – This stupa was built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

• Institute for the 13 arts and craft (Zorig Chu-sum) – Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

• Weekend market – Every Thursday to Sunday most of Thimphu’s scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Day 03 Thimphu – Punakha (By Road) (85 Kms. / 2.5 hrs. appx.)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha.

After checking in at the hotel in Punakha, guest can visit the following sights in the afternoon:
• Punakha Dzong – Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

• Chimi lhakhang (Fertility temple) – The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04 Punakha – Gantey (By Road) (75 Kms. / 2 hrs. appx.)
We begin the day with breakfast, before heading down to Mo Chhu, one of the many beautiful, pristine river of Bhutan, for White Water Rafting. Mo Chhu begins high in the Northern Himalayas, and run downwards, converging with Pho Chhu at Punakha Dzong. With a series of easy Class 2 and 3 rapids, Mo Chhu is the most rafted river in Bhutan. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Punakha, while being surrounded by clear blue water, and with the Himalayas as the backdrop, while you float through a beautiful canyon. If you are lucky, you might even have a chance to spot one of the world’s rarest bird – Black Necked Cranes.

The entire river is about 16km long, and will take about 2-3 hours to complete. In the afternoon, after resting at the hotel, from the white water rafting, you will be transported back to Paro on a 4 hour trip. After checking in, you will be able to rest, or do some last minute shopping or visiting.

Later, drive to Gantey.
You can experience the Bhutanese Traditional herbal hot stone bath. “Bhutan is historically known as Lhomen Menjong – The land of the medicinal herbs. Hot-stone-bath is a very popular form of medication practiced in Bhutan. There is no recorded history of its origin. In the olden times it was a luxury enjoyed by the well to do families. A whole day was spent to organize this particular event where the whole family would take part in the hot-stone bathing ceremony”.

Visiting Gangtey Goempa (alt. 3000m/9845ft) is also a great option! Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s Gangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.

Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and hike towards the beautiful Phobjikha valley.
Overnight in Gantey.

Day 05 Gantey – Bumthang (By Road) (157 Kms. / 4 hrs. appx.)
A pleasurable walk in the morning (around 2 hours) that gives a nice feeling for Phobjikha Valley. It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. After passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the local community school; this involves a 30 minute walk up to the start of town. The Nature Trail can be combined with a visit to Gangtey Goemba and the local school.

Gangtey Goemba is a 16th century monastery situated picturesquely at the hilltop at the edge of Gangtey village, making it the landmark structure of Phobjikha valley.

Later, drive to Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 06 Bumthang
Today, we will be visiting Bumthang, also known as the Valley of Beautiful Girls.

Bumthang (alt. 2600m-4500m / 8530ft-14765ft): Comprising of four smaller valleys namely Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin.

• Jakar Dzong – Founded by great grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.

• Konchogsum Lhakhang – It was built in the 6th century but was renovated in 1995, which accounts for its fresh look. It contained a large bell and it is said that when this bell was rung it could be heard all the way in Lhasa in Tibet. During the 17th century a Tibetan Army tried to steal this bell but was too heavy and they dropped it and cracked it. It is now displayed at the National Museum in Paro.

• Chankhar Lhakhang – Beyond Jambay Lhakhang is Changkhar Lhakhang, the site of the palace of the Indian King Sindhu Raja. Because of its simplicity it looks like an ordinary village house. The original palace was built of iron and this is why it was named Chankhar, meaning iron castle. It was rebuilt in the 14th century by a Saint called- Dorji Lingpa.

• Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery – Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama whose spiritual lineage dates back to the nearest disciples of the great 9th century master.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 07 Bumthang – Paro (By Flight)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Paro.
On arrival, meet assist and enjoy’s Paro wide array of services, which includes:
• Joining the monks at the Meditation House
• Soak up the tranquility of the Tea House
• Enjoy a unique selection of spa treatments imbued with spiritual symbolism
• Unwinding with a drink at the Mad Monk Ba

PLACES OF INTEREST:
• Paro Rinpung Dzong – Rinpung Dzong, also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels “, was built in 1646 by Zhangdrung Rinpochhe. It now houses as administrative and religious centre of Paro Dzongkhag. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam which offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.

• Drukgyel Dzong – Drugyal Dzong which means victorious fortress was built in 1646 by Shabdrung to honor his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. It was strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951.

• Ta Dzong – Ta Dzong (watch tower) built in 1951 to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It was re-established as the National Museum in 1967 and was rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. It holds mesmerizing collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps etc. 4. Kyichu Monastery: Kyichu temple is one of the most holy and oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, to subdue the demons that were petrifying the Himalayan countries.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 08 Depart Paro
After breakfast, departure tranfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.

Day 01 Arrive Paro (By Flight)
Paro – Thimphu (By Road) (55 Kms. / 1hr. appx.) (2300 m)
Arrive – Paro airport and then transfer to Thimphu. (1hr 20mins drive)

Our incentive journey begins with a journey towards east into the booming metropolis of Thimphu. Situated at an altitude of 2,300 m it is home to 100,000 Bhutanese.

Thimphu being the capital of Bhutan, offers unique opportunities to explore the Bhutanese culture, lifestyle and traditions in depth.

We invite you to see the sights of the Kingdom’s capital with us. Below we have listed some of the experiences that we enjoy the most!

After lunch, we will spend our time circumambulating the sacred National memorial chorten.

This is a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for many people it is the focus of daily worship. Remember to walk around the Chorten at least once to gain merit and good luck.

From the museum we will drive to the National Post office for stamps. Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar ‘CD-stamps’ Bhutan’s Post office now offers personalized stamps; we invite you to surprise your family and friends with your custom-made stamp made with one of your favorite holiday photographs!

Towards evening we will visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have glimpse king Jigme’s Palace.

The Dzong is popularly known as Thimphu Dzong. It is the seat of the government and the centre of all religious affairs of the Kingdom. It houses the office and the throne room of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. Just below the dzong we can have a glimpse of King Jigmi’s palace.
OVERNIGHT AT THIMPHU.

Day 02 Thimphu
Explore Thimphu valley.

After breakfast we will visit the Biggest Buddha statue (50 m) built on a hill top down south Thimphu. Thestatue is overlooking the south stretch of Thimphu valley.

Next we will drive up to Changangkha Lhakhang.The monastery is perched on a ridge above the city with great viewsof Thimphu town. The 12th centurytemple is the oldest temple in Thimphu. It is still one of the main centers of worship for the locals. The main figure inside is of the statue of 11-headed Avalokitesvara, the God of Compassion. The lhakhang is frequently visited by families as it is believed that if you bring a sick child to the temple, it will not take long before it recovers. Many go to pray for their child’s protection.

We will take in more of kingdom’s rich culture at the Folk Heritage Museum.

The museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. It showcases the traditional artifacts used now and in the past which helps connect people to the Bhutanese rural life.

After lunch, we will hike to the ancient Wangditse Goemba. It is an easy hike through pine forest and with good overview of King Jigme’s palace. (1.5 – 2 hrs hike)

Wangditse Goemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s 8th desi Yeshey Rabgye (temporal ruler). It was renovated after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995 and earthquake in 2011. The goemba houses the statues of the guardian deities.

On our way back we wil stop to visit the Mini Zoo.

The zoo used to exhibit various indigenous wild animals, which were later released back into the wild by order of the 4th King who declared that such a facility was not in keeping with the Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions.

The zoo now only features the Takin, which is the national animal of Bhutan. The Takins were originally released with the rest of the animals, but had become so familiar with people that they were found wandering around Thimphu looking for food. The only solution was to put them back into captivity.
OVERNIGHT AT THIMPHU.

Day 03 Punakha
Thimphu – Punakha (3 hrs drive)

The sub-tropical valleys of Punakha and the surrounding mountain sides offer a large variety of attractive places to explore and discover monasteries and the most impressive Dzong in the country.

Before we drive on the national east – west highway we will briefly visit Semtokha Dzong.

The oldest dzong in the country (built in 1629) stands on a soaring ridge 5 km away from Thimphu. It’s strategic position is evident as it controls all the approaches to and from Thimphu. Notice the contrast of traditional and modern as you enter the dzong grounds; the white painted dzong with the growing city in the background and the newly constructed 52 m tall Buddha statue perched on the hill right behind. It now houses the Institute of Language and Culture Studies.

After the visit we will continue our journey towards east. Roughly 50 minutes drive we will stop to stretch by hiking to Hongtso Goemba (1 hrs hike).

The Goemba was built in 1525 by the older brother of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine mad man. It is a two story traditional Bhutanese building where the main alter room has an enormous statue of Guru Tshoki Dorji in a standing posture together with his spiritual consort. Inside we can view very old wall paintings.

Picnic Lunch at Dochula cafeteria. (3000 m)

If weather permits we will have great views of the extended eastern himalayas in Bhutan from Dochula pass (3050 meters).

After lunch we will decent our way into the Punakha valley. In just 2 hrs drive we will decent 1700 m into the valley.

There we will hike to the famous Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility temple. (1 hr hike)

The 30-minute walk from the road to the lhakhang is through open farmland and rice paddies.

It is believed that a demoness who had been terrorizing the valley transformed herself into a black dog to escape the wrath of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine Madman. However, he caught the dog and buried it under a pile of earth shaped like a woman’s breast. He then built a chorten on top of this mount and prophesied that a temple would one day be consecrated over it. True to the prophecy, his brother, Lam Ngawang Chogyal, built Chime Lhakhang in 1456.

If you are wishing for a child, it is believed by the Bhutanese that a visit to the Divine Madman’s temple, Chime Lhakhang, might help increase your chances! Many parents also bring their newborn children to receive blessing and seek protection of the baby.
OVERNIGHT AT PUNAKHA.

Day 04 Punakha
After early breakfast we will travel up the valley north and cross the Mo Chhu to hike up and pay respect to the grand Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, (2-3 hrs hike)
The Chorten is 30 meters (100 feet) tall and can be seen in the distance. The three-leveled chorten took eight and a half years to build and was consecrated in 1999. Dedicated to the Fifth King, it was built to remove negative forces and to provide peace, stability, and harmony in an ever- changing world. It is therefore filled with every form of colorful protector imaginable.

Heading back down the valley we will stop for Lunch at the hotel.

After lunch we will visit the stunning Punakha Dzong.

The Dzong is considered one of the most important and also one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the Kingdom. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, and was the seat of the government every winter until Thimphu was established as the permanent capital in 1955. It is still the winter residence of the Dratshang (Central Monastic Body). Take time to admire the impressive, colorful and detailed artistry of the surroundings, including huge statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, as well as paintings of one-thousand Buddhas.
OVERNIGHT AT PUNAKHA.

Day 05 Paro (2300 m)
PUNAKHA – PARO (4.5 hrs drive)

The journey west takes us back to Paro valley following thru wang Chhu and Pa Chhu rivers.
Picnic lunch at Paro.

After lunch we will visit Paro Dzong and take in the amazing architecture of this 17th century monument, a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture.

Paro Dzong was built in 17th century to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion, is also known as Rinpung Dzong which means the ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro province.

From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into Paro town crosses the scenic Nyamai zampa, a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge.

If time permits drive up north to take a short walk around the Drukgyel Dzong (ruins).

The Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to curtail further invasions. Under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Bhutanese fought twelve battles with the Tibetans in different parts of the country, where one battle took place in Drukgyel Dzong. In the later years, the Dzong became an administrative centre under the Dzongpon (Lord of the Dzong) until gutted down by a fire in 1951
OVERNIGHT AT PARO.

Day 06 Paro
Today’s exploration of Paro valley begins with a early hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s nest monastery) 4-5 hrs hike

Tiger’s Nest or Taktshang Goempa is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters (2952 feet) above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into paro valley on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang stands today.. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave. The 4-5 hrs round trip hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below.

Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.

Lunch at the hotel

After lunch we will head back down the valley to visit the auspicious kyichu Lhakhang.

The 7th century monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom where the seed of Buddhism was won in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries which was built, two major ones were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang. Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress, are a great finish to this day of cultural immersion and your journey to this ancient kingdom of BHUTAN.
OVERNIGHT AT PARO.

Day 07 Depart Paro
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to onward destination.