During the flight you will get inspiringly beautiful glimpses of some of the worlds most famous Himalayan peaks. Visit Rinpung Dzong, Ta-Dzong & Kyichu Lhakhang.

Rinpung Dzong, a flagstone rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with single roofing with two guard houses at the ends. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.

National Museum which is also known as Ta Dzong. It is worthwhile visiting the museum as it is a great introduction to the culture, life style and history of the kingdom of Bhutan. Once a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National museum in 1968.

Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is believed that this temple holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of eastern Tibet. The king built 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever. Several temples were built in Bhutan out of which the best known of these temples are Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.

Drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan en route stop at Dochula pass, a beautiful mountain pass (alt 3,140 m/10,299ft) with its fluttering prayer flags and a spectacular set of 108 miniature Chortens. Visit Chimi Lhakhang in Lobesa and the Punakha Dzong.

Dochula, is on the way to Phunakha. Stop at the pass to visit the beautiful 108 stupas which are built in the center of the pass and if the weather is clear you can also view the most beautiful view of the entire Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges.

Chimi Lhakhang is known as the temple of the divine madman, Lam Drukpa Kuenley known as the temple of fertility. It is believed that couples who do not have children if they pray at this temple for a child, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

The Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, meaning male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD.

Morning drive to the base and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approx 1 hr). This hike takes you through rice paddies and up the twirling trail to Khamsum Chorten where you can take a good rest and admire the beautiful view of the valley below. Drive to Gantey (2 hr), visit Gangtey Goemba and Black-Necked Information Center.

Drive back to Thimphu (drive 4 hr). Visit National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, Changzamtog weaving center and the Tashichho Dzong.

Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in 1974 in the memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who reigned from 1952-1972 by the Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck. It is dedicated to the world peace and prosperity. The numerous religious paintings and complex tantric statues housed inside the monument reflect both the peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.

Tashichho Dzong or the ‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’, which was built in 1641. The Dzong is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of his Majesty the King, government ministers, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters of his holiness the Je Khenpo and the monk body.

Sightseeing of mini Takin zoo, Traditional Paper Factory, weekend market and local post office. Later drive to Paro.

National Zoo which consists of Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is listed by international conservation agency as a valuable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal, Burma and China.

After an early morning breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Later in the evening, visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House where you can also experience the traditional stone bath and enjoy dinner or just stroll around Paro.

Taktsang Lhakhang, the name Taktsang means ‘tiger’s nest’. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 900mtrs. It is said that Guru Padmasambhava (The second Buddha) also known as Guru Rinpoche flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse, to meditate in a cave where Taktsang now stands. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion. On the way back, stop for lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria which is about a forty minutes hike from the monastery. Since it’s a holy place only vegetarian meals are served in the cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 hours.

Fly back to Kathmandu or your onward destination.