During the flight you will get inspiringly beautiful glimpses of some of the world’s most famous Himalayan peaks. Visit Rinpung Dzong and Ta-Dzong in Paro.

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.

Drive from Paro to Thimphu (1 hr drive). Visit National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, Changzamtog weaving center, local post office, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin zoo and in the evening 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.

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.

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.

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha (3 hr drive). Stop at Dochula Pass, a beautiful mountain pass ( alt 3,140 m/10,299ft ). Soft hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Later visit Punakha Dzong.

Dochula Pass 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.

Drive from Punakha to Paro ( Drive 4 hrs ). Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal ( approx. 1 hr uphill – 1,500m ). On the way back visit the Lampelri Botanical Park. Afternoon stroll around Paro.

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 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.