On arrival, our guide and driver will receive you and then drive to Thimphu. If the weather is clear, you will see Great Himalayas and notice the green mountainous landscapes and Paro river meandering through the valley. We will begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower and get insights into rich cultural traditions. After that you'll be transferred to Thimphu, the only capital city in the world without traffic lights & home to more than 115,000 residents. You’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of the landmarks in Thimphu built in 1974 in memory of the late Third King. From there drive to the hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley to visit the magnificent 169ft sitting Buddha Statue built in 2015 to usher world peace and mainly to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Great Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Drive back to Thimphu. Distance from Paro to Thimphu: 55km, Driving Time: 1.5-hours, Thimphu Altitude: 2,334m, Paro Altitude: 2,200m

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Kuenphen Rabten Resort

Today, after early breakfast, we will do a 2-3 hr return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred mountain pass, Dochula. The Monastery was founded in 1222 by the Tibetan saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. The round-trip hike through the pristine forests takes about 3 hr. After the hike, a traditional lunch will be served at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. After lunch, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan is taught. Just located nearby is the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as the national treasure and is the fundamental source of history, medicine, arts & culture. We then drive to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m above sea level. At 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility" and explore the nearby village where houses are adorned with colourful paintings of phalluses. Distance from Thimphu to Punakha 74 km, Time 2.5-hours, Punakha Altitude 1,200m

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Hotel Lobesa

Today, before we drive to Phobjjkha valley, you will do a wonderful hike to Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, a Buddhist temple located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley and visit the historic Punakha Dzong. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. The round-trip hike takes about 3 hrs through the terraced rice fields and a short gentle uphill hike through the pine trees. A picnic lunch can be arranged by the bank of Mochu river for a group size of more than 3 people. Then visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the 17th century Punakha Dzong. From there walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs over glacial-fed Phochu (male) river and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. After that transfer to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey. Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area and an important biodiversity hotspot. Distance from Punakha to Phobjikha Valley 80 km, Time 3-hours, Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Yue Loki Farm Stay

Today, after an early breakfast, you’ll visit one of the important landmarks in the region, Gangtey Monastery and do Gangtey Nature Hike before driving back to Paro. Visit the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery and offer prayers and interact with enthusiastic happy monks studying Buddhist philosophy. From there venture out on an exhilarating nature hike of about 5km and takes approx. 3 hrs through the woods. Lunch can be served either at Paro or in Phobjikha valley. Transfer to back to Paro and visit the 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 AD. Distance from Phobjikha to Paro: 175km, Driving time: 5 hrs

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Khangkhu Resort

After early breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery or popularly known as Tiger’s Nest is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. It takes about 4-5 hours to do the round-trip hike. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse to experience local culture and enjoy authentic home-cooked cuisine for dinner. If you are interested in a home spa, you can soak up in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15. Specially selected river stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. You can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Khangkhu Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast