Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by a captivating tour of Thimphu. Explore the awe-inspiring Trashichhoedzong, a medieval fortress and monastery that serves as the hub for government offices and the King’s Throne room. This historic site is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Next, delve into the National Library, home to an extensive collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. Journey to the Arts & Crafts School, renowned for its traditional Thangkha paintings, where you can witness students creating intricate designs on cloth. After lunch, explore the Handicrafts Emporium, showcasing a diverse array of exquisitely handwoven and crafted products. Conclude the day with a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King, revered as the father of modern Bhutan. The monument’s paintings and statues offer profound insights into Buddhist philosophy. Retreat for the night at your Thimphu hotel.

After enjoying breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha covering a distance of 75 km, which typically takes around 3 hours. Along the way, make a brief stop at Dochula Pass (3,080m) to appreciate the panoramic views and marvel at the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags adorning the highest point on the route. On clear days, you can catch sight of majestic peaks like Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang, and Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,497m.

Upon reaching Punakha, explore the historic Punakha Dzong, strategically constructed at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This fortress served as the religious and administrative hub of the region and has witnessed significant events in Bhutanese history. Despite facing challenges such as fires and earthquakes, the Dzong has been meticulously restored. Following the visit, drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can explore the local market and the Dzong. This district is renowned for its bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After enjoying breakfast, start a scenic drive from Punakha to Paro, covering a distance of 125 kilometers in approximately 4 hours. Along the way, make a stop at Simtokha Dzong, the Kingdom’s oldest fortress constructed in 1627, which now serves as the school for religious studies. In the afternoon, explore Paro by visiting Ta Dzong, originally a Watch Tower transformed into the National Museum since 1967. Marvel at its captivating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings, and Bhutan’s unique postage stamps. Later, take a leisurely walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, a majestic structure built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This historic Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head), and the Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. Conclude the day with a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Start your day with a drive north of Paro valley to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a fort that played a crucial role in repelling Tibetan invasions. Immerse yourself in the local lifestyle by visiting a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse nearby. Embark on a 5-hour excursion to the renowned Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated on the back of a tigress. On your way back to Paro town, make a stop at the ancient and sacred Kyichu Lhakhang shrine. End your day with an overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.

Following breakfast, proceed to the airport for your flight to the next destination.