The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and requires a few days to be properly explored. Casting a shadow across the town of Paro is the elegant and perfectly symmetrical Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Eighteen kms from Paro town on the south side of the valley are the burnt ruins of Drugyel Dzong (victorious fortress). It was from this monastery that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is a bustling town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own valley. A regal town, Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and to several foreign missions and development projects. On the bank of the river lies Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Punakha Dzong was strategically built at the junction of the two rivers in the 17th Century by the first Shabdrung to serve as the religious and administrative centre. Punakha Dzong houses sacred temples including the Marchen where the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal lies in state.

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the titanic Himalaya mountain range, offering dazzling scenic views of some world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after completion of arrival formalities you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

Set in the heart of the Thimphu Valley, the Taj Tashi is a gateway to a land steeped in mythology and magic. The mountain kingdom of Bhutan remains one of the old world’s last remaining strongholds, as yet unspoilt by civilization. In the charmed isolation of the Himalayan heights, Bhutan’s ancient and alluring ways of Mahayana Buddhism continue on richly intact to this day, and permeate every aspect of Bhutanese life and art. In keeping with the enchanting surrounds, the hotel is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 elegant guestrooms afford guests striking highlights of the region’s art and colour, along with breathtaking views of the mountains that rise above the Thimphu valley.

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, and sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chhu river valley. Norzin Lam, the recently upgraded main thoroughfare, is lined with shops, restaurants, retail arcades and public buildings. Dechenphu, Tango and Cheri monasteries, and Dechenchoeling Palace, the official residence of the King, are located to the north of the city.

Today’s sightseeing of Thimphu includes the following:
National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion;

Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body.

Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, where you can see 108 Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather is clear you can the entire snow capped Himalayan range. Continue on with a drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, and is one of Bhutan's most impressive landmarks. You have to walk across a suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu ( Mother River ). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche . From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The spoils of war captured during ancient battles with Tibet are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Taj Tashi.

Upon arrival check in at the Hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of the following: Visit Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collections of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum's circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tsechu, a major festival held once a year in the spring. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price).

The 45-room Zhiwa Ling combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of 21st Century technology. Envisioned and created by a local Bhutanese company, the hotel's elaborate hand-carved wooden cornices and masterful stonework coexist beautifully with cutting-edge telecommunication systems and Swedish under-floor heating.
The spa offers all the amenities of a modern fitness center – sauna, steam room, gym – as well as a traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath. There is a Business Center, and a Tea House, two fully-equipped conference rooms and a Meditation House. One restaurant specializes in contemporary international cuisine, the other classic Bhutanese dishes. As night approaches everyone gathers at the Mad Monk Bar for after-hours fun.

Paro, with Bhutan’s only airport, is the gateway to the kingdom for most visitors. Along the main street is a complex of traditional architecture: two lines of richly decorated buildings housing small shops, institutions and restaurants. Paro Dzong is a fortress-monastery overlooking a beautiful valley. Ten kilometres from Paro by road you will see in the distance the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff.

Excursion to Takshang Monastery (Tigers Nest): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as among the most sacred of places, and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. Today it is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998 a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building, but this Bhutanese jewel has since been restored to its original splendour.

Afternoon : Visit Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong has withstood the ages in all its glory and was featured in 1914 on the cover of National Geographic magazine. On a clear day, one may be witness to the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang : One of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). Over the centuries numerous Buddhist saints and members of the royal family have made their mark on the Lhakhang complex. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhuthan added the latest expansion to this holy place.
Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Zhiwa Ling .

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be required to present two passport photos to the immigration official for your Bhutan visa (included), which will be stamped into your passport. Once you pass through customs your guide and driver will be waiting for you.