Bhutan, nestling in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerised: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming. 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,the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan.

Day 1
Paro - Thimphu
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, 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). Experience the unique and legendary hospitality of the Bhutanese people at, "The Druk. The Druk Group of Hotels, part of the "Tashi Group of Companies" offers you the warm hospitality of Bhutan in all its finesse and warmth. In a land rich in its heritage, culture and its warm hospitable people. The Druk brings to you hotels that define quality in its true meaning. Located in the heart of the capital city of Thimphu, this truly wonderful hotel offers you the most impeccable amenities and quality service that is unique for a memorable stay. In the heart of rolling mountains and drifting mist, the Thimphu Druk, offers a choice of Executive floor and Regular Floor with 53 elegantly appointed rooms. 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 rich decorated buildings housing small shops, institutions and restaurants. Paro Dzong is a fortress-monastery overlooking a beautiful valley. 10 km from Paro by road you will see in the distance famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage on the face of a sheer 1000m cliff.

Day 2
Thimphu
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 Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of 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). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Hotel Druk. 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.

Day 3
Paro
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 collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum 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 Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Situated at beautiful location, 4 kilomteres from Paro town and affording to offer privacy and peace, the hotel offers 40 comfortable rooms with panoramic view of Paro valley.Hotel facilities include PABX, business centres with internet, restaurant with normal dining as well as private dining facilities, small and large conference spaces, traditional hot stone bath, garden with bonfire area, lounge area with fire places, informal recreational space as well as handicraft shops.

Day 4
Paro
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 and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has 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 withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day,
one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below
the Dzong.
Also visit Kyichu Lakhang : It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the
Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. 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.
Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner (included in tour price). Overnight at Namsay Choling Resort.

Day 5
Paro
Airport transfer in a private vehicle with a driverguide.