Arrive at Paro Airport- Drive to Thimphu (54 kms/ 1.5 hours’ drive)

Paro District - The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you may have spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—five of the highest peaks in the world—as well as peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang.
You can photograph the highest peaks of the world.

As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chhu (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.

Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge - One of the first places to visit is the Tachhog Lhakhang, a temple situated across the famous iron chain bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro river).
It is fun to cross the bridge and feel the fresh breeze sweeping over the river. The colorful prayer flags fluttering and ancient temple on the hill creates an invigorating ambiance to get over your long hours of flight.
The whole set up is indeed a feast to one’s Eye.

Exploring Thimphu Valley

Tango Buddhist Institute - On your return you will take another one hour climb to Tango Monastery which dates back to the 12th century.

• Capture images of red-robed monks on hilltop monastery.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong) - Photograph the exquisite Tashichoe Dzong, a master piece of the Bhutanese architecture. (If time permits)

Thimphu to Punakha (74kms/2-3 hours drive)

Buddha Dordenma - Capture the vibrant Buddha Dordema statue in the early morning sunrise. Apart from the serenity of the place the view of the Thimphu city from here is gorgeous.

Proceed to the Punakha the old capital city of Bhutan until 1950s.

Dochula Pass - En route to Punakha, on the way stop at Dochu La (3,100 meters above the sea level).

Sip a cup hot coffee at the cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges which can be seen on a clear day.
Click amazing pictures of the 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the snow-capped Himalayan ranges behind.

Punakha Dzong - Punakha Dzong is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration for photographers.

This famous structure built in the 1637 has lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasion won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic the “Rangjung Karsa-pani”.

Punakha to the Phobjikha Valley ( 78 kms/3.5 hour)

Chimi Lhakhang Temple - Walk along the path through the agricultural field of rice and mustard leading to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple located on a hillock.

On the way you can witness unusual paintings of phallus on walls of the traditional houses. The phallus paintings are traditionally believed to ward off evil influences and bad-mouth/gossips of others that bring bad luck.

Gangtey Monastery - Upon arriving to Phobjikha; visit Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery which is an important Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa’s tradition. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2,800 meters, the monastery offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare Black necked Cranes.

The structures of the temple and the monks in the complex of the monastery has great captures to offer.

Phobjikha to Trongsa (120 kms/ 4-5 hours)

Trongsa to Bumthang (68 kms/ 2-3 hours)

Explore Ura valley- Bumthang

Explore Tang valley - Bumthang

Fly from Bumthang to Paro in a domestic flight

Paro District - Take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. It will take about 45 minutes.

Rinpung Dzong - “Paro Dzong” also known as Paro Rinpung Dzong – “the fortress of the heap of jewels”. This structure serves as the house for the district monastic body and government administrative office of Paro.
Photo shoot with the monks in the courtyard of the Paro Dzong

This is the fortress where the film “the little Buddha” was made.

Namgay Artisanal Brewery - Time permitting- visit Namgay Artisanal Brewery and loose your taste palate to the variety of locally brewed Bhutanese beer.

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest (4-6 hours)

Paro Taktsang - THE FAMOUS TIGER’S NEST HIKE:

Today you will be hiking to one of the famous sites called as the Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) perched at 900m above the Paro valley.
It is a pilgrimage site which the Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this site and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence it’s name is ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
The site, which has long been regarded as the sacred place, was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century approximately in 1646. The Lhakhang of the present monastic complex dates from 1692.

Departure

Paro District - Our team will drop you to the airport and bid you farewell.

• Government SDF of USD 100 per person per night
• Accommodation at 3-star hotels (can be upgraded with additional premium)
• Bhutan Visa
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
• Transportation, Certified guide, all internal taxes and charges

• Travel Insurance
• Airfare (International & Domestic)