Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Arrive by flight into Paro. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your Bhutanese guide and driver outside the terminal, and after the introduction, transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon or evening as per your arrival time, transfer a short distance to Rinphung Dzong, built in early 17th century. Like most dzongs, Rinphung Dzong houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. After visiting the Dzong, walk downhill, across a traditional wooden covered bridge that spans the Paro Chhu River, past Ugyen Pelri Palace and arrive in the town area. As per available and interests, our guide will plan other visits accordingly. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 2: Day in Paro Valley
In the morning, we visit the Dumtse Lhakhang temple built-in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo. It is shaped like a Chorten (stupa) with three floors and the murals inside are said to be some of the finest in Bhutan. Then visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in an ancient Watchtower. Visit beautiful 7th-century Kichu Lhakhang temple complex, one of the most sacred and revered places in Bhutan. In the afternoon, an ahead short distance south to Bondey village and then take a short walk to visit a cliff-side temple complex of Dzongdrakha. Then visit a local village and farmhouses and return to your hotel.

Day 3: Fly Paro - Jakar, Bumthang
Transfer to the airport in time for your early morning flight to Jakar, Bumthang. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. Bumthang is justifiably regarded as the cultural heartland of the kingdom with its many temples, holy sites, languages, and traditions. We will do sightseeing in and around Jakar visiting its monuments and cultural sights. Most places can be covered by drive but some places are easier and more interesting by walk. Among others, visit Kurjey Temple complex, the 7th-century Jampay Lhakhang temple, Chakar Temple and Tamshing Monastery. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 4: Day in Bumthang
Today, start your drive and stop at the Swiss farm to sample local produce of cheese and beers. Visit local homes, villages, and we may also have an opportunity to visit a school. We will also visit Kharchu Dratsang monastery, during their active evening debate or communion prayers. Visit Jakar Dzong and walk downhill through the village and seeing some hidden shrines. See the giant water turned prayer wheels near Wangducholing Palace and if time permits, we can also visit Membartsho (‘burning lake’), a holy site where Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan patron saint is said to have discovered religious treasures. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 5: Drive Jakar – Punakha (200 kms / 6-7 Hrs)
From Jakar, start early for a long drive to Punakha. From Jakar, cross Youtongla pass and arrive in Trongsa. Along the way, we stop briefly to see the Yathra weavers in Chumey. In Trongsa, visits Trongsa Dzong, one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Continue our scenic drive, passing many small villages, waterfalls with spectacular landscape, and cross Black mountains at Pele La pass (3420m). Mt. Jumolhari and adjoining peaks can be seen from here on a clear day. Lunch will be served along the way. After the pass, the road descends, passing through ever-changing vegetation and arrives in the warm subtropical valley of Punakha and Wangdue. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 6: Day in Punakha & Wangdue
Today visit Punakha-Wangdue valley is at a lower elevation of about 1250m above sea-level. Therefore it enjoys a subtropical climate with warm summers and pleasant winters. Punakha was also the former winter capital of Bhutan, the tradition that is still followed by the central monastic body. The head of the clergy of Bhutan with his entourage of monks spends the winter in Punakha Dzong and summer in Thimphu.

Visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. Drive short distance north of Punakha, through idyllic countryside, from where you can hike uphill through rice fields for about 40 minutes to beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Chorten, which stands out on a ridge with a great view of Punakha valley. Later visit Wangdue phodrang town and if time is available, you can take a short and easy walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple. Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, also popularly known as a divine madman, famous because of the outrageous nature of his teachings which he administered in the most unexpected ways, often with strong sexual overtones and inclinations. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 7: Drive Punakha – Thimphu (85 kms / 3-4 Hrs)
Our destination today is the Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, about 3.5hrs west across Dochu-La pass (3100m). This spectacular pass is heavily adorned with countless prayer flags and a series of 108 chorten. We stop to enjoy the view over a cup of tea or coffee at the cafeteria. 

After lunch at your hotel, begin a familiarization tour of Thimphu visiting Tashicho Dzong, a revamped fortress that is the main seat of Government and central monastic body. Stroll through the town area and down to the vegetable market. During weekends (Fri-Sun), the vegetable market is more active. Depending on available time, we may visit or incorporate some of tomorrow’s sights. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 8: Day in Thimphu
Thimphu being the capital has a number of sights to visit and depending on which may be of more interest to you, the Guide will cover the first and visit rest as per available time. The main sightseeing tour of Thimphu valley includes visiting Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lakhang, Takin (national animal) Sanctuary, Sangaygang Viewpoint, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Art School (Painting School), Indigenous Hospital, National Library, and Handicraft workshops. Later you can visit the Textile Museum, Handmade Paper factory, National Smiths, drive up the valley north, towards Dechencholing palace area for the general view of the area. In the evening there will be time to stroll on your own. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 9: Drive Thimphu – Paro (52 kms / 2 Hrs)
Drive to Paro and transfer directly to the trailhead for the hike to famous Taktsang (tiger’s nest) monastery, a quintessential Bhutan experience. Riding ponies can be arranged for the uphill portion of the hike to the viewpoint. The hike uphill to the first viewpoint takes about 1hour and another hour to the monastery itself, but the whole excursion including the stops is expected to take all day. Return to Paro for a final stroll around the town. Farewell dinner! Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10: Departure
Departure transfer to the airport in time for your flight.