On your arrival at the Paro International Airport, you'll be received by our guide and the driver and then go on your first adventure in Bhutan also known as Land of the Thunder Dragon. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower/fortress called Ta Dzong. The collection of artefacts at the museum displays a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of Bhutan. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong which literally translates to “Fortress of the heap of jewels”. Built in 1646, this Dzong serves as the office of the governor and head of the monk body of Paro district. From there walk to the beautiful traditional wooden cantilever bridge that runs over the Paro river. After lunch, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of a giant ogress that was obstructing the propagation of Buddism in the region. Overnight at Paro Village View Homestay or Aum Choden Homestay whichever is available. Paro Village View Homestay is located at about 3.5km from the Paro International Airport, Paro Village View Homestay in close proximity to the Dzongdrakha Temple, this village home is a perfect place to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. Amidst the apple orchard, this homestay offers a spectacular view of the Paro valley. Apart from comfortable accommodation and delicious home-cooked local cuisine, they also have an in-house traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. Aum Choden Homestay is located few minutes drive from Paro main town and they also have a hot stone bath facility

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Paro Village View Home Stay

After breakfast at the homestay, we drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards. En route, you can visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist master Thangtong Gyalpo who was popularly known as the Iron Bridge Builder. Located across the Pa Chhu River along the Paro-Thimphu highway, you'll have to cross the old iron bridge one among the few remaining of the many built by Thangtong Gyalpo. Distance to from Paro - Thimphu 55 km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude 2,334m/7,655ft, Paro altitude 2,200m/7,215ft On arrival in Thimphu, visit the Weaving Center to learn about the weaving culture and tradition of the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will see women at work weaving some of the most intricate designs and patterns of traditional Bhutanese costumes. From there drive to visit the 169ft Buddha Dordhenma Statue located at Kuensel Phodrang overlooking the Thimphu valley. Later in the evening after 5PM, visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room of the King and summer residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Kuenphen Rabten Resort

After breakfast at the hotel, we will see few attractions in Thimphu and then drive to Punakha Valley. The National Memorial Chorten is an important landmark built in 1974 in memory of the late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate offering you a good opportunity to observe how Bhutanese people devote themselves to daily prayers and take refuge in the teachings of the Lord Buddha. Visit Centenary Farmer's Weekend Market where farmers from across the country bring their farm produce to sell. You'll get insights into the food culture and preferences of Bhutanese people. From there drive to Changlimithang Archery Range to watch the game of archery if the match is in progress. You'll see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. We then drive to Punakha valley and stop briefly at Dochula pass (3150m) for lunch and enjoy grand panoramic views of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains. After lunch, we continue driving towards Punakha and visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as the “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. Walk and explore the village and drive to Punakha town and visit the most beautiful 17th century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. You'll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge if interested. Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Punakha altitude 1,200m Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or Namgay Zam Homestay

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort

After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten located on a mountain ridge and visit the historic Punakha Dzong before we drive to Phobjikha valley. The hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten takes about 3-hours round trip through the terraced rice fields and a short uphill climb before reaching the serene sacred site on the hilltop overlooking fertile Punakha valley. After the hike, return back to the road head and drive to visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, 17th-century Punakha Dzong. You'll spend some time taking in the exquisite woodworks and sacred wall paintings. After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to the Tibetan Plateau. If time permits, you'll go on an exciting Gangtey Nature Hike. The trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3-hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures! Distance from Punakha - Phobjikha valley 80km, Driving time 3-hours, Phobjikha valley altitude 3000m Overnight at Dewachen Resort or Yue-Loki Guesthouse

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Dewachen Hotel & Spa

After breakfast, visit one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa and then you will be transferred back to Paro. If you haven't done the Gangtey Nature Hike yesterday, you'll do it today after visiting the Gangtey Monastery. The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. Gangtey literally means “Hilltop” and Goenpa “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance. You will meet peace-loving monks who study Buddhist Philosophy. Then drive back to Paro valley. Lunch will be served on the way. Distance from Phobjikha to Paro 188km, Driving time 5-hours Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

Following an early breakfast at the hotel, drive for about 30 minutes to the starting point of trekking, Paro Sangchoekhor Buddhist College which is located at an elevation of 2,950m/9,680ft above sea level. If you are interested, visit the monastery and receive blessings. We then start the trek and steadily climb uphill through the ridge covered by forests of fir and pine trees. April is the perfect season for trekking with wildflowers at full bloom in their natural habitat. You'll see several species of Rhododendron flowers along the route. About 2 hours 30 minutes into gradual climbing, you will come to a cleared spot on which colourful prayer flags are hoisted and you can see the beautiful Paro valley. Picnic lunch will be served on this spot overlooking the Paro valley with stunning views. There is also a temple called Choechongtse on this lunch spot which you can visit and pray after lunch. After lunch, continue to trek for approximately 2 hours to reach the campsite, Bumdrak at 3,860m/12,665ft above sea level. The camp will be just below the sacred Bumdrak temple, on a peaceful and heavenlike mountain meadow. Those still energetic, can venture further up for about 45 minutes to the summit and enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below. Sacred Bumdrak Temple: Bumdrak temple is perched on a cliff so close to the campsite. There is a sacred cave inside the temple which was blessed by 100,000 dakinis in the 8th century AD during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. You can visit the temple and spend some time praying and meditating. Overnight camping at Bumdrak (full service)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Bumdrak CampSite

For early risers, you may want to observe and take pictures of a beautiful sunrise on a clear weather. You may also see an endangered species of birds called Himalayan Monal Pheasant wandering freely near the camping tents. After breakfast, you can hang around for a while appreciating the pristine environment or taking pictures before we begin our return journey viaTaktsang monastery. The downhill descent is steep but we'll walk at our own pace and explore the flora along the ancient trails used by monks and pilgrims. After descending for less than 2 hours, a view of Yoeselgang Monastery situated above Taktsang monastery opens up. We’ll walk past Yoeselgang, reach 15th-century Ugyen Tsemo monastery and hiking further down will bring us to the third temple, Zangdogpelri (zangdogpelri means “copper coloured mountain”) which is referred to as Guru Padmasambhava’s abode. From this temple, you can look down and see the impressive Taktsang monastery perched precariously on a rocky cliff. We will continue our descend and visit the sacred Taktsang monastery, the most recognized site in Bhutan. Lunch will be served at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria. Only vegetarian meal is served at this cafeteria to show respect to the sacred Taktsang Monastery. Descending further down, you'll meet your driver at the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time or drive directly to the hotel. Towards the late afternoon, you'll visit one of the beautiful farmhouses in Paro and experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. For an additional fee you may want to take a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath after 2 days of trekking. Specially selected stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace. The bathtub is made of wood and a medicinal shrub is added to the hot bath. You can enjoy locally brewed warm liquor known as Ara. A delicious dinner of authentic Bhutanese cuisine will be served at the farmhouse. Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast