Arrive Paro International airport by either of only two international airlines operating in and out of Bhutan; Drukair, the national flag carrier or Bhutan Airlines, a private airline started in 2011. Our guide and the driver will receive you on arrival and take you on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Happiness’. We'll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower and get insights into rich cultural traditions, history and many artifacts. After that, you'll be transferred to the capital city Thimphu which is home to more than 115,000 residents. The bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. Distance from Paro - Thimphu 55km, Driving time: 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude: 2,334m, Paro Altitude: 2,200m On arrival in Thimphu, you’ll visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan is taught. Arts & Crafts are an essential part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage that has been practiced since time immemorial. Just located nearby is the National Library & Archives of Bhutan considered as the national treasure and is the fundamental source of history, medicine, arts & culture. Both Institute of Zorg Chusum and National Library opens during weekdays and on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. Note: If time does not permit, you'll continue the sightseeing tomorrow morning before transferring to Punakha valley. Overnight at Hotel Amodhara or Kuenphen Rabten Resort

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Kuenphen Rabten Resort

Today, you'll visit one of the largest sitting Buddha statues overlooking Thimphu valley and then transfer to Punakha valley via the sacred mountain pass, Dochula. The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley. It was built to commemorate the 60th birth anniversary of the much-beloved Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. We then drive to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3150m above sea level. On a clear day, you can see the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range including some of Bhutan’s highest peaks. From Dochula we descend gradually passing through some villages and as you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to the subtropical valley at 1,200m. En route, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the “Temple of Fertility” and explore the nearby village whose houses are adorned with colourful paintings of phalluses. We’ll then drive to Punakha town and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the 17th century Punakha Dzong, spend some time appreciating the sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong displays a fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. From there walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs over the glacial-fed Phochu (male) river and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Distance from Thimphu - Punakha 74 km, Driving time 2.5-hours, Punakha altitude 1,200m Overnight at Namgay Zam Homestay with the local family to experience the ordinary life of a family in rural Bhutan.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, before we drive back to Paro, you'll do a wonderful hike to the Buddhist temple known as Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. The round-trip hike takes about 3-hours through the terraced rice fields and a short gentle hike uphill through the pine trees. If your group size is more than 3 people, a picnic lunch can be arranged by the bank of the Mochu river on the way back to Punakha town. After lunch, transfer back to Paro. On arrival in Paro, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 AD by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of giant ogress causing harm to the propagation of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Leisure time to explore Paro town. Distance from Punakha - Paro 115km, Driving time 3.5-hours Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Khangkhu Resort

After early breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Taktsang Monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. It takes about 4-5 hours to do the round-trip hike. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Oneway horse riding is available on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria) for a fee of about USD20 per horse which will carry only one person. Horse riding is not recommended on your way down and most owners will not allow it. Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful farmhouse to experience local culture and enjoy authentic home-cooked cuisine for dinner. If you are interested in a home spa, you can soak up in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15. Specially selected river stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. You can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”. Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

• 3-Star Accommodation: Khangkhu Resort

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

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast