Days 1-2: The flight into Paro provides a most dramatic view of the Himalaya as you fly alongside it. The tiny town of Paro, bursting with colour and tradition, is overlooked by a dramatic dzong. Fields, cover most of the valley floor, while hamlets and isolated farms dot the countryside - the houses here are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country.

Travel into the remoter regions of the valley to spend the night with a local family in their traditional farmhouse - help prepare the evening meal or relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Nearby Paro are the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a site of great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. It offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, “Mountain of Goddess” (7329 m). This is a favorite place for locals to practice Bhutan’s national sport - archery.

A short distance south of the road is Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple is said to be one of the 12 great geomantric temples ordered built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of central Tibet. In the afternoon visit the sights of Paro town - the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

Taktsang is the most famous of all Bhutanese monasteries. It is perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the floor of the Paro valley, where the only sounds are the murmurs of the wind, and water and the chanting of the monks. The name Taktsang means ‘Tigers Nest’; the Guru is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to the site of the monastery where he meditated in a cave for three months. The monastery itself is closed to tourists except by special permit. However the one-hour walk to the viewpoint, where there is a small wooden teahouse provides a close-up view of the monastery.

Day 3: Thimphu lies in a wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu River. Quiet and peaceful, with its streets lined with traditional shop fronts, this town seems almost too small to be a capital – it is often said to be the only one without traffic lights. Beautiful textiles in wool, silk and cotton, basketwork, silver jewelry, thangkas and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various Handicraft Emporiums.

Day 4: The road to Punakha and Wangdue crosses the Dochula Pass (3150 m), offering a great view of the Eastern Himalaya. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers, completely covering it and commanding an impressive view . Across the river, comes the first glimpse of the picturesque village of Rinchengang whose inhabitants are celebrated stonemasons. Punakha Dzong is the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, it is built between two rivers known as “Phochu” (Male River) and “Mochu” (Female River).

Day 5 : The great monastery of Gangtey was established in the 17th century and the village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the chosen winter home of the rare black necked cranes, which migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau.

Day 6: Return to paro via Thimphu.

Day 7: Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Add-on accommodation and sightseeing packages available in Kathmandu pre or post trip.

Included in the Tour Cost:
• Land transport by private vehicle.
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• All meals in Bhutan
• English speaking Bhutanese guide
• sightseeing as indicated including entry fees
• Visa authorisation for Bhutan

Not included in the Tour Cost:
• Flights & taxes
• Drinks
• Visa & passport fees
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs etc.
• Tips & gratuities
• Personal travel insurance
• Costs arising from events outside the control of Asian Footsteps or its agents - including the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, equipment failure, illness, or other causes beyond our control. No refunds can be made for any unused services or accommodation on the trip.