Classic Bhutan

Arrive Paro, Bhutan. Meet your guide and transfer to Thimphu. After settling in, time permitting, walk around Main Street and Thimpu Market discovering interesting Himalayan artifacts and textiles. Overnight in Thimphu

Today you will visit the Textile Museum to see Bhutan’s living national art of thagzo (weaving). Here you can learn about Bhutan’s history and culture. Next, is the National Library, a great example of traditional Bhutanese architecture. It houses ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts, manuscripts, and also printing blocks for prayer flags. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is one of the most iconic religious structures of Thimpu. You will also see Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) with its incredible views and the largest Buddha statue in the country. Finally, visit Trashi Chho Dzong, located on the western bank of the Wang Chhu River and the seat of Bhutan’s civil government and monarchy. Overnight in Thimphu

Depart early this morning on a three-hour dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La to Punakha Valley. The journey continues over the 10,000 foot mountain pass where, on a clear day, you can see the eastern Himalayan range and the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. Gangar Punsum (24,670 feet). The pass is marked by 108 Stupas dedicated to world peace by Her Majesty, Queen Mother of Bhutan. The descent will take you through sub-tropical vegetation into Punakha Valley. After lunch, you will hike through the paddy fields and villages to Chemi Lhakhang, known as the Fertility Temple. Overnight in Punakha

After breakfast, visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a four-story temple built by the Queen Mother in the 1990s. To reach this beautiful chorten you will hike through paddy fields and vegetables patches, walk along the banks of the Mo Chhu River, and cross a suspension bridge. Upon reaching your destination, bask in the stunning view of the lush valley and mountains around you. Overnight in Punakha

Embark on a four-hour drive to Paro. Cross back through the Dochula Pass, where you can stop to soak up the panoramic views of the towering Himalayas once again. En route, visit the 17th-Century Simtokha Dzong that showcases skilled craftsmanship in the form of its architecture, interiors, and paintings. On arrival, check in to your hotel and, after lunch, set out on an excursion to Paro valley. Visit Ta Dzong; once a watchtower, it now houses the National Museum. The museum houses a massive collection of antiques, including thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Later, visit Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong or Rinpung Dzong), meaning “fortress on a heap of jewels”, and unlock its long and fascinating history. Overnight in Paro

This morning will begin with a hike up to one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, Taktshang Lhakhang, the famous “Tiger’s Lair.” The four to five hour roundtrip trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 2,950 feet above the valley floor. Stop at Taktsang viewpoint for tea and snacks and to enjoy the view of the Tiger’s Lair. Continue to visit Drukgyel Dzong, the last foothold of the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can see the 24,000-foot domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. Overnight in Paro

Transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight – or extend your stay in Asia!