Early morning depart Bangkok airport by Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airline) to Paro. Perhaps during the clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest Himalayan snowcapped peaks gives way to the lush green Paro valley as you land into very small airport, the only airport in Bhutan. After immigration and custom formalities, meet with local representative then depart for the capital valley of Bhutan, an hour drive. Upon arrival in Thimphu, perhaps starts with “kora” circular pilgrim around the national memorial stupa and thereafter, heads toward north up of the valley stopping to view Parliamentarian Houses and capital fortress, “Tashichhoe Dzong”, serving the office of King of Bhutan & national government offices of all the ministries, etc. Drive to hotel for dinner and overnight in Thimphu.   

Overnight at Le Meridien Thimphu.

After breakfast, continue the local sightseeing in capital valley, like visiting institute for Bhutanese arts & crafts, institute for traditional medicine, textile museum and stop for lunch in town. After lunch, visit handmade paper producing unit, hand-looming Centre and drive to Kuenselphodrang to visit the world largest Buddha statue, erected for world peace and happiness for prayers. Thereafter, drive to north of valley, upper Motithang to visit the mini-zoo to watch the national animal of Bhutan - Takin. Further drive reaches Sangay-gang hilltop for bird-eye view of valley and for fresh air breath. Drive back to town and if time permits, leisure walks in street and back to hotel in Thimphu.

Overnight at Le Meridien Thimphu.

An early departure, a dramatic drive over the high mountain passages of Dochula and on to the Punakha valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, The road take over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan snowcapped peaks are clearly visible. The further drive descent through the scenic village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. Continue drive through the town of Khuruthang along the banks of the Mo-chu river passing the Punthsho-pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family. At the upper end of the valley, the travellers can take view of the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument recently built by the four queens of Bhutan. Way back, visit the impressive Punakha fortress, the ancient capital fortress of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at Punakha.

Overnight at Uma Punakha.

After breakfast drive back to Paro valley en-route Lamperi Royal Rhododendrons Garden passing over the Dochula pass – the local sightseeing starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower house). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walks downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. By late evening, if time permits, drive to Balakha village to visit the ruined victory fortress and on the way can view some of Bhutan’s glacier peaks like mountain Jomolhari (7,314m) and so on. Dinner and overnight at Paro. 

Overnight at Uma Paro.

After breakfast, drive till the base start point of Tiger Nest hike, then start hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. In evening at leisure walk in archery field as well Paro town. 

Overnight at Uma Paro.

After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport for departure flight to Hong Kong via Bangkok.