Discover Bhutan’s iconic Paro Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ monastery, a cluster of magnificent shrines perched on a cliff face. Begin your hike through pine forests of a serine valley. As you traverse these trails criss-crossed by rows of colourful prayer flags, your guide will entertain you with legends, anecdotes, and botanical knowledge. In approximately 1 hour, you will reach a small teahouse that has a wonderful panoramic view of the temple. For those interested, it is possible to get a closer view by hiking another 1 hour to reach the small Chorten directly across from the temple. Anyone not interested in hiking further can relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. Please wear trekking shoes and equipment. After tiresome day long hike, you will have an opportunity to experience Bhutanese hot stone bath and Traditional cuisines in the farm house. It is the perfect way to relax and is also believed to have numerous health benefits. It uses medicinal water mixed with Artemisia leaves.

Located at distances of 35 km and 26 km from Paro and Haa respectively, the narrow pass tests the nerves of tourists with its numerous adrenaline inducing turns and sheer drops. With an elevation of 3988 metres, the Chele La Pass lying between the valleys of Haa and Paro is the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan. Boasting incredible views of the high Himalayan Mountains, the Chele La Pass is an untouched sanctuary of immense panorama and thriving flora and fauna. From here, one can also witness the stunning vistas of Mount Jomolhari, considered as the most sacred peak of Bhutan at 6706 metres, Jichu Drake, as well as the majestic sights of the Tsherimgang Mountains. This high mountain pass welcomes and delights tourists with the mesmerising sights of the rare White Poppy, found in the surrounding mountain slopes and the rainbow trouts, found in vast lakes of the region. The White Poppy is native to this region and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Discover the vibrant heart of Thimphu! Begin your tour of Thimphu at the King’s Memorial Chorten, where many devotees congregate to pray and spin the Buddhist prayer wheels for luck.

Nearby atop a hill locals commonly refer to as Buddha Point, you’ll be awed by the Buddha Dordenma Statue which is the largest statue of the Buddha overlooking the city and Thimphu Valley beyond.

Thimphu is a treasure trove of craftwork, and you can see budding masters learn the craft at Zorig Chusum, the local art and craft school. Watch wood carving to mask making, weaving, embroidering, clay modelling, sculpture and thangka painting at the school.

Visit impressive Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the king and government, and the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and modern academic books on Himalayan culture and religion.

For a spot of lighthearted fun, saunter into the Motithang Takin Preserve to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal.

Situated atop the 3,100 metre Dochu La, a mountain pass that connects the city of Thimphu to the Eastern Bhutan. It is counted among the most beautiful places to visit in Bhutan both for its natural beauty and because of the incredible sights it affords of several Himalayan peaks. The Dochula Pass is a historical landmark built to honour the bravery and sacrifices of the fourth king and the soldiers who perished during the battle against Assamese insurgents in 2003. It particularly marks the victory of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who dislodged the rebels from their camps (there were 30 camps) in Bhutanese territory from where they raided Indian territory of Assam. After the war, the King went back to Thimphu on 28 December 2003. Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck commanded for the 108 chortens to be built. The construction of the chortens was completed in mid-June 2004 and formally consecrated and sanctified with religious rites on 19–20 June 2004.

Discover the rich traditions of Bhutan at the Chimi Lhakhang (Lhakhang is the Bhutanese word for Temple) known as the Fertility Temple, just outside Punakha. Hike through verdant rice paddies and manicured mustard fields by picturesque villages. After a short incline, enter a charming complex to be welcomed by a huge black and gold prayer wheel. Courtesy of your guide, understand unusual rituals steeped in legends of the eccentric ‘Divine Madman’ Lama Drukpa Kunley, whose teachings of Buddhism had humorous songs and innuendos. Admire the elaborately hand-painted drawings that adorn the walls, the art showcasing dramatic interpretations of phalluses. It’s a pilgrimage site especially for childless couples, who are blessed with a 10-inch bone, ivory and wood phallus, while young babies are named using inscriptions on bamboo slips. Expect to see intricate charms in various sizes, colourfully shaded with comic illustrations and abstract art with inspirational quotes.

Set out on a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the beautiful countryside around Punakha. Cross the suspension bridge over Mo Chhu, and begin your walk alongside a babbling creek. Pass by terraced paddies and farmhouses, traversing the narrow trails flanked by pine forests. The Khamsum Yulley Chorten was built by the Queen Mother in dedication to the King, country and for the wellbeing of all sentient beings in the universe. Based on the instructions in the Buddhist Holy Scriptures and the teachings of leader Lama Sönam Zangpo, the three-tiered structure sits majestically on a ridge amid well-tended gardens. Inside, the stupa features large kitschy installations of Vajrakilaya, a wrathful deity, encased in glass boxes. Discover several smaller statues of other deities and numerous yab-yum figurines along the inner walls, as well as a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses of Bhutan, strategically nestled at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored by the present king. Take a short walk on the suspension bridge nearby – it’s the largest of its kind in Bhutan! Afterwards, visit the Zomlay Thang Stupa, a rare, newly-built Nepalese style stupa on the banks of the Mo Chhu River. Walk along the riverbank while you observe local people gathered here, either for a day’s picnic or even for archery practice done far away from the crowds. Later, drive on to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery set amid picturesque pines on a hilltop. This learning and meditation centre for nuns is also a photographer’s delight for offering exquisite views over the Punakha Valley. If you are visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the weekend market where local produce is bought and sold.

Punakha Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 180 m in length. From the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the Po Chhu river (male river) and the valley. It’s an ideal place for a photoshoot with a stunning background. You will definitely enjoy the cool and breezy vibes from the suspension bridge.

Start your visit of the Phobjikha Valley from the famous Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is home to the main seat of the guru Gangteng Tulku Rinpoche, the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk through the little town of Gangtey with its small market area lined with charming, traditional Bhutanese houses. Don’t miss the ancient stupa (sacred monument) which marks your entrance to the town. This is also the perfect opportunity to learn about the region’s famous black-necked cranes while visiting the black crane info centre in Phobjikha Valley. These graceful cranes (Grus nigricollis) travel all the way from the Tibetan Plateau to this valley to roost during the winter season.

Following a scenic drive to the 17th century Gangtey Monastery perched on a ridge, enjoy a pleasant hike down towards the bowl-shaped, glacial Phobjikha Valley in central Bhutan. Admire picturesque settlements with terraced farmlands along the way, cross small rivers and see stupas surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, and pass by the Black Mountains range, on the fringes of Jigme Wangchuck National Park. Your guide will introduce you to the fantastic flora and fauna of the region. Further, enter the vast grasslands dotted with grazing cattle, and walk on scenic trails flanked by pine forests and dwarf bamboo clusters. Conclude your tour with panoramic vistas of the mountainous expanse. From late October to mid February, enjoy the sightings of the majestic and endangered black-necked cranes, flocks of which migrate to milder climates of the Phobjikha Valley during the winter.

From the global population of 11,000 Black-necked cranes, approximately 500 of them migrate every winter to the lower altitudes of Bhutan from the high Tibetan plateau. Three districts have been identified as crucial roosting areas in the country, in central, Bumthang (Gyetsa and Thangbi valleys); in central west, Wangduephodrang (Khotokha and Phobjikha valleys); and the far east in Trashiyangtse (Bumdeling). Besides the traditional roosting areas, the bird has been reported exploring new areas or being mis-directed by weather conditions during its migration. In 2010 winter, 347 cranes were reported to have visited the Phobjikha valley.

The Gangteng Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan.

It is a market where the farmers display their vegetables and other produce straight from the farm. Apart from the lure of fresh vegetables, these kinds of markets attract people because of the vibe surrounding them. There are many reasons behind visiting farmers markets, from supporting the local community to the variety in choices that you are offered. The Centenary Farmers Market is one of the places to visit in Bhutan where you can get this wonderful experience. It is located below the main town, in close proximity to River Wang Chhu. It is the largest farmers market in Bhutan which attracts farmers from all over the country, all of whom gather to sell their fresh farm produce directly to the customers. Its popularity has increased over time, and today, it is a big hit among visitors.

Most days of the week you'll find arrows flying at the city's most important archery ground, just down from Changlimithang Stadium. Teams compete to hit targets over a distance of 145m, while their competitors pass comment on misses, and sing and dance to celebrate shots on target. Traditional bamboo or high-tech carbon-fibre compound bows are used, and a tournament is quite a spectacle, with lots of good-natured ribbing and camaraderie.

Probably wondering why this market is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs in Thimphu? Exactly! getting to that, the Handicrafts Market provides a wide range of traditional craft items all in one place not having to run from one end of the town to the other. The shopkeepers, usually the artists themselves display their products in the shop and who better people to explain their products than the makers themselves. These shopkeepers are excitingly friendly and polite. Want to take souvenirs or small gifts for loved ones back at home? The Handicrafts Market is the place. Why? Firstly you can bargain with the makers which you cannot do at other handicraft shops. Why? Because these retail handicrafts basically buy their products from these artists in order to make profit and will probably sell the same items for a little higher price. Secondly the products at the craft bazaar are much cheaper. Unlike other handicrafts from around the world.

After the breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations. Thank You & Tashi Delek!