Phuentsholing - Thimphu – capital city 179 km 5 -6 hrs drive

In the morning, transfer to the capital city Thimphu through the mountains, a journey of almost unbelievable beauty. The road winds its way from the northern Indian tea plantations through endless turns, hairpin bends, and daring stretches carved into the mountain rock, via Chukka to Thimphu. Check into the hotel. In the afternoon, you can relax, and in the evening, spend some time in Clock Tower Square. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Thimphu sightseeing

When in Thimphu, prepare for surprises in this unique capital that has no traffic lights but instead employs its own version of the British-Indian colonial times traffic policemen, who can startle you and mesmerize others with their elaborate hand gestures. Sometimes they may signal to stop when it looks like go, but don’t worry; you can observe the flow and notice their smiles as you stare at them. Sightseeing includes visits to the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, and Handicraft Center to view traditional arts, as well as the indigenous Medicine Hospital and the Painting School. You can also catch a glimpse of Tashichho Dzong from the road. Further uphill, visit the Takin Zoo, where you will find the national animal of Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan, and the Buddha statue. In the evening, take a walk to the main city from Clock Tower Square. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Thimphu - Paro valley 65 km 1 hr drive

When in Thimphu, prepare for surprises in this unique capital that has no traffic lights but instead employs its own version of the British-Indian colonial times traffic policemen, who can startle you and mesmerize others with their elaborate hand gestures. Sometimes they may signal to stop when it looks like go, but don’t worry; you can observe the flow and notice their smiles as you stare at them. Sightseeing includes visits to the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, and Handicraft Center to view traditional arts, as well as the indigenous Medicine Hospital and the Painting School. You can also catch a glimpse of Tashichho Dzong from the road. Further uphill, visit the Takin Zoo, where you will find the national animal of Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan, and the Buddha statue. In the evening, take a walk to the main city from Clock Tower Square. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Paro sightseeing

In the morning, visit the National Museum housed in a round fortress called Ta Dzong, considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia, featuring a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Just below Ta Dzong lies Paro Dzong. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a monastery dating back to the 7th century and one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan. Also, visit a farmhouse where you will be able to experience the lifestyle of the villagers of Paro. Explore the town for shopping or leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.

Paro outdoor activities

In the morning, if you are adventurous and physically fit, you could hike to the world-famous Tiger's Nest, also known as Taktsang, one of Bhutan's popular spiritual heritage sites. It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padma Sambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan (round hike takes 7 hours.Alternatively, you could hike to Dzongdrakha temple, often called mini Taktsang. The temple is built in the cliffs above Bondey village. The walk is not as strenuous as to Tiger's Nest.Another option is to hike to Kila Gompa – if you are fit as a mountain goat. Kila Gompa awaits you with its magnificent clustered temples built on the cliffs, which have been home to nuns for a long time. Kila in Sanskrit means a subjugating spiritual dagger that destroys negativity. Hike up and subjugate all your negative energies within you. If it does not give you any spiritual satisfaction, you will feel physically rejuvenated after the hike.If you prefer to spend some time by the riverside before reaching Tiger's Nest base, you will come across a small river where you could stop and walk down near the riverbed. Experience and feel close to nature and visit some farmhouses to see the lifestyle of the villagers of Paro. In the afternoon, if you have some energy left, you could visit the town for shopping or leisure. Overnight stay in Paro.

Phuentsholing 172 km 5 – 6 hrs drive

In the morning, transfer to Phuentsholing, and before reaching Phuentsholing, stop to visit Kharbandi Gompa. Check into the hotel, and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Phuentsholing.

Departure

Morning transfer to depart for your next destination.