Day 1: Arrive in Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You'll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the dzong. Afterward you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. You will have lunch at the restaurant overlook. You can spend the afternoon fly-fishing in the Pachu River in Paro. Overnight in Paro.

Day 3: Paro - Thimphu (2-hour drive)
After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After lunch, you can visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you can visit the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the Zilukha Nunnery temple. In the evening you can explore Thimphu and absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu
In the morning you can visit the Textile Museum, which has a wide collection of traditional Bhutanese clothing. Then you can stroll through the Handicraft Emporium, which has an assortment of textiles and crafted products, and visit the Private Weaving Center to see the young Bhutanese girls weaving tapestries. You can spend the afternoon fly-fishing in the Thimphu River. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu - Punakha (3-hour drive)
After breakfast you will drive to Punakha (the former capital of Bhutan and the winter home for the central monastic body), with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. In the afternoon you can go fly-fishing in the Punakha River. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha - Trongsa (6-hour drive)
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey village, where you'll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. After tea, you can relax in Trongsa town in the evening. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 7: Trongsa - Bumthang (3-hour drive)
In the morning you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. The afternoon will be spent sightseeing in the area, including Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. And you will make a stop at the Swiss cheese factory. You can relax in the evening in Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang
After breakfast, you can head out for some fly fishing in the Bumthang River. After a picnic lunch, you can continue to enjoy fishing. In the evening you can relax or stroll through Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang
In the morning, you can visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley, and then the Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar. From there, you will make an excursion to Ura Valley. The road to Ura Valley is off the main road, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of the Jakar Dzong. You'll make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will have a chance to visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura Village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of the women includes a sheepskin shawl. In the evening you can visit local shops. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang (6-hour drive)
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 11: Wangduephodrang - Paro (5-hour drive)
After breakfast drive to Paro with a lunch stop in Thimphu. After lunch you can visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where you can explore a traditional Bhutanese home and learn about the daily life of the rural folk. Then you will continue on to Paro. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse, and if you wish, you can enjoy a typical Bhutanese meal there. Overnight in Paro.

NOTE: As an alternative, if you prefer, you can skip Thimphu and drive directly to Paro and spend the afternoon fly fishing in Paro.

Day 12: Depart Paro

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