Day 1 Arrive in Paro international airport
On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16kms from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Mount Jumolhari ("Mountain of Goddess") can be seen on a clear day. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2 Paro to Thimphu (2-hour drive)
After breakfast you can visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You will visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. You can then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu is along a winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the following places:
-- King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan)
-- Chang Gangkha Monastery
-- Radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley)
-- Takin Reserve (which contains the national animal of Bhutan)
-- Nunnery Temple and National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts)
-- School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school)
-- Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum
-- Tashicho Dzong (summer residence for monks and chief abbot)
-- Simtokha Dzong (oldest fortress in Bhutan)
Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4 Thimphu to Paro (hike to Taktsang Monastery)
After an early breakfast you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day 5 Depart Paro