Day 1 March 2 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. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by Jachung's representative Bhutan Gateway Travel and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the following places:

Paro Dzong: standing high over the Paro Valley, this fortress is a landmark in Bhutan. In1644 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal initiated construction of this massive temple-fortress on the foundation of a monastery earlier built by Guru Rinpoche.

Dungtse Lhakhang: This temple was built in 1433 by iron bridge builder, Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo. The three floors represent hell, earth and heaven.

Kichu Lhakhang: This temple was built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body covers Bhutan and most of Eastern Tibet. This temple is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan.

Drukgyel Dzong: The ruins of Drukgyel Dzong is 15km from Paro town. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to defend against Tibetan invasions. The dzong's name 'Druk' (Bhutan) 'Gyel' (Victory) commemorates the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, you will get a spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari from here.

In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro. Hotel Tenzinling Resort

Day 2 March 3 Paro to Punakha (5-hour drive)
After breakfast you will visit the Paro National Museum. The museum provides an excellent overview of Bhutanese history and culture. Shaped like a conch shell, it was completed in 1656. The museum holds the largest collection of artifacts, textiles and antiques in Bhutan.

After lunch you will drive to Punakha. Along the way you will visit Tachog Lhakhang and the iron chain bridge. Tachog Lhakhang was built in the 14th century.

The drive to Punakha takes you across the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft), which is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten (Buddhist monument) and prayer flags. You will stop on the pass for tea, and if the weather is clear, you will take in beautiful views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Punakha winds down from the pass, meandering through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, giving you a glimpse of some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan.. Hotel Meri Puensum or ZangdoPelri

Day 3 March 4 Attend Punakha festival
Today you will attend the Punakha Festival. At the festival you will get to see Bhutanese from around the area gathered in all their finest clothing. There will be mask dances, music, feasting, and religious blessings. After the festival you can take a 20-30 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. townOvernight in Punakha. Hotel Meri Puensum or ZangdoPelri

Day 4 March 5 Punakha to Phobjikha (2 1/2 hour drive)
In the morning you can visit the Wangdue dzong. Later you will drive to Phobjikha valley. The drive is about 2 and half hour. 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.

After lunch you can hike in the Phobjikha Valley. The hike is about 1 ½ hour. The Phobjikha Valley, where more than 200 blacknecked cranes swirl gracefully over the gentle slopes, that are thickly covered with cane brush among which herds of black and white yaks graze in the winter. Overnight in Phobjikha Hotel Dewachen or Gakaling

Day 5 March 6 Phobjikha to Thimphu (3-hour drive)
After breakfast you will drive from Phobjikha valley to Thimphu. Before reaching Thimphu you can visit the oldest Dzong (Semtokha) in the country.

After lunch you can visit Kuensel Phodrang where you will see the largest and the tallest statue of Lord Buddha ever to be built in the world. The 169-feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma symbolising indestructibility, and seated on a vajra throne in Changbangdu overlooking the capital city. It is also meant to fulfill the prophecy of bestowing blessings, universal peace and happiness to the world as a whole.

You can free in the late afternoon and you can explore Thimphu town on your own. Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Migmar

Day 6 March 7 Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the following places:
-- King's Memorial Chorten
-- Changgangkha Monastery
-- Takin reserve (Bhutan National animal)
-- Radio tower (get view of Thimphu valley)
-- School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school)
-- Folk Heritage Museum
-- Textile Museum
-- Bhutan post (see unique stamps)
-- Weaving center in Changzamtok
-- Traditional paper factory
-- Thimphu Dzong
Overnight in Thimphu. Hotel Migmar

Day 7 March 8 Thimphu to Paro and day hike Taktshang monastery
After an early breakfast you will drive you will drive to Paro. The drive is less than 2 hours. 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. Hotel Tenzinling Lodge.

Day 8 March 9 Depart Paro Bangkok