Met upon arrival at Paro airport. Drive to Thimphu for two hours. Enroute we will be passing through the confluence of two rivers that have on their banks, three small chortens, each built in Nepali, Bhutani, and Tibetan style. After lunch, we begin our walking tour of Thimphu including a late afternoon visit to Memorial Chorten which provides spectacular opportunity to photograph devotees spinning the prayer wheels as well as doing the kora around the memorial stupa. This National Memorial Chorten was created by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy

Full day sightseeing of Thimphu including another early morning visit to Memorial Stupa. We will visit The National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion; The Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; The Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. These museums provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life; Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture. If you like, we could organize a 2 hour hiking trip also here.

After breakfast depart for Punakha. En-route cross Dachu La (10,000 feet). On a clear day, good views of the snow clad peaks can be seen from here. On the way down, a short hike to Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Later visit Punakha Dzong.

After breakfast drive to Gangtey (Phobjika) via Wandduephodrang. Visit Majestic Wandue Dzong. Further drive to Gangtey, through dense forests and oak, rhododendron trees. We will be crossing the Pele La pass. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. The birds start arriving here from Nov onwards. On arrival, check in at the hotel.

After breakfast visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Also visit the Black Neck Crane information center as well as take a walk to visit the various villages in this pretty valley. Evening take a walk around Gangtey village.

After breakfast return drive to Paro. On arrival, check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang which is one of the oldest and most sacred shrine of the Kingdom. Later stroll in Paro town which is a small charming two lane town. If lucky, you could catch the national sports of Bhutan, Archery being practiced here.

After breakfast drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari,

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Kathmandu.