• 5 days and three of the most important towns of Bhutan... the historic 'gateway' protecting Bhutan from invading armies - Paro; the 'cosmopolitan' Capital - Thimphu; and, the religious heartland of the Chief abbot - Punakha.•

On arrival in Paro you will be met by our representative and transferred to the Hotel Tiger Nest resort, set in pine trees in direct view of the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas (Tiger's Nest). Paro is set within a beautiful valley, through which you will have flown as you landed at Paro airport (currently the only airport in Bhutan). The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7300m) situated to the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu, the river that flows through the town.
Meals: (Lunch/Dinner)

Today you will visit the fortified tower of Ta Dzong, now a natural history museum - one of the finest in Asia and the cantilver bridge that leads up to it is an excellent spot for a photo. Then drive towards the northern part of the Paro valley to view the impressive Drugyal Dzong ruins, perched on a hill, that once resisted the invading forces from Tibet. Built in 1649 the the Dzong was said to havoused the armoury in the country. Check out the intriguing pictures on the walls of the village houses as you approach the ruins. On the way back stop to view the famous Taktsang retreat (the Tiger's Nest) nestled on a cliff.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

After breakfast you will be driven to Thimphu.The drive takes just over an hour and the road follows the valley with some spectacular scenery en route. On arrival transfer to the hotel.

Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimpu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimpu valley. Since the 1950's it has been the seat of the Royal (and now parlimentary) government and is home to several foreign missions and development organisations. It also has Bhutan's only golf course; a nine-hole circuit situated next to the magnificent Dzong.

Sightseeing of Thimphu; visit the hospital for traditional medicine, the Thimphu general post office- Bhutan stamps that are world famous can be all seen here; visit the king's memorial Chorten - built in memory of the late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk-the father of modern Bhutan. After lunch visit the handicrafts centre. We also highly recommend a visit to the Folk History Museum. Founded by Her Majesty the Queens Mother Ashi Dorj Wangamo Wangchuck, the museum is a fascinating look at the life of a genteel family in the Thimpu valley several centuries ago.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Drive on the mountain route towards the former capital of Bhutan passing through the Dochu la pass (alt.10,000 feet); en route enjoy the stunning scenery of the Himalayan ranges. Descend to Punakha, visit the Dzong that today houses the most sacred relic of the Druk-pa Kagupa sect of Buddhism- that is the state religion of Bhutan; tour the small town of Punakha. After lunch drive to view Wangdiphodrang Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan; return drive to Paro, via the Simtokha Dzong the oldest in Bhutan- now a learning institute in the traditional culture.

Meals: (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Your day is at leisure until your departure. Relax and enjoy the spectacular view of the valley or explore the town centre, dominated by shops and houses, all built to traditional Bhutan design.

You will be transferred to Paro airport for your exit flight

Meals: (Breakfast)