After breakfast today, you will embark on a sightseeing spree in Thimphu. Today’s attractions include a visit to the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and the National Textile Museum where you will get an up close and personal experience of the national art of weaving. You will also visit the Folk Heritage Museum which treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage and provides rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. You will also visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (Painting School), the art and crafts currently taught in Bhutan. You will then visit the Motithang Takin Preserve (originally, the mini zoo), a wildlife reserve area for the takin, the national animal of Bhutan. While in Motithang, you will visit the oldest temple of Bhutan, the Changangkha Lhakhang. Later, you will get an opportunity to visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, which produces paper using traditional Bhutanese methods. Overnight in Thimphu.

After an early breakfast today, you will drive over the Dochu La pass from where stunning views of the Himalayan peaks can be sighted. You will stop briefly at the pass for a hot cup of tea or coffee while savoring the fantastic views of the Himalayas. The scenic drive through the countryside to Punakha showcases a glimpse of the everyday life of the remote areas of Bhutan. In Punakha, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, the palace of great happiness, which is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu (mother) and Pho Chu (father) Rivers. The Dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal Wangchuk in 1638 AD. Punakha used to be the ancient capital of Bhutan where the first king was crowned in 1907. Overnight in Punakha.

Today’s trip begins with a drive to Chimi Lhakhang, a Buddhist monastery also called as the temple of the Drukpa Kuenley, better known as the Divine Madman renowned for blessing barren women with fertility. The monastery stands on a small hillock near Lobesa village. From here, we continue driving through the Pele La Pass to Trongsa admiring the views of Wangdue Phodrang en route. On the way, we make short visits to Chendebji Chorten, located 2 kilometers away from the Chendebji village, and the Trongsa Dzong, also known as the Cheokhor Rabdentse, which is one of the largest and the most impressive Dzongs in the whole of Bhutan. The drive to Trongsa will pass through Nobding village, dense forests of oak and blue pine trees, scattered settlements, open meadows, the valley of yak herders and several other villages. Overnight in Trongsa

Passing through Yutong La Pass, today our drive will take you to Bumthang. Just before reaching Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Center at Zugney village. After arrival and check in at Bumthang hotel, we will begin seeing places in the town beginning with a visit to Tamshing Lhakhang – literally meaning the temple of the good message. Then we will take a gentle and pleasant walk to Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery – named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche. From here, it is a short walk to the Jambey Lhakhang Temple – the temple of Maitreya which is said to be one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. During the month of October, one of the most spectacular festivals of Bhutan, Jambey Lhakhang Drup is staged here. Driving 10 minutes from here, you will arrive at Jakar Dzong – literally meaning the castle of white bird, which is located above Jakar village in the Chamkhar valley. This fortress in the present days is used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks. Overnight in Bumthang.

After breakfast at Bumthang, today we drive towards the beautiful Phobjikha valley through a high pass, forests and majestic countryside vistas. A few hours of the drive along with amazing views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges will bring you to Gangtey. At this village, we will visit the Gangtey monastery – one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries. You will also explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. While in Phobjikha valley, you will visit the Black Necked Crane Information Center that has an observatory deck equipped with a powerful telescope; it offers visitors an opportunity to spot some cranes in the distance. The information center also has a display that offers an insight into the natural and cultural history of the valley. Overnight in Gangtey.

Today, we drive back to Paro on an approximately 7 hours drive via Wangdue Phodrang. On your way back, you will visit the Simtokha Dzong – a small fortress roughly translating to the Palace of the profound meaning of secret mantras. It was officially known as the Sangak Zabhon Phodrang built in 1629 by the legendary Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Back in Paro, you will visit the Ta Dzong- the national museum which is a medieval watchtower situated above the Paro Dzong. You will also visit the Paro Dzong or the Rinpung Dzong – the most iconic fortress of Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

After a hefty breakfast, you will drive to the starting point of a fascinating hike to Taktshang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Taktshang is one of the most popular monasteries of Bhutan, and it is perched on a side of a cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley. Returning back after the fabulous hike en route your hotel, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang; the Jowo Temple built by the Tibetan Emperor during the 7th century and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

Today is the day your wonderful holidays in Bhutan has come to an end, and you will be flying back home with ample memories of the experiences you had in the tiny Himalayan kingdom. A representative from AID Journeys Team will escort you to the airport well ahead of your scheduled flight for your onward journey. With plenty of time onboard, you may plan your next trip in the Himalayan realms of Bhutan or Nepal.