Arrival at Paro by Druk Air. The flight offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges and the geographical terrain of the Kingdom of Bhutan. If the weather is clear, one can get fantastic views of the mountains which provides an excellent opportunity for photographers to capture shots from the plane.

On arrival at Paro Airport, visa formalities will be completed and your guide will welcome you at the airport for transfer to the hotel in Thimphu. As you drive through the valleys, you will notice that clusters of quaint farmhouses embellish the beauty of Paro Valley. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, and decorative and traditionally were built without the use of a single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern.

The drive from Paro airport to Thimphu is approximately an hour’s drive. Check into the hotel, refresh, have lunch, and then start exploring.

Afternoon is an opportunity to acclimatize to the rarefied air at this altitude and to get to know your guide, who will accompany you sightseeing for the rest of the day depending on your interests and energy level.

Visit to the Memorial Chorten built in honor of the Third King of Bhutan. As the name denotes this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974, in memory of the Third King. Chorten, stupa means ‘Seat of Faith’, and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha’. Treat yourself to the extraordinary depiction of Buddhist teachings in the form of paintings and sculptures.

Visit the Textile Museum the museum has generated national and international attention and has garnered a substantial collection of antique textile artifacts, exclusive to Bhutan, the objective of setting up the museum is to promote Bhutan’s achievements in the field of textile arts both with ancient and modern architecture.

Continue down to Tashichhoedzong located just five minutes away. The Dzong is a beautiful fortress that houses the central monastic body and also a few of the Ministerial offices of the Royal Government. Walk around the stone courtyard and admire the stunning traditional architecture and art.  Pay homage to the protective deities of Bhutan whose altars are all housed in the Dzong

Drive to Buddha Point. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D. that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Walk around the farmer’s market or take a stroll through the main street to visit some handicraft stores.

Dinner and Overnight halt at hotel.

• Accomodation
  Hotel
• Meal
  Lunch and Dinner

After Breakfast Drive to the highest point of your trip to Dochula Pass (3100m). The Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the Himalayas on the road from Thimphu to Punakha in Bhutan. It is located at an altitude of 3,100 meters (10,200 ft) and is known for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. The past holds both historical and cultural significance in Bhutan.

The construction of the Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chortens, or the 108 memorial chortens, is closely linked to the military conflicts in Bhutan. The Druk Wangyal Chortens were built in honor of the Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives during a military operation against Indian insurgents in 2003. The military operation was a response to the insurgency in southern Bhutan by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and other Indian insurgent groups.

The 108 cohorts were commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. These chortens were built to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed in the operation. The number 108 is sacred in Tibetan Buddhism, and the chortens were constructed in three different sizes, representing the varying ranks of the soldiers. Each chorten is beautifully adorned and adds to the scenic beauty of the pass.

Apart from its historical significance, Dochula Pass also holds cultural importance due to the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) that was built on the pass in 2008 by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The temple is dedicated to the Fourth King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and also to the well-being of the country and its people.

The Dochula Pass has become a popular tourist destination in Bhutan due to its breathtaking views and the serene ambiance of the 108 memorial chortens and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Bhutanese soldiers and is a symbol of the country’s commitment to peace and stability.

• Return to Thimphu for lunch
• Afternoon Drive towards Paro which is an hour’s drive
• Check into the hotel and have a leisurely evening.

• Accomodation
  Hotel
• Meal
  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

• Start the day with an early breakfast and then drive towards Taktsang.

• The walk to Taksang Monastery – the Tiger’s Nest is approximately four hours up and back. The monastery is perched some up on a cliff overlooking the valley and was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. It’s a steep uphill walk-through wood, of about 1½-2hrs, to reach a tea house (an ascent of 340m/1,125ft. approx) Apart from offering welcome refreshments this tea house is one of the principal viewpoints of the monastery, and those that prefer not to climb any further can relax here whilst others have the option to continue. If there is a particular religious gathering or VIP visit in progress, you will not be able to enter the monastery but a further half an hour’s ascent is well worth it, as it brings you to another viewpoint directly across from the monastery. If you can visit, the final section of the walk takes you from here steeply down 100m/330 ft approximately into the gorge that separates you from the monastery and then climbs back up again to reach the monastery gate. You descend back to the valley floor by your outward route and drive back to the lodge.

• Return downhill and have a relaxed leisurely lunch at the hotel.

• After lunch visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) of the Rinpung Dzong, where an intriguing collection of artifacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country’s transition from the later Stone Age to the modern Mahayanist Buddhist Kingdom.

• Just a short stroll below lays the dominating Paro Dzong, built to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion. It is also known as Rinpung Dzong which means ‘the fortress of a heap of jewels. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district.

It is a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture. Built-in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong stands on a hill above Paro Township. It is linked by the traditional cantilever bridge (called the Nemi Zam) over the Pa Chu where one may pose for a photograph. Experience a walk up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls. Once inside the Dzong, you will be welcomed by the monks, architecture, and ancient frescoes.

• From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa (Bridge), a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge.
• Enroute, take a stroll in the market.
• Return to the hotel and have dinner.

• Accomodation
  Hotel

Early morning airport transfer. Tashi Delek! You have completed your “kora” or journey to Bhutan.