Day 1 : ARRIVAL PARO - THIMPHU (55 km – 1.5 hrs) The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. Flying through the mountain range, the flight offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. The first gift you will receive from Bhutan upon disembarking the plane is the clean fresh smell of the mountain air. Upon arrival in Paro airport, a representative will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The 68-kilometre drive will follow Paro Chhu (Paro River) and Wang Chhu (Thimphu River). Make a stop at the confluence of these two rivers at Chuzom, which is adorned with three different style stupas, Tibetan, Nepali and Bhutanese. Arrive at Thimphu and check in to the hotel. Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mix of modern development and ancient traditions. With a population of approximately 90,000 people, it is perhaps the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights! Later, take a short walk to the Thimphu Craft Bazaar. All the articles sold here are genuine and, therefore, contribute to the promotion, protection and preservation of the country’s traditional arts. Overnight in Thimpu. Day 2 : THIMPU Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Today we will spend the entire day visiting sites in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. In the morning, visit the National Library which houses a large collection of invaluable Buddhist manuscripts. Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the ‘Painting School’, where you can observe students learning Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Then visit the Textile Museum where different exhibitions will introduce you to weaving techniques and traditional styles of local dress and textiles. Finish the morning tour with a visit to the Bhutan Museum, a living museum and a unique project that aims to safeguard the conservation of Bhutan culture and tradition which are under threat by modernisation. In the afternoon, visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for the takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Legend says that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kunley, and that it can be only found in Bhutan and the surrounding areas. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious centre of the country, the monarch's throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo, the senior religious hierarch of Bhutan. After the tour enjoy some free time in the city centre before enjoying dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Thimpu. Day 3 : THIMPU – PUNAKHA (75km - 3 hrs) Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Dochu La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass marked with a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. The pass offers spectacular views over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Continue the drive to Punakha and, upon arrival, check in to the hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, a spectacular dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. It was the seat of government until the mid-1950s and is the current winter residence of the official monk body. The Dzong is open for visitors during the Punakha Festival and during the summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu. Visit Chimi Lakhang monastery, known as the temple of fertility. This monastery is the pilgrimage site for thousands of couples hoping to conceive, as it is believed that all those who pray here will be blessed with a child soon after. We will reach the monastery via a walking tour of the surrounding rice paddies and villages. The tour will take you through the small settlement of Pana, which will give you a unique insight into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight in Punakha. Day 4 : PUNAKHA - PARO (125kms - 4 hrs) After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Paro passing over the Dochu La Pass and and visit Drugyel dzong, Ta-Dzong and explore local culture and history. Overnight in Paro. Day 5 : DEPART PARO After breakfast tour finish with transfer to the airport