BHUTAN - GLIMPSES OF BHUTAN (08 DAYS)
Places covered : Paro - Thimphu - Wangdue - Trongsa - Gangtey - Punakha - Paro

Highlights of Glimpses of Bhutan
Thimphu : School of Fine Arts , Zandog Pelri , Changgangkha temples, King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong.
Trongsa : Ta Dzong , Trongsa Dzong .
Gangtey : Gangtey valley , Nyingmapa.
Punakha : Punakha Dzong , Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk , Simthoka Dzong.
Wangdue : Dochu La Pass , Wangdue valley , Wangdue Dzong , Chendebji Chorten.
Itinerary:
Day 01. ARRIVE PARO AND PROCEED TO THIMPHU
During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest , Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan . On arrival at Paro our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall and escort you to Thimphu . The drive to Thimphu from Paro is approx. 2 hours and covers a distance of nearly 41 miles. Check in at the hotel and proceed for lunch. Post lunch visit National Library (ancient Buddhist manuscripts) School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts) Royal Dance Academy Handmade Paper Studio.
Stay overnight in Thimphu .
Day 02. IN THIMPHU .
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Thimphu, visiting the National Library (ancient Buddhist manuscripts) School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts) Royal Dance Academy handmade paper studio Zangto Pelri and Changgangkha temples Drubthrob nunnery Folk and Textile Museums King's Memorial Chorten Tashichhodzong, site of the Dragon Throne and main monastery of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Handicraft Center and a scenic drive above the valley to see the small Takin zoo. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Stay overnight in Thimphu .
 Day 03. THIMPHU TO WANGDIPHODRANG
After an early breakfast take the scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former Capital of Bhutan passing through Dochu La Pass (Alt. 10,000 ft). On a clear day one can view stunning scenery of Himalayan ranges. Descend to Wangdue valley and visit the Wangdue Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan . Later in the evening walk around the local market .
Stay overnight in Wangdue.
Day 04. WANGDUE - TRONGSA
This morning after breakfast drive to Trongsa via Pele La pass, stopping at Chendebji Chorten (17th Century Nepalese style Chorten). A magnificent view of Trongsa Dzong can be seen from here even before we reach there.
In the afternoon enjoy the sightseeing of Trongsa Dzong which is the largest in Bhutan . Like other dzongs it was built for the protection of the surrounding district, and also serves as the District Administrative and Religious Centre.
Stay overnight in Trongsa.
Day 05. TRONGSA - GANGTEY - PUNAKHA
After breakfast visit the remote and beautiful Gangtey valley, site of the only Nyingmapa (Old Sect) monastery west of the Black Mountains . After lunch, return to the National Highway and drive back to Punakha. Later in the afternoon visit the Phunakha Dzong.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Day 06. PUNAKHA - PARO.
This morning after breakfast drive on to Paro via Thimphu enroute visiting the 108 stupas dedicated to His Majesty the King by her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. After lunch drive further to Paro via Simthoka Dzong, the oldest in Bhutan . Arrive Paro and check in at the hotel.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 07. IN PARO
Breakfast at the hotel. The highlight of this day will be a hike to Taktsang retreat at Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest). This is about 3 hrs walk uphill and can also be done on horseback. Lunch will be served enroute. Return downhill on foot. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro includes a visit to the northern part of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north visit the famous Kyichu Lhakhang - one of 108 sacred Lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gompa of Tibet . Visit the district Dzong called Rinpung Dzong - Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels , which is now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 08. LEAVE PARO

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport in time to connect to the flight for onward destination.