Royal Bhutan

After breakfast you will be transferred to the following places. Simply Bhutan - A Living Museum [Entry fee of 1000/- per person] – Simply Bhutan is a living museum which gives the  tourists a taste of Bhutanese lifestyle. You get to dress up, distill arak, try your hand at archery – in short everything that  the natives do. The museum has an inspiring program of engaging Bhutanese youth in the preservation of local culture,  one of the four tenets of Gross Happiness Product that the Wangchuks and Bhutan itself has come to embody Kuensel Phodrang-Buddha Point – The statue was cast in bronze in China and transported by sea and road to this site  once occupied by the palace of Druk Desi, a secular ruler of Bhutan in the eighteenth-century. At its completion, the  statue will contain 125,000 gilded Buddha statues and a wealth of other statuary. Royal Textile Academy & Museum - Intricately patterned wild silk kiras from Lhuentse hang alongside rough nettle fiber  cloth from Zhemgang in Bhutan's excellent Royal Textile Academy. The museum, housed in an impressive modern  building, celebrates the country's vibrant and varied tradition of hand weaving. From the towering applique thangka  that overlooks the entrance hall and the sumptuous garments on display in the Royal Gallery to mannequins dressed in   simple herders' clothing from Laya, the museum offers an unparalleled chance to learn about and appreciate this unique  aspect of Bhutanese culture. Handicrafts Market – An interesting market with local items and bargain price handicraft goods. Folk Heritage Museum [Entry fee of 300/- per person] - The Folk Heritage Museum, located on the outskirts of  Thimphu, recreates a traditional Bhutanese family home inside a beautiful 19th century rammed earth and timber  building. Here, the family's prized possessions are on display: shiny wooden bowls line the kitchen shelves, richly  patterned fabrics hang alongside aged leopard fur bags in the room next door, and gold glints from thangkas hang in the  family's altar room.  Later proceed to visit TashichoeDzong (outer view) (Fortress of Glorious Religion) [Entry fee of 500/- per person - if  guests want to enter inside] Takin Reserve & Mini Zoo [Entry fee of 300/- per person] - Add to Wish List Hidden in a fold of the forest-draped hills  high above Thimphu, a herd of takin make their home in the Motithang Takin Preserve. Formerly a small zoo, the king  decreed that the animals should be freed rather than kept in captivity. However, instead of wandering deeper into the  hills, the tame takin took to the streets of Thimphu, where they became a traffic hazard as they foraged for food. Later, drive to Sangaygang view point (2685 meters) to have a view of the whole Thimphu valley and walk through  hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the valley. Later, return to the hotel. Overnight at a hotel  in Thimphu

En-route visit DochuLa - A mountain pass leading further into the Punakha Valley. It offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with  snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Later visit below places Punakha Dzong [Entry fee of 500/- per person] : Also known as "the palace of great happiness", Punakha Dzong is  located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. This  Dzong is the most picturesque of all Bhutan ancient fortresses and it joins the mainland by an arched wooden bridge  that contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reigned the Kingdom from this Punakha valley.  Suspension Bridge - This hidden treasure in the Punakha Valley connects the rest of the valley to the old administrative  center of Punakha Dzongkhag. The whole deck is covered with prayer flags and provides a perfect spot for bird watching  and photography. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha You may do the river rafting at an optional cost [Approx. cost INR 8,000/- to 10,000/- per boat - Capacity: 08 pax in 01  boat]  

After breakfast, check out of the hotel & proceed to Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Chimi Lhakhang [Entry fee of 500/- per person] - Stationed at the top of a hillock, the Chimi Lhakhang is a site dedicated  to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Known as the 'Divine Madman,' Lama Drukpa Kuenley is said to use songs, humor, and  outrageous behavior to preach his teachings. Chimi Lhakhang temple is believed to be the temple of fertility, and the  Bhutanese hold a strong belief that childless couples are blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley if they visit the temple and  pray for a child. The road to the temple follows a picturesque rural trail through the paddy field that takes visitors to the  temple from the road, and after crossing the paddy field, you will find a tiny stream from where Chimi Lhakhang is just a  short climb away. Later drive back to Paro, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and ParoChhu river valleys,  before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. Later in the day after checking into the hotel,  rest day will be at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.  

Tiger nest hiking [Entry fee of 1000/- per person - if guests want to enter inside the monastery] - After  breakfast proceed for Taktsang Monastery - 'World Heritage site' trekking. It requires a 3 hours hike to reach  the Monastery and 2 hours to come down to the base point. Ponies are available for hire till the cafeteria while  going. Or You may do the below local sightseeing at Paro Paro Airport View: This is one of the most stunning airports in the World and also the country’s first and only  international airport. With a breathtaking view, this airport became a must-visit place in Paro. National Museum of Bhutan: An ancient watchtower that now displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts  and artwork including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry, and handcrafted implements for daily life. The  collections represent the rich cultural traditions of the country. Ta Dzong [Entry fee of 500/- per person], originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National  Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household  objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit RinpungDzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and  fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating  Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount.  Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Later visit Paro Market to buy souvenirs for your family & friends. You may do the photo session with  the Bhutanese traditional attire at the river bank of Paro at your own cost. Overnight at a hotel in Paro. 

After breakfast transfer to the airport. Our escort will bid you farewell.