THIMPHU
Thimphu lies in a beautiful, wooded valley, sprawling up a hillside on the bank of the Thimphu Chhu river, and it is the only world capital without traffic lights. Despite recent development, Thimphu retains its charming, medieval feel thanks to its brightly painted, elaborately decorated facades.. The capital's most striking visual landmark is the magnificent Tashichho dzong, which is the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body.

PARO
At 7,382 ft Paro is the site of Bhutan's only airport and is the most beautiful western valley. Besides the colourful spring tsechu, Paro has a number of sights and monuments to enthrall the visitor. The pastoral beauty of Paro valley, magnificent views of Mount Jhomolhari, the incredible monastery of Taktsang which clings to a sheer rock cliff, the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drupas) and the National Museum, housed in an ancient watchtower, are a few of the attractions that make Paro one of the high-points of any holiday in Bhutan.

PUNAKHA
At 4,300 ft Punakha with its sub-tropical climate is Bhutan's ancient capital and winter seat of the Central Monastic Body. The unique Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of the Mo chu and Pho chu river.

BUMTHANG
Undulating and verdant valleys of Bumthang are known for their beauty, temples and palaces of historical significance. Bumthang offers some of the best treks in Bhutan.

WANGDUEPHOLDRANG
At 4,300 ft Wangduephodrang is distinguished primarily by its dzong, which completely covers the spur of a hill and commands excellent views of both the east-west and north-south routes.

GANTEY / PHOBJIKHA
A broad glacial valley (10,000 ft) on the flanks of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha with gently sloping hillsides encloses a space of astonishing beauty described as "the most beautiful valley in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas". Every winter, the rare and beautiful black-necked cranes return from Tibet to the Gantey valley where they are protected.

TRASHIGANG
At 3,773 ft Trashigang is the biggest urban centre in eastern Bhutan. Trashigang is known for its woodwork and fine weaving.

TRONGSA
Ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty and site of Bhutan's most impressive fortress, Trongsa is a strategically located town on the east-west route. The sprawling dzong is built on a spur and the view of the Mangde river valley extends for many kilometers.

LAYA AND LINGSHI
In the far north of western Bhutan, lies this region of high pastures (up to 16,000 ft), glaciated valleys, colourful semi-nomadic yak herders in their conical bamboo hats, hot springs, and snow covered Himalayan peaks, This region is also camping country - the trekking trial takes you through alpine meadows and picturesque mountain hamlets. You may also, if you're lucky, see the elusive snow leopard and the rare blue sheep

Day 02: Half day complimentary sight seeing tour of Kathmandu and preparation for trekking. (B)

Day 03: Arrival – Paro
The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Mt kanchanjunga, Mt Chomolhari etc., taking you right into the dragon kingdom's airstrip at Paro. On arrival you will be greeted and transferred through the beautiful paro valley to hotel. Dinner & overnight stay at hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Paro - Thimpu
Morning, scenic drive to Thimpu (2 hr). Transfer to hotel. In afternoon, visit the memorial chorten of the late king jigme dorji wangchuck in the heart of Thimpu, Tashicho dzong (the fortress of the auspicious religion, presently govt. secretariat building). Overnight, stay at hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 05: Paro
Morning drive back to Paro (2 hrs). Check in to hotel followed by sightseeing. Visit to the ruins of Drukgyal dzong (18 km.). On a clear day, the 24,000 ft. white-domed peak of sacred chomolhari (mountain of goddess) looms overhead. After lunch at the hotel, visit ta dzong, the national museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Overnight at hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 06: excursion to Taktsang lhakang.
AM: after breakfast drive to sartsham chorten and then two hours of horse riding uphill will take you to the taktsang monastery. After refreshments, a short trek to the view point to witness a fascinating eye-level view of the famous taktsang lhakhang also known as the tigers' nest. PM: after lunch a slow downhill trek to sartsham chorten and then drive to hotel. - Overnight hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 07: paro - departure
After an early breakfast, drive to airport for flight to Kathmandu. (B)

Day 08: Kathmandu- free day for shopping and sightseeing. (B)

Day 09: Flight back home. (B)

Day 02: Paro
Am: visit the old for ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong (castle) which offers a very scenic drove of a typical Bhutanese landscape. On a clear day, the Mt Chomolhari (7314 m), the sacred summit can be seen reaching skywards beyond the Dzong. On the way back, visit Ta dzong, the national museum housed in the ancient watch tower build in around 1651.
PM: after lunch, scenic drive to Thimpu (65 km/2 hrs) and visit memorial Chorten, school for painting & medicine, the national library and Bhutanese handicraft center - overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu - Paro
AM: visit Tashicho dzong (presently govt. secretariat building which requires special permit for the visit). After this, visit Bhutanese cottage industry for local paper production.
PM: after lunch, drive back to paro (2 hrs) and visit kichu lakhang (the oldest monastery in Bhutan) - overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Paro - departure
After early breakfast, drive to airport for departure flight to your onward destination.