Bhutan- Thimphu Punakha

After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist Manuscripts, and the painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).

View Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government of Bhutan, houses the secretariat the throne room, his majesty secretariat, ministry of home and cultural affairs and the ministry of finance. Later we drive to the traditional medicine institute where medicines are prepared as they did during ancient time. Overnight in hotel.

After a relaxed breakfast drive to Punakha. Take a photo of an aerial view of Semtokha Dzong – built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Today it houses institute for language and cultural studies. Enroute visit the Dochula Pass at 10,300 feet. On a clear sky one can see the Himalayas from here. Bhutan is all about its beautiful landscape, the majestcic Himalayas which one can actually see on its many bends as you drive past valleys, through lush green mountains and scintillating waterfalls. The scenery is truly awesome. It is actually paradise on earth and the drive makes every moment a memorable one. Check in and overnight in hotel.

After breakfast leave for Haa valley. Arrive and check in to hotel. The Haa Wangchuklo Dzong built in 1915 after the Dumchog Dzong was razed to the ground by fire is worth visiting. The other place of interest which involves some walking includes the hike to the 8th century Juneydrag, Katsho Goempa, Drana Trashidingkhag, Yangto Goempa, Jamtoe Goempa, Shelkardrag, Takchu Goempa and Haa Goempa. The valley is also unparalleled in Bhutan in terms of the diversity of the folk culture, legends and shamanistic rituals. The shamanistic traditions is vividly practiced in almost all the communities, most notable of which is the annual ceremony to honour Ap Chundu, the guardian deity of the valley. The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and travelling there is a very rewarding experience. The drive to Haa valley crosses 3988m Chele-la pass, from where one can have a superb views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. It is also an ideal place to take short walk, enjoying panoramic vi

After breakfast leave for Paro. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, visit the National Museum housed in the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1656 and served as the watch tower in the past. View Paro Dzong, also called the Rinchen Phug Dzong, which means fortress on a heap of jewels. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive and well-known Dzongs of Bhutan and was built in 1644. and view Drukgyel Dzong, 14 kilometres from the Paro town also known as the fortress of victory Drukgyel Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. Enroute to Drukgyel you can view the Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff about 900 metres above the valley floor. legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century flew to a cave in Taktshang spot on a tigress and mediated for three months, while returning visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to Paro Airport.

Depart for Bagdogra Airport with fun filled memories.