You will be received by our representative once you arrive at Paro International Airport. Then drive to Thimphu. En route, we visit the historical iron bridge over Paro chu which is one of the eight still existing in Bhutan. It was originally constructed by Thangtong Gyalpo from Tibet who built 108 bridges altogether in his life. Just after, we perceive Bhutanese, Nepalese and Tibetan style three different Chortens on the confluent of Paro chu and Thimphu chu. Afternoon, visit Dordenma, a gigantic gold-plated bronze statue of Buddha built and transported from China. We pray for some moment and offer some incenses to Buddha. Next stop, National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 as a memorial to third king Jigme Dorje Wangchok. The chorten is always occupied by devotees. We do a small prayer and circumambulate the chorten. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we start our journey from Changangkha Lhakhang (built in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo who came from Tibet). Traditionally this temple is highly visited by parents with their children to get auspicious names for their newborns and blessing for children from the protector deity Tamdrin. We can have a small ritual ceremony in the temple, consult an astrologer, and hang appropriate prayer flags according to our birth dates for protection. Then we go to National Institute of Traditional Medicine that gives details of traditional medicine made from herbs, minerals and animal parts. If you desire you can have a consultation too. Next, we move to National Institute for Zorig Chusum which offers courses on the 13 different traditional arts of Bhutan. Later we visit the National library where a large number of manuscripts have been collected. This library is also known for housing the world’s largest published books. Afternoon, we visit Tashichho Dzong, originally built in the 13th century on the bank of Wang Chu, where the coronation ceremony of 5th king was held in 2008. It also hosts the biggest Tsechu of the city. On the way to the hotel, we stroll around town by foot. Overnight in Thimphu.

Today we drive approximately 4 hours to reach Phobjika valley. On the way, we stop at Dachula pass to see 108 memorial chortens (Druk Wangyal Chorten) constructed by Queen mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchok. Then we continue onwards to Phobjika valley, crossing the pass Lowa La (3360m). On arrival we visit Gangtey Gompa that was built in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa who prophesied the construction of Gompa named Gang-Teng (hilltop) in this site. The lama of this monastery will give us some Buddhist teaching and we can do our meditation with him. Then we go on to visit 14th century Neylung Dechenling chapel. It will be possible to have a look at some significant relics and get a blessing with old thanka that was hand printed by Longchenpa with his own blood from the nose. Overnight in Phobjhika valley.

Our drive to Paro for today will take approximately 4 and half hours. Upon arrival in Paro we visit Rinchen Pung Dzong also called Paro Dzong. This Dzong is dated to 17th century, constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. It was used as a meeting hall for the National Assembly, but today it houses both the monastic body and district government offices including the local courts. Then we visit Dumtse Lhakhang which was built in 1433 by Thangtong Gyalpo. The architecture of the upper part of this temple is in the form of chorten. Next, we visit Pena Lhakhang. It is believed that the temple was founded by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we drive 10km away from Paro town and after a 2 hours hike, we reach Taktsang Gompa. This monastery is the most famous religious site in Bhutan. The temple complex is first built in 1692 and it is said that Guru Padmasamvaba meditated here in the 8th century. People believe that the monastery is held by the hairs of Khandroma dakini (a female celestial being). Then on our way back to Paro, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang. This is one of the oldest temples of Bhutan dated back to the 7th century founded by king of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo. In the inner hall of Jowo Lhankhang (one of the temples of Kyichu Lhakhang), it retains a great treasure, a 7th century statue of Jowo Shakyamuni. Evening promenade in town. Overnight in Paro.