Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival be greeted by your local guide and escorted to the capital Thimphu. En route pass by Tamchog Lhakang Iron Bridge. Afternoon starts with National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the 3rd king and people’s favorite spot to circumambulate and pray. Then visit the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue and Takin Sanctuary which shows you Bhutan’s unique national animal takin. Next have a close encounter with the nuns at Zilukha Nunnery and ends at Thimphu Dzong (TrashichhoDzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu and the seat of the central administrative center (open after 5 pm, Monday to Friday).

After breakfast drive towards the base of Phajoding (Altitudes:  3500 meters, Elevation Gain: 1000meters). Phajoding takes its name from the saint PhajoDrugomZhigpo, who meditated there in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the most sacred meditational sites in Bhutan. The trek to Phajoding is an uphill climb through forested area of blue pine, fir and spruce. Bhutan is the least deforested country in the world, covered with 70% virgin blue pine forest. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about approx. 04 hours. Phajoding provides an excellent view of Thimphu Valley and is also a retreat center for monks and nuns. You can visit some ancient monasteries and commune with the monks. Later by evening, you walk down the trail back to the city.

After early breakfast drive to paro for your challenging hike to Chumbu.The walk to the monastery brings you along the river through an enchanting forest until reaching a chorten. The last incline up to the temple, located at 2800-2900 meters (9350 feet) is fairly steep. As you walk through the forest you might spot birds such as magpie, jungle cock and pheasant. The highlight of a visit to Chumbu is the statue of the floating Buddha, Dorji Phangmo (Vajira Yogini). This statue is said to be miraculously floating in the air. At a first glance, you might think that the statue is standing on the ground, however if you get a flash light and a piece of paper, you will experience that you can easily slide the piece of paper between the firm ground and the Buddha’s foot. The temple ground is a serene place for a picnic lunch before exploring the small waterfall above the temple. The five minute walk to the waterfall is steep and can be very muddy. It is most common to follow the same route down, however an alternative route exists which takes you past another beautiful water fall and numerous caves. However, this route is very steep and risky at times, and somewhat difficult as you have to navigate across wet areas.  Chumbo Monastery is a 15th century temple founded by Terton (treasurer discoverer) Drugda Dorji. Due to its unique statue, it is a very popular pilgrimage site. There are many miraculous marks of high religious significance that can be seen on the way to the temple.

Today we drive early to Ramthangkha to hike up to Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest) Altitudes: 3140 meters. The hike up to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour approximately. At the viewpoint enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. After lunch at the cafe walk back to the road point where your car will pick you up and then drive back to Paro. On your way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century.Later pay a visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum and proceed to Paro Dzong, also known as RinpungDzong, this 15th century massive fortress/monastery, is also the administrative center of the Dzonkhag, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture