After completing immigration and customs formalities, you will be received by World Tour Plan guide and driver and transfer to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. Enroute you will visit Tacho Lhakhang. According to legend, Thangtong Gyalpo was meditating at the same location when he had a vision of the spiritual horse, Balaha, an incarnation of Chenrezig Avalokiteshvara, which inspired him to build a temple. As a result, the temple was named Tacho Lhakhang, which means "Temple of the Excellent Horse".

After checking into your hotel, you can either rest or explore the remainder of the day by vehicle and on foot. Your options include a visit to Golden Buddha which also offers an excellent 3 km hike option with sensational valley views, a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang and Simply Bhutan (The Living Museum)

This morning, visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (Closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Government holidays), the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal, viewpoint from Sangaygang, and Zulikha Nunnery. After lunch, those interested in high-quality textiles and regional art should visit the Green Weaving Center, which sells a wide range of naturally dyed goods and hosts a live weaving demonstration. You can also visit the factory that makes handmade paper (open on Saturday half days and on Sundays and closed on govt. holidays) and the weekend market, where people can purchase a variety of fresh produce, home goods, handicrafts, and clothing. Remember to stroll down Norzin Lam, the main thoroughfare in Thimphu, which has the Craft Bazaar and excellent shopping.

This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley. You will have a glimpse of the country’s oldest dzong known as Simtokha, built in 1629, the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu Valley, which today is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low-intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day, you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas, and depending on the time of the year the vista can vary from alpine snow (November – March) to a profusion of blossoms (March-May) splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees.

When the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong comes into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below which, were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, did not have access to water, electricity, or schooling until the early 1990s. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in the construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).

Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black-necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and red foxes.  

Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop and are mainly exported to India. 

While you are in Phobjikha, you will visit the Black Necked Crane Nature Information Centre and the sacred Gangtey Monastery, wander through Gangtey village, and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. There are many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley, and your guide will advise you on the best options.

After early breakfast, you can choose to drive to Pelela Pass(3423m) for Textile shopping, click pictures, and move towards Punakha.

After lunch, enjoy an orientation tour of the valley including the Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Nunnery.

If time permits, you can choose to raft either the Pho chu or the Mo chu.

You can opt to raft either Pho Chu or Mo Chu on a pay basis ($150 -$200).

Today's the day for your long-awaited rafting adventure in the heart of Bhutan. We'll be navigating the thrilling Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers near Punakha, known for their perfect rafting conditions. Our journey begins with a scenic 2-hour hike. We'll walk through charming villages, cross a suspension bridge, and eventually climb a ridge. From there, we'll descend towards the Pho Chhu river, reaching our starting point: Samdingkha. After a safety briefing and getting geared up, we'll embark on our exciting rafting expedition. The Pho Chhu offers more than just thrills; it's a unique way to experience the beauty of the region. You'll encounter Class II and IV rapids, navigating the river alongside the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress that seems to float on the converging rivers. The rafting experience varies with the seasons: summer brings higher water levels and stronger currents, while winter offers calmer, clearer waters. Throughout your journey, you'll witness the daily life of local villages, marvel at towering cliffs and lush forests, and spot exotic birds. A highlight is rafting beneath the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Our rafting adventure concludes at the River Confluence, where we'll disembark and savor the memories of this unforgettable experience.

Drive to Yabesa village after breakfast, then climb through rice fields to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which was constructed by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. The Chorten is home to Nyingmapa traditional paintings on a hill on the riverbank. Come early in the morning and then relax to collect your breath and enjoy the stunning views of the Mo Chhu Valley.

After lunch, the next attraction stretches 180m long connecting Punakha Dzong to the small villages of Shengana, Samdingkha, and Sangkha, on the other end of Pho Chhu known as Punakha Suspension Bridge. Followed by a visit to the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. 

Depart early this morning to the Paro, on the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk), which is a pleasant, easy 20-minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk.

Once again traverse Dochu La, and arrive in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants. This afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge, and Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit. one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gambo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon.

This morning, after breakfast, you can choose to do a short ninety-minute hike starting from Tshendona to Shari (or otherwise). The highlight of the hike is a view of Paro town and beautiful rice Terrance.

In the afternoon, drive to the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, a historic monument built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. Followed by a visit to the National Museum in Paro to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, and other artifacts and we recommend a wander along the main street which offers good shopping for jewelry and handicrafts. In the evening, you can choose to stroll around the Paro town.

After breakfast hike to Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro Valley floor. You can either choose to hike or take a pony to transport you halfway. The Pony service provider charges approximately $35. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress (Yeshey Tshogyal) when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days before subjugating the malicious spirits, and concealing profound treasures for the benefit of sentient beings, the monastery was later built. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former beauty. Midway, there is a cafeteria where you can stop for refreshment/lunch before returning to Paro. 

In the morning, after breakfast, our guide and driver will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward flight.