In the afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses, to the Dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.

Evening: Tea at the hotel and drive for 1 hour (55 km) to reach the capital city of Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

Our full day sightseeing tour starts by visiting the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952~1972. That will be followed by tour of the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Then we visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). You can also visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts.

Lunch at the Hotel [Afternoon] and visit Simtokha Dzong. This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D. by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It also houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5 km. from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Narngyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shahdrung.

Overnight: Hotel

After an early breakfast, drives to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, halt at Dochula for a hot cup of teal coffee and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Hirnalayan mountain ranges.

Visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative scat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, uncaring male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 km away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D.

Overnight stay can be arranged either at Punakha or Wangdue.
Overnight: Hotel

Today, we drive back to Paro making ocassional stop on the way to watch scenery and take photographs. Lunch stop at Dochula.

Overnight: Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Taktsang - 10km from Paro town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 mtrs. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.

Evening: Casual stroll through Paro Town for shopping and visit some village homes.