Meals On Board/Lunch/Indian Dinner

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Proceed to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, where you can catch a panoramic view of Thimphu Valley and admire the 169-foot-tall bronze Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest statue in the country. Proceed to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built to honour the late 3rd King Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the Centenary Farmer’s Market, a weekend market famous for its agricultural products. Next, visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the King of Bhutan. 

Breakfast/Thai Lunch/Dinner

In the morning, stop at the local post office, where you can get personalised stamps at your own expense. Continue to a weaving centre that produces handwoven textiles and watch skilled weavers at work. Next, visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum whose primary aim is to conserve the culture and customs of traditional Bhutanese life. Visitors get to taste a local rice wine, or ara, and try out archery, Bhutan’s National Sport, during their visit. Thereafter, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, which was built in the 12th century and is the oldest temple in Thimphu. Proceed to enjoy an afternoon tea with handmade cookies at Amankora Resort, followed by a visit to an authentic Bhutanese craft bazaar and the bustling Norzin Lam, where you can purchase handicrafts, garments and accessories at your own expense.

Seasonal Bonus
Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum during the Bhutanese school term between April and mid December. Glimpse apprentices honing their skills and knowledge in 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. 

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Depart Thimphu and continue to Punakha. Cross Dochula Pass and visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a construction of 108 chortens commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas if the weather is clear. Along the way, stop at Sopsokha Village and stroll through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Thereafter, visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Stop to take photos at the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, before staying overnight in your hotel. 

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

This morning, make your way back to Paro, home to many old Bhutanese monasteries. Visit a Bhutanese heritage farmhouse to learn more about traditional Bhutanese living through the various historical and religious artefacts displayed. Thereafter, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan. End your day with a visit to Drugyel Dzong, the victory fortress built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian warlord Gushri Khan in 1644.  

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Embark on a scenic drive up to Chelela Pass, the highest pass in Bhutan at 3,988 metres above sea level, to glimpse the Paro Valley on one side and Haa Valley on the other. Next, visit Ta Dzong, which houses a fascinating collection of costumes, art, religious paintings, relics, national stamps and handicrafts. Thereafter, visit Rinpung Dzong; built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders, it now serves as an administration centre, a school for monks and the venue for the annual spring festival. 
 
 

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Lhakhang, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The monastery clings precariously to a granite cliff 800 metres above the Paro Valley. Legend has it that the great Guru Rinpoche flew to this spot on the back of a tigress. The monastery was built in 1692 at a cave in which the guru meditated in the 7th century. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to enjoy a relaxing hot stone bath or head to Paro’s main street to pick up some souvenirs at your own expense.

Note
Please wear comfortable walking shoes for your hike to Taktsang Lhakhang. The hike is not recommended for pregnant women and travellers with pre-existing health conditions. 
 

Breakfast/Meals On Board

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home.