Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines:

Paro Altitude: 2400m. Paro is a town and seat of Paro district in Bhutan. It is also the home to the only international airport in the country.

The flight to Paro is considered one of the most spectacular flight experiences in the world.  While flying in and out of Bhutan, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsrim Gang. You will be received by representative of Rainbow Tour & Trek and transferred to your hotel.

Drive to Thimphu (65kms/1hr)  and visit the following places:

Thimphu Altitude: 2320m. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas with a polulation of about 100,000 people.  It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. All houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

- Memorial Chorten: Memorial Chorten. This stupa was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme  Dorji Wangchuck. This religious structure is circumambulated only in a clockwise direction (reciting prayers and whirling the large red prayer wheels).

- Buddha Point – In the afternoon visit the world’s largest sitting Buddha, an immense statue housing a monastery and visitors center. Enjoy a stunning view of Thimphu city from this point. 

- National Takin Reserve: is where a herd of Bhutan’s national animals reside. Legend has it that the takin is a cross between a goat and a buffalo, but biologists agree that its nearest relative is the arctic musk ox. This bizarre beast looks as if it was assembled from parts of several animals and vaguely resembles an American bison tinged in golden fur. Male takins have been known to hide by lying spread-eagle on the ground. Enjoy another spectacular view of Thimphu from this point. 

Evening: Explore Thimphu town / Handicrafts Bazaar / Weekend Market

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2: Thimphu –  Punakha (77kms/3hrs)

Punakha Altitude:  1300m/4265ft. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan during the time of Zhabdrun Ngawanf Namkgya, the founder of Bhutan. Today it is the administrative and religious center of the district and  the winter home of Bhutan’s Central Monk Body.

Start your morning by enjoying and taking pictures of the Dorchula Pass (3150m/10,000ft) with its panoramic views of the Himalayas. The pass is decorated with 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten, which were built to celebrate the stability and progress, brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King.

Dochula Pass

Visit the following places in Punakha:

- Chimmi Lhakhang: take a short hike through the rice field to Chimmi Lhakhang, the 15th-century monastery built by Lam Ngawang Chogyal on the spot where his cousin Lam Drukpa Kuenley (popularly known as “the Divine Madman”) subdued a powerful demon.  This monastery is also referred to as the “Abode of Fertility” and believed that any couple who gets blessing from this temple is blessed with a child in the next year or so.

- Punakha’s Dzong: The name means Palace of Great Bliss. This dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land where two rivers (Pho chu and Mo chu) meet. Punakha Dzong has special significance in Bhutanese history as the place where Bhutan's first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907.  It is also the winter residence for the Je Khenpo (spiritual leader) and the entire central monk body.

- Suspension bridge: Hike across this bride. This is an exciting bridge for photography enthusiasts

Overnight in Punakha 

Day 3: Punakha - Paro (137kms/4-5hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Paro and visit the following places:  

- National Museum - Ta- Dzong (the watchtower) was built in the 17th century to guard the Paro Rimpong dzong (fortress) below.  It was said that the future first king was kept in this tower as a prisoner for a week. It was the third king who restored the Ta-dzong and converted it into the National Museum.  The visit to the museum will familiarize you with the Bhutanese way of life and will also acquaint you with the natural and cultural history.

- Rimpong Dzong - Regal and imposing, dzongs are arguably among the most distinctive and important structures in Bhutan. This dzong is the headquarters of the Paro district, housing the head administrator and staff, as well as a the monastic body with about 200 monks. From the dzong, hike down to the bridge and then take a short drive for an opportunity to explore the town of Paro.

- Kyichu Lhakhang: It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.

Farm House: visit a local farm house for an experience the authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and local hospitality. Enjoy a meal with the family here in a typical Bhutanese manner.

Overnight in Paro 

Day 4: Paro – Hike to Taktshang, Tiger’s Nest (3-4hrs)

Bhutan’s most scenic icon or the most important landmark, Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley. The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, founder of the tantric form of Buddhism in Himalayan countries, in the 8th century.  It was said that he meditated there for about three months.  The original temple was built in the 17th century, but tragically, it was consumed by fire in 1998.  Like a phoenix, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory in 2003.  Takshang is considered to be the 10th-holiest site in the Buddhist world. You can visit three different temples inside the main Takshang complex. Riding Ponies provided upon request. 

- Drugyal Dzong: Drukgyel Dzong : This Dzong, which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, this point offers bird eye view of the Mt. Chomolhari (7329m). Explore the village just below the dzong and get a feel of rural Bhutan

Evening: Free to relax at the hotel or explore the neighboring villages.

Overnight in Paro 

Day 5: Departure

After breakfast transfer to the airport for departure