Bhutan Excursion 8 days

Breakfast in morning then we will visit the perfectly symmetrical Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Also will be visiting the Ta Dzong - situated on the hill side, is the castle-shaped, one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th Century, now holds the National Museum. Later in the day we will be taken on an excursion tour, about eighteen kilometers from Paro town on south side of the valley to the burnt ruins of Drugyel Dzong (victorious fortress). It was from this monastery that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th Century. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Paro

This morning we will depart Paro by surface for the capital of the kingdom, Thimphu. Enroot visiting the 17th Century Simtokha Dzong on a lofty ridge, built in 1627, the oldest in the land, houses the school for Buddhist studies. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Thimpu

This morning we set out on a sightseeing tour of perhaps the most unusual capital in the world is a bustling town on the banks of its own river and gloriously in the hills of its own valley - is the centre of government, religion and commerce. Visit the Tashichho Dzong on the bank of the river, the main secretarial building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Next to the Dzong is Bhutan's only golf course, a nine hole circuit that is far more picturesque than its testing. The Thangka painting school, in the heart of Thimphu is worth visiting, National Liberary, Traditional Medicine Institute and the handicraft Emporium. Overnight stay at the Hotel

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Thimpu

This morning we continue on our drive to Punakha, the road winds up from Simtokha Dzong into the pine forest and through small villages for 20 kilometers and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the mountains. The view over the Himalayan panoply at Dorchula Pass at 10,500 feet is one of the most spectacular in all Bhutan. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. In the evening stroll around the town. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Punakha

This morning we will visit the Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the junction of the two rivers in the 17th Century by the first Shabdrung to serve as the religious and administrative centre. It also houses sacred temples including the Marchen where the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal lies in state. The Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Later in the day we continue on our excursion to Wangduephodrang - is the last town on the central highway. A visit to the Dzong, is the town's most visible feature, played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese districts.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Punakha

This morning we take our return drive to Paro. On arrival balance of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the Hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel
• Meals: BLD
• Place: Paro

You will be picked up from your hotel in time to connect your onward bound flight.