One of the most holy sites in Bhutan, the Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigeress and then meditated in a cave, contained within the present structure, for three months.

The monastery (goemba in Bhutanese) was built in its present form in 1692. It suffered a devastating fire of unknown origin during the night of April 19, 1998. Speculation is that the fire was caused either by lightening or an overturned butter lamp. Old photographs and diaries were used to make the reconstruction as close to the original as possible, though there was little documentation of the wall paintings and other artwork housed inside.

Special permission is required for non-Bhutanese to visit the monastery, usually granted only to practicing Buddhists on a religious retreat. This photograph was taken from the viewpoint across the valley, the furthest point ordinary tourists can reach before being stopped by a guard.

Duration of the trek:	07 Days
Group Size:	2 - 14 people
Destination(s):	Bhutan
Specialty Categories:	Tours and cultural excursion
Best Season :	March - November
Airfare Included:	No
Tour Customizable:	Yes
Minimum Per Person per day Price:	200 US Dollar (USD)

Day 01:	Delhi to paro Bagdora/Silliguri- Phuntsholing Received by our representative at Delhi airport (Indian state of West Bengal) and drive for about 4 hours through lush green tea gardens en route arriving Phuntsholing, the gate way of Bhutan. Phuntsholing lies directly at the base of Himalayan foothills and this small town is Bhutan's commercial centre holding most of commercial organizations. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing.
Day 02:	Phuntsholing -Thimphu After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu. 5 kms ahead of Phuntsholing visit to Kharbandi, the beautiful monastery built by Royal Grand Mother Ashi Phuntsho Chhoden and situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers. From the monastery garden there is a beautiful view over the plains and town of Phuntsholing. Road further climbs steeply and winds in innumerable bends, upwards to an alt. of approximately 2000m. You should occasionally stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent Brahmaputra plains and the Toorsa River. After two hours drive through light mountain jungle, displaying lianas and orchids, the first ridge has been paseed and the road descends slightly. The scenery and vegetation changes and en route you pass Chhukha Hydel Project and the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch would be served en route. Near Chapcha the road reaches its highest point approximately 2,800m. Now it goes steeply down and along the Wang Chu till the Chhhuzom (confluence). Shortly before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong,the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shabdrung Ngawang Nmagyal in 1627. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03:	Thimphu Once a rustic village, Thimphu today is the capital of Bhutan, sitting in broad fertile valley of Wang Chu River. Thimphu's most impressive building is Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly known as 'fortress of the glorious religion". Originally built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was the country's first official centre of social and religious education. Memorial Chorten is town's another landmark, built in the memory of the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Visit the Art School, which are an experience gratifying and where the traditional Bhutanese arts are taught. Also visit the National Library that houses vast collections of manuscripts and texts related with Buddhist studies. The other places of interests are; Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing are still practiced, Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products, the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Evening take a stroll through Thimphu's market area visiting local shops and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04:	Thimphu-Punakha/Wangdue phodrang After breakfast proceed to Punakha. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitor their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. A low-lying sub tropical valley of Wangduephoidrang situated at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha/Wangduephodrang.
Day 05:	Punakha/Wangduephodrang-Paro Sightseeing in Wangduephodrang that is typical small Bhutanese town, with bustling market and well-stocked shops. The place is also known for its fine bamboo works, slate, stone carvings, and yak diary research station. Wangdue is the town's most visible feature, situated majestically at the junction of Puna Chu and Tang Chu rivers. After lunch drive to Paro en route visiting village house. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 06:	Paro This beautiful valley, where nature and man conjured to create their dearest image is home to some of Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries, the National Museum and country's only international airport. Situated strategically and commanding spectacular view of valley, Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels" was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It now houses Paro monastic school and office of civil administration. It is also the venue of famous Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring. Above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong or National Museum, which has vast collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, weapons, stamps and wild life. A short drive north overlooking Paro river visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism. Further ahead, at the end of valley lies Drukgyal Dzong, a symbol of Bhutan's victory over the Tibetans in the 17th century, was built by Shabdrung. Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 07:	Paro depart towards Darjeeling/Kathmandu/Bangkok/Delhi.
Day 08/09/10/11:	Darjeeling and Sikkim or depart to Delhi or to Nepal.

01.	Professional English Speak Guide.
02.	All tour/trekking permit.
03.	All land transportation by landcrusier.
04.	All meals B/L/D
05.	All overnight deluxe accommodation
06.	Visa.

01.	Air ticket to and from
02.	Nature of personal expenses
03.	Alcoholic drinks
04.	Shopping