After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue (4298 ft.), on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10334 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft.). On the way you shall come across different flora and fauna, monuments, villages and people. Stop at places for sightseeing and photography. While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goemba the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. Then explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter roosting place for the endangered Black necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. You may choose to hike around the Valley. After visiting the valley drive back to Punakha. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.  

OR                                                                                        

Alternatively, instead of going to Gangtey / Phobjikha, you also have an option of spending the day in Punakha Valley itself. After breakfast hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is about 45 Mins easy hike to the top of the hill. It offers a breath-taking view of the Punakha Valley. After that visit Punakha Suspension Bridge which is one of the longest in Bhutan. Later visit The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a temple plus nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Toebesa village, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

After breakfast drive to Paro (7,200 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers as the 36 species of exotic rhododendron and approximately 220 types of charming birds will make your day unforgettable. On arrival check in at the hotel. Leisure time in the evening. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast start full day sightseeing covering Ta Dzong - Originally built as a watchtower, it is now the National Museum of Bhutan with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities, Rinpung Dzong - consecrated in 1645 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the site of smaller fort. During the 17th & 18th centuries it served as a bastion against invasion from the north. Currently, it is the administrative seat of Paro district, and also houses the state monastic community of about 200 members. Afternoon, visit the Drukgyel Dzong – Built in 1647 to commemorate the victory over an invasion from Tibet, the dzong was however destroyed by accidental fire in 1951. It was preserved in ruins as a heritage site. A full reconstruction of the Dzong was started in 2016. On a clear day experience a beautiful view of Mt. Jhomolhari (24035 ft.); from here. Then visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gembo. This is the second of the two temples built in a single day to hold down the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism. In the evening, explore the Paro Town. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3 hours hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motor-able Passes in Bhutan. It is approximately around 2 hrs. drive uphill along a densely-populated forest road and beautiful natural sights. Stop at places for photography and for bird watching (if a bird watcher). The Pass is beautifully marked by hundreds of prayers flags and provides stunning views of Mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. While returning, hike down to Kila Goemba which is a home to Buddhist nuns. The temple and numerous meditation huts dot a rocky cliff and is a serene, peaceful place. Drive back to Paro. In the evening, explore the Paro town shopping for souvenirs. Overnight stay at Hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey.