Day 2 - Tour of Thimphu.
This morning you will head to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and Royal offices, and pay a visit to Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch your legs, a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Back in town you should be able to visit a few of the capital's cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand rolled incense. (Overnight at Amankora Thimphu)

Day 3 - Thimphu to Punakha Valley.
Early departures for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and in to the Punakha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. En-route view the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order's head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. After lunch, drive back to Thimphu Valley, en- visit the village of Lobesa where a short visit walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. (Overnight: Amankora in Punakha).

Day 4 - Punakha to Paro.
After descending back down from Dochu La, explore Thimphu Valley- Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and Royal offices, National Memorial Chorten, and perhaps time to stroll main street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts. Then, you will follow your way back up the dramatic Wang Chu and Paro Chu river valleys, to Amankora Paro. Evenings at Amankora may include informative lectures on the history, religion, flora and fauna of the region or a intriguing movie on the Himalayas. (Overnight: Amankora in Paro)

Day 5 - Explore Paro Valley.

The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. In the afternoon, hike up to view one of Bhutan's most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the "Tiger's Nest". The four-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. (Overnight at Amankora Paro)