DAY 2 Thimphu.
After breakfast today you will visit the National Library - a tall stately building in the traditional Bhutanese style that boasts precious and religious manuscripts written in gold. After stopping at the Institute for Zorig Chosum - a painting school where the traditional style of Thangka painting is taught - you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where you will learn about rural Bhutanese life. After lunch, sightseeing begins with a visit to the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in 1974 in honor of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is one of the most elegant masterpieces built in the 20th century, with detailed religious wall paintings and sculptures. Afterwards you will visit the 14th century Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also a focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. You will stop at Sangaygang - the viewpoint or "Lover's Point," where young couples come to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Thimphu valley - before visiting the Dupthob Lhakhang, a nunnery that has more than 70 practicing nuns. The last stop today will be the Handicrafts Emporium, where you will have the chance to shop for some local souvenirs. Overnight in Thimphu. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 Thimphu / Punakha.
After breakfast today you will be transferred to Punakha - the ancient capital of Bhutan. The drive takes you across Dochula Pass (3100 m), which is marked by a large Bhutanese style Choeten (a sacred structure), 108 small choetens and prayer flags. If the weather is clear you can enjoy spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas before passing down through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and into Punakha. On arrival you can check into your hotel and enjoy a local lunch. This afternoon you will visit a private temple built by Lama Serpo (96 years old now) and, time permitting, you will have a brief audience with this extraordinary Lama and experience a long-life blessing (depending on the schedule of the Lama). This will be a special treat since no other foreign visitors have excess to this temple other than our guests. You will also have time to admire and take pictures of the intricate and detailed wall paintings inside the temple. This evening you can try traditional Bhutanese Archery, Bhutan's National Sport, with some help from your guide. Overnight in Punakha. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 Punakha / Paro.
After breakfast you can enjoy a guided hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten, built in 1994 by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the well-being of the people and the country. It is a moderate hike through rice paddies and pine forests that takes about 45 minutes one way; the view of the valley from the Choeten is magnificent. You will then visit the Punakha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan, before enjoying lunch in Khuruthang town. After lunch you will be transferred to Paro, where you can spend your evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro. (B, L, D).

DAY 5 Paro - Return.
After breakfast today you will be transferred to the airport. Our local representative will help with check-in formalities and bid you farewell. (B).