DAY 2 Thimphu.
After breakfast today you will be transferred to Thimphu - the capital of Bhutan. On arrival 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 (Day excursion to Punakha).
After breakfast 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 will have lunch, before embarking on an afternoon hike to Chimi Lhakhang - a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay. It's an easy hike (about 30 minutes each way) through rice paddies and Yuwakha village. This evening you will be transferred back to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 Thimphu / Paro.
After a leisurely breakfast you can hike to Wangditse Monastery, where you will have time to admire artifacts and wall paintings dating back to the time of the Monastery's foundation (16th Century). This is a moderate hike that offers great views of the Thimphu valley, Tashichhoedzong, Parliament building and the Cottage Palace of His Majesty the King. After lunch in a local restaurant you will be transferred back to Paro. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro (B, L, D)

DAY 5 Paro (Day hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery).
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Taktshang Monastery, literally known as "Tiger's Nest". This is one of Bhutan's most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. The hike takes you along a trail that slowly rises above the valley, through fields and past four large prayer wheels turned by a stream. Continuing across an open meadow, you hike up a section of trail to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind next to a massive prayer wheel. Just beyond is the Taktshang Cafeteria at 9,200 feet, where you can stop to enjoy a hot drink and the striking views of the Monastery across the valley. Depending on your energy level, you may relax in the pleasant atmosphere of the cafeteria until lunch or continue on for a mile of steep climbing to another dramatic viewpoint. You will return to the cafeteria for a delicious buffet of typical Bhutanese food. You may want to try Emadatsi (a chili cheese dish), vegetables with cheese sauce and other dishes. This afternoon you return to the hotel. Overnight in Paro. (B, L, D)