Romance in Thunderland

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by our office representative and transferred to hotel. After checking in and spending some time settling into your new surroundings, we will take you on your first foray into the Himalayan Kingdom, with sightseeing in Paro town and a temple visit. This afternoon trip allows you to acclimatize to the rarefied air at this altitude and to get to know your guide. Overnight stay.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5hrs walk):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. On the way back to town stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.

Begin the day with a visit to the National Museum , here an intriguing collection of artefacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong , a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture . From the Dzong the rour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge from where you will be driven to the town temple, built in 1525 to view ancient wall paintings. Paro lunch options incude picturesque picnic spots Or perhaps a visit to a traditional farmhouse . After lunch visit the uniquely shaped Dumtse Lhakhang to view the beautifully preseved wall paintings there. Later stroll the main street in the Paro and shop the Himalayan artefacts of textiles to take home.

After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. upon arrival check in to the hotel. Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river. Overnight stay at hotel.

Today  take a short day walking to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Later proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Overnight stay at hotel.

This morning  enjoy aPrayer ceromany. PRAYERS OF BLESSING COUPLE You will be taken to a Buddhist temple's intimate shrine room dressed in the traditional attire of Bhutan — a gho for men, a kira for women — for the two-hour ceremony. Monks will chant, accompanied by drums, horns and cymbals, and your relationship will be blessed as a long, happy and prosperous union. The exchange of khadhar (white scarves) is an important Bhutanese act, representing devotion and love. In the evening, our chefs will serve a romantic four-course dinner complete with a bottle of house wine. Guests may enjoy this meal by the firelight in the woods or in the courtyard. You can choose to eat al fresco overlooking the river or in front of the fire in Bukhari restaurant. Inclusions

• Blessing ceremony with 10 to 15 monks
• Gho and kira clothing rental
• Treatment upgrade to a 90-minute hot stone bath and massage.
• Four-course private dinner, including a bottle of house wine.
• We can also provide a local photographer and make-up artist

Overnight stay.

In time transfer to the Paro International airport to connect flight for your onward destination.