Thimphu Tshechu

Arrival at Paro International Airport: Arrive in the Himalayas and meet your guide.

Warm Welcome: Receive a traditional Bhutanese greeting and a brief introduction to Bhutan’s culture and itinerary.

Scenic Drive to Thimphu: Enjoy a 50-kilometer drive with scenic views of Bhutan’s landscapes and architecture.

Overnight Paro

Paro – Punakha. It's an early start as we travel the road to Punakha, climbing up through pine, oak and rhododendron forest to reach Dochu La Pass (3050m). After a short break we continue onto the spectacular Punakha Valley, where we enjoy a scenic 1.5 - 2 hour walk up to Chimi Lhakhang Temple - dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (also known as the Divine Mad Monk).

After, we visit the impressive Punakha Dzong an exemplary masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture built at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. Later this afternoon we head to our campsite on the banks of the Mo Chu River, where there's free time to relax and explore the natural surrounds. In the early evening you can opt for a hot stone bath served with local drinks, followed by dinner.

Punakha Valley – Thimphu. After an early breakfast, we drive along the shores of theMo Chu River and hike (approximately 2 - 2.5 hours) up through rice fields to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple located on a hill with impressive views of the valley below. After exploring the area, we drive to the picturesque villages of Talo scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley.

This afternoon, we stop for a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue Valleys. In addition to religious training, the nuns are also taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making. After our visit to the nunnery we drive to Thimphu.

The Tshechu Festival of Thimphu is a 3 day religious event which marks the tenth day of the lunar calendar and honours the birthday of Guru Rimpoche Padmasambhava, an Indian Saint who spread Buddhism in the country in the 8th century. Tshechus are grand occasions where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialise. It is said that anyone who attends a Tshechu and witnesses the colourful masked dances is profusely blessed. Every mask dance performed has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories of the life of the Guru.

Today, we drive to Tendrelthang at Tashichho Dzong and mingle with the residents ofThimphu and nearby districts of Paro, Punakha, whom are dressed in their best attireto witness the unique spectacle that is - the famed masked dances, and other colourfuland exciting displays of traditional culture performed on this very special day.

Thimphu is the political, social and spiritual heart of the nation and although this isBhutan's most modern city, it has retained the unique character of a Bhutanese town.Today we discover the city's sites with visits to, the Memorial Chorten - a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, Kuenselphodrang (Buddha point) - to see the world's biggest Buddha Dordenma statue and enjoy the views of Thimphu Valley, a handmade paper factory where the age old tradition of paper making is still followed. Overnight Thimphu

Thimphu - Paro. Today we drive to Paro with sightseeing en route. We'll stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers which provides incredible views of three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese. We continue, to Tachogang Iron chain bridge and Lhakhang (Temple) which was built byThangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420.While the Tibetan master was meditating here, he had a vision of an emanation of Avalokiteshvara and decided to build a temple, as well as an iron suspension bridge at this location. A new temple at Tachogang was built in the seventeenth century by theFourth Druk Desi (local leader) Tenzin Rabgye as the original was destroyed after it served as the main seat for the Five Groups of Lamas, a coalition of local leaders who had opposed Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (a Buddhist teacher who unified Bhutan).

Arriving into Paro we visit the National Museum, housed within the old watch tower Ta Dzong and perched on of a hilltop, overlooking the city. We continue to the famed Rinphung Dzong, the backdrop for the Hollywood film, Little Buddha. After lunch, we tour Kichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom built in the 7th century, and lastly Dungtse Lhakhang Temple.

Overnight: Paro

Early Morning Breakfast: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, officially Taktshang Pelphung Monastery is regarded as one ofthe most venerated and famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is located on the face of asheer 900m cliff above the floor of Paro Valley. Today, we embark on a scenic hike (approx. 4 -6 hours) to view this spectacular and unmissable sight. The monastery is only accessible by foot (you can ride a pony part of the way, but this must be arranged in advance by your guide). Once inside the Monastery, there are a temples to see and the monks that reside. After exploring the monastery we retrace our steps and return to Paro.

Lunch at the Cafeteria: On your return hike, stop at the cafeteria halfway down the trail to rest and enjoy the views of Tiger’s Nest from a different perspective.

Return Hike: Descend back to the trailhead. The return hike is usually faster but can be tough on the knees, so take your time.

This evening we enjoy a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a farm house, giving you theopportunity to interact with a local family and learn about the local cuisine of Bhutan.

Farewell at Paro International Airport: Your guide will escort you to the airport, assist with final arrangements, and bid you farewell.

Flight Departure: Proceed through security and, while waiting for your flight, review your photos or jot down memories in your travel journal.