Day 1: Thimphu

Upon your arrival, our tour leader will welcome you in traditional etiquette and take you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan; an hour and half drive from Paro. Unlike other Asian capitals, the capital of Bhutan is unique in many ways. There are no traffic lights. Traffic policemen standing at the roundabouts direct the daily traffic with elegantly synchronized hand gestures.

Day 2: Thimphu

This morning, visit Textile museum, which has collections of many Bhutanese hand woven textiles brought in from many parts of districts in the country. Followed by, Folk Heritage museum dedicated in involving people with the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households. After that, walk to the institute of Zorig Chusum commonly known as the painting school, the institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. After lunch, visit the National library established in the late 1960s and contains Bhutan’s history in the form of religious and historical literature. Proceed to visit Simtokha Dzongbuilt in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Lastly, Trashicho dzong, the Fortress of Auspicious Religion built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1641. The dzong houses the throne room the King and summer residence of the central monastic body. Overnight at Druk Hotel

Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha

Early morning you will depart for Punakha positioned at 1350 meters driving through snake winding road. You will bypass a Dochu La pass at 3050 meters; it offers magnificent views of eastern Himalayan ranges. We will stop at the top for hot tea and biscuits while enjoying the refreshing cold air and views. Continue the onward journey to Punakha through gradually changing vegetation of lower altitude. Hike up to Chimmi Lhakhang located on a hillock built in 1499 by the Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel. The lhakhang is devoted to the famed divine madman, Drukpa Kunley, who had blessed the site. The temple is a pilgrim site for women who are unable to conceive children. It takes a 20-30-minute stroll through terraces of rice fields to get to the lhakhang. Drive to Punakha dzong “Punthang Dechen Phodrang” built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 at the confluence of two rivers Mochu (Female River) and Phochu (Male River). Overnight at Zangtopelri Hotel

Day 4: Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang, which is six hours with few stops along the way including lunch stop at Trongsa. The trip to central Bhutan is incredibly spectacular driving through alpine forest covered with high altitude bamboos, flowers such as rhododendron and magnolia. Bumthang often compared to Switzerland for its landscape and beautiful sceneries is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. Overnight at Yangphel Guest House

Day 5: Punakha - Bumthang

Whole day at the festival and if there is adequate time in the evening you can visit Kurjey Lhakhang on the way back to the hotel.

Day 6: Bumthang

Attend festival in the morning and followed by sightseeing in the afternoon.

Day 7: Bumthang

This is a three days trek route passing through beautifully sprinkled villages and meadows, forests of blue pine and alpine bamboo following Chamkhar Chu (river). Overnight campsite at 2900m

Day 8: Bumthang

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe La (3360m). After the Pass the downhill trail will lead you to the campsite at Tang valley. Overnight camp elevation at 2670m

Day 9: Bumthang - Nganglakhang

Rise early to hike up to Ugyencholing Palace situated on the hill. If you wish, you may walk for few hours along the dirt road before transferring to Bumthang. On the way visit the Burning Lake, where Terton (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people visits this site to make butter lamp offering. Overnight at the Lodge in Bumthang

Day 10: Nganglakhang

Leave for Phobjikha valley located at 3000 meters is winter home for the rare bird black necked crane which migrates from the Tibetan plateau. Gantey Monastery perched on hill top was built in 1613 by Pema Thrinley, the grandson of Pema Lingpa, the renowned Nyingmapa saint. Overnight at Hotel Dewachen

Day 11: Nganglakhang - Ugyencholing

After breakfast leave for Paro via Wangdue. Overnight at Uma Paro Resort

Day 12: Ugyencholing

Begin your day by visiting the only National museum originally built as a watch tower in 1651 and has collection of Bhutanese treasures. Next, visit the Paro dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel a religious leader who unified the country in 17th century. After lunch drive to see Drugyel dzong (ruined Fortress) standing at the end of the road, built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army. On the way back, visit Kyichu monastery built in 7th century to subdue a demon that was obstructing the teaching of Buddhism.

Day 13: Ugyencholing - Bumthang

Today hike up to the venerated Taksang Monastery (Tigers nest) perched on the cliff high above overlooking the valley. The climb up to the view point, an hour-and-half long hike, and get an up close view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambava is said to have landed on the back of aTigress in 8th century, and meditated for three months. After a hot lunch at a cafeteria, descend to the bottom of the hill, where your transfer vehicle will be waiting to pick you up. Stop in Paro town for leisurely strolling or shopping, whatever suits you best. Overnight at Uma Paro Resort

Day 14: Bumthang

Early morning, drive to the airport to catch your flight to your destination. You may opt to eat your breakfast at the hotel or order to carry on the plane.