Festival Delights

Day 1, September 11: Paro – Thimphu
Arrive at Paro by flight. Your flight into Bhutan takes you over the Mighty Himalayas with the spectacular views of the mountains.
On arrival, you will be received by your guide and your driver. You will then Thimphu, the capital, 60 km away. Stop over by the road to make a small detour to visit the charming Tamchhog Lhakhang (monastery), situated across the river near Chuzom. Continue your short journey to Thimphu. Spend evening at leisure and enjoy local cuisine at a popular restaurant in town.
Night halt: Thimphu

Day 2, September 12: Thimphu sightseeing
Today, you will visit some of the landmarks in the city.
Make your way across the town to visit the Zorig Chusum Institute, which literally translates as the thirteen (chusum) arts and crafts (zorig) of Bhutan. You will meet the talented artists and students at work. Visit Simply Bhutan – the ‘living museum’ that depicts Bhutan’s ancient cultural heritage. After lunch, take a walk in the town visit the Royal Postal Museum to learn about Bhutan’s development story through the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. Later, take a short drive to the Takin Nature Preserve and see the unique animals grazing on the mountainside. Later in the evening, take a short drive to see the giant statue of Buddha Dordenma, standing at a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the biggest and tallest Buddha statues in the world.
Night halt: Thimphu

Day 3, September 13: Thimphu Tsechu
After breakfast, you will make your way to the beautiful Trashichho Dzong (fortress) where you will attend the first day of the popular Thimphu Tsechu (festival) for the day. The three-day festival takes place in the newly built courtyard next to the Dzong.
Monks and laymen perform masked dances and every mask dance performed during a Tsechu has a special meaning depicting ancient events and teachings in Buddhism. Mingle with the crowd dressed colourfully and soak in the enchanting festivity around. Evening at leisure.
Night halt: Thimphu

Day 4, September 14: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, make your way to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan.
Stopover at Dochhu La (3,050m) to enjoy the view of the spectacular Himalayan ranges in the horizon and visit beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. Stopover at the Lampheri Botanical Park where you will see the rhododendron flowers in full bloom in their natural habitat this time of the year. Continue your journey to Punakha. Visit the lovely Punakha Dzong (fortress) – the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country. Evening at leisure
Night halt: Punakha

Day 5, September 15: Punakha – Phobjikha (Gangtey)
After breakfast, spend the morning to visit the charming Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (stupa) which sits on a ridge overlooking the valley. The view of the lush valley below from the top is breathtaking. After lunch, you will slowly make your way to Phobjikha valley, 80 km away. You will pass the newly renovated Wangdue Dzong. Soon you will leave the highway and drive down a narrow winding road to Phobjikha Valley – one of the three winter roosting grounds in the country for the endangered black-necked cranes, who fly in every winter from Tibet and Central Asia to escape the bitter cold.
Night halt: Phobjikha valley

Day 6, September 16: Gangtey Tsechu – Punakha
In the morning, visit the lovely 17th century Gangtey Monastery to attend the Gantey Tsechu (Festival). The festival will be smaller in size and will provide you an intimate experience with the locals visiting from the surrounding villages.
Later visit the Royal Society for Protection of Nature Centre (RSPN), a conservation NGO, to learn more about the cranes. In the evening, slowly make your way back to Punakha with plenty of stops along the way.
Night halt: Punakha

Day 7, September 17: Punakha – Paro
In the morning, you will visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang (monastery) which sits snugly on a hilltop. The Monastery is also known as the ‘Temple of Fertility’ dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who is also known as the Divine Madman.
Take a walk across one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 160 -180m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chhu.
In the afternoon, slowly make your way to Paro, 120 km away. Take a leisurely drive with plenty of stops along the way. Evening at leisure.
Night halt: Paro

Day 8, September 18: Paro sightseeing – hike to Taktsang Monastery
Today, you will trek up the mountain to view the magnificent Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) that clings dramatically on a huge rock cliff, 900 m above the valley. The 2-3 hours easy-medium hike (steep climb towards the end) takes you along winding footpaths and through pine forests with spectacular views of the wide valley below.
Later in the afternoon, drive along the scenic route to see the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong (built 1647, which is currently under renovation. On a clear day, you will see the magnificent Mt. Jhomolhari (7313m) in the distance. Evening at leisure.
Night halt: Paro

Day 9, September 19: Haa valley full day sightseeing
After breakfast, leave for the Haa valley for a day visit, 70 km away. The drive to Haa will take you up the Chele la pass (3810m), one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. Drive along the winding road, down to the valley below. Visit the two monasteries of Lhakhang Karpo (white) and the nearby Lhakhang Nakpo (black). In the evening, slowly make your way back to Paro.
Night halt: Paro

Day 10, September 20: Depart from Paro
Your tour ends and depart from Paro on your onward journey.