Punakha Festival

Morning visit the weekend market (Kaja Throm), Handmade Paper Mill, School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Lunch in town. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. Visit the enclosure where the national animal, Takins, are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering a magnificent view of the entire Thimphu valley. After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king.

Drive through Dochula pass at 3010m. When the weather permits, one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break, continue to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha. This valley is protected as it is the winter home for the endangered Black-Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of October to end of February. This valley is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Upon arrival, you could go for a short walk in the valley or relax in the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley. This is a very remote village and the hotel standard is very basic. Farmhouse stay optional.

Morning go for a walk and meet the school children close to your hotel, who all walk for hours to reach their nearest school. Phobjikha is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. There are lots of great places for hikes around the valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery, the richly renovated monastery offering rich architecture and paintings. Walk down to the valley through the village to your hotel. Could also visit the Crane Center supported by the RSPN.

Morning drive to the subtropical valley of Punakha offering different vegetation. En route, could stop for a short walk to the ancient village of Rinchengang overlooking the Wangdi Dzong. It's amazing how they have managed to be together and preserve the old houses. If you are tired to hike, could do it on the way back. Afternoon Take a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with the religious art of the phallus. Later, continue to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

We will spend the whole day at the festival which will accompany various mask dances and folk dancers along with jokers' actions in the crowd.

Whole day at the interesting Punakha festival, or in the afternoon we can proceed for other sightseeing like visiting Khamsum Yulay Temple.

If you are staying in a hotel with a view, early morning it will be a treat to enjoy the magnificent view of Punakha and Wangdi valley. Later after breakfast, retrace the drive back to Paro crossing over Dochula La pass. In Paro, visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit the 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll through old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try a local restaurant for dinner.

Morning drive to the base for the hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. The hike is a moderate to challenging trek leading to the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery. The hike is approximately 7km round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 518 meters. It typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete, including a stop at the halfway cafeteria. The trail offers stunning views of the Paro Valley and features prayer flags and a scenic waterfall. If you have energy visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. Hot stone bath available at an additional cost. Farewell dinner with you guide.

Morning transfer to the airport (15 mins) for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.