Jakar 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, the second highest road pass in your trip at 3010m. When the weather permits, one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight 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.

Check out of the hotel and drive to Jakar over the Pelela pass at 3140m which forms the part of the Black Mountains that divides the country into east and west. The drive is long but the landscape is picturesque and worth it. En route, take a short break at Chendebji Chorten. Continue your drive for Jakar crossing over Kiki La pass and finally descending to Jakar valley. Evening relax in your hotel.

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 Nimalung festival, and in the afternoon we can proceed for other sightseeing to visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang.

Drive the dirt road to the most remote of the Bumthang valleys. En route, visit the Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho), a sacred site where treasures were revealed by Pema Lingpa. Hike for 30 minutes crossing the bridge to Wangdicholing Palace, a former palace converted into a museum and guest house. Enjoy the calmness and beautiful view of the Tang valley. Walk around the tiny village, meeting the locals. Later drive back to Jakar.

Morning drive to Trongsa, crossing over Yotong La pass at 3,400m. En route, stop in Chumi Valley, the weaving place, by the roadside where "Yatha" (wool weaving) is woven here which Bumthang is famous for. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress), the home of the royals. Historically Trongsa Dzong is the most important Dzong and the largest as well. Also visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which houses a unique museum.

Check out of the hotel and drive to Punakha over Pelela pass at 3140m. En route, could stop for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang overlooking the ruins of Wangdi Dzong. It's amazing how they have managed to be together and preserve the old houses. Upon arrival in the subtropical Punakha Valley, visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborate temple in the country. If you are in energy, could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lhakhang overlooking the paddy field and the snakelike river bends. Or could relax on the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature.

Morning visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with the religious art of the phallus. Later, retrace the drive to Paro over Dochula 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.

Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot which stud the rock cliff. Continue driving to Haa over the Chelela Pass, your highest point of the trip at 3800m. When the weather permits, one can view the most sacred mountain in the country, Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). Visit the quiet, timeless Haa valley with a picnic lunch. Return to Paro in the evening.

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.