[ARRIVAL] Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu Arrive at Paro International Airport. Your tour guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. Go for a stroll around Paro town and visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit Ta Dzong (‘the watchtower’) now housing the National Museum. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

[Thimphu] Sightseeing After breakfast drive to Thimphu for some sightseeing. Some sights may be closed at festival time in which case your guide will suggest an alternative plan. You can visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the School of Painting or the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, or take a drive out of town to view Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest in Bhutan, dating from 629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you can browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum, or drive up to the Radio Tower (offering splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags) and visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

[Thimphu] Festival Visit Thimphu festival, which is held in the courtyard of the Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building, where the Government ministries, the office of His Majesty the King, the throne room, and the living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. They come to watch masked dances, to pray, and to feast. While the underlying purpose of the festival is spiritual, dances are more often like plays, telling stories where good triumphs over evil, or depicting significant historical events, especially surrounding the life of Bhutan’s patron saint, Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). There is inevitably a great deal of socialising as well. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to relax and forget the daily routine, and to dress in their finest clothes and jewellery, but it is also an occasion for prayer and blessings. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu

[Thimphu – Punakha] In the morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via DochuLa pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) which was built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Overnight at hotel in Punakha

[Punakha - Phobjikha] Drive to Gangtey (at 3500 metres). Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and currently under renovation). Overnight in Gangtey village where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha

[Phobjikha – Paro] Return to Paro via Wangdi, originally considered Bhutan’s secondary capital and commanding an important central position. We will stop for lunch or a drink in Wangdi although sadly the Dzong, built by the Shabdrung in 1638 on an auspicious site where four ravens were seen flying in four different directions, was badly damaged in a fire in June 2012 so there is not much to view until renovations works are complete. After lunch continues on your way. There may be time this afternoon to visit Drukgyel Dzong (‘fortress of victory’), and the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang (temple). Overnight at hotel in Paro

[Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)] After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip). The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically the Tiger Nest temple was wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess'') can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at hotel in Paro.

[Paro – Departure] After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. Our representative in Bhutan will see off and bid farewell.