Thimphu Tshechu Festival

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will meet you at the exit doors following customs formalities. After lunch, enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum (National Museum) and the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. Afterward, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.

After breakfast, drive to Tashichhoe Dzong to attend the Thimphu festival. You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. Enjoy a morning of sightseeing, including a visit to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, and the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. In the afternoon, return to Tashichhoe Dzong to further experience the colorful events of the Thimphu festival.

Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the "Palace of Great Happiness" built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the 'Unifier of Bhutan'. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman.

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. This beautiful chorten offers stunning views of the Punakha Valley. After the hike, drive back to Thimphu where you will visit The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.

Drive to Paro. After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we can arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). In the afternoon, drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley.

Enjoy a leisurely day in Paro with optional activities. Rejuvenate your senses with a traditional Bhutanese herbal hot stone bath. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Bhutanese farmhouse dinner and engage with friendly locals for a truly immersive cultural experience. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Your guide will present you with traditional white scarves (kata) as symbols of good luck and spiritual blessings. Depart with the blessings of the Thimphu Tshechu and lasting memories of your Himalayan journey.