Arrive at Paro International Airport. Your tour guide will meet you here and escort you to the hotel. Enjoy an afternoon stroll through the town and visit the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You may also visit Ta Dzong (‘the watch tower’); it also houses the National Museum. Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) for sightseeing. Your guide may suggest an alternative plan if some sites are closed due to the festival time. You may visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the School of Painting or the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, you may visit further sightseeing attractions of Thimphu and experience the local culture, or drive out of town to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest castle monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to 629 AD). To stay closer to town, visit the National Textile Museum and sift through the striking collection of intricate textiles, or drive up to the Radio Tower to feast your eyes upon splendid views of the city from a hilltop. The spot is decked with prayer flags. Also, visit the Takin Reserve to see the unique national animal, the Takin. Overnight in Thimpu.

Today, you will witness the Thimphu festival, celebrated in the courtyard of the Tashichho Dzong. This is the main Secretariat Building and houses the Government ministries, the office of His Majesty or the King, the throne room, and the living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot. The locals dress in their finest clothes and many of them walk miles to attend the festivities, marked with masked dances, prayers, and feasting. As it’s a religious festival, the dances are quite like plays enacting the triumph of good over evil. Some of the dances depict major historical events, especially concerning the life of Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche (the patron saint of Bhutan). Inevitably, there is a great deal of socializing. The festival is an opportunity for people to relax and forget the mundane daily routine of life. Besides dressing up in their finest clothes and jewelry, the revelers also offer prayers and seek blessings. Overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning, you will drive to the old capital of Punakha. The drive passes through the Dochu La pass and here you will halt for a hot drink and also feast your eyes upon panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges from an altitude of 3050 meters. In the afternoon, you will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’, also known as the Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight in Punakha.

Drive to Gangtey, situated at an altitude of 3500 meters. Take in the fabulous views of the huge and remote Phobjikha Valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries of Bhutan. It’s being restored to its earlier state of glory. Visit a local village to see how the rural folks continue to live a traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. Overnight in Gangtey.

Return to Paro via Wangdi, originally regarded as Bhutan’s secondary capital due to its commanding strategic position. You will have lunch at Wangdi. The Dzong here was built by Shabdrung (spiritual leader) in 1638 at a site deemed auspicious as four ravens were seen flying in four different directions here. The structure was badly damaged in a fire in June 2012 and renovations are still underway. After lunch, you will continue on your way to Paro. If there is time, you will visit Drukgyel Dzong (‘fortress of victory’) and the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang (temple).

Today, you will walk to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery, which precariously clings to a rock face at a height of 900 meters over the valley floor. Legend goes that Guru Rinpoche flew here astride a tigress and meditated. After your visit to Tiger’s Nest, enjoy a celebratory Champagne picnic lunch. Spend a leisurely evening. Overnight in Paro.

All departure formalities will be completed well in advance and you will be assisted by your guide. After an early breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to the Paro Airport for your flight back home.