Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide will welcome you to Bhutan. Begin with a scenic drive beside mountain rivers and forested hillsides toward Thimphu.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a gentle introduction to the capital with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, followed by a traditional Bhutanese welcome dinner.

• Airport welcome
• Private transfer to Thimphu
• Buddha Dordenma
• Panoramic valley views
• Welcome dinner

Spend the day discovering Bhutan’s capital through its spiritual landmarks, traditional arts and contemporary culture.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, observe local artisans at work and explore a traditional market or craft centre. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, an important religious and administrative landmark.

• National Memorial Chorten
• Traditional weaving and handicrafts
• Folk heritage experiences
• Local market
• Tashichho Dzong

Leave Thimphu and travel toward Punakha through the spectacular Dochula Pass. Stop beside the 108 memorial chortens and, when the weather is clear, admire distant views of Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks.

Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit Chimi Lhakhang, reached by a gentle walk through fields and a traditional village.

• Dochula Pass
• 108 memorial chortens
• Himalayan viewpoints
• Chimi Lhakhang
• Punakha countryside

Spend the day at Punakha Dzong witnessing the colourful ceremonies of the Dromche festival. Monks and lay performers present sacred masked dances in elaborate costumes, accompanied by ritual music and religious symbolism.

The dances traditionally represent Buddhist teachings, spiritual protection and the victory of wisdom over destructive forces. Your guide will help interpret the stories and characters represented during the performances.

• Punakha Dromche celebrations
• Sacred Cham dances
• Traditional costumes and masks
• Festival photography
• Cultural interpretation by your guide

Return to the festival to witness further ceremonies and, where aligned with the official programme, the celebrated Serda procession.

This dramatic event re-enacts an episode connected to Bhutan’s defence against Tibetan forces during the 17th century and is one of the defining features of the Punakha Dromche.

After the festival, explore Punakha Dzong’s courtyards, temples and intricate architecture.

• Serda procession, schedule permitting
• Historical re-enactment
• Punakha Dzong
• Religious ceremonies
• Local community celebrations

Begin the morning with a walk through Punakha’s peaceful countryside. Depending on your preferred activity level, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten or walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge.

Continue through mountain forests toward Phobjikha, a broad glacial valley known for its peaceful villages, open meadows and important natural habitat.

• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
• Village and rice-field walk
• Punakha Suspension Bridge
• Scenic drive to Phobjikha
• Mountain lodge stay

Visit Gangtey Monastery before taking a gentle walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail. The route passes through forest, farmland and traditional settlements overlooking the beautiful Phobjikha Valley.

Later, travel back toward Paro, stopping at mountain viewpoints along the journey.

• Gangtey Monastery
• Gangtey Nature Trail
• Phobjikha Valley
• Rural Bhutanese landscapes
• Scenic journey to Paro

Embark on a guided hike to Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs through pine forest to one of Bhutan’s most celebrated spiritual landmarks, dramatically positioned against the cliffs above Paro Valley.

After the hike, enjoy an optional traditional hot stone bath or spend the evening exploring Paro town.

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Private guided hike
• Forest and mountain scenery
• Traditional hot stone bath, optional
• Farewell dinner

Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Paro International Airport.

Depart Bhutan with lasting memories of sacred dances, historic ceremonies, Himalayan landscapes and the warmth of Bhutanese festival culture.