Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your private guide will welcome you to Bhutan. Travel beside the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers toward Thimphu, passing forested hillsides, traditional houses and small villages.

After checking into your hotel, enjoy a gentle introduction to the capital. Depending on your arrival time, visit the National Memorial Chorten, explore the local craft market or admire the city from Buddha Dordenma.

End the day with a traditional Bhutanese welcome dinner.

• Airport welcome
• Private transfer to Thimphu
• Buddha Dordenma
• National Memorial Chorten
• Local craft market
• Bhutanese welcome dinner

Leave Thimphu and travel across the spectacular Dochula Pass. Walk among the 108 memorial chortens and enjoy views of Bhutan’s eastern Himalayan peaks when the weather is clear.

Descend into the warmer Punakha Valley and visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully positioned where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet. Explore its courtyards, temples and traditional architecture before settling into your hotel.

• Dochula Pass
• 108 memorial chortens
• Himalayan viewpoints
• Punakha Dzong
• Riverside scenery
• Punakha Valley

Travel into the peaceful hills above Punakha to attend the Talo Tshechu. Join local families dressed in colourful national attire as dancers perform sacred Cham rituals, folk songs and traditional community dances.

Talo Tshechu is especially known for its mask dances, Atsara performances and the classical Zhungdra songs presented by the Talo dance troupe. The festival traditionally concludes with significant local songs collectively associated with the Mani Sum tradition.

Where the official programme allows, arrive early to witness the unveiling of the sacred Thongdrel and receive blessings alongside local pilgrims.

After the celebrations, enjoy a countryside visit or walk toward Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

• Talo Tshechu Festival
• Sacred mask dances
• Traditional Zhungdra performances
• Local community celebrations
• Thongdrel viewing, schedule permitting
• Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Begin the morning with a scenic walk through Punakha’s rice fields and rural settlements. Visit Chimi Lhakhang or cross the long suspension bridge above the Pho Chhu River.

Continue through Wangdue and into the forested mountains leading to Phobjikha. This broad glacial valley is known for its open meadows, traditional villages and seasonal black-necked crane habitat.

Visit Gangtey Monastery before relaxing at your valley lodge.

• Chimi Lhakhang
• Traditional village walk
• Punakha Suspension Bridge
• Scenic mountain drive
• Gangtey Monastery
• Phobjikha Valley

Enjoy a peaceful morning in Phobjikha with a walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail. Pass through pine forest, farmland and small settlements while taking in wide views across the valley.

Visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre when open before beginning the return journey to Thimphu.

After arriving in the capital, explore Bhutan’s artistic traditions through visits to a textile centre, handmade-paper workshop or local handicraft shops.

• Gangtey Nature Trail
• Phobjikha countryside
• Black-necked crane conservation experience
• Scenic return journey
• Traditional weaving
• Handmade-paper workshop

Travel to Paro for a full day at the Paro Tshechu. Gather with Bhutanese pilgrims in the grounds of Rinpung Dzong as monks and lay dancers perform sacred Cham dances in elaborate brocade costumes.

The festival honours Guru Rinpoche and features ritual music, Buddhist teachings, symbolic performances and lively appearances by Atsara clowns. Your guide will explain the stories and spiritual lessons represented during the dances.

Between performances, enjoy views of Paro Dzong and the surrounding valley.

• Paro Tshechu Festival
• Sacred Cham dances
• Monastic ceremonies
• Traditional costumes
• Festival photography
• Rinpung Dzong

Rise early for the festival’s morning ceremonies. Where your visit aligns with the final-day programme, witness the unveiling of the giant sacred Thongdrel before sunrise. This religious appliqué is displayed for a limited period so pilgrims may view it and receive blessings.

After the festival, begin the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Follow a forest trail lined with prayer flags to the legendary temple complex built dramatically against the cliffs above Paro Valley.

Descend in the afternoon and relax with an optional traditional hot stone bath before enjoying a farewell dinner.

• Thongdrel unveiling, schedule permitting
• Morning festival blessings
• Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Private guided hike
• Optional hot stone bath
• Farewell dinner

Enjoy breakfast before your private transfer to Paro International Airport.

Depart Bhutan with lasting memories of sacred dances, colourful celebrations, peaceful Himalayan valleys and the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people.

• Breakfast
• Private airport transfer
• Departure assistance
• Farewell to Bhutan