Day 1: Arrive Paro international airport
On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16kms from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Mount Jumolhari ("Mountain of Goddess") can be seen on a clear day. In the evening you can explore Paro town. Overnight in Paro

Day 2: Paro - Thimphu (2-hour drive)
After breakfast you can visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the dzongs (forts) currently. You will visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques. You can then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the afternoon you will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive to Thimphu is along a winding road following the Paro and Thimphu rivers. Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the Takin reserve, which contains the national animal of Bhutan. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu

Day 4: Attend the Thimphu festival
You will attend the full day of the Thimphu festival! This is the only time of year that families from all around Thimphu gather together in a festival, all wearing their finest dress. There will be lots of celebrating, dancing (by monks and lay people), and feasting. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 5: Attend the Thimphu festival
You will attend a full second day at the festival. The dances and the music are different each day. There will be lots of celebrating, dancing, and feasting. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 6: Thimphu – Wangduephodrang/Punakha
After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 7: Wangduephodrang - Bumthang (6-7 hour drive)
You will begin the day by driving to Gantey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gantey village, where you'll visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From there you'll head to Bumthang. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La and 3,500-meter-high Yutong La (pass). Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8: Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast, you will tour the beautiful region and visit sights including Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. You will visit Tamshing monastery where you can see the oldest paintings and you will visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa. In the afternoon you can take a short hike to Thangbi monastery. In the evening you can stroll in Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang

Day 9: Bumthang (hike to Petshiling Monastery)
Bumthang consists of four valleys--Chumey, Choekhar, Tang, and Ura--with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today you will hike to Petsheling Monastery, It is located about three hours' hiking distance above the Swiss Guesthouse on a steep incline. It offers fine panoramic views of the central Bumthang valley. You can also hike beyond the monastery across the ridge and feel the spirit of the mountains and monastery. In the evening you can relax in the town. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then head to Wangduephodrang, with a brief stop in Trongsa to visit the Ta Dzong and Trongsa Dzong. In Wangduephodrang you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.

Day 11: Wangduephodrang - Thimphu
After breakfast you will drive to Thimphu. In the afternoon you will visit the folk heritage museum, the textile museum and the weaving center in Changzamtok. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 12: Thimphu - Paro
After breakfast, you will drive to Paro. In the afternoon you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day 13: Depart Paro