Travel to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), renowned for its stunning scenery as a wildlife reserve and winter home of the rare black-necked cranes.

Stop at Dochula Pass (3,050m) with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and splendid panoramic views of snow-laden Himalayas.

Visit Gangtey Goemba, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Black Mountain region (1613), providing spectacular views of the valley.

Take a delightful hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail through meadows, Semchubara hamlet, and dense blue pine forest. Overnight in Gangtey.

Head to Bumthang, meaning "beautiful region" – home to four mountain valleys (Tang, Ura, Choekhor, Chumey) and many ancient monasteries. The most historic of all districts in Bhutan.

Visit Yathra Weaving Center (Umsang Village) to learn about hand-woven textiles with intricate designs, a versatile material for coats, bedding, and accessories.

Visit Konchogsum Lhakhang, a magnificent monastery in Chuekhor Valley, originally established in the 7th century and renovated by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century. Colorful columns, mandala paintings, and statues of Pema Lingpa's incarnations. Overnight in Bumthang.

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the most ancient and sacred temples founded by 7th-century Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, standing on a plateau along Chamkhar Chhu.

The magnificent Kurjey Lhakhang complex on the Drakmar Dorje Tsekpa cliff, where Guru Rinpoche's body (kur) impression (jey) is preserved.

Walk (~1hr) to Tamshing Monastery (1501), Bhutan's most important Nyingma goemba, built by Pema Lingpa with the assistance of khandromas.

Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, a Nyingmapa monastery with about 400 monks. Massive statues of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig, and Sakyamuni. Witness mass debating in the courtyard. Overnight in Bumthang.

★ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT — The Nimalung Treldha Tshechu takes place for 3 days at Nyimalung Goemba (Nimalung Monastery) in Chumey, celebrating the spiritual heritage of Guru Rinpoche.

Day One: Shinje Cham (Dance of the Bull-faced), Zhana Cham (Black Hat Dance), Durdhag Cham (Lords of Cremation Ground), Tung-ngam Cham (Wrathful Deities), Chamchen (Grand Mask Dance), and Drung Cham.

Day Two: Shazam (Stag Dance), Ju Ging (Stick Dance), Dri Ging (Sword Dance), Nga Ging (Drum Dance), Ging Tsholing Cham (Wrathful War Dance).

Day Three: Lhabsang cleaning rituals, Guru Tshengyed Thongdrol display, Guru Soldeb prayers, Zhengzhi Pemi Cham, Gektre Mecham (Fire Exorcism), Guru Tshengyed Cham (Eight Manifestations), Dramitse Nga Cham (Drum Dance of Dramitse). Overnight in Bumthang.

Hike to Thowadra Monastery (3,400m), one of Bumthang's most significant pilgrimage locations. First founded by Mandarava, Guru Rinpoche's consort. See the cave where Guru meditated, his throne, and holy Drupchhu.

Visit Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, situated beneath a massive rock near Mesithang village. Named for the tiger stripes on the rock behind the temple. Guru Rinpoche and his two consorts meditated on the giant stone in the 8th century and left footprints. Overnight in Bumthang.

Travel to Trongsa, a town on a mountaintop in central Bhutan – the heart of the Himalayan kingdom.

Visit Ta Dzong, the former watchtower now serving as the National Museum with valuable treasures from the Wangchuck Dynasty.

Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, overlooking the rushing Mangde Chhu River. Built in 1644, the vast complex spans multiple levels with a maze of 25 temples, courtyards, and corridors. Overnight in Trongsa.

Drive to Punakha, former capital of Bhutan until 1952.

Visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) at the meeting point of the Po and Mo rivers. Founded in 1637, the second-oldest dzong in the nation – a six-story edifice with a central tower.

Walk across Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge (160m), Bhutan's longest, with calm scenery of Punakha Dzong and gorgeous valleys. Overnight in Punakha.

Return to Paro. Visit Tshelung Lhakhang, blessed by Guru Rinpoche and Khandro Yeshe Tsogyal in the 8th century – regarded as the Second Maratika. See the meditation cave, handprints, and lake with hidden treasures.

Visit Domtsang Lhakhang at Bjemina, a holy pilgrimage site blessed by Guru Rinpoche during his third journey to Bhutan in 876 A.D. Named "Bear's Nest" – legend says Guru arrived on a bear and tamed the Beast Bear in the cave. Overnight in Paro.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), situated on a limestone cliff overlooking the valley – a remarkable representation of Bhutanese architecture.

Bhutan National Museum (Ta Dzong), with stunning mountain views and impressive collection of Thangka paintings, swords, armor, and historical relics.

Hike 3km (~1hr) to Zuri Dzong (1352), one of the oldest dzongs with a cave where Buddha meditated. Breathtaking panoramic view of the valley.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples (7th century), housing two valuable statues of Jowo Jampa and Sakyamuni. Explore Paro's main street with its colorful shops and nightlife. Overnight in Paro.

Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perching on a steep cliff 900m above Paro Valley. ~3 hours hike with gorgeous views. Guru Rinpoche rode a tigress and landed on the cliff to meditate.

Afternoon cooking class and dinner with a local family at their farmhouse – savour traditional Bhutanese dishes including Ema Dashi, red rice, Jasha Maru, and Phaksha Paa.

Indulge in a traditional hot stone bath with herbs to promote good health. Last night in Paro.

Time to say farewell to Paro and the lovely country of Bhutan. We hope you have had a great trip. We hope to welcome you back to our country. Tashi Delek!