Visit Folk Heritage Museum and National Textile Museum – learn about Bhutanese life and traditional weaving (thagzo).

Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory – see how Deh-sho paper is made from Daphne and Dhekap trees.

Changangkha Lhakhang on a ridge above town – parents come to receive blessings for children. See the tshomen (mermaid) shrine.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) – watch students practicing painting, wood-carving, clay arts.

Tashichho Dzong (1216 A.D), seat of government on Wang Chhu river. Catch the flag changing ritual at 5pm. Overnight in Thimphu.

Drive to Punakha, former capital (1637–1907), known for wonderful nature.

Stop at Dochula Pass (3,050m) – panoramic views and 108 chortens with snowcapped mountain backdrop.

Visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge (160m), Bhutan's longest, with views of Punakha Dzong.

Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (1,500m) – pagoda-style chorten on a ridge, ~1hr hike. Overnight in Punakha.

Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) through hillock fields, ~30 minutes.

Visit Simtokha Dzong – the first dzong founded by the Zhabdrung. Houses bed chambers of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and Jigme Namgyel, plus a giant statue of Yeshay Gonpo (Mahakala). Overnight in Paro.

★ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT — Paro Tshechu at Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the most popular religious celebrations in Bhutan, honouring Guru Rinpoche.

Monks in colorful attire perform masked dances. Key performances: Zhana Cham (Black Hat Dance), Shazam Cham (Stag Dance), Durdak Cham (Charnel Ground Masters), Tercham (Sacred Dance of Sakteng).

Shawa-Shachi (Dance-Drama of Stag and Hounds), Shinjé Yabyum, Peling Gingsum (Three Ging Dances of Pema Lingpa), Polek Molek (Dance Drama), Drametse Ngacham (Drum Dance of Drametse). Overnight in Paro.

★ THONGDREL REVEALING at ~3am – the most anticipated event. Monks unveil a gigantic silk Thangka covering an entire building face. Viewing the sacred Thongdrel is believed to cleanse sins.

The Shugdrel ceremony follows. Afternoon performances: Pacham (Dance of the Heroes), Ging Dang Tsholing, Guru Tshen Gye (Eight Manifestations of Guru), Dance of Sixteen Fairies, Choeshey (Religious Song).

Explore Paro Rinpung Dzong – magnificent architecture built on a monastery site from 1644, perched high on a steep hillside. Stroll Paro's charming main street. Overnight in Paro.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) on a cliff at 3,120m. 4.5km trail, 900m elevation, 5–6 hours. Every Bhutanese is expected to complete this pilgrimage at least once.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to pin down a demon tigress.

Special dinner with a Bhutanese family. Try archery and dart. Enjoy Paro's trendy bars and pubs for your last night. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, your guide will take you to the airport. Tashi Delek! We hope to see you again!