Stop at Dochula Pass (3,050m) – 108 chortens with snowcapped Himalayan backdrop.

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

Trek (~1hr) through rice paddies and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (1,500m), gilded spire with breathtaking views. Overnight in Punakha.

★ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT — Punakha Drubchen (Dromchoe) at Punakha Dzong, from 13–15 February 2027. A consecration ceremony invoking principal deities.

Three-day pazap festival – 136 warrior performers in crimson robes, iron helmets and patang swords stage elaborate battle reenactments recreating the victory over Tibetan invasions.

Sacred mask dances, resounding trumpets, fireworks and rousing war cries. The tradition originated with Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1595–1651).

Zimpons in patterned ghos and dhar nyenga scarves, gups transformed into red-robed monks. A deeply spiritual and historic celebration. Overnight in Punakha.

Visit Nalanda Buddhist Institute, about an hour's drive from central Punakha.

Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) at the confluence of Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Explore the courtyards with scattered chortens overlooking Himalayan peaks.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang – combined temple and nunnery on a ridge, with immense 14-foot bronze Avalokiteshvara statue. Intricate black marble carvings of 84 Mahasiddhis. Overnight in Punakha.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), finest Bhutanese architecture.

National Museum (Ta Dzong) – thangkas, masks, textiles, weapons.

Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples by King Songtsen Gampo (7th century), visited by Guru Padmasambhava. Overnight in Paro.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) perched on a 900m cliff. ~3 hours uphill with stunning views.

Afternoon cooking class – Ema Datshi, red rice, Jasha Maru, Phaksha Paa. Dinner with local family.

Traditional hot stone bath with herb-infused mineral waters. Last night in Paro.

Time to say farewell. Tashi Delek! We hope to welcome you back!