Hike to Tango Monastery (2,800m), a Buddhist learning centre, the highest level of studies equivalent to a master's degree. 400m elevation gain, ~1hr through blue pine and rhododendron forests.

Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory – learn traditional methods of producing Dehsho paper from Daphne and Dhekap tree bark.

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

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

Drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha valley). Stop at Dochula Pass (3,050m) with breathtaking panoramic views and 108 chortens.

Visit Gangtey Goemba (1613), the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region, overlooking the valley – winter home of rare Black-necked Cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.

Morning hike on Gangtey Nature Trail from hilltop down through flower fields, Semchubara village, and blue pine forests to Khewang Lhakhang.

Walk to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) through hillock fields, passing Lobesa village (25 minutes).

Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (~1hr through rice fields and pine trees), offering incredible views of Punakha valley. Overnight in Punakha.

★ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT — Punakha Tshechu at Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Day 1: Zhana Nga Cham (Black Hat Dance), Deye Yabyum Tso Cham, Shenje Cham (Lord of Death), Shazam Cham (Four Stags), Zhabdrung Zenam Part 1, Juging/Driging/Ngaging Cham, Kyecham Phole Mole.

Day 2: Shinje Yabyum Cham, Gochham Gay, Laygoen Aum, Durdag Cham, Tungam Cham, Zhabdrung Zenam Part 2, Dramedtse Nga Cham, Bardo Raksha Mang Cham.

Day 3: Chungzan Cham (Garuda), Pachham (Heroes), Pawi Ging Cham, Zhabdrung Zenam Part 3, Guru Tshengay Cham (Eight Manifestations), Rigna Chhudrug, and the climactic unfurling of Thongdrol.

Visit Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge (160m) – stunning views of Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels) – the finest example of Bhutanese architecture, visible from everywhere in Paro.

National Museum (Ta Dzong) – thangkas, festival masks, textiles, weapons. Former watchtower in conch-shell design.

Drive to see the ramparts of Drukgyal Dzong (17th century) – evocative reminder of victories over Tibetan armies. Explore Paro's streets and market. Overnight in Paro.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched on a cliff at 3,120m. 4.5km trail, 900m elevation gain, 5–6 hours.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Watch pilgrims shuffling and spinning prayer wheels.

Special dinner with a local family. Try archery and dart – Bhutan's most popular sports. Last night in Paro.

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