★ FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHT — Thimphu Tshechu at Tashichho Dzong (1216 A.D), one of the most celebrated Tshechus in Bhutan. Thousands attend to honour Guru Rinpoche.

Monks in colorful brocade perform masked dances telling ancient stories of Guru Rinpoche's victories. Key performances across festival days include:

Day 1: Zhana Nga Cham (Black Hat Dance), Sha Cham (Stag Dance), Shinje Cham (Lord of Death), Pa Cham (Dance of Heroes), Ging Tsholing Cham.

Day 2: Durdag Cham (Cremation Ground Masters), Raksha Mangcham (Judgment of Death), Guru Tshengyed Cham (Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche).

Day 3: Thongdrel display (sacred giant silk Thangka), Drametse Nga Cham (Drum Dance of Drametse). Viewing the Thongdrel is believed to cleanse sins. Overnight in Thimphu.

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

Visit Gangtey Goemba (1613), overlooking the fertile Gangtey valley, winter home of rare Black-necked Cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.

Gangtey Nature Trail hike from hilltop, through flower meadows, Semchubara village, blue pine forest to Khewang Lhakhang.

Try archery – one of Bhutan's most loved sports. Drive to Punakha, the old capital. Overnight in Punakha.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery on a ridge overlooking Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys.

Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), the second oldest dzong, at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.

Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge (160m), the longest in Bhutan.

Hike (~1hr) to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a unique architectural treasure on a crest above the valley. Overnight in Punakha.

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

Paro Rinpung Dzong – a great example of Bhutanese architecture with giant buttressed walls and wonderful wall-paintings.

National Museum (Ta Dzong) – conch-shell design, collections of art, culture and history. Overnight in Paro.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) clinging to a cliff at 3,120m. 5–6 hours with stunning views.

Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples by King Songtsen Gampo (7th century).

See ramparts of Drukgyal Dzong (17th century) – evocative reminder of victories over Tibetan armies.

Special dinner with a local family. Traditional hot stone bath. Explore Paro's nightlife. Last night in Paro.

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