The day begins with a visit to Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, overlooking Thimphu City. It is the site of one of the largest statues of Buddha Shakyamuni in the world and affords stunning views of Thimphu Valley below.  Completed in 2015, the statue was built to spread peace and happiness in the world.

We then visit the Folk Heritage Museum in Kawajangsa, located in the heart of Thimphu. The Museum is dedicated to connecting people with Bhutan's rich folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. It aims to disseminate Bhutan's rich cultural heritage down through the generations by preserving it in different forms. We then stop by the nearby National Library of Bhutan and the National Institute for Zorig Choesum (13 Traditional Arts) before going to Thimpu's famous Textile Museum. On display in this modern and spacious museum are the traditional arts of weaving and various colourful Bhutanese traditional costumes.

From Thimphu we head to Punakha, via Dochula Pass (3100m elevation), the site of 108 stupas built by Bhutan’s Queen Mother in memory of Bhutanese soldiers who died in border clashes in 2003. On a clear day, the view from here over the forests below to the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains is spectacular.  Descending to Punakha Valley, (1200m elevation) we visit the renowned beautiful and majestic Punakha Dzong. Located at the convergence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (rivers), this stunning example of ancient Bhutanese architecture is the second oldest and second largest of Bhutan’s Dzongs. Completed in 1637, it served as the country’s capital from 1637 to 1907. Today, it serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s Monastic Body and home to some of our most sacred ancient relics. In the afternoon we visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (stupa).  Majestically situated on a ridge above Punakha Valley, this 30-meter-high stupa, gifted by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, Bhutan’s third Queen Mother, was built to ward off evil and bring peace and harmony for all living beings.  A short walk from here, we cross to the nearby village, over a suspension bridge, an historical masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, to mingle and explore village lifestyle.

We leave Punakha for Bumthang in Central Bhutan. Our route passes through beautiful forest landscapes and breathtaking mountain views. On the way, we will hoist Wind-Horse Prayer Flags and chant prayers to overcome life’s obstacles and fulfill aspirations. By early evening we reach Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, where many religious relics and histories are to be found.

This region is home to some of our oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries, such as Jambay Lhakhang, and many Guru Rinpoche sacred sites which remain undisturbed in pristine nature. It is here that Buddhism was first introduced in the 8th century by the Indian Tantric master, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and later many important Tibetan masters and Tertons (treasure discoverers) lived and practiced in this sacred region.  Surrounded by the blessings of ancient masters, this peaceful natural environment is an ideal place for meditation and spiritual contemplation.  The region boasts a rich biodiversity, within its broad gentle valleys, fast flowing rivers and native pine forests.

In the morning we visit Jampal Lhakhang (temple of Maitreya), one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant demoness and overcome evil forces obstructing the introduction of Buddhism into Bhutan. Located here, is an ancient majestic statue of Maitreya, framed on either side by four bodhisattvas; ancient paintings of the Buddhas cover the walls of the circumambulation path.

When Guru Rinpoche came to Bhutan, it is said that he preached the teaching of the Kagye cycle (Heruka) to the king of Bumthang, Sendhu Raja and his court from the roof of the temple. The main Jowo (Maitreya) is revered as a precious statue which grants your wishes and is considered to be as blessed as the Lhasa Jowo in Tibet.

Next, we visit Kurje (body print), regarded as one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. It is here that Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months inside a cave to subdue a powerful local deity and then left his imprint as the symbol of the first introduction of Buddhism into Bhutan. Later the monastery was built to preserve this important sacred site. Behind it, stands a tall cypress tree believed to have grown from the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. Within Kurje Monastery, majestic statues, paintings and ancient sacred ornaments can be viewed.

A short walk from the monastery is Kurje, Holy Spring of Guru Rinpoche, where the healing waters are believed to purify negative energy and bring physical well-being.

After lunch, we visit to Tamzing Monastery which was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (the great treasure revealer) offering a one-of-a-kind spiritual and cultural experience. The monastery is known for its unique architecture, ancient murals, and valuable religious artifacts. while taking some time to reflect and meditate in the peaceful environment of the monastery will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated

Tharpaling Monastery, located at 3600m, overlooks Chumey Valley in Bumthang. The monastery was founded by Longchenpa (1308-1363), the great philosopher and practitioner of Dzogchen. Here great masters including Jigme Lingpa, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche meditated. Nearby are Chodrak Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and Dzambala Lhakhang. Longchenpa’s Seat, a rock throne where Longchenpa wrote part of the Seven Treasure texts (the highest Dzogchen text), is located above Tharpaling.

We begin our day with a visit to the sacred site at Tharpaling and a brief introduction to Guru Yoga based on Longchenpa’s teaching and sadhana practice, followed by a period of silent meditation practice. After lunch, we walk up to Longchenpa's Seat and along the way visit Chodrak and Dzambala monasteries to offer prayers.

We depart Bumthang for Gangtey, stopping to visit Trongsa Dzong (built 1543) on the way. Historically the seat of power over Central and Eastern Bhutan, both the first and second kings ruled from this ancient seat. Within the walls of Dzong are 25 temples dedicated to Tantric deities, a watchtower (Ta Dzong) dating back to 1652, a printing shop producing religious texts in the ancient tradition and a museum honoring the Wangchuck Dynasty. Today the Dzong is home to around 200 monks during the winter months.

Our destination of Gangtey is famous as the winter home of the endangered Black necked crane (Grus Nigricollis). Located in Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful wilderness areas, the region around Gangtey has many nature trails to enjoy.

In Gangtey Village, we visit Gangtey Sangngak Choling Monastery, founded by Gyalse Rinzin Pema Thinley (first Gangtey Tulku) in 1613, one of the most important sites of the Nyingmapa School and the main seat of the Pema Lingpa (1450-1642) tradition. The monastery has been completely restored, providing accommodation for the monks and retreat centres. Here, we take time to sit in meditation and make offerings of prayers. After visiting the monastery, we enjoy a gentle walk along the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail, overlooking Phobjikha Valley.

We depart Bumthang for Gangtey, stopping to visit Trongsa Dzong (built 1543) on the way. Historically the seat of power over Central and Eastern Bhutan, both the first and second kings ruled from this ancient seat. Within the walls of Dzong are 25 temples dedicated to Tantric deities, a watchtower (Ta Dzong) dating back to 1652, a printing shop producing religious texts in the ancient tradition and a museum honoring the Wangchuck Dynasty. Today the Dzong is home to around 200 monks during the winter months.

Our destination of Gangtey is famous as the winter home of the endangered Black necked crane (Grus Nigricollis). Located in Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful wilderness areas, the region around Gangtey has many nature trails to enjoy.

In Gangtey Village, we visit Gangtey Sangngak Choling Monastery, founded by Gyalse Rinzin Pema Thinley (first Gangtey Tulku) in 1613, one of the most important sites of the Nyingmapa School and the main seat of the Pema Lingpa (1450-1642) tradition. The monastery has been completely restored, providing accommodation for the monks and retreat centres. Here, we take time to sit in meditation and make offerings of prayers. After visiting the monastery, we enjoy a gentle walk along the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail, overlooking Phobjikha Valley.

On our return trip to Thimphu, we stop for lunch at Punakha before ascending to Dochula Pass, where we visit the nearby Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. This monastery was built for the well being of our kings, leaders, people and world peace.

Before continuing, we pause for a short walk through beautiful forest to a nearby tranquil spot and time to sit in meditation.  We then return to Thimphu and have time in the evening to explore Thimphu City.

We begin our day in Thimphu with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, which is not only a beautiful fortress but also the seat of the Bhutanese government and the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). The dzong showcases an excellent example of Bhutanese architecture and is adorned with intricate woodwork and murals.

Then, we will visit the vegetable market where you can witness the abundance of organic local produce.

After lunch, we head towards Paro and take a brief 10-minute walk to Tachog Lhakhang, a temple reached by crossing Paro Chhu (river) on one of the few remaining ancient iron chain bridges. These bridges were built around 1420 by the Tibetan master Tangtong Gyelpo, who was famously known as the "Bridge Builder".

Along the way, we make a stop at Dra Karpo (White Rock), a holy and sacred temple blessed and sanctified by Guru Rinpoche accompanied by his consort, Yeshi Tshogyal. Many great masters and yogis have meditated at this location over the years. We will take a break here for a short meditation and prayer, while enjoying the breathtaking view of Paro valley.

Start the day by visiting Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of Jewels). Located at the edge of Paro Town, this impressive example of 15th century Bhutanese architecture now serves as the local government center of Paro.

We then visit nearby Ta Dzong (Watchtower) which was built in 1649 and converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. Here we can view antiques, art, textiles, weapons and household items offering a glimpse of Bhutan’s fascinating history.

After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Built in the 7th century, it is said to have been built on a spot where a demoness was subdued, and is considered a significant place of worship for Bhutanese Buddhists.

Then visit to Drukgyel Dzong is a historic fortress located in Bhutan, built in the mid-17th century. it remains a popular tourist destination due to its unique architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. While the dzong was left in ruins for many years, the Bhutanese government has undertaken restoration the entire dzong structure into a majestic architecture to preserve its historical significance.

End your day with a stroll through Paro town, where you can browse local shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and other souvenirs.

The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), the most iconic landmark and holy site in the Kingdom, is located 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at the site of a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the eighth century. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche flew there on a tigress and meditated in the cave for three years in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have made pilgrimage there. Located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at 3,100 meters altitude, Taktsang is reached after an approximately two-and-a-half-hour hike through beautiful, shady pine forests.

In the evening there is time for shopping in Paro and we gather for our farewell dinner.

Boarding a morning flight from Paro International Airport, we bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country, taking with us cherished memories of Bhutan! We wish you a safe and happy journey and look forward to meeting again in Druk Yul – a land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!