After breakfast, the guest’s visit the Buddha Dordenma, a statue filled with over 100,000, smaller Buddha statues, each like the Buddha Dordenma itself, made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of approximately 51.5 m (169 ft), it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. From here, we propose a short hike on a trail that will take the guest’s through a beautiful forest patch towards Changangkha Lhakhang. The hike provides magnificent views of the Thimphu valley below. In the afternoon, the guest’s will drive to visit the Royal Takin Preserve. Bhutan’s national animal is the Takin. This large and hoofed mammal has an element of mythology tied to it. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley or ‘the Divine Madman’. This particular species of Takin is found only in Bhutan and western Arunachal Pradesh. Following this, we may visit the Weekend market. Embark on a multi-sensory experience as you stroll past the vibrant stalls of the Thimphu Weekend Farmers Market, held every Friday through Sunday. Drawing in most of Thimphu’s vivacious residents, the marketplace teems with both local and imported goods over a range of industry and commerce. The experience is more than the items to be bought, but rather about taking the chance to socialise with colorfully dressed locals, all full of Bhutanese fare and flare.

Optional experiences:

• Traditional Attire (Gho & Kira): One of the most distinctive aspects of the Bhutanese is their traditional dress. Men wear the “Gho”, a knee-length robe that is tied at the waist by a traditional belt known as a “Kera”. Women wear the “Kira”, a long, ankle length dress accompanied by a light outer jacket known as a “Tego”, with an inner layer known as a “Wonju”.
• Yoga session with cooking class at Chuniding: A curated package focusing on physical asana practice, pranayama and yogic diet with Manipa Yoga and Chuniding Food. Duration: 5 hours approximately.

After breakfast, the guest’s will visit the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan. This is regarded as one of the nation’s first institutions,
dedicated to the conservation of Bhutanese textiles. Following the visit, the guest’s will be driven towards Punakha approximately 75kms, an estimated 2 hour’s drive. The road climbs through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu La pass. We may then stop on Dochu La mountainin pass, an incredible Bhutanese mountain pass where peaks are estimated at 3140m (10301 ft) above sea level. It presents exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya range in the winter. We then proceed to the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of the Bhutanese soldiers slain in the war against Bodo insurgents from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, sanctioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents. Based on the guest’s preferences, we would also recommend to stop en route for a short hike of Chimi Lhakhang. Perched on a hill in the centre of the valley, this would be approximately 30-minute walk through fields. This temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley and also known as the ‘Divine Madman’, as he used humour, song and dramatic reenactment to disperse his teachings back in the 15th century. It is also widely known as the temple of fertility; locals come here to receive blessings from the lama, as they pray and ask to be blessed with a child.
This afternoon, we arrive at Punakha and the guest’s are escorted to their hotel. Early evening, proceed to visit the Punakha dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan, and for many years served as its seat of government. Widely referred to as the most beautiful dzong in the country, the towering white walls form a lovely contrast to the surrounding greens and blues. It is the winter residence of the central monastic body, and holds a very important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. All of Bhutan’s kings are crowned here before they can take their throne in Thimphu. The dzong’s magnificence is especially striking in the spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees are in full bloom. Remaining day at leisure and overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will begin your hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. You will be driven to the suspension bridge and hike only about 45 minutes. This three storey lhakhang is a recent addition to Bhutan’s string of architecturally splendid buildings. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, the houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities that subjugate enemies and ward off harmful influences on the people of Bhutan. Built for the protection of the country and the present King, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below. After the hike, you will drive to visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amongst the pine trees gleams the magnificent structure of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. This temple houses a 14 ft (4.2 m) bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, made by local Bhutanese artisans. Other statutes include those of The Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, and the 21 Taras. The temple complex also houses a permanent school of higher learning and a meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious training, provides vocational training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Optional experiences:

• Blessing Ceremony at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery: It is a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you will participate in the lighting up of butter lamps as well.
• Thangka Painting Session: Thangkha painting class where the canvas will be kept ready by the painter with geometric lines and you will need to fill in the different colours under his or her guidance. A Thangkha is a Buddhist painting which usually depicts a Buddhist deity, scene or mandala.

After breakfast we check-out from the hotel & drive to Paro approximately 120 kms, an estimated 3 – 3.5 hour’s drive. Paro is a historic town, situated at 2250 m (7382 ft,) with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and the country’s only airport. Additionally, Mt Jhomolhari (7326 m /24035 ft) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley. Its roaring glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. As we arrive in Paro, we proceed to check-in to the hotel and enjoy some leisure time. Afternoon, the guest’s are escorted to visit the Ta Dzong; a watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, the Ta Dzong has been serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, natural history, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The building’s circular shape comes from its defensive origin. We then proceed to visit a local Farmhouse. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by clusters of old-fashion farmhouses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. This guided visit provides a unique insight into the lifestyle and culture of Bhutan.

Optional experiences:

• Bhutanese Cooking Class at a Farmhouse: Bhutanese cuisine is one of the easiest to master, with a delicious simplicity.
  You can enjoy a 30-minute to 1-hour Bhutanese cooking class, using techniques and ingredients native to this Himalayan country.
• Archery and Dart Session in a Farmhouse: While in Bhutan, we strongly urge you to have a go at the country’s national sport “Archery”. Khuru is another favourite traditional Bhutanese sport which can be arranged as well.

Early this morning, we take a short drive to Ramthankha, and here guest’s have the option of a short hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2950 m (9678 ft.), this is a few hours trek and offers spectacular views. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditation here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world. After the hike, the guest’s are driven back to the hotel. Rest of the day free to relax in the hotel or explore the local markets.

Optional experiences:

• Taktshang Monastery is the most important sightseeing which involves walking for a few hours. If the guests are not fit for the walk then they can hire a Pony, from the parking till the first view point of Taktshang cafeteria, from here the guest can have a beautiful view of the overlooking Monastery. After the visit the guest can descend walking, (Ponies are not recommendable for the descend).
• Hoisting of Prayer Flag: For centuries, Prayer flags are hoisted for happiness, long life, prosperity, luck and merit and to offer karmic merit to all sentient beings.

After breakfast the guest’s will be escorted to the Paro airport to board flight for onward journey.