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.
National Library, the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
Bhutan Postal Museum – The postal museum narrates the story of evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan through different phases of the changing time. The story is told through the collection of various anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamps the country has produced over the years. As an experience, one may get their personalized postal stamps made here.
Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Buddha Dordenma or Kuensel Phodrang: Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. As an experience, we may suggest the guests consider the option of self-meditation inside the temple.
Another suggested experience today, would be to consider the traditional Bhutanese Dress (Gho for men and Kira for women) and while putting on this dress, you can visit the Trashichhoedzong. It is fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Following the day’s excursion above, we may propose an evening of interaction and learning, with one of the experts and scholars from the below being invited for an exclusive interaction with our guests.

1. Buddhism Talk with Mynak Trulku: Mynak Trulku is the 12th reincarnate lama of Mynak Rimpoche from the Mynak lineage of Mynak province which is now geographically known as eastern part of Tibet
2. A talk by Dr. Karma Phuntsho: Dr. Karma Phuntsho is a Bhutanese scholar who specializes in Buddhism, Tibetan & Himalayan Studies and Bhutan, and has published a number of works including eight books, translations, book reviews and articles on Buddhism, Bhutan and Tibetan Studies.
3. A talk with Chief Election Commissioner: Kunzang Wangdi was chief election commissioner of Bhutan. In that capacity he set up and ran Bhutan’s first democratic elections. Prior to his appointment as commissioner in 2005, Wangdi served as auditor general of Bhutan’s Royal Audit Authority. The above interaction would be proposed at the hotel following by dinner.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Punakha an estimated 3-3.5 hours drive subject to weather, road and traffic conditions.
We will across 108 memorial chortens or Dochula pass (3,O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag.
The Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
Here, you will indulge into self-meditation for a while in one of the caves above Dochula and shall also hoist prayer flags. For centuries, Prayer flags are hoisted for happiness, long life, prosperity, luck and merit and to offer karmic merit to all sentient beings.
Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, is a serene and picturesque valley known for its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural heritage.
Nestled at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha offers a blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility.
This afternoon, the group proceed to visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
Later in the day, excursion to Chimi Lakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. After motorable road one has to walk hrough paddy fields and villages.
This is approximately 2-hours walk, both ways.
The remaining evening is at leisure, with the overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, we will start our guided tour from a a traditional Bhutanese village. The guests can view life in rural Bhutan. For those desiring more energetic pursuits – hiking to nearby villages can be arranged else today you will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery – The nunnery is perched on a ridge amid pine trees overlooking Punakha and Wangduephodrang. The temple complex houses a permanent learning and meditation centre for nuns where apart from religious training, it provides skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting. Continue your drive to Talo Monastery: The site was founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye (1742-89), the 4th reincarnation of Lama Thripa (Galsey Tenzin Rabgye), which literally means the holder of the throne, a title given to Gyalsay Tenzin Rabgye (1638-96) as the Gyaltsap (regent) appointed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This took place in 1767 corresponding to the 13th Rabjung (name of the cycle of 60 years starting with rabbit year) of the Fire Pig Year of the Bhutanese calendar.
Special activity: 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.
The lunch can be suggested at a selected venue or restaurant as per the day’s programme.
Later drive to Khamsum Yuley Chorten, which was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. It is one of the finest
Bhutanese architects. It is located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha, about 30 minutes drive from town. From the parking, it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return downhill takes around 30 minutes. Upon returning, there is an option to walk along the riverside, following the ancient trail that goes through farmlands, homes, Sonagasa village and arrive near Punakha Dzong. This extra walk takes another two hours or so. It is particularly interesting for those interested in birding and to enjoy the walk viewing the countryside.
Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
For lunch, we may visit a suggested venue enroute, with a traditional meal curated this afternoon.
After lunch, we will continue our drive to Paro. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel.
We may then proceed to visit Ta Dzong originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Following this, we will go for a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Activity: We may also propose the interaction and experience of witnessing the Thangkha paintings 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.
Optional: For dinner, we will visit the home of a local family, interact with them, and gain insights into Bhutanese culture OR we will invite one of our storytellers to the hotel this evening for an interaction with the guests.

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (Approximately 5 hrs hike, open between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.
On the way back to town stop at a Farm House and enjoy Butter Tea, one can also opt for Hot Stone Bath (Optional)
Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Here, you will be lightening up 108 butter lamps.
Timings: Open between 09:00 am – 05:00 pm in summer and 09:00 – 04:00 pm in winter. Archery and Dart Session in Archery Ground : 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. The archery session would be either at a selected lunch venue or will be proposed within the hotel, based on the final selection of properties.
Optional Interactions: Interaction with one of our storytellers this evening at the hotel, from amongst the lists shared earlier.
OR talk by Arun Kapoor (Subject to the availability): The Royal Academy, Bhutan and Chairman, Ritinjali, India Arun Kapur is an educator with more than four decades of experience in the global spheres of public and private education. After completing his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University, India, he worked as a teacher and Housemaster for more than a decade in the Doon School in Dehradun, India.
Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel & drive to Paro airport to board flight to onward journey.