Saturday, 16 Mar, 2013:  Flight to Paro, Bhutan

(Altitude 2250m/7380 ft)
You can fly into Paro from Kathmandu (Nepal), or Bangkok (Thailand). Please, allow minimum a day in the gateway city before and after the trip for a safe connection with your international flight. You will buy your international airfare to the gateway city on your own and we will take care of the internal flights. Bhutan visa is a part of the tour and Highland Asia will arrange that for you. A copy of Bhutan visa pre-approval letter will be emailed to you in advance that you will need to present at the airport to check- in Bhutan bound flight and again upon arrival at Paro airport immigration to get final visa seal on your passport. After completing immigration and custom formalities, you will exit the airport and meet your guide and driver outside the terminal and transfer to Thimphu.

En route, stop to visit the ancient Tamchog Lakhang Temple built by the famous Tibetan Iron Bridge builder-Thangtong Gyalpo who was a yogi, an architect, engineer, physician and what not! The 14th century temple is still maintained by the descendents of the great saint.
Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in hotel and take leisurely stroll in the township. Thimphu, probably is the smallest of all the Himalayan capitals and the only capital in the world without a single traffic light! We visit the King’s Memorial Chorten-dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. This is an impressive shrine, with shining gold spires, tinkling bells and endless procession of devotees circumambulating around it.

Overnight in Migmar Resort or Peaceful Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Sunday, 17 Mar, 2013: Explore Thimphu.

We begin the day from Thimphu's week-end market where local farmers come to sell the fresh produces. We will also take chance to attend the archery tournament if any at progress. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. Next, we visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center- that produces traditional hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where we can watch weavers at work. Then, we cross the Wangchu River and visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where we see the traditional paper making method. Bhutanese traditional papers are made of mulberry barks ( daphne).

Next, we visit the Folk Heritage Museum-a three-storied rammed mud and timber building which is a replica of a century old traditional farmhouse and a tour of this living museum will give you a glimpse into the way most Bhutanese lived then and how many rural people live today. Now, we drive up the road to the telecom tower for the panoramic views over the valley. We stop to visit the Takin Reserve at Motithang. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. After enjoying the view from the telecom tower, we descend and visit the Zilukha Nunnery- a residence of 40-65 nuns. The main shrine here is dedicated to the famous saint, Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo, the man who first introduced and built the chain of iron bridges in Bhutan. We continue on the Gaden Lam and visit the Dechen Phodrang-the site of Thimphu's original 12th-century fortress. Now, the complex houses the state monastic school that provides a 8 year course to more than 450 students!

Late  afternoon, we visit the impressive Trasichoe Dzong-The fortress of the Glorious Religion-which is the administrative and religious center of Bhutan. The fortress houses the Royal Throne, National Assembly and the seat of Chief Abbot of the central monastic body.
If you want a more active day, there are several hiking destinations. We would like to recommend the  Tango Goemba Monastery. The trail to the monastery is a climb of 280 m ( 918 ft) and takes about 60-90 minutes. On the way, we will meet the commoners and the monks and possibly the caravan of donkeys carrying goods. Once on the top, we will be delighted to see the impressive monastery. Founded in the 12th Century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley-the present structures are from the 15th and 18th centuries. Meet up with the resident monks here and learn about their monastic life. We will sip tea with monks learn about the monastic life. Teach them some English and learn some Bhutanese phrases from them. Return trek down is much quicker.

Overnight in Migmar Resort or Peaceful Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Monday, 18 Mar: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha.

(Altitude 4420 ft, distance 77km/48 miles, 3 hrs)

Following breakfast, we check out hotel and leave for Punakha-the former winter capital of Bhutan. As we leave Thimphu behind, the road gradually climbs to Dochula pass (Alt. 3010m/9,872 ft), where we will stop briefly for panoramic views of the snow capped mountains. Another striking feature of the pass is a group of chortens (pagoda or stupas) and hundreds of prayers flags fluttering over in the wind. After the pass, the road zigzags and descends to the lowland of Punakha and Wangdue valleys at the elevation around 1400m (4, 592 ft).
Upon arrival, we check in our resort, enjoy the lunch and then we drive to visit Punakha Dzong-which is among the most impressive fort architectures of Bhutan. Situated at the confluence of Phochu and Mochu (Male and female) Rivers, the Dzong was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo-the chief abbot of the central monastic body. The fortress is important also because it is where the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal went into recess and passed away.

Time permitting, we take a short hike through the villages and paddy field to the temple of Chimi Lakhang-also known as the fertility temple, dedicated to Saint Drukpa Kinley. Saint Drukpa Kinley is also known as divine madman for his humor and sexual approach to his teachings.

Overnight in Punatsangchu Cottages or Meri Puensum Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Tuesday, 19 Mar: Drive from Punakha to Trongsa.

(Altitude 7300 ft, distance 142km/88 miles, 4.5 hrs)

After breakfast, we leave Punakha and continue on the road to the east. Soon, the majestic Wangdue Phodrang Dzong comes into view. We will stop to visit the Dzong -the second capital of Bhutan. On the hillside opposite to the Wangdue Phodrang is Rinchengang Village, which is a 20 minute hike. It's an interesting village of about 45 compact mud houses. Unlike rest of Bhutan, multiple families live in a single house, due to scarcity of the land. Most the villagers work as stone masons and this village is one of the oldest villages of Bhutan.

We descend and continue on our journey heading to Trongsa-the ancestral hometown of the Bhutanese royal family.  As we leave the town behind, the road gradually climbs the Black Mountain Range that separates western part with the rest of Bhutan. We stop briefly at Pele la pass (3420m/11, 218 ft) to appreciate the serene beauty of the snow capped mountains including Mt. Jumolhari. After the pass, the road drops to Mangde region where people speak different dialect. We will stop at Chendebji chorten –a Nepali style stupa architecture and other places on the way to stretch our legs and to savor the landscape and capture the scenery into our cameras.
After lunch, we visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest historical, political and religious monuments also known as Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong. Built 463 years ago, Trongsa Dzong sits on a high ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu (river) and represents an important link with Bhutan's precious institution of monarchy. It was the dzong where future Kings formalized their ascension as Chhoetse Penlop before ascending the Golden Throne. We visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower of the Trongsa Dzong. The chapel inside the tower is dedicated to the Jigme Namgyal, the 19th-century Trongsa penlop (governor).

Overnight  in Yankhil Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Wednesday, 20 Mar: Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang.

(Altitude 2600m/8530 ft, distance 68 km/43 miles, 2 hrs 30 min)

After breakfast, we leave for  Bumthang. On the way, we stop at Zugney to visit the “Yathra” weaving centre and interact with the local weavers. Yathra is the colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth.

After wash and change in our hotel, we set out to explore the Jakar Town. We begin from Jambay Lhakhang Temple, built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet and it’s believed to be one of the 108 temples he built miraculously in a single night in Tibet and neighboring countries. Our next stop would be at Kurjey Lakhang Temple. Kurjey means “Body Imprint” and the temple got this name because it is built around a cave where Guru Rimpoche had meditated and left his body imprint. We will also visit Jakar Dzong, "castle of the white bird". According to legend, when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill. This was interpreted as an important omen, and the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for Jakar Dzong. The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks.

Overnight in the Mountain Lodge or Wangdicholing Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Thursday, 21 Mar, 2013 : Ura Valley excursion.

Ura Village is about 50 kilometers from Choekhor valley and takes about one and half hour drive. Located in a broad valley, Ura village is a clustered of traditional houses fenced by cobblestone streets that give the village a mediaeval atmosphere. The women in Ura village cover their head with white cloth piece to protect from the harsh cold wind and carries sheepskin (behind their back) used as cushion and as well as to protect their cloth from the loads they carry.
Late afternoon, we retrace drive to Jakar.

Overnight in the Mountain Lodge or Wangdicholing Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Friday, 22 Mar, 2013:Drive from Bumthang to Punakha

(212km/132 miles, 6 hrs)

We retrace drive across the Black Mountain range to Punakha. Time permitting and depending on your interest, we can visit some villages like Talo or Dalay.

Overnight in Meri Puensum or Punatsangchu Cottages.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Saturday, 23 Mar, 2013:Drive from Punakha to Paro.

(142km/88 miles, 4 hrs)
We backtrack all the way to Paro. After lunch at our resort, we proceed to the festival venue at Paro Rinpung Dzong-the district headquarter and the seat of Monk body of the district. Today is the first day of the annual festival. Much of the celebration today is ceremonial and very little open to the public.

Overnight Tashi Namgay or similar
Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sunday, 24 Mar 2013: Attend the festival

After breakfast, we rush to Paro Dzong to attend the festival. There will be a series of mask dances performed by monks and lay people. People dressed in their finest dresses flock to Paro Dzong to attend the annual festival. Bhutanese people believe that they earn merits by attending the festival. The second day of the festival is held outside the Dzong and the first opening dance depicts Boddhisatva Manjushree-the wisdom of all Buddhas appearing in wrathful manifestation with buffalo mask. The dance of Black Hats with drums signifies the victory of the good over evils and in another performance-Guru Rinpoche subjugates the demons causing obstruction in the path of Buddhism. The Dance of the Lords in which dancers wear skull masks and play the role of the protector of the religion.

It may be monotonous to be on the festival ground all day. So, on the second half of the day or in between the dances, we can visit some attractions of Paro. We'll visit the Drukgyel Dzong that was built in the mid 17th century to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over Tibetans. The glorious fortress now exists in ruins. On a clear weather day, we can enjoy the views of Mount Chomolhari, also spelled as Jhomolhari. Next we will visit Kyichu Lakhang-one of the most important temples of Bhutan. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 temples that King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet miraculously built in a single night in the 7th century.

Late afternoon, we visit a typical farmhouse to get a glimpse of local Bhutanese lifestyle. Bhutanese Farm Houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of any nails. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. Tonight, we will dine with a Bhutanese family in a farmhouse.

Overnight in Tashi Namgay Resort or similar
Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Monday, 25 Mar, 2013 Morning attend the festival and afternoon, hike Takstang Monastery.

On the 3rd day, the Dance of the Lords of the cremation grounds followed by the Dance of the Terrifying Deities in which a symbolic sacrificial murder is performed. The Dance of the Heroes with six kinds of ornaments and a small drum and bell in their hands depicts the heroes leading the sentient beings from the wheel of reincarnation along the path of liberation. The dance of the Noblemen and Ladies (Pholeg Moleg) is a comical play that depicts the life of King Norzang. The play is full of bawdy and rustic humor as two princes and two princesses, and old couple and clowns enact a story of misbehavior, deceit, and mistrust. The story ends happily with the princes marrying the princesses and reconciliation takes place as a lesson to life. Each episode of the dances has some meaning and connection with religion and mythology.

After lunch, we go for hike to the legendary Takstang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is situated at an altitude of 2,000ft/600m up on a vertical rock face overlooking the valley. This is the legendary site where Guru Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet on a tiger’s back and fought the five demons here creating obstacle on the path of Buddhism. After an one and half hour laborious climb, we arrive at a cafeteria which serves as a beautiful view point for Takstang Monastery. Pony-back ride can be taken up to this point but for the rest of the trek and return trip down, you will need to be on your own limbs. We will spend some time in the cafeteria, gazing the monastery with refreshment drinks and then hike further 45 minutes to get a closer look of the monastery and the surrounding temples. Return trip is all downhill and takes about half the time than it takes way up.

This evening, we will experience traditional hot stone bath. Hot-stone-bath is a popular form of medication practiced in Bhutan since time immemorial. Hot-stone-bath is believed to heal many ailments like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases.

Overnight in Tashi Namgay Resort or similar
Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Tuesday, 26 Mar, 2013: Depart Bhutan.

After breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for flight back home or onward destination.