Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan with approximately 0.1 million people and is famed for being the only city without a single traffic light. With one foot in modernity and another griping its ancient ways of life, exploring Thimphu gives a glimpse of Bhutan at the cusp of the East and the West.

Highlights: (i) Visit the ancient Tashichhoe Dzong (monastery fortress), the secular and religious seats. (ii) A short hike up to Chari monastery via the Tango Buddhist University is both an opportunity to stretch and get a glimpse into the life of a Buddhist monk. (iii) Enroute, visit he 16th Century Pangri Zam that houses a monastic training school for astrology.

Punkha valley is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the seat of the first secular and religious head of Bhutan, the Zhabdrung. 

Highlights: (i) A very dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La (3050 masl) with its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupa). Weather permitting, the view of the Himalayan ranges is spectacular from this point of view. (ii) Visit Chime Lhakhang, the temple in honour of the Divine Mad Man, Drukpa Kuenley and legends of the phallus that blesses. (iii) An evening stroll along the banks of the Phochu (male river) to get a glimpse of the rare White-bellied Heron, a majestic bird on the brink of extinction.

Highlights: (i) Visit the village of Talo, home of the Queen Mother of Bhutan still holds

Bhutan rural authenticity. (ii) Later in the afternoon a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop behind the lodge can be organized or time given to enjoy the farmhouse and spa of the lodge. (ii) Take a short hike through charming rice fields dotted with prayer flags to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal, a stunning monument overlooking the valley. (iii) The monumental Punakha Dzong is home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order.

In the early evening, go for river rafting (optional)

Highlights: (i) Retrace the journey back to Dochu La and hike to the quaint Hongtsho

Monastery. (ii) Follow the Wang Chu and Pa Chu (rivers) to Paro valley. (iii) Enroute,

visit Hongtsho and Tamchoe Iron bridge

Overlooking the picturesque Paro valley and perched high on a cliff is Bhutan’s iconic landmark, the Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest. First built in 1692 at the site of a meditation cave, legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (the lotus born) flew on the back of a tigress and meditated in the same cave to subdue a demon-ess.

Highlights: (i) A total of 6 hours hike to and from the Taktsang and perform an offering ceremony with the monks at the monastery. (ii) Visit the unusual Dungtse Lhakhang and stroll through Paro town browsing the many handicraft souvenir boutique houses. (iii) Enjoy an evening with a traditional dinner that includes folk dancing.

Paro is the rice bowl of Bhutan with a farming community that stretches throughout the valley. Every year, the oldest thongdrol (that which liberates on sight) is unfurled in the

Highlights: (i) Witness the unfurling of the Thongdrol at dawn at the Paro Tsechu. The day is spent in the company of locals dressed in their finest to attend the famous and sacred Tsechu. (ii) Visit the National Museum, housed in the Tadzong (a watchtower) for observe a large collection of artifacts providing an introduction to the rich culture and heritage of Bhutan. (iii) A short walk down the hill is Paro Rinpung Dzong, with its architectural splendour and Neymey Zam as we walk the ancient path toward Tshongdue. (iv) Visit the 8th Century Kyichu Lhakhag and dine in a farmhouse.