DAY 2 (Sat 22 SEP) Paro (Day Excursion to Haa Valley).
Today you will be driven to Haa via the Chelela Pass (3900m - approximately 2 hours drive one way). If the weather is clear you will have magnificent views of Mt. Jumolhari (7314 m) and Taktshang Goenpa (the 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery). The Haa valley was only recently opened to visitors and remains one of Bhutan's most pristine areas; the valley is dotted with fields of millet; barley, potatoes, wheat and farmhouses are adorned with intricately painted cornices and frames. You will be able to see the Haa Dzong and stop for pictures before visiting a 100 year old farmhouse owned by our local partner's grandparents. This will give you a glimpse into the way of life of Bhutanese families living in more remote areas. After a picnic lunch you will explore the Haa valley with a visit to Chundu Lhakhang at Hatey village and the Lhakhang (Temple), which will provide an insight into the history of the valley, before returning to Paro. Overnight in Paro (L, D)

DAY 3 (Sun 23 SEP) Paro / Thimphu.
After breakfast today you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On arrival you will visit the weekend market, which is a permanent set of stalls; vendors from throughout the region arrive on Friday afternoon and remain selling their goods until Sunday evening. It's an interesting place to visit, where locals jostle for the best and cheapest vegetables and foodstuff. This is the only time that fresh produce is available, and the shopping is enhanced by the opportunity to catch up with the week's gossip. Next you will visit the Folk Heritage Museum, where you will learn about rural Bhutanese life. After lunch, sightseeing begins with a visit to the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in 1974 in honor of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is one of the most elegant masterpieces built in the 20th century, with detailed religious wall paintings and sculptures. Afterwards you will visit the 14th century Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also the focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. You will stop at Sangaygang - the viewpoint or "Lover's Point," where young couples come to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Thimphu valley - before visiting the Dupthob Lhakhang, a nunnery that has more than 70 practicing nuns. The last stop of the day will be the Handicrafts Emporium, where you will have the chance to shop for some local souvenirs. Overnight in Thimphu. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 (Mon 24 SEP) Thimphu / Punakha.
After breakfast you will be transferred to Punakha - the ancient capital of Bhutan. The drive takes you across Dochula Pass (3100 m), which is marked by a large Bhutanese style Choeten (a sacred structure), 108 small choetens and prayer flags. If the weather is clear you can enjoy spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas before passing down through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and into Punakha. On arrival you can check into your hotel and have lunch. This afternoon enjoy a hike to Chimi Lhakhang - a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay. It's an easy hike (about 30 minutes each way) that takes you through rice paddies and Yuwakha village. Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight in Punakha. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 (Tue 25 SEP) Wangdue (Festival).

After breakfast today you have the opportunity to get dressed in traditional Bhutanese clothes before visiting the Wangdue Dzong to witness the annual Wangue Tshechu (Festival). You will spend the morning at the festival.

The Tshechu is a festival honouring Guru Padmasambhava, "one who was born from a lotus flower." This Indian saint contributed enormously to the spread of Tantric Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan around 800 AD. He is the founder of the Nyingmapa, the "old school" of Lamaism which still has numerous followers. The Tsechu is celebrated around the 10th day of the month (lunar calendar) corresponding to the birth day of Guru Padmasambhava. During Tshechus, dances are performed by monks as well as by laymen. The Tshechu is a religious festival and people attend to receive blessings and have their sins washed away. It is also a yearly social gathering where the people, dressed in all their finery, come together to rejoice.

After lunch at local restaurant you will be able to visit a private temple built by Lama Serpo (96 years old now). Time permitting, you will have a brief audience with this extraordinary Lama and experience a long-life blessing (depending on the schedule of the Lama). This will be a special treat since no other foreign visitors have excess to this temple other than our guests. You will also have time to admire and take pictures of the intricate and detailed wall paintings inside the temple. This evening you can try traditional Bhutanese Archery, Bhutan's National Sport, with some help from your guide. Overnight in Punakha. (B, L, D)