Arrival in Paro – Bhutan

• Touch down in Paro! Representative from Bhutan Mystical Tours will receive you in the airport. Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

• On the way see Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for Iron Ore. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.

• On reaching Thimphu, drive uphill to Kuensel Phodrang where sits a massive sized Statue of Buddha Dordenma. It is made of bronze and is 169 ft. tall. You can get a spectacular view of Thimphu valley from this point.

• Next, visit to National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

• Later, head to Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), which houses the throne room of the king and the offices of the government.

• Overnight in Thimphu

Explore Thimphu | The Capital City

• Today dive deeper into the Thimphu city by a visit to the National Zoo which where the Takins, Bhutan’s national animal is preserved.

• While returning, you may visit to Dupthop Lhakhang which is known to be one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

• Visit the National Library to see a vast collection of ancient texts and scriptures. The library is a treasure trove for those interested in Bhutanese history and culture.

• Later visit the National institute for Zorig Choesum (13 traditional arts) the painting School is on your next list. Bhutanese tradition has been preserved through painting and sculptures. Thangkas, the sacred Buddhist religious scrolls are either painted or embroidered on high-quality fabrics.

• Walk for a minute to Folk Heritage Museum which offers visitors the Bhutanese folk heritage and craftsmanship of Bhutan’s rural past.

• Driving further to the city, visit National Postal Museum, which is worth a visit for you can get your own picture on Bhutanese stamp right then and there. Get a photo clicked then and there or give a photo of your dear ones and you will get personalized stamps in 5 minutes.

• Explore Centenary Farmers Market if you’re there on a weekend, this bustling market is a great place to experience local life and try fresh produce.

• Overnight in Thimphu

Punakha sightseeing

• Take a scenic drive to Punakha, En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3116m) for panoramic views of the magnificent range of the Higher Himalayas.

• Visit the Royal Botanical Garden, the Royal Botanical Park, also known as the Rhododendron Garden at Lamperi, located half hour drive towards Punakha/Wangdue valleys.

• On reaching Punakha, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

• Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River). War materials captured during the various battles with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha served as a capital of Bhutan till the year of 1955.

• In the evening, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160 m). The bridge is the longest of its kind and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well.

• Overnight in Punakha

Discover Gangtey Valley

• Today as you leave Punakha, the road ascends through the picturesque valleys of the Wangdue Phodrang district. You’ll encounter lush green rice fields, small settlements, and the occasional sight of local farmers tending to their crops.

• On reaching, visit Gangtey Gompa founded in 1613. It is a Nyingma monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingma monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.

• Explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley, where you will be able to see the rare, Black-Necked Crane, especially during wintertime. The Phobjikha Valley is a sanctuary for endangered black-necked cranes (WWF).

• For more information on this magnificent bird, you can also visit the Crane Information center, under the supervision of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature.

• The farmhouse stay in Phobjikha is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the serene beauty of the valley. It will allow you to experience traditional Bhutanese hospitality with home-cooked meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Spend time with the family, learning about their way of life, participating in farming activities, traditional crafts, or even cooking sessions.

• Overnight in Gangtey

Trongsa sightseeing

• After breakfast approach the Pele La Pass, standing at an elevation of 3,390 meters. This pass is often shrouded in clouds, offering a mystical atmosphere. Here, you can spot the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality. The pass serves as a natural boundary between the western and central regions of Bhutan.

• En route, visit Trongsa Dzong (fortress), the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.

• Just a minute from the fortress, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which currently serves as a museum. Drive further to Bumthang.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Jambay Lhakhang Festival 2026 Begins

• Start your day with the visit to Jakar Dzong, or “Castle of the White Bird”. Explore its serene courtyards, beautiful murals, and impressive architecture while soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.

• Spend time at the Kurjey Lhakhang (monastery), a sacred site that houses the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The complex includes three temples, with the oldest dating back to 1652.

• Today marks your immersive entry into the historic Jambay Lhakhang Festival 2026. After exploring the spiritual landmarks of Bumthang Valley, you will head to the ancient 7th-century temple courtyard in the evening for the spectacular opening of the festival.

  You will stand alongside local pilgrims to witness the grand Bhutan fire blessing festival rituals, starting with the Jinsi (sacred ground purification ceremony). The night builds to an unforgettable climax during the legendary Mewang Fire Blessing Ceremony, where a massive structure of twigs and dry leaves is set ablaze. Dancers and locals sprint beneath the flaming torches, a powerful ritual believed to cleanse negative karma, remove life obstacles, and bring immense prosperity.

• Overnight in Bumthang

Bhutan fire blessing festival

Spend the day fully immersed in the peak of Jambay Lhakhang Drup 2026. The daytime festival features powerful, traditional masked “Cham” dances performed by monks in brilliant silk robes. You will see spectacular performances like the Durdag Cham (Dance of the Lords of the Cremation Grounds) and the UNESCO-recognized Dramitse Ngacham (Drum Dance).

For those looking to taste something unique, the Bumthang Brewery is a must-visit. Known for its locally brewed craft beers, including the popular Bhutanese wheat beer, visitors can enjoy a tour of the brewery and sample a variety of brews while learning about the brewing process and the ingredients used.

Later tonight, you will return to the temple under the cover of darkness for the festival’s most exclusive and deeply mystical highlight: the Ter Cham, widely known as the Midnight Naked Dance Bhutan. At midnight, sixteen chosen men wearing sacred masks and no clothing emerge into the moonlit courtyard to perform a powerful 8th-century cleansing dance. This raw spiritual ritual is designed to subdue evil forces and grant fertility blessings to the attendees. (Please note that photography is strictly prohibited during this highly sacred midnight performance to preserve its religious sanctity).

Overnight in Bumthang

Transfer to Paro

• Drive to Paro. Stop along the way for the photography.

• In the evening, free to stroll in the town for leisure.
• Overnight in Paro

Hike to Tiger’s Nest

• Dedicate your final day to a delightful excursion to the Tiger’s Nest, locally known as Taktsang Monastery. Reaching Takshang Monastery is as much an adventure as the destination itself. 

• On returning to the base, a Bhutanese cuisine experience in the woods is a celebration of both food and nature. It offers a unique way to engage with Bhutan’s rich culinary traditions while
  surrounded by the tranquility and beauty of the natural world.

• Next, visit to Rimpung Dzong (fortress) also known as “Heap of Jewel” built in the year of 1646 as the Centre of administrative and religious authority in this valley.

• At the end of the day, we recommend you have a Traditional hot stone bath to get relaxed after a tiring day. It is not only practiced as a comforting leisure but also to treat various diseases.

• You can stroll down the Paro town where you can always find Bhutanese authentic handicrafts which can be good souvenirs and remembrances of this exotic and serene Himalayan Kingdom ‘Bhutan’.

• Overnight in Paro

• Our guide will drop you at Paro international airport as per your flight schedule. Farewell for your onwards journey.