Celebrate the start of the wild Matsutake mushroom season at the Masutake Festival alongside the people of the mystical Ura Valley. Ura is renowned for being one of the most picturesque valleys in the entire kingdom. Its inhabitants, the Uraps are a cheerful, hospitable people. Ura provides one of the most authentic experiences of traditional rural Bhutanese life available.
You will be dropped at hotel, Check in and let’s have your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine and some light sightseeing in Thimphu.
After lunch we will be visiting Heritage Museum, Thimphu Dzong and National Memorial Chorten.
Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast, we will drive from Thimphu to Punakha on national highway, which leads from the cold of Thimphu to the hot, almost tropical area of the Punakha Valley. En route, we will stop at Dochula Pass, where you can visit the marvelous 108 stupas and have a coffee break.
Upon arrival in Punakha visit Chimmi Lhakhang - Takes a 45mins hike round trip. This monastery is also referred to as the “Abode of Fertility”
After lunch we go visiting the beautiful Punakha Dzong, seated at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers and Punakha suspension bridge, an exciting bridge for photography enthusiasts.
Punakha - Bumthang
After breakfast we will be driving towards Bumthang. En route, we will stop at Yathra Factory, colorful wool weaving, a pattern native of central Bhutan with deep color.
After lunch we will be visiting Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong.
The Matsutake Festival gives the cheerful Uraps a reason for celebration and to have some fun. After an exciting day of picking mushrooms with the people of Ura, sampling some truly delicious meals, learning about their art and crafts, their traditional lifestyle, folk songs and dances, regional food and drink. Sample freshly gathered mushrooms; try some wild honey or high altitude medicinal herbs and potions, along with other local dishes of wheat and barley. Shop for textiles, cane, bamboo and other regional products.
Bumthang - Thimphu
After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. En route, we will stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden which comprises of over 46 species of rhododendrons.
Evening you can visit Thimphu Town, Handicrafts Stall or Centenary Farmer’s weekend Market.
Once you settle into your hotel, we will begin to unlock the mysteries of Bhutan by touring Thimphu’s most important sites.
After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of late Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, Buddha Point, 15th century Changangkha Lhakhang, Textile Museum is worth a visit to learn about Bhutan's living national art of weaving and primary center of learning for Bhutanese artists School of Thirteen Arts & Crafts.
Thimphu - Paro
In the morning drive to north of Thimphu Valley (15kms) and hike to Cheri Monastery for 30 – 45mins. Cheri Monastery was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is now a major teaching and retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect.
Later evening we will drive to Paro and evening leisure at Paro town visiting handicrafts shops.
Today we will be having full day sightseeing visiting Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Ta Dzong (the watchtower) one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century and Drukgyel Dzong - This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646.
After breakfast, we will hike to Tiger’s Nest - Bhutan’s most scenic icon or the most important landmark, Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley.
Afternoon you can relax at the hotel or explore the neighboring villages.
We drive you back at the airport accordingly to your flight departure.