In the morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La Pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya range. In the afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Mad Man’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley) and Punakha Dzong. 

We will stop for lunch or a drink in Wangdi. Wangdi Dzong, built by the Shabdrung in 1638 on an auspicious site where four ravens were seen flying in four different directions, was badly damaged in a fire in June 2012 but has been painstakingly renovated over 12 years and is now open to visit. After lunch, continue on your way. You should see plenty of flowering rhododendrons, orchids and magnolia to enhance the drive.

You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have walked from miles around to attend the festivities. They come to watch masked dances, to pray, and to feast. While the underlying purpose of the festival is spiritual, dances are more often like plays, telling stories where good triumphs over evil, or depicting significant historical events, especially surrounding the life of Bhutan’s patron saint, Padmasambhava (also known as Guru Rinpoche). There is inevitably a great deal of socialising as well. The occasion provides an opportunity for people to relax and forget the daily routine, and to dress in their finest clothes and jewellery, but it is also an occasion for prayer and blessings.

Later you can visit Dumtse Lhakhang and then visit Ta Dzong (‘the watch tower’) now housing the The National Museum. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro Valley during times of war. Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts - costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. Nearby we will also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan.

You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.