• we took an early morning flight from Bangkok to Paro 
• ⁠following a breathtaking acrobatic landing we arrived at the most beautiful airport we have ever seen and met our guide Tek and driver “Captain”
• visited a 600-year-old suspension bridge -   Tachogang Lhakhang Iron Chain Bridge in Bhutan, built in the 15th century by the legendary iron bridge builder Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo 
• visited breathtaking Tachogang Lhakhang, historic monastery, known as the "Temple of the Hill of the Excellent Horse," built in the 15th century - the temple was incredible inside, but you can’t take pictures inside 
• visited Chuzom where the two rivers, the Thimphu Chhu and Paro Chhu, merge, it is marked by three distinct stupas - Buddhist, Tibetan and Nepalese. 
• enjoyed traditional Bhutanese lunch - red rice, Kewa Datshi (potatoes with cheese), Shani Datshi (mushroom with cheese) and Jasha Paa (chicken) - all delicious!!!
• enjoyed walk around Thimphu - the capital and largest city of Bhutan, a unique blend of tradition and modernity where ancient monasteries stand alongside contemporary buildings
• observed police officers in decorated booths use hand signals to guide vehicles through busy intersections - it is the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights 
• visited the Zilukha Nunnery also known as the Drubthob Goemba Monastery -  houses to around to 70 resident nuns
• visited The Bhutan Postal Museum where for a small fee of 500Nu (around 5 euro) you can print your own stamp!!!! 
• had a coffee in Changyul Park in Thimphu - a peaceful green space located along the Wang Chhu River
• visited local food market and tried some of the hard yuk cheese 
• explored Thimphu Craft Market and shopped for unique gifts 

Day 2 - 21 Nov 2025

• drove up on a very windy road to Dochula Pass (3,150m above sea level) with 108 memorial stupas (Druk Wangyal Chortens) and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) - it was a bit too cloudy to see stunning panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas
• went to Chimi Lhakhang famously known as the Fertility Temple, built in 1499 and dedicated to the "Divine Madman," Lama Drukpa Kunley. A central relic is a wooden phallus, used to bless visitors
• walked through scenic rice and mustard fields of the village of Sopsokha - all the houses bear paintings of phalluses on their exterior walls, which is said to bring blessings, and repel evil eyes and malicious gossip
• walked The Punakha Suspension Bridge - one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan (180 meters)
• tried some of the local goyya fruit - also called guava 
• stopped in the traffic jam only to find out they were are a part of big celebration - in keeping with 17th century tradition, the Central Monastic Body journeyed from the sacred summer residence at Thimphu Tashichhoedzong to their winter seat in Punakha 
• were blessed with being able to observe some of the celebrations in beautiful Punakha Dzong -  “the palace of great happiness or bliss” considered the most beautiful in Bhutan - truly magical place!

Day 3 - 22 Nov 2025

• visited The Royal Takin Game Preserve were we observed many of the Nations indigenous species including their National Animal, the Tarkin - these unusual looking animals are reported to be a cross between a cow and a goat
• explored The Royal Textile Academy - a National Art Museum featuring a collection of artefacts documenting Bhutan's rich textile traditions
• visited the “Simply Bhutan” interactive “living museum highlighting engaging traditional dances, archery, and local wine tasting
• tried local Butter tea known as Suja - a savory, high-calorie drink made from strong tea, butter, and salt - not a fan!
• visited Buddha Point -  a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu, one of the largest Buddha statue in the world, at 177 feet (54 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas
• enjoyed traditional Bhutanese lunch in a 150-year-old Heritage Home in Babesa 
• tried local alcohol Ara - traditionally fermented beverage made from grains like rice, maize, millet, or wheat

Day 4 - 23 Nov 2025

• woke to a view of the morning sun shining down on world famous Tigers Nest Monastery (Taktsang Palphug) in the distance seemingly hanging off the mountain side 
• stopped high above the Airport at a lookout that enjoyed a panoramic view over the Airport
• we travelled on a rollercoaster of a switchback road higher and higher up the mountains until we arrived at the Chelela Pass - 3988 m (12 759 Feet) above sea level where we enjoyed a breathtaking view of the snowcapped Himalaya mountains towering over us in the distance
• at the summit we enjoyed warm coffee at a local stand and watched a Buddhist Smoke Offering ceremony 
• we traveled down the other side of the mountain toward the Haa Valley 
• we visited two of the 108 Temples Tibetan King Gampo Build for Bhutanese people in the seventh century - The Black Temple (Lhakhang Nagpo) and the White Temple (Lhakhang Karoo)
• explored Haa town with its traditional wooden architecture
• back in Paro we visited a local spa where we enjoyed Hot Stone Baths in herb infused water heated by fire heated river rocks

Day 5 - 24 Nov 2025

• visited the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in the historic Ta Dzong, a 17th-century watchtower that preserves and displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and pieces of artwork
• visited Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), a historic fortress-monastery that means "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”, serving as both the administrative center for the region and the home of a monastic body
• explored Paro city 
• said farewell to our wonderful guide Tek (Dhukhun Rai) and amazing driver Trashi - THANK YOU! You guys made this trip amazing!