Before heading to Punakha valley, visit some interesting sites in Thimphu including Bhutan's only animal enclosure - Royal Takin Preserve where you'll see unique Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there go to visit an art school, the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where the 13 Bhutanese traditional arts & crafts are taught to youth. A traditional lunch will be hosted at Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, pass by Changlimithang Archery Range to witness archery, the national sport of Bhutan. You'll see archers singing and dancing each time the target is hit from a whopping distance of 145m. We then start a 2.5-hour journey to Punakha via sacred Dochula Pass, enjoy a spectacular view of some of the highest mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). Arriving Punakha, visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang known as "Temple of Fertility" believed to bless visiting childless couples with fertility. Explore the nearby village whose houses are adorned with huge paintings of phalluses.

Early breakfast and hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, located on a peaceful ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley. The round-trip hike takes 2.5-3 hours through beautiful idyllic countryside and a short climb before reaching the grand stupa that took 10 years to complete. After the hike, return to Punakha town for lunch at one of the local restaurants and then transfer to Phobjikha valley, a 3-hour drive through thickly forested mountains and a few settlements along the way. It is here that the revered and endangered Black-necked Cranes roost in winter from November to March before they migrate back to the Tibetan plateau. Arriving at Phobjikha, you'll visit an important landmark in the valley, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery home to several hundreds of monks.

After breakfast, we start a 4-hour journey to Bumthang valley also known as Jakar and home to several sacred sites and national treasures. En route, stop by at Trongsa and visit the largest fortress in Bhutan, the 17th-century Trongsa Dzong that was once the seat of the powerful Wangchuk dynasty who have ruled the country since 1907. You can also visit Thruepang Palace, the birthplace of the late Third King, Jigme Dorji Wantchuk and get insights into his early days. You may also want to visit the Royal Heritage Museum located on a promontory overlooking the Trongsa Dong to learn the history of the Kings of Bhutan and the significance of Trongsa Dzong in Bhutanese history.

Today after breakfast, you'll visit Tang valley located some 45 minutes drive away from Chamkhar town. En route, you will see Mebartso, the Burning Lake from where a sacred object was discovered in the 15th-century by the patron saint of Bhutan, Terton Pema Lingpa. You'll also have the chance to visit Ogyen Choling Palace Museum which was home to the noble family in the valley and today it is owned by one of the direct descendants of the once noble family. It was turned into a private museum in 2001 to share and preserve its cultural heritage and religious significance. Visit one of the family farmhouses and enjoy home-cooked local cuisine for lunch. You can also enjoy a locally brewed liquor known as "Ara". Spend some time with the family to get insights into the daily life of an ordinary Bhutanese family before we drive back to Chamkhar tow.

Rise up early and head to the less-visited Haa Valley hidden within the folds of mighty mountain ranges. It was opened to international tourism only in 2002 and the development of high-end hotels are banned for now to maintain its old quaint and peaceful look. En route stop at Chelela, the highest motorable mountain pass standing at 3900m above sea level. You'll spend some time exploring the pristine mountain pass and enjoy the stunning view of surrounding mountain ranges (weather permitting).