In the afternoon visit  Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Mad Man’ (Lama Drukpa Kunley) and Punakha Dzong.

Drive to Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Trongsa Dzong commands the eye from miles away. Stop to visit the Dzong and then after lunch continue through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Bumthang.

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. Arrays of colourful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the “thunderbolt step”. Masks of glorious demonic demons and animals arouse your senses as you watch the purification take place. Watch for the Atsara (clown). This dancer, unique in his own style, mimics dancers and entertains onlookers. Festival deities are invoked through benediction and luck is increased and misfortune dissipated.   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).

Start with Bhutan’s largest Dzong (Jakar), with its picturesque location overlooking the Chokhor valley. Then your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of a variety of sacred sites including Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang, followed by a visit to Membar Tsho ‘the Flaming Lake’, one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. You can also visit Bumthang’s famous Swiss cheese factory and dairy farm or the Red Panda Brewery.

Your guide will suggest the best option for you depending on your level of fitness.  There are plenty of sacred hill-top temples and monasteries that offer good destinations for a hike.  If you prefer, your guide will show you more of the beautiful Bumthang valley from the comfort of your vehicle!

We will stop in Trongsa on the way to visit the museum in the watchtower dedicated to the Royal Wangchuk dynasty, which tells the stories of the Dzong and features personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan. Continue your journey to the Phobjikha valley where you can enjoy the views of the immense and remote valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and extensively renovated).

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.

Next visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan and the ruin of Drukgyel Dzong constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644, destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Blue Poppy offers you the exclusive option to spend the night with a host family in a traditional farm house – or if you prefer a bit more comfort you can stay in a hotel.

You can stop at the Taktshang cafeteria viewpoint on the way up for a wonderful view of the monastery.