Rather than an early rising we were able to sleep-in and have a leisurely breakfast.

First we went on a hike above the Dzong. While stated as a short and easy hike it was 1.5 hours with enough rising terrain to get our heart beating rapidly. That said it is wonderful to smell the pines, be in nature and have expansive views over the valley.

Here we watched a couple of planes bank, turn within the valley and land. It is one of the most difficult landings in the world and probably more fun to watch than attempt to do.

I really enjoy seeing all the mini stupas placed within the rocks. Some are clay while others are made from the cremation ashes of loved ones. Prayers are placed inside and apparently there is an extensive ritual required before the placement.

We were on the look out for bears but only came across a mountain lion. Ok, it was actually a harmless cat but it sure sounds more dramatic call it a mountain lion.

We ended the hike at the Dzong. Actually, we had to climb many steps back up to reach the entry.

According to historical accounts of Paro Dzong, the rock face below the site was named Ringpung Dzong by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century.

A great annual festival or tshechu is held at Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar. On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession. This is followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories which are performed by monks for several days.

The festival will begin in about five days so there were rehearsals while we were visiting. But we were not the only spectators. There were many people dressed in traditional costumes watching as well. We were so fortunate to experience even a few minutes of this special occasion. (Personally I enjoy seeing the monks in their traditional robes with their cell phones. What a fascinating mixture of old and new).

After doing a little shopping in the downtown we drove for ten minutes to a farm house for a prayer flag printing ceremony.

First we had butter tea with puffed rice and baked oats while sitting cross legged on cushions on the floor. We also had a sip of homemade rice wine- a bit like sake but less sharp going down.

Then we moved to the next room where we used 5 antique print forms, and we used natural paints to transfer the prayers onto the 5 flags representing the 5 elements. We used bay leaves to press down and push the ink onto the flag. So everything was organic and traditional.

This afforded us the opportunity to see a traditional Bhutanese home with its steep ladders for entry, traditional wood burning stove, and a huge prayer room. There is no furniture as we have in the west, and we learned that meals are served here in bowls and they use their hands to consume the meal.

It was so special to see how real Bhutanese live today.

Back at the lodge I relaxed while David had another massage.

Later the Lodge arranged for a monk to perform a traditional blessing for the 7 of us leaving tomorrow. The blessing was for balance in our lives and safety in our travels. This was a wonderful touch provided by Six Senses further complimenting their perfect service and thoughtfulness.