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Day 1  Paro to Thimphu                
Welcome to Bhutan, a land where mystery and legend go hand in hand. On arrival, you will be met at Paro airport and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. After settling in, meet your small group and tour leader for a welcome meeting.                

Day 2  Thimphu                
After breakfast you will venture out to explore Thimphu. Stop off at Buddha point, named after its giant gilded Buddha statue, and take in panoramic views of the city. Take a short hike through pine trees where your leader will help you spot takin, the national animal of Bhutan, a unique goat-antelope creature. Carry on to the Zilukha Nunnery then pass by the fortress and monastery of Tashichho Dzong, sitting on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu river. After lunch, your leader will weave together the fascinating cultural heritage of Bhutan during visits to the National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and the Voluntary Artists School in Thimphu.                  

Day 3  Thimphu to Punakha              
This morning, travel out to the castle-monastery of Simtokha Dzong. Next, drive the winding Dochula pass, marked by more than a hundred chortens built in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed fighting Indian insurgents in 2003. Then continue to Punakha to enjoy fabulous views of the valley.      

Day 4  Punakha              
Begin the day with a short drive to the base of a hill where a ridge-top monastery sits. In this almost sub-tropical valley, begin a hike at a suspension bridge that crosses the Mo Chu river and pass through paddy fields before starting to climb a moderately inclined trail to the Kahmsum Yulley temple. End the day at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple and nunnery, where you’ll arrive in time for evening prayers.

Day 5  Punakha to Phobjikha        
This morning, pass through lush forests and luxuriant vegetation as you make the scenic drive to Phobjikha. Here you’ll find a spectacular valley rich with wildlife. Make an afternoon visit to Gangte Goemba, an expansive monastery with magnificent views of the valley. Meet with a senior resident monk who will speak with your and provide local perspective on the subjects of Buddhism and happiness.  

Day 6  Phobjikha                
Start the day with a visit to the centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature where you will learn about the vulnerable black-necked cranes who fly to Bhutan each winter. In the afternoon, join your leader on a gentle two hour hike around the valley and learn about the flora and fauna that call this majestic preserve home.    

Day 7  Phobjikha to Paro      
This morning, begin the journey to Paro. Stop off along the way at the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, an ancient fortress and monastery. On arrival to Paro, visit the impressive Ta Dzong, a 17th Century watchtower that now houses the National Museum. Enjoy some free time to wander in the Paro town before making your way to your feature stay accommodation, a resort in the heart of the Paro valley that beautifully blends into its mountainous backdrop. This evening, immerse yourself in traditional Bhutanese culture as you visit a farmhouse for a home-cooked dinner.  

Day 8  Paro          
Miraculously balanced 900 metres above the valley floor sits Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest, a beautiful monastery and Bhutan’s most recognised building. After breakfast, begin a hike through plentiful pine forests, passing beneath thousands of brightly coloured prayer flags. Your leader will guide you up into the mountains for a closer view of the temple, sharing the legend of its history along the way. Back in Paro, join your group and leader for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.          

Day 9  Paro          
After breakfast your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.