Join us as we explore the kingdom of Bhutan with its ancient traditions, awe-inspiring scenery and fascinating culture. It is a place of wonder and a joy to discover. Learn about the traditional way of life and enjoy the spectacle of a traditional Bhutanese festival.

We explore the fascinating Bhutanese culture and the country’s incredible landscape alongside our local guide. We visit Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest perched on the mountainside and accessible by a steep stepped path. We see the forested hills and majestic Himalayan mountains as we journey across this beautiful land.

Known as the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is a stunning destination and a deeply spiritual country. We will take in the highlights and hope to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Leave UK for flight to Delhi where we stay overnight

Day 2: Arrive in Paro after the flight from India and meet our local guide and driver. Transfer to Thimpu (1 hr), stopping at a 16^th century temple and iron bridge along the way. After arriving in the capital,  we hope to have time to see local crafts being made – weaving of the national dress and paper making (all activities today depend on arrival time) Dinner and holiday briefing.

Day 3: This morning, we have a sightseeing tour of Thimpu including a visit to the big buddha statue (thought to be the largest in the world) and the temple inside and then on to the Takin Reserve Centre – Bhutan’s national animal. After lunch, we walk to Wangduetse an old fortress from the 18th century, set on a lovely hillside. Return to Thimpu to relax or explore the local area. Walk 2.5 miles/ 100m ascent.

Day 4: Set off towards Punakha, Bhutan’s capital in the 17^th century. On the way, we get out at the stunning  Dochula Pass, with its multitude of stupas, where we hope to enjoy wonderful scenery with views of the Himalayan snow-capped mountains. From here, we walk downhill through forest on the Trans Bhutan Trail. We then continue by road to Punakha where, after lunch, we walk  through rice fields to a famous 16^th century fertility temple and then visit a hill top nunnery before settling into our hotel. Walk 1.5 miles/ 250m descent and 1 mile/ 100m ascent. 2 hours driving

Day 5: Drive out into the surrounding hills for a short hike to the Khamsum Yuelling temple with its 100+ stupas followed by lunch at a local farmhouse. Enjoy the thrill of taking the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan before exploring the Magical Fortress (Punakha Dzong), the 2^nd oldest and 2^nd largest dzong in Bhutan. Walk 2 miles / 200m ascent and 1 mile/ 50m ascent.

Day 6: Today, we head to Phobjikha, stopping on the way for views of the Black Mountains. When we arrive, we visit the Gangtay Gomba, a school and college known for its unique architecture. We then head off on a nature trail and learn about the black necked cranes which migrate here in winter. Walk 2.5 miles /150m descent. 2 hours driving

Day 7: We head to Trongsa today, driving through wonderful scenery and high mountain passes dotted with villages along the way. We stop off at a magnificent 18^th Century stupa before arriving in Trongsa where we visit the museum – one of the best places to learn about the history of the kingdom. We then visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest in Bhutan and in a magnificent location. 2.5 hours driving

Day 8: Drive to Bumthang, known as the Switzerland of Bhutan due to its mountain landscape. We drive through stunning mountain passes and visit the Fortress of the White Bird and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan dating from the 7th Century before arriving in Bhumtang. 2.5 hours driving

Day 9: This morning, we head out to the Burning Lake, a popular pilgrimage spot before visting Pemachholing nunnery. The nunnery is home to around 160 nuns and we hope to be able to chat to one of the nuns about life at the nunnery. We then walk to a monastery, built into a cliffside on a forest trail. Walk 1.5 miles / 200m ascent

Day 10: Today we experience the annual Tamzhing Phala Choepa a festival associated with the construction of the monastery in the 16th century by Terton Pema Lingpa and his protecting deity, Dorji Phagmo or the Diamond Sow. The three-day festival is a display of a series of mask dances among which is the Khandroi Gar Cham, a 500-year old dance. After the festival we head to our home stay and we may have the opportunity to try our hand at the Bhutanese archery and learn to make traditional momos and chilli cheese. Optional visit to weaving workshop and /or Kurje Lhakhang (Body imprint Temple).

Day 11: Take the morning flight to Paro where we have time to explore the temples and museum before checking in to our hotel. There is time to relax in Paro – shopping, coffee, pastries…Flight 30 minutes

Day 12: Today we hike up to Taksang, the Tigers Nest, a monastery perched on a sheer cliff face. There is  a café half way up for refreshments. The monastery is probably the most famous in Bhutan and much photographed due to its stunning location. On arrival, there is a guided tour before we head back down to the waiting bus. We have an afternoon at a local farmhouse where there is an optional hot stone bath for tired muscles, followed bya celebraiotn dinner with the chane to sample the local rice wine. Walk 4.5 miles/ 500m ascent

Day 13: Transfer to the airport for our flight to Delhi where we have the afternoon to relax.

Day 14: Catch a morning flight from Delhi and arrive home