Luxury Journey Through Bhutan

Jen Pa Leg Sho! Welcome to Bhutan.
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you'll be greeted by a local representative and transferred to Thimphu (2400 m), the country's charming capital nestled in the Himalayas. After time to settle into your accommodation, meet your fellow travellers and local leader for a welcome meeting at 6 pm.
This evening, set out on an orientation walk through the heart of Thimphu and explore the city's lively main street before visiting the revered National Memorial Chorten, a sacred monument built in honour of Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

Later, gather with your group for a welcome dinner at a beloved local restaurant. Discover the flavours and traditions of Bhutanese cuisine as you enjoy a selection of regional dishes featuring seasonal produce and the country's iconic red rice served with spicy chilli cheese. For those wishing to sample local beverages, perhaps raise a glass of Bhutanese peach wine or try a warming serving of Ara, the nation's traditional spirit.

Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Please make sure to attend the welcome meeting, as this is when your leader will collect important information such as insurance details and emergency contact information. If you expect to arrive late, please notify your travel agent or speak with the hotel reception. Information regarding the meeting location will be available at reception or displayed in the hotel lobby.
Today's journey from Paro to Thimphu takes approximately two hours by road.

Travel regulations in Bhutan are carefully managed, and independent travel outside an organised itinerary can be difficult and costly to arrange. Travellers on this trip will be issued a group visa, which requires all participants to arrive and depart on the official trip start and end dates. Independent travel before or after the tour using a separate visa is not permitted, and additional accommodation outside the itinerary cannot be arranged as part of the trip.

After breakfast, set out to discover the cultural highlights of Thimphu. Begin with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, where a towering golden Buddha overlooks the valley below and offers sweeping views across the capital. Continue with a gentle walk through fragrant pine forests as your leader helps you spot the elusive takin – Bhutan’s distinctive national animal.

Continue past the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the striking fortress-monastery that stands beside the banks of the Thimphu Chhu River and serves as an important political and religious centre.
This afternoon, delve deeper into Bhutan’s rich traditions and artistic heritage with visits to the National Textile Museum, the Simply Bhutan Museum — where you can try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport of archery — and the Voluntary Artists Studio, where young artists preserve centuries-old techniques in painting, sculpture and woodcarving.

Thimphu is also renowned for its exceptional handicrafts, from finely woven textiles and intricate wooden masks to traditional thangkas, silverwork, jewellery and beautifully crafted bamboo products sourced from across the kingdom.

This morning begins with a visit to the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you'll discover the centuries-old craft of traditional Bhutanese papermaking and watch skilled artisans create paper entirely by hand.

Continue to Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest fortress-monasteries, steeped in legend and said to have been built to subdue a demon that once roamed the surrounding hills.
From here, journey over the spectacular Dochula Pass (3100 m), where more than one hundred memorial chortens stand against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks, honouring Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives during military operations in 2003.
The road then winds through dense forests and picturesque mountain scenery as you continue to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, a wildlife-rich glacial valley home to species such as serows and muntjacs, often referred to as barking deer.
Later this afternoon, visit the impressive hilltop monastery of Gangtey Monastery, one of the country's most important centres of the Nyingmapa tradition of Buddhism. Overlooking the sweeping valley below, it offers not only remarkable views but also an opportunity to gain deeper insight into two values that shape Bhutanese society — Buddhism and happiness.

Your local guide will introduce you to Bhutan's unique philosophy of wellbeing, including the country's pioneering Gross National Happiness index, which measures prosperity through factors such as environmental sustainability, cultural preservation and community vitality alongside economic development.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

Begin the day with a visit to the conservation centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, where you'll learn about the remarkable black-necked cranes that migrate to Bhutan each winter.

The Phobjikha Valley is the country's most important winter habitat for these vulnerable birds, and the organisation plays a vital role in protecting them, along with numerous other threatened species.
Explore informative exhibits detailing the cranes' migration patterns, habitat and behaviour, and use the centre's spotting scopes to search for these elegant visitors across the valley. While wild black-necked cranes are typically present during the winter months, travellers visiting at other times of the year may still have the opportunity to observe rescued and rehabilitating birds cared for at the centre.

This afternoon, head out with your leader on a gentle two-hour walk through the beautiful landscapes of Phobjikha Valley. Along the way, discover the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this protected ecosystem while enjoying the tranquillity and sweeping views of one of Bhutan's most picturesque regions.

This morning, travel towards Punakha, pausing en route at a traditional village for a short walk to the renowned Chimi Lhakhang, widely known as the Temple of Fertility.
As you explore, your leader will share the fascinating stories surrounding Drukpa Kunley, the unconventional Buddhist saint affectionately remembered as the "Divine Madman." Celebrated for his unorthodox teachings, humour and colourful personality, Drukpa Kunley remains one of Bhutan's most beloved spiritual figures, and pilgrims from across the country continue to visit the temple seeking his blessings.

During the walk through the village of Sopsokha, you'll notice the distinctive phallic symbols painted on homes and buildings — traditional motifs believed to bring fertility, prosperity and protection from misfortune.
Later, arrive at your resort in Punakha, where spectacular views of the surrounding valley provide the perfect setting to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of rural Bhutan.

• Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Start the day with a short drive to the foot of a hill crowned by a ridge-top monastery in the lush landscapes of Punakha. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, follow trails through rice paddies and fertile farmland before beginning a gentle uphill walk to the beautiful Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

Commissioned by the Queen Mother, this striking temple is celebrated for its intricate architecture and traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship. Your efforts are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views stretching across the Punakha Valley and surrounding mountains.

After lunch, continue to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most impressive fortress-monasteries and the winter residence of Je Khenpo. Explore its grand courtyards, ornate prayer halls, beautifully carved woodwork and vibrant murals that showcase the country's rich spiritual and artistic heritage.
As the day draws to a close, visit the peaceful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang and neighbouring nunnery, arriving in time to witness the calming atmosphere of evening prayers and daily monastic life.

This morning, travel through Bhutan’s breathtaking mountain landscapes as you make your way back to Paro. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the charming streets of Paro at your own pace, perhaps browsing local boutiques, handicraft stores or simply soaking up the atmosphere of this historic town.

Later, check into your Feature Stay accommodation — a beautifully appointed hotel in the heart of Paro that combines traditional Bhutanese design with contemporary comforts, all framed by stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.
In the afternoon, visit Kaja Throm Market, a lively local farmers market where producers from nearby villages gather to sell fresh produce and regional specialties. This evening, reunite with your fellow travellers for dinner and reflect on the experiences and discoveries of your journey through Bhutan.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.

Perched dramatically 900 metres above the valley floor, Paro Taktsang — better known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery — is Bhutan's most iconic landmark and one of the most spectacular monasteries in the Himalayas.

After breakfast, set out on a memorable hike through fragrant pine forests adorned with colourful prayer flags fluttering in the mountain breeze. Along the way, your leader will share the fascinating legends and spiritual significance surrounding this sacred site as you gradually ascend towards the monastery.
Partway up the trail, arrive at a scenic teahouse where you'll pause for lunch and refreshments while enjoying unforgettable views of the Tiger's Nest seemingly suspended against the cliffside. Travellers wishing to explore further can continue for approximately another hour in each direction to reach the monastery itself and admire its remarkable architecture up close. Those preferring a more leisurely pace can remain at the teahouse, soaking up the serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.

Returning to Paro later in the day, round off your Bhutanese adventure with a memorable farewell dinner at a traditional farmhouse, where you'll enjoy home-cooked local dishes and experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality one final time.

Your hiking time today will be approximately 6 hours if you choose to walk the whole way. The hike is quite challenging and comfortable shoes are required. Please remember to drink lots of water, wear a sunhat and layers as it gets quite cold. You’ll be at a fairly high altitude too, so take your time.

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight. Please check with your leader about the exact departure time from the hotel. Please note that your leader may not be with you as the group may leave on different flights.

In order to confirm your complimentary airport departure transfer, please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel.