Bhutan - Kingdom in the Clouds

• Arrive into Paro Valley, where you are welcomed and receive a private transfer to Thimphu (2,400m), Bhutan's vibrant heart 
• Drive along the Paro and Wang Chhu river valleys
• Despite Thimpu's modern edge, the city proudly upholds its traditional Bhutanese architectural charm, offering an immediate sense of place and authenticity
• In the afternoon, drive to Buddha Dordenma, one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues standing at 51.5m and overlooking the valley
• Take a gentle forest walk with panoramic views over Thimphu
• Explore the Institute for Zorig Chusum, preserving Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts 
• Observe and interact with the students at the institute, and gain insight into the time-honored skills such as painting, wood carving, embroidery, and more
• Visit Tashichhodzong, Bhutan’s administrative and monastic stronghold
• Return to your hotel, to enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure

Accommodation: Choice of Hotel, Thimphu

Included Meals: Lunch & Dinner

• This morning, following scenic mountain roads ascend to Dochula Pass (3,100m), approximately 1 hour
• Walk among the 108 white-washed chortens, built in the memory of Bhutanese soldiers
• If the day is clear, enjoy panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya
• Descent into the lush Punakha Valley (1,250m), approximately 1.5 hours
• Transition from alpine forest to subtropical valley landscape
• Arrive at Bhutan’s former capital, with the elegant Punakha Dzong set at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
• Enjoy a traditional farmhouse lunch with seasonal Bhutanese ingredients, offering a truly authentic and soul-nourishing culinary experience
• After lunch, take a guided walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman
• Gain insight into Bhutanese rural life and spiritual folklore

Accommodation: Choice of Hotel, Punakha 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Morning Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
• Scenic riverside drive to Yambesa village before a gradual uphill walk through rice paddies and farmland (approx. 40 minutes ascent)
• Explore the 30 meter tall hilltop chorten built for the protection of the kingdom, it offers spectacular bird’s-eye views over the Punakha Valley and the meandering Mo Chhu River — a perfect reward for the short but invigorating ascent
• Retrace your steps along the familiar trail and return to your vehicle to transfer back to Punakha

Optional extended hike along the Mo Chhu river, for those preferring a more immersive route (total hike approx. 3 hours)

• Visit Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s most iconic fortress monastery (built 1637)
• Admire the intricate woodwork, sacred courtyards, and riverside setting
• Gain historical insight into Bhutan’s unification and monarchy
• Enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to Paro, approximately 4 hours drive
• Rest of the evening is free at leisure in Paro (2,200m)

Accommodation: Choice of Hotel, Paro 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• After breakfast, set out for one of Bhutan’s most iconic and spiritually significant sites — the Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest (3,120m)
• Guided ascent through pine forest to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched 900m above the valley
• This sacred site is said to be Guru Padmasambhava’s meditation cave
• Take time for quiet exploration and reflection, soak in the serenity before descending along the same trail
• Afternoon at leisure in Paro to wander through its charming streets, artisan shops and cafés
• If you’d like to further immerse yourself in historical and cultural landmarks, you may choose to visit the following sites:
• Rinpung Dzong - "Fortress of the Mountain of Jewels" overlooking Paro Valley, accessed via the beautiful Nemi Zam (a traditional covered wooden bridge)
• Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan), showcasing Bhutanese art and heritage
• In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel

Accommodation: Choice of Hotel, Paro 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• A private transfer will take you to the airport for your return international flight (approx. 2hrs before departure).

Included Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary is fully customisable, allowing flexibility for acclimatisation and personal pacing.