Bhutan tour, Exploring the Hidden Kingdom in the Himalayas

On a clear day, the flight into Paro gives panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Everest. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills is notable, with a few steep turns before landing at the small airstrip of Paro International Airport. After you complete your visa formalities, you are met by our representative. Visit Rinpung Dzong and have lunch in Paro town. After lunch, drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The road follows the Pa Chu river down to its confluence with the Wang Chu river, then continues up the valley to Thimphu. Check in to the hotel. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, "the fortress of the glorious religion", which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu. Note: try to get a seat on the right-hand side of the aircraft (front or back), as it gives a better view of the Himalayas.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. On the way you can see Semtokha Dzong, the first dzong in Bhutan, from the roadside. The road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochula Pass (3,050 metres), which, weather permitting, has views of the snow-capped eastern Himalayas. From the pass the road descends gradually through varied forest into the cultivated valley of Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, known in the West as the Divine Madman. The walk to the temple takes about 20 minutes through paddy fields and past a few local farmhouses. Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most impressive dzongs in the country, at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers (meaning the male and female rivers). Punakha was also the former capital of Bhutan. In the evening, enjoy a hot stone bath at a farmhouse. Overnight in Punakha, camping on a farm (tent).

After breakfast, hike in Punakha for about 2 hours. After lunch, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (stupa), which stands on a ridge with wide views of the valley below. The stupa was built to overcome negative forces in a changing world. Overnight in Punakha, camping on a farm (tent).

After breakfast, drive to Paro. Check in to the hotel and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan, founded in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Free time in town afterwards. Overnight in Paro.

Take the trail to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. The 3 to 4 hour walk through oak and pine forest gives views of the valley 1,000 metres below and of the temple built into the side of the cliff. People from all over Bhutan and neighbouring countries try to visit this monastery once in their lifetime, as it is believed that a visit brings merit. A less strenuous pony ride to the temple is available at extra cost. Overnight in Paro.

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi, whichever you prefer.