Kuzu zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. When you arrive at Paro Airport, you’ll be greeted by your local leader and driver and transferred to your accommodation. Drive past mountains, rivers and fields of red rice to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have lunch and then head out for some sightseeing. You’ll stop by the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, Bhutan’s most famous traditional incense maker, as well as the colourful Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre. If you arrive in the afternoon, you'll meet the rest of your group in the evening for a welcome meeting at 6 pm before heading out together for dinner. Take an evening stroll through the fascinating streets of Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without traffic lights! It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Travel in Bhutan is strictly controlled and to do any independent travel outside of a group trip is extremely difficult and expensive to arrange. We provide a group visa for travellers on our trips in Bhutan, which stipulates that all travellers must arrive and depart on the same days that your trip starts and finishes. Travel outside the trip dates on independent visas is not permitted, and additional nights of accommodation cannot be booked.

Start today with an uphill hike through the valley, passing paddy fields, woodlands and a Tibetan village to reach the Cheri Dorji Dhen monastery – built in 1620 by Shabdrung, Bhutan’s first ruler. Return to Thimphu, stopping to enjoy the views from the Buddha Dordenma before visiting Simply Bhutan – a living museum where you can explore the traditional homes and lifestyles of the Bhutanese. You might like to try your hand at archery, Bhutan's national sport. Then, visit the National Memorial Chorten – many Thimphu residents gather here every day to pray and walk clockwise around the chorten. After, visit a local institute where students become masters of Bhutan's 13 national arts and crafts, including carpentry, masonry, paper making and embroidery. The National Textile Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of craft in Bhutan and, if you’re in the mood for some shopping, the National Handicrafts Emporium offers high-quality traditional goods like handcrafted paper. Your hiking time today will be approximately 2 hours or 3.5 km (2.2 mi). If you would prefer to opt out of the hike today, just speak to your leader.

This morning, drive to Punakha – the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop at Dochula Pass for an excellent view of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain – the majestic Gangkhar Puensum. Continue your journey before stopping for another break. Consider joining your leader for an optional short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal. Arrive in Punakha and settle into your accommodation for a good night’s rest before another day of exploration tomorrow. Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours. Your hiking time today will be approximately 30 minutes (optional).

After breakfast, head out on a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery – an elaborately decorated chorten, built to ward off evil spirits and bring peace and harmony to all living things. As with many monasteries in Bhutan, your leader may need to hunt around for the caretaker with the keys to have a look inside! After, head down to the convergence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers, two of the main rivers of Bhutan, and take in the views of the majestic Punakha Dzong, the second oldest and second largest dzong in the country. You’ll also see the cantilever bridge that spans across the river. Drive up to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and soak up the serenity and the views of this mountaintop site. Then, return to Punakha for the evening. Your hiking time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.

Head back over the Dochula Pass and continue to Thimphu this morning. The roads in Bhutan are narrow, and while the distances don’t appear to be very far, due to the nature of the roads and the many valleys they pass through, travelling can take some time – so this is a good chance to relax and enjoy the passing scenery. Be sure to have your favourite playlist, podcasts or a good book queued up for the drive. After lunch, continue into the Paro Valley, stretching your legs with an optional wander around town when you arrive. Get a good night's sleep tonight as tomorrow will be an active and exciting day! Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

After an early breakfast followed by a short drive, prepare for your hike to see the legendary Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) – a magnificent monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. After ascending the mountainside, you’ll reach a small teahouse with a panoramic view of the temple where you’ll stop for lunch. If you’re interested, you can get a closer view by hiking another 45 minutes to 1 hour (each direction) to reach the small chorten directly across from the temple. Otherwise, you can simply relax at the teahouse and enjoy the view. Return to Paro in the evening, then experience Bhutanese hospitality and a taste of tradition with a home-cooked meal at a local farmhouse. Soak up the friendly atmosphere and consider taking an optional hot stone bath – a form of traditional Bhutanese medicine where fresh river water is mixed with local herbs and heated with fire-roasted river stones. After today’s hike, a soak in these soothing waters is bound to revive and relax you. Your hiking time today will be approximately 6 hours or 10 km (6.2 mi) with an elevation gain of 900 m. Today’s hike is quite challenging. Good quality, comfortable shoes are required. Please remember to drink lots of water and wear layers as it gets quite cold as you ascend. Don't forget a sunhat! You will be at 3120 m above sea level, so remember to take your time as altitude can have an impact.

Have breakfast at your hotel, then take a departure transfer to Paro Airport for your flight out of Bhutan. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel. Travel in Bhutan is strictly controlled and to do any independent travel outside of a group trip is extremely difficult and expensive to arrange. We provide a group visa for travellers on our trips in Bhutan, which stipulates that all travellers must arrive and depart on the same days that your trip starts and finishes. Travel outside the trip dates on independent visas is not permitted, and additional nights of accommodation cannot be booked.