• A cultural sightseeing tour of Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Wangdi & Phobjikha valley.
• Visit Dzongs (monasteries), Lhakhangs (temples), museums, villages and places of natural beauty.
• Short hike to Taktsang Monastery, known as the “Tiger’s Nest” (Horse ride available on request).
• Visits to traditional arts and crafts schools and workshops. Watch artisans while they work.
• Evening of Bhutanese dining and a farmhouse lunch.
• Village hikes and cycle rides with picnic lunch as an option.

Your journey starts at 2,300 metres immersing yourself in the culture and life of the people of Paro and Thimphu.  Moving further east, you will cross over the Dochula pass (3,000metres) and descend into the lush, tropical valley that brings you to Punakha.  Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the monk body, is situated in a stunning position where two rivers, the Pho-chu and Mo-chu join together. Punakha Dzong has been restored to its full glory after about twelve years of restoration work.

The excursion to Punakha includes a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kinley, the Divine Madman, a quirky character who played a significant role in Bhutanese religious and cultural history. Sited on the top of a gently rolling hill, the Lhakhang is approached by taking a charming walk through a small village, across the neatly terraced rice fields and then up onto the expansive hilltop. Couples who wish to receive a fertility blessing visit this temple without fail.

From Punakha you will head furher east, through Wangdi towards the high-altitude glacial valley of Phobjikha. The Phobjika valley is the site where the black-necked cranes come to spend the winter, having flown from Tibet. Famous for the unusual dance that they perform before taking flight, they can be seen if you visit in winter. The Gangtey monastery, located in the broad and beautiful Phobjika valley (3000 metres) is your destination and you will have a good chance of catching the monks in the middle of performing one of their many rituals.

The trip ends with a day in Paro. The Paro valley has many sites of historical and cultural importance and the hike to Taktsang is an opportunity that should not be missed. However, since it requires a certain degree of physical fitness, it is optional. Absorbing the peace and serenity of Paro is an ideal way to end your trip. Wander through the courtyards of the Dzong, cross the wooden bridge into the town and stroll around the shops selling traditional crafts alongside every-day Bhutanese goods. Photo opportunities abound, as they do the length and breadth of Bhutan.

Day 1    Arrive Paro. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro valley. Visit Paro Ta Dzong Museum and then descend on foot to the impressive Rinpung Dzong. Free time in the town centre.

Day 2     Drive to Punakha (2½hrs). Full day sightseeing in Punakha valley. On the way stop at Dochula pass. Then descend to 1,200m and visit Chimi Lhakhang. Continue towards Punakha Dzong, which was the old capital of Bhutan. Today you have a choice of village and forest walks lasting from one hour to four hours.

Day 3     Drive to Phobjikha valley. Visit Gangtey Monastery, the village and the RSPN Black-necked crane information centre.

Day 4     Morning in Phobjikha. Short walk along the Nature Trail, skirting the forest and passing through some small villages.  Cycling options in the valley. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. At leisure in Thimphu.

Day 5     Full programme of sightseeing in and around Thimphu. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum, Institute for the 13 Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum), Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Textile Museum & large open-air Buddha statue. Visit Thimphu Dzong in the early evening.

Day 6     Sightseeing in Thimphu. Circumambulate the Memorial Chorten with the locals. Visit the takin reserve, the viewpoint, Changgangkha temple and Simtokha Dzong.Drive to Paro.

Day 7     Morning hike to Taktsang temple. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro. Visit the ruined fortress Drugyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.

Day 8     Flight departure from Paro.