CLASSIC BHUTAN

On arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your heritage hotel, whose traditional design evokes a bygone era.

Stay: One night in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika’s Hotel – including breakfast.

Today you’ll board a short but spectacular flight over the Himalayas into Paro, with remarkable views of icons such as Everest, Makalu and Kangchenjunga, as well as, across the border, the sacred Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival, you’ll continue to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, where you’ll be welcomed by an array of attractions, including the lively Changlimithang Market, Changangkha Monastery and the hilltop radio tower, which offers superb views of Tashichho Dzong and the surrounding valley.

Other highlights include the National Library with its ancient manuscripts, the School of Arts and Crafts and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. For an insight into Bhutan’s living traditions, visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Spend the afternoon exploring the north end of the valley and the striking Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government.

Stay: Two nights in a Luxury Room at The Postcard Dewa, including all meals.

From Thimphu, you’ll drive through lush forest to the remote Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here from the Central Asian Plateau. Whether on foot or by mountain bike, exploring this pristine valley is extremely rewarding. We recommend the Tongphu Shing Trail, a leisurely two-hour walk through pine forest, farmland and villages.

Stay: Two nights in a Suite at Gangtey Lodge – including all meals.

Today you’ll drive to Bhutan’s old capital, Punakha. Once there, visit the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, which overlooks the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers and ranks among the most beautiful fortresses in the country. The winter residence of the monastic body, the dzong has survived fires, floods and earthquakes over the years. It houses 21 temples, the holy book of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage and the sacred Rangjung Kharsapani, a treasure considered ‘as vast as the sky’ itself.

The valley is incredibly picturesque, with banana and orange plantations, traditional farmhouses and rice paddies. During your stay, don’t miss Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, an elaborate shrine recently established by the royal family, and the famous Chimi Lhakhang fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the ‘Divine Madman’.

Stay: Two nights in a Suite at Dhensa Boutique Resort – including all meals.

Your Bhutanese adventure culminates in Paro, a region celebrated for its natural beauty, rich culture and remarkable monasteries. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll visit the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower, the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple and the great Rinpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in the valley. You’ll also see a traditional cantilevered bridge, ancient archery grounds and the colourful shopping district.

You’ll have the opportunity to trek up to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff about 900 metres above the valley floor. Its white walls and red-tiled roofs are reminiscent of Bhutan’s medieval Buddhist retreats. According to legend, this is where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress and brought Buddhism to Bhutan. On the descent, you can visit one of the country’s oldest temples and its magical orange tree that bears fruit year-round. A day trip to the Haa Valley, known for its ancient culture and traditions, can also be arranged.

Stay: Two nights in a Valley View Room at COMO Uma Paro – including all meals.

From Paro, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu for one final night before boarding your flight home the following day.

Stay: One night in a Heritage Deluxe Room at Dwarika’s Hotel – including breakfast

Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.