Depart London Heathrow on Jet Airways via Delhi (8½ hours) to Kathmandu (1½ hours).

Arrive Kathmandu this afternoon and transfer to the Radisson Hotel for 2 nights.

At leisure in Kathmandu with a choice of optional excursions.

A morning flight on Druk Air to Paro (1hour), and continue by road to Thimpu (56KM/approximately 2 hours) for 2 nights at the Riverview Hotel, or similar.

Bhutan’s capital and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Sightseeing today includes the magnificent Taschicho Dzong, the largest monastery in Bhutan and the Folk Heritage museum and the National Memorial Chorten.

A long but scenic road journey today through rhododendron forests over the Dochu-La Pass (3,050 metres) to Trongsa (193 KM/full day with stops), perched high above the Mangde River and dominated by the enormous Trongsa Dzong, built in 1644. Several stops will be made including a short walk to visit Khamsum Yuelling temple which has some of the most elaborate iconography on Bhutanese Buddhism. The temple was built by the 5th King’s mother to achieve universal peace through out the world during her son’s reign and the view from the top terrace is magnificent. Walking back down a picnic lunch by the riverside is follow by the drive to Punakha Dzong. The largest in the country and once the capital of Bhutan, it was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 17th century and the Chief Abbot still resides there during the winter months. After visiting the dzong, walk across what is claimed to be the second longest suspension bridge in the world. This bridge is over 210 metres long and spans the Pho-chu River, offering great views of the dzong and the rice fields in the Punakha valley. Close to the bridge is the cliff-face known as Lang-jam cliff and the local residents enjoy telling tales of a hidden valley. The hidden valley is believed to be “Shangri-la” in a country where many spots are believed to be the doors to the paradise. Continue towards Trongsa for overnight at the Yangkhil Hotel (or similar).

Today’s journey is over the Pele-La Pass (3,300 metres) and the dramatic Yoto-La Pass (3,400m) to the remote Bumthang Valley (61KM/ full day including stops). Traveling through varied scenery and stopping for views and photographs on the passes you will also travel through regions where sheep are farmed and the locals grow radishes and turnips for barter. Reaching Trongsa for lunch, visit the Dzong which used to be the centre of power until monarchy came to Bhutan. After visiting the dzong and the museum at Trongsa continue towards Bumthang. Crossing the Yoto-La Pass, enjoy a gentle walk and opportunities for photographs before visiting Hurchi, a village famed for its colourful woollen fabrics woven from sheep wool. Bumthang valley is blessed with four broad valleys, which is perfect for cattle, horse and sheep rearing. Barley and buckwheat also grow in the valley. Bumthang is a beautiful area and is often called by the Bhutanese as the Switzerland of Bhutan. Interestingly, the Swiss were the pioneers in developing Bumthang economically. Stay for 3 nights at the Mountain Lodge.

The cultural and historic heart of Bhutan, Bumthang is littered with Bhuddist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, and the next two days are spent exploring this fascinating and scenically photogenic region. There are many things to do see in the Bumthang Valley: a visit to the Dzong, the Jambay & Kurje Lhakhang (of 8th century fame). Drive to the bridge above Kurje and walk to Tamshing temple where you can see original wall paintings over 300 years old. A little away from the temple you will see a water mill where people still make flour from barley and wheat. From here take a short drive to the suspension bridge to the Wangduecholing Palace. Cross the bridge and then visit the old palace which was abandoned some 60 years ago. This palace used to be a training ground for medieval administrators. At an early age a family sends one of their boys to the court of the king. The boy gets trained many things, from sweeping to caring of horses, to reading and writing. At the age of 15 he enters manhood and should be able to get his sword. Those boys not qualified for the sword remains stable boys for a long time. This is an old practice which died during the reign of the Third king when modern schools came to Bhutan.

The cultural and historic heart of Bhutan, Bumthang is littered with Bhuddist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, and the next two days are spent exploring this fascinating and scenically photogenic region. There are many things to do see in the Bumthang Valley: a visit to the Dzong, the Jambay & Kurje Lhakhang (of 8th century fame). Drive to the bridge above Kurje and walk to Tamshing temple where you can see original wall paintings over 300 years old. A little away from the temple you will see a water mill where people still make flour from barley and wheat. From here take a short drive to the suspension bridge to the Wangduecholing Palace. Cross the bridge and then visit the old palace which was abandoned some 60 years ago. This palace used to be a training ground for medieval administrators. At an early age a family sends one of their boys to the court of the king. The boy gets trained many things, from sweeping to caring of horses, to reading and writing. At the age of 15 he enters manhood and should be able to get his sword. Those boys not qualified for the sword remains stable boys for a long time. This is an old practice which died during the reign of the Third king when modern schools came to Bhutan.

Another long drive across the high passes to the magnificent monastery fortress of Wangdiphodrang. From here we continue to Punakha, the country’s winter capital, for our stay at the Hotel Punatsangchu Resort, or similar (190KM/ full day with stops).

Visiting Punakha this morning, before continuing back to Paro (2,285 metres) (120KM/approximately 5 hours). On arrival, check into the Tenzenling Resort, or similar for a 2 night stay.

A spectacular walk up to the lofty heights of the 300 year old Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. Situated high above the Paro Valley, the spectacular views from this ‘Temple of Heaven’ are simply breathtaking (ponies can be provided for those who may find the walk a little too strenuous). This afternoon visit Paro Dzong with its classic Bhutanese architecture and the opportunity to stroll around the town. Paro sightseeing includes visit to the Rinpung Dzong, Drugyel Dzong (17th century fame), Kyichu Lhakhang (8th century fame). Later take a visit to the National Museum which stores some of Bhutan’s cultural and religious artefacts. This serves as a great orientation to Bhutan. The cantilever system of bridge building can be seen below the Paro Dzong. The other bridge building is with the use of iron chain founded in the 14th century. This practice is found only at one spot in eastern Bhutan. The Drugyel Dzong is a symbol of victory from the northern invaders. This dzong flourished until the latter half of the 20th century. The glory of the Dzong was at its peak when the western magazine first learned about Bhutan. The picture of the Dzong on the National Geographic issue of 1914 is no other than the Drugyel Dzong. Sadly this monument is now in ruins. Kyichu temple is one of the last surviving temples built in the 8th century.

Following a morning flight back to Kathmandu (1½ hour), transfer to the splendid Dwarika’s Hotel for a 2 night stay.

Today is free to further explore Kathmandu or shop for last minute souvenirs and this evening a sumptuous 9-course Nepalese dinner has been arranged

Morning departure on Jet Airways via Delhi back to London, arriving later this afternoon.