Morning hike to Tango Monastery, a well-known university of Buddhist studies at 2,800m, built by the 'divine madman' Lama Drukpa Kunley in the 15th century. The moderate hike (400m elevation gain, ~1hr) crosses through forests of blue pine, oak and rhododendron.

After lunch, Changangkha Lhakhang, where Bhutanese parents come to receive blessings for their young children. The temple stands on a cliff above the town with great views from the back kora (pilgrim path).

Then the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts and Crafts School), teaching traditional arts from painting and thangkas to wood-carving and clay arts.

Finally, Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of The Glorious Religion), the seat of the Bhutanese government, sitting next to Wang Chhu river. Don't miss the captivating flag changing ceremony at 5pm. Overnight in Thimphu.

We drive to the picturesque Gangtey (Phobjikha valley), stopping at Dochula Pass (3,050m) – one of the most scenic mountain passes, with panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan ranges and 108 chortens along the hillside.

In Gangtey, we visit Gangtey Goemba, a Nyingma temple built in 1613 by Pema Thinley (grandson of Pema Lingpa). Located on the crest of a hill, it overlooks the valley – winter home of the rare Black-necked Cranes (October to March). Overnight in Gangtey.

Morning: Gangtey Nature Trail, a scenic hike from the hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, descending to flower meadows, Semchubara village, and through blue pine forest to Khewang Lhakhang.

Visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre to learn about these rare bird species.

Drive to Bumthang, the Spiritual Heartland of Bhutan, comprising four valleys: Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey. Stop at Yathra Weaving Center to see the unique hand-woven textiles with intricate designs. Overnight in Bumthang.

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of 108 sacred temples built by 7th-century Tibetan King Songsten Gampo, later visited by Guru Rinpoche.

Then the imposing Kurjey Lhakhang temple complex, where Guru Rinpoche's body (kur) print (jey) is preserved in a cave in the oldest building.

Kurjey Drupchu nearby, with holy water blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Then walk (~1hr) to Tamshing Monastery (1501), the most important Nyingma goemba in Bhutan, built by Pema Lingpa.

Visit Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, built in 1858 by Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel, father of Bhutan's first king. Reopened in 2025 after careful restoration as a pioneering "living museum" with multimedia exhibits. Overnight in Bumthang.

Drive to Tang valley, the most remote area in Bumthang. Visit the holy Mebar Tsho (The Flaming Lake), where legend says Pema Lingpa jumped in with a butter lamp and emerged with sacred treasures, the lamp still burning bright.

Take the Bushman Hike, beginning at Tang valley village and ending at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery. The trail leads through blue pine forest with incredible views of Bumthang Valley and Jakar Dzong.

After 3 hours walking, arrive at Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, blessed by Guru Rinpoche, with giant statues of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig and Sakyamuni. Walk to Chamkhar town (10 minutes downhill). Overnight in Bumthang.

Journey eastwards through rugged terrain to Thrumsingla Pass (3,780m), one of the highest points on the road network. The road descends to Sengor valley with cascading waterfalls and lush hills.

The drive to Mongar is one of the most astonishing in Bhutan — sharp cliffs, untouched fir forests, green pastures, and rhododendron gardens.

In Mongar, visit Mongar Dzong, one of the newest dzongs (1930s), built without plans or nails in traditional style, overlooking the tranquil town famous for its lemongrass essential oil. Overnight in Mongar.

Drive to Lhuntse, the ancestral home of the Kings, with sheer cliffs towering above river gorges and verdant coniferous forests.

Visit Khoma Village, known for Kishuthara – fine quality weaves with intricate patterns resembling embroidery, made by local women. Some of Bhutan's most sought-after and expensive weavings.

Stop at the Clay-pot Making Factory to see the local craft process.

Visit the giant Guru Padmasambhava Statue at Takila (52.7m / 173ft), overlooking Tangmachu valley. Built following a prophecy to ensure continued prosperity in Bhutan. Overnight in Lhuntse.

Morning visit to Dungkar Naktshang, the ancient home of the Dungkar Chojie and ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty, amid a striking backdrop of immense mountains. A thrilling voyage into Bhutan's past.

After lunch, Lhuntse Dzong (Lhundub Rinchentse), standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the fertile Kuri Chhu valley with near-vertical drops on all sides. Established in 1654 by Trongsa Penlop Mingyur Tenpa. Overnight in Lhuntse.

Long drive to Ura valley, the highest of the four valleys in Bumthang district, with sightseeing stops and refreshments en-route.

Arrive at Singkhar Village in Ura. Learn about local life at the highest valleys, see traditional houses and visit the village temple. The people here are mostly sheep and yak herders. Overnight at farmhouse in Ura Valley.

Leave the scenic Ura valley and drive to Trongsa, a charming town on a sheer ridge – the gateway to eastern Bhutan.

Trongsa Dzong, sitting high above the roaring Mangde Chhu river, is perhaps the most spectacular dzong in the country. Built in 1644, the massive structure trails down the ridge, connected by alley-like corridors, wide stone stairs and paved courtyards.

Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), the former watchtower turned museum about the Wangchuck dynasty.

Drive to Kinga Rabten, the winter palace of Bhutan's 2nd King, passing Takse Goemba, a huge waterfall and fertile rice paddies. Then hike to Karma Drubdey Nunnery, home to about 127 Buddhist nuns in a secluded hilltop location. Overnight in Trongsa.

Drive to Punakha, Bhutan's old capital. Visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637, the second dzong erected in the country and former seat of the government until the 1950s.

Walk across Pho Chhu Suspension Bridge (160m), the longest in Bhutan, with colourful prayer flags and incredible views of Punakha Dzong and Pho Chhu valley.

Scenic walk through rice fields and pine trees to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (~1hr hike), sitting on a ridge at 1,500m, established by Her Majesty the Queen Mother. Magnificent view of Punakha valley. Overnight in Punakha.

Return to Paro, stopping for a walk to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), through verdant hillock fields and Lobesa village (25-minute trail).

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels), founded in 1644 under Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. One of the greatest examples of Bhutanese architecture, visible throughout the whole valley.

Next door, Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan), a former watchtower in the shape of a conch shell with 7 storeys – thangkas, masks, textiles, weapons and a Heritage Gallery. Overnight in Paro.

The highlight: hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), clinging to a steep cliff at more than 3,000m. The 4.5km trail (one-way) has a 900m elevation gain, approximately 4–5 hours. Incredible views of Paro landscape throughout.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by Tibetan King Sontsen Gampo in the 7th century. Beautiful scene of pilgrims shuffling around the temple and spinning prayer wheels.

Special meal with a local family to taste authentic Bhutanese dishes. Try a traditional hot stone bath, or explore Paro's nightlife with great live music and local snacks. Last night in Paro.

After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the airport for your flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) – we hope to see you again!