The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan & Tiger’s Nest

One of the most thrilling aviation descents on Earth, landing between alpine valley peaks.

Morning: Fly into Paro with spectacular views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutanese peaks. Traditional Tashi Delek welcome.

Afternoon: Scenic drive along the Paro and Thimphu rivers to the capital city of Thimphu (approx. 1 hour).

Evening: Visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the fortress housing the government and central monastic body.

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Discover living heritage at the National Memorial Chorten and traditional arts institutes.

Morning: Circumbulate the Memorial Chorten with elderly locals turning giant prayer wheels. Visit Buddha Dordenma (Giant Buddha).

Afternoon: Explore the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (School of 13 Arts and Crafts) and the Royal Textile Academy.

Evening: Browse handmade paper factories and sample local yak cheese and ema datshi (chili and cheese) stew.

Meals: All meals included

Drive across the 3,100m pass decorated with 108 stupas and descend into the warm Punakha valley.

Morning: Ascend to Dochula Pass. On clear days, marvel at the unbroken panoramic chain of Himalayan snow peaks.

Afternoon: Descend through rhododendron forests into subtropical Punakha. Walk through terraced rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang.

Evening: Check into your riverside resort. Unwind to the sound of flowing glacial waters.

Meals: All meals included

The most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, strategically built at the confluence of two glacial rivers.

Morning: Explore Punakha Dzong, adorned with intricate carved woodwork and gold-leaf murals of the Tibetan wheel of life.

Afternoon: Cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge draped in multicolored prayer flags. Gentle hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

Evening: Relaxing riverside picnic and traditional archery competition with local village hosts.

Meals: All meals included

Travel westward back through high mountain forests into the sacred and historic valley of Paro.

Morning: Scenic return journey crossing the mountain passes with stops at scenic viewpoints and alpine tea houses.

Afternoon: Arrive in Paro. Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) housing sacred thangkas, armor, and natural history relics.

Evening: Walk across the wooden cantilever bridge to Paro Rinpung Dzong as the evening lights turn on.

Meals: All meals included

The highlight of any Bhutan journey: hiking to the cliffside monastery 900 meters above the valley floor.

Morning: Early morning start for the pilgrimage hike through fragrant pine forests draped in Spanish moss to Tiger’s Nest.

Afternoon: Reach the sacred caves where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Explore the cliffside shrines and feel the profound spiritual quietude.

Evening: Return down the trail and soothe tired muscles in a traditional Bhutanese wood-fired stone bath infused with Artemisia herbs.

Meals: All meals included

Visit the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong with views of sacred Mount Jomolhari, and dine with a local family.

Morning: Visit the restored 17th-century fortress of Drukgyel Dzong. If clear, view Mount Jomolhari’s gleaming white summit.

Afternoon: Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest 7th-century Buddhist temples in Bhutan with an ancient orange tree in bloom.

Evening: Private dinner in a traditional three-story rammed-earth farmhouse. Savor home-brewed ara rice liquor and warm hospitality.

Meals: All meals included

Chauffeur transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight back over the Himalayas.

Morning: Final breakfast overlooking the prayer flags and pine forests. Assisted transfer to Paro International Airport.

Afternoon: Board your Drukair flight, taking one last look at the pristine snowcapped peaks of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Evening: Connect to your international outbound journey.

Meals: Breakfast included