Signature Bhutan: Thimphu, Gangtey, Paro & More

Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan! You will be met at the Paro airport by your guide and transferred to Thimphu. The remainder of the day is free to explore this lively town.

A small bustling city in the heart of the Himalayas, Thimphu's charm comes not only from its wealth of museums and places of historic interest, but also from its strong national character. It was once known as the only capital city in the world without traffic lights! This morning, visit the Weekend Market (Fridays to Sundays) and the Memorial Chorten, a stupa completed in 1974 as a monument to peace. It houses a number of religious paintings and tantric statues. Continue to Kuensel Phodrang hill to see the bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and to enjoy unobstructed views over the Thimphu Valley. After lunch, set out for Punakha/Wangdue (2 to 3 hours), crossing the high mountains of Dochu La Pass in the Himalayas.

Today explore the beautiful Phobjikha/Gangteng valley, where black necked cranes reside during the winter. Visit the crane information centre which is also equipped with a high-power telescope for viewing the cranes. Afterwards, visit the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery and its surrounding village of meditators.

After breakfast, drive towards the Punakha Valley and visit the Punakha Dzong, a fortress built in 1637 at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Later, continue onwards to Thimphu and check in to your hotel.

Today's sightseeing begins with a visit to the institute for Zorig Chusum ('Painting School'), where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Next, visit the Royal Textile Academy, a modern museum in the heart of the city. There's also a weaving school attached to the museum where students are trained in weaving, yarn dyeing, fashion design and merchandising. Finally, make a stop at a traditional handmade paper factory. The paper here is made from the bark of the black Daphne tree and you can witness the process from start to finish. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.

Today, drive to the small town of Paro (1 hour), home to the national museum and the Paro Dzong. You will also visit the 7th-century Kichu Temple, then stop in at a farmhouse to share a cup of butter tea a local family.

This morning, depart for the spectacular Takshang Monastery ('Tiger's Nest'), which clings to a sheer cliff above the Paro Valley. One of the most venerated sacred sites of the Himalayan world, the buildings enshrine a cave where the great saint Guru Rinpoche meditated. Legend says that he flew here from Tibet on the back of a tigress. Enjoy a four-hour hike here, then return to the town of Paro.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.