DAY 1 - Paro You arrive in Bhutan in the morning, flying over the spectacular Himalayas on your way to Paro. At the airport in Paro, your local guide will greet you with a "tashi khaddar" (a white scarf offered as an auspicious way to welcome a guest.). We will take the rest of the afternoon to explore Paro. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's only airport, and the National Museum. Mount Chomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom's most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan's famous red rice from its terraced fields. In the evening take a stroll around Paro's main street guided by a local expert, visit shops and markets, mingle with the locals to learn some of the customs that have sustained their culture for centuries. Enjoy dinner at our hotel tonight.

DAY 2 - Paro After breakfast, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, "the fortress of the heap of jewels." This Dzong was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the Nemi Zam. At this sacred place, witness a special prayer ceremony for long life and world peace before beginning the 900 meters hike up to the vantage point from which to see the famous Taktsang Monastery. The climb to the rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery, takes some time but there is no rush. The ascent is steep and the journey is rewarded with superb views across the valley en route and from the top. In the evening, enjoy the honor of High Tea as guests of a Bhutanese family in their farmhouse. A visit to this rural home provides an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. If you are feeling adventurous, we recommend trying yak milk with your tea! This evening, we will dine at our hotel in Paro.

DAY 3 - Paro to Thimphu This morning, we will visit the Drukgyel Dzong, located 15 kilometers north of Paro. This dzong, with a picturesque village nestled below its ramparts, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. After taking in the splendor of the Drukgyel Dzong, we’ll head out on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Just before arriving in Thimphu, we’ll pause briefly to admire Bhutan's most ancient fortress Simtokha Dzong. Built in 1627, it now houses the School for Religious and Cultural Studies. In Thimphu, we’ll visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace and prosperity and the inspiration of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ("the father of modern Bhutan"). The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. We’ll head back to our hotel for dinner and a traditional dance performance by the Royal Academy of Performing Arts.

DAY 4 - Thimphu After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll get to participate in an archery match to experience firsthand the intricacies of Bhutan's national sport. Relax during an intimate demonstration by the archers and then enjoy an outdoor lunch with the athletes. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Library, established in the late 1960s to conserve the literary treasures of Bhutan's cultural heritage. The National Library now houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format. From there, we’ll continue on to the Painting School, the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum. These museums both opened in 2001 and provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. In the evening, we’ll receive the great honor of dining with some of Bhutan's most prominent citizens, including members of the extended Bhutanese royal family. Tonight, we’ll stay in Thimphu.

DAY 5 - Thimphu to Punakha After breakfast, we’ll drive through the spectacular Dochula pass to Punakha. The capital of Bhutan until 1955, Punakha is still the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Punakha Dzong on the shore where these two rivers meet. The strategically located dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the Buddhist region. We’ll explore the grounds and then retire to the hotel in Punakha for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6 - Punakha This morning, you’ll get to work off your breakfast with an enjoyable walk to "Chimi Lhakhang." Situated on a strategic and panoramic hilltop in the picturesque Losesa valley, Chimi Lhakhang is a sacred destination for all Buddhists. After your visit, continue to Wangduephodrang, the last town before central Bhutan, located south of Punakha. This small town has several fascinating shops selling local crafts such as fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate mined in a valley a few kilometers away. At the end of your day's excursions, we’ll return to the hotel in Punakha for dinner and a good night’s rest.

DAY 7 - Punakha to Bumthang After breakfast, we’ll begin our 205 km, panoramic drive to Bumthang. We first proceed to Trongsa across the Pelela Pass (3100m). En route, we’ll see Chendbji Chorten in Kathmandu, the stupa-patterned Swayambhunath with eyes painted at the four cardinal points to represent the invisible power of the Buddha. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Later we’ll be granted the special privilege of visiting the striking Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral abode of Bhutan's royal family, built in 1648 as the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. We’ll drive to Bumthang across the Yutong la Pass. Upon arrival, you can relax at the lodge in Bumthang before dining on some of Bhutan's most succulent and authentic local dishes.

DAY 8 - Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang Today marks the beginning of your scenic trek through the Himalayas. Your first day covers a distance of around 14 km. Follow the trek route along the Chamkhar Chhu river, through luscious meadows and dense forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Encounter exotic wildlife along the route and hear the "music of the Himalayas" as you pass through many villages and visit temples on this very tranquil day. Tonight, experience the rustic splendor of the wilderness as you fall sleep under a magnificent canopy of stars in a village soaring 2,900m above sea level.

DAY 9 - Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing Continue your trek a further 19 km along a staggeringly picturesque trail that ascends gradually through juniper forest towards the Phephe-la Pass (3,340m). From there the path begins its descent, with breathtaking views all the way into the Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village (2,850m). At night, we’ll let the sounds of the nearby river over us as we camp out under the night sky and prepare for the final morning of our trek.

DAY 10 - Ugyenchholing to Bumthang In the morning, we’ll finish our trek and walk up to the Ugyenchholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion that also houses a small eco-museum. After a short tour, we begin the drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chhu River. En route, we’ll visit the Membertsho Lake where Terton Pemalingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 12th century. We’ll explore Jambey Lhakhang, a monastery built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, and Kurje Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. This evening, we’ll visit the historic Jakar Dzong. Constructed in 1549 by the great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery. At the day's end, return to your lodge in Bumthang for dinner and overnight.

DAY 11 - Bumthang Today, we will visit two vibrant festivals in the Bumthang region: Jambay Lhakhang Drup and Prakar Tshechu. The first is held to commemorate the establishment of Jambay Lhakhang Temple in the 7th century and to honor Guru Rimpoche, a saint who introduced the Tantric form of Buddhism to Bhutan . A variety of traditional and mask dances are performed and each dance has a special significance. This festival is one of the most important in Bhutan and the highlight is the "Mewang" (the fire ceremony) and the "Tercham" (a religious dance). The Tshechus are important religious festivals and it is believed that by attending them one gains merit and blessings. They are not somber formal religious affairs, but rather occasions to get together, renew acquaintances, and make merry. The atsaras (traditional clowns of the Tshechu) add a sense of playfulness to the festival. Tshechus attract crowds that sometimes come from the remotest of villages. In a swirl of color and noise, the gods and demons of Buddhist mythology come to life.

DAY 12 - Bumthang to Gangtey/Phobjikha After breakfast, we’ll begin the scenic drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang, we’ll see the great monastery of Gengtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of the rare and endangered black-necked crane, which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. There will be a noticeable change in the vegetation that will provide us with some of the most breathtaking photographs of our trip.

DAY 13 - Gangtey to Phobjikha to Paro In the morning take advantage of one last opportunity to explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley before beginning the journey back to Paro. Enjoy a special farewell dinner tonight, an outdoor moonlit barbecue under the stars amidst traditional dances and music. The moon and stars illuminate the sky unlike anywhere else in the world. Once the festivities are over, we’ll return for a peaceful night's sleep in the hotel.

DAY 14 - Depart After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for your flight home.