This adventure is filled-to-the-brim with awe-inspiring landscapes and extensively covers some of Bhutan’s finest cultural attractions. Discover the Himalayan heights of Bhutan, starting in the capital of Thimpu, where you can admire spectacular mountain views, Buddhist monuments and statues, as well as colourful market stalls. Traditional architecture and ancient monasteries await in Punakha. Stock up on traditional handicrafts, marvel at the magnificent scenery and visit an ancient watchtower in Paro. Strap on your hiking boots for a truly memorable journey to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).

2 nights Thimphu | 2 nights Gangtey | 2 nights Punakha | 3 nights Paro

• Fly into Paro and marvel at the aerial scenery of the Himalayas, and icy glacier peaks below.
• Visit Tamchog Lhakhang, the temple dedicated to a 13th-century saint
• Explore Thimphu and visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
• Marvel at the huge Buddha statue Buddha Dordenma
• Observe the fascinating Takin, Bhutan’s national animal
• Meander through rhododendron forests on a hike to Tango Goenpa Monastery.
• Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Arts and Crafts school) and the Weaving Centre.
• Make your own paper at the Jungshi paper-making factory using ancient traditional methods.
• Visit the Tashichho Dzong known as the “Fortress of the Glorious Religion”, serving as a winter residence and housing the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

• Head to Gangtey and the enjoy views of Jhomolhari Mountain and Jichu Drake as the road climbs.
• Stop on Dochula Pass to visit the 108 stupas built in honour of the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.
• Marvel at the winter home of endangered Black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains.
• Explore the Gangtey Goemba Monastery, which boasts spectacular views of the entire Phobjikha Valley.
• Meander along the Gangtey Nature Trail, crossing streams, rhododendron gardens and villages.
• Head to the monastic school and attend the devout prayers where 300 monks chant every evening.
• Embark on a hike to Longteng, weaving your way through bush bamboo passing colourful clusters of village houses, and glimpse yaks grazing in the area in the winter months.
• Visit the Crane Information Centre, and if in season, watch the cranes using binoculars from the deck

• Enjoy a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the ‘Divine Madman’, adorned with phallic symbols and where women struggling to conceive are said to be blessed with fertility.
• Enjoy a visit to the Punakha Dzong, widely acknowledged as the most artistic and beautiful Dzong in Bhutan where every Bhutanese king has been crowned and where it is still in use as the winter residence of the official monk body of the kingdom.
• Set off in the early morning to explore the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (Buddhist shrine), a mere 20-minute hike from the Punakha suspension bridge. Here you will enjoy a delicious packed breakfast.
• From here, the trail climbs slowly upwards on the mountainside all the way to Giligang. There are numerous places on the way with inspiring views of the surrounding temples, rice paddies, mountain tops and green forests.
• Drive to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Here you will have an hour-long interaction with the nuns who live in the nunnery. This will be followed by a Tshewang (blessing) ceremony. It is a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you will participate in the lighting up of butter lamps as well.

• Visit Ta Dzong or the national museum, where a spectacular collection of religious Thangka paintings, art, relics and postage stamps are on display.
• Explore a masterpiece of architecture, Paro Rinpung Dzong, with enormous buttressed walls looming over the town.
• Gain insight into the lifestyle of a local farmer and visit a colourful, traditional farmhouse.
• Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest and marvel at the beauty of the surroundings including the gorge and waterfall.
• Enter the Taktsang Monastery, one of the most hallowed of all Buddhist sights around the world.
• Spend a day in the Haa valley, one of the most picturesque places in the kingdom.  Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, each with their own tales to tell.
• Pass through Chele La pass, which offers stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags, fluttering in the wind.
• The next day, wave a fond farewell as your family getaway comes to an end.  You will be collected and driven to the airport for your international flight onward.