Your flight should afford breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks before you land in Paro, to be met and escorted to your hotel by our local representatives. After lunch you will visit the National Museum housed in an old watchtower on a hill overlooking the Paro Valley. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress dating from 1645, and take some time to wander through the town and along the riverside.

Today you will take a four-hour round trip trek to Taktsang or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. It is believed that during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, meditated at this spot, having travelled there on the back of a flying tigress. Later you will visit the ruined fortress of Drugyal Dzong with fine mountain views on a clear day.

The trek begins with an easy day, with the trail rising gradually to the camp spot at Jele Dzong, a ruined fortress sitting on a high ridge (2590m). In clear weather you will enjoy good views down over Paro Valley and a breathtaking vista of snowy Chomolhari.

Starting with a short uphill climb, your trail enters dense alpine forest with many dwarf rhododendron trees, finally reaching your riverside campsite near Jangchulakha Temple (2900m). This area is frequently used by nomadic people and you may see yaks and meet yak herders around your campsite.

Today’s trail follows a ridge all of the way and in good weather affords beautiful views across to the mountains and down over the valley. You will camp close to Lake Jimilangtso (3350m), known for its giant trout, so if you are lucky there may be fish for dinner!

Today’s trail leads you through beautiful dwarf rhododendron trees before passing by Lake Jenetso. You may see camps for yak herders en route, giving you the opportunity to learn a little more about nomadic life. Tonight’s camp is near peaceful Simkota Lake (3800m).

You will begin with a gradual climb and, weather permitting, will be rewarded with spectacular views of Gangkhar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain and also the world’s highest unscaled peak. A slow descent follows to your overnight stop at Phajoding, in tents or a trekking shelter. (3116m)

The trek to Thimphu takes you downhill through an area forested with blue pine and on to Mothithang where your transport will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Thimpu in time for lunch. After lunch you will enjoy sightseeing in Thimpu, visiting the ancient manuscripts of the National Library and Tashichho Dzong, a huge fortress housing government Ministries, and the office and Throne Room of the King.

This morning you will visit the golden-spired Memorial Chorten; the traditional Painting and Wood Craft school; and the Handicrafts Emporium, should you wish to shop for traditional arts and crafts. In the afternoon you will return to Paro where you will have to time to wander through the town or enjoy a traditional hot stone bath.