Wild Bhutan

Arrive Paro and transfer to your hotel in Thimphu. Enjoy an evening walk through Thimphu town, which has a Swiss mountain village feel.

Begin your day at the local market, followed by a sightseeing tour of Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang (the oldest temple in Thimphu), a Buddhist nunnery, National Library, Handicraft Emporium, Traditional Medicine Institute, Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum.

You are rewarded with spectacular mountain views as you cross the Dochula Pass. Stop to visit the famous Chime Lhakhang temple of fertility (short 20 minute walk, weather permitting). Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong where the first king of Bhutan was crowned in 1907.

Travel north of the city for a 45 minute hike to Kham Sum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a new temple and a wonderful spot for meditation. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and Temple. The complex houses a learning and meditation centre for nuns, providing both religious and life skill training in embroidery, tailoring, statue making and painting.

Drive to the remote and high-altitude Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of Black-necked cranes. This afternoon enjoy a nature trail walk around the valley.

Cross over Pilela Pass, the boundary between western and central Bhutan, enjoying the picturesque scenery en route. Stop in Trongsa and admire the dzong, the largest fortress in the kingdom. Pass through the famous Yatha weaving region, arriving in Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and the heartland of Buddhism.

Visit the historically important temples of Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan, and Tamshing Lhakhang, housing 16th century Buddhist paintings. Visit a Swiss farm cheese factory and Jakar dzong, known as the Castle of White Bird.

An interesting and scenic drive takes you to Ura Valley, a rural settlement with a cluster of houses. Above the village is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, showcasing remarkable paintings of his teachings.

A short and spectacular flight will take you to Paro. Afternoon at leisure.

Visit the National Museum of Bhutan, displaying ancient artifacts from the 7th century. Visit Rinpong Dzong fortress, the administrative and religious centre of Paro, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan.

Transfer to the airport.