Day 1. Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your tour guide will meet you. Spend the afternoon exploring the local sights, including the ruined ‘fortress of victory’ (Drukgyel Dzong), with views to Bhutan’s second highest mountain Jomolhari (7315 metres) on a clear day, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2. Hike to Taktshang monastery (the ‘Tiger’s Nest’), where Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have meditated. In the afternoon, we drive to Thimphu (two hours). Spend the rest of the day exploring the streets and shops of Bhutan’s capital. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3. Sightseeing in Thimphu. Among the many places of interest are the Memorial Chorten of the third king of Bhutan, the Changangkha monastery, the radio tower viewpoint, the National Library with its ancient manuscripts, and the School of Arts and Crafts. If that’s not enough, there’s still the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the majestic Taschicho Dzong and Bhutan’s oldest fortress, Simtokha Dzong to visit . Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4. Thimphu to Wangdiphodrang. The drive to Wangdiphodrang climbs over the Dochu La Pass at 3100 metres. Visit Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, and its dzong. Walk through the rice fields from Metshina village to Chimi Lhakhang (temple), famed for its powers of bestowing fertility. Overnight in Wangdiphodrang.

Day 5.Wangdiphodrang to Trongsa. Today’s spectacular, winding road takes you over the 3300 metre Pele La pass to Trongsa, ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. On the way we will visit Gangtey gompa, with views of the Black Mountains and the Phobjikha valley. Explore Trongsa town. Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 6. Trongsa to Bumthang. In the morning visit Trongsa Dzong, which dominates the landscape for miles around. After lunch we continue to Bumthang, Bhutan’s religious and spiritual heartland, stopping on the way to visit a yathra (textile weaving) factory. In Bumthang see Jakar Dzong; the Udee woodcarving factory; and two famous temples, Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites, and the sacred Kurjey Lhakang, where the imprint of Guru Rinpoche can be seen. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7. Bumthang.  Excursion to the Ura valley with its medieval village and beautiful temple. En route back to Bumthang, visit Membar Tsho, the ‘Lake of a Burning Lamp’, site of discovery of treasures belonging to Guru Rinpoche, Tamshing Lhakhang with a collection of unique Buddhist paintings, and, taking you into the 21st century, Bumthang’s Swiss cheese factory. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8. Bumthang. Three-hour hike through the forest to the Tharpaling monastery, home to 100 monks. Enjoy a packed lunch as you take in the fine view of the Chumey valley. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 9. Bumthang to Mongar. Today’s drive to eastern Bhutan (five hours) offers breathtaking scenery with plunging waterfalls and sheer cliffs. The Thrumshing La Pass is the highest point, at 3750 metres. Relax and wander around Mongar in the evening. Overnight in Mongar.

Day 10. Mongar to Tashigang. Visit Mongar Dzong in the morning, then continue to Tashigang, passing through several villages on the way. At Tashigang you can visit the local dzong and explore the town. Overnight in Tashigang.

Day 11. Tashigang. Visit the small, attractive town of Tashi Yangtse, famous for handcrafted wooden bowls which are said to be the best in Bhutan. Stop at Gom Kora temple, where imprints left by Guru Rinpoche are visible, and see the 15th century iron chain link bridge near Duksum. Overnight in Tashigang.

Day 12. Tashigang to Mongar. Visit the weaving centre in Khaling, Sherubtse College, and Zangdo Pelri monastery. Overnight in Mongar.

Day 13. Mongar to Bumthang. Continue the return journey with stops for lunch and tea in villages along the way.

Day 14. Bumthang to Wangdiphodrang. Enjoy Bumthang market in the morning, and continue to Wangdiphodrang, where you can explore the town and shops at your own pace or visit nearby villages known for their stone carvings and bamboo work.

Day 15. Wangdiphodrang to Thimphu. Continue the journey to Thimphu. Visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 16. Thimphu. In the morning hike to Tango monastery, with excellent views of the Thimphu valley and its very own ‘sin-testing’ tunnel. If you pass through the tunnel problem-free you are without sin!  After lunch visit the historic Cheri monastery built in 1620. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 17. Thimphu to Paro. Spend the morning shopping in Thimphu. If you’re here at the weekend you can stroll through the colourful, busy market, with its chillies, fresh cheeses and fruits, and handicrafts. Overnight in Paro.

Day 18. Depart from Paro International Airport.