Arrive in the beautiful village of Paro, nestled in between soaring mountain peaks and alpine forest. Spend time enjoying the fresh mountain air and acclimatizing to the altitude in preparation for your onward journey. Enjoy a night of luxury in your spacious suite at Amankora Paro.

Today you will hike towards the Tiger’s Nest monastery - the famous Taktsang Temple. This is one of Bhutan’s most treasured and visited sites, clinging to the cliff face above Paro Valley, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Spend the night in Paro at the Amankora - perhaps book a massage at the luxury spa there.

It’s time for a cultural excursion today, as you visit Bhutan’s National Museum - the Ta Dzong Museum in Paro. You have the option today to hike to the 14th century Zuri Temple, a leisurely 30 minute walk away from the museum. Today you’ll also visit traditional Bhutanese handicraft workshops and the National Library before heading to Thimphu, where you’ll check into the luxurious Amankora Thimphu.

Your destination for today is Mendegang, traveling along the Dochu La Pass, which offers spectacular mountain views. In Medegang, you will check into a cozy hillside guesthouse for the night, enjoying the serenity of the mountains, authentic local cuisine and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Today, you’ll make your way to Trongsa via Pele La pass. On the way, you will pass through and Wangdue Phodrang town, where you’ll see its beautiful 16th century temple of the same name, a revered Bhutanese site. After that, it’s onward to Chendebji Chorten, around 40 km outside of Trongsa, where you will spend the night at one of the quaintly-decorated resorts such as the Raven Crown Resort or the Yangkhil Resort.

Tongsa Ta Dzong is the largest dzong in Bhutan, and you’ll get the chance to explore it today, as well as speak with a local statue sculptor. After that, you’ll move on to Bumthang, one of the most religious Bhutanese sites, surrounded by ancient temples. This beautiful area is protected and aside from seeing historic sacred sites, you might even spot the black-necked crane. Bed down in Bumthang for the evening at luxurious Amankora Bumthang.

Bumthang is the most historic area of Bhutan and today you have an entire day to explore the valley and its many sacred sites. Hike through woodland, see the Red Panda Brewery, visit Jakar town, see Tamshing Lhukhang, the country’s most important Nyingmapa temple, or Kurjey Monastery, where the first three Bhutanese kings lie. At night, check into your luxurious room at Amankora Bumthang.

After visiting the Kurje temple complex, you’ll begin the trekking segment of the itinerary. Your destination today is Ngang Lhakhang, a private Buddhist monastery built in the 16th century, also called Swan Temple. On the way, you’ll pass Thangbi Temple, one of Bunthang’s most historically significant temples. You will spend tonight at Ngang Lhakhang, now converted into a residence.

Today you will cross the high-altitude Pepe La Pass at 11,647 feet, marked by a stone chorten and colorful prayer flags. From there, it’s a two- to three-hour descent into Tang Valley, where verdant green fields are home to grazing cattle. Tonight, set up camp at Meadow Camp.

Palace and village. The palace features intricately-designed lattice woodwork and stained glass windows, with brightly-colored frescoes and prayers painted on the walls. You’ll spend the night here in this picturesque and friendly mountain village, and have the chance to meet the renowned yatha weavers.

Push onwards down beautiful Tang Valley, past Tang Rimochen Temple on the west bank of the river Tang Chu. The revered Guru Ripoche was said to have meditated here, leaving footprints. The temple itself was founded in the 14th century and around it, many sacred sites can be found. One of these is the “burning lake” - Membartsho. This is actually a pool in the gorge of the Tang Chu river where Pema Lingpa, a famous Buddhist saint is said to have retrieved sacred treasures. You’ll spend the night in the nearby village of Pangshing.

Bumthang and Trongsa are intriguing Bhutanese destinations and today you have the day to explore them independently. The 16th century Trongsa is the ancestral home of the royal family, and here you can go visit the palace, or just go hiking along the Mangdu-Chu river. In the evening, try a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at Raven Crown Resort or enjoy views of the Trongsa Dzong from your room in the Yangkhil Resort.

Today you head back to Thimphu on one of the final legs of your journey. Now’s your chance to spend some leisure time in the capital, whether that’s exploring the city by bicycle, visiting a local orphanage or relaxing in the botanical gardens. Subject to their availability, you can have dinner with a local parliamentarian and hear first-hand the plight of contemporary Bhutan. Check into the luxurious Amankora for your final night in Thimpu.

On your final day of your journey, you’ll return to Paro, where you can continue your onwards or stay to enjoy the city’s cultural sites. Paro is home to the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels” - a temple that houses shrines to various deities. You can also take part in Himalayan singing bowl meditation or revisit the Tiger’s Nest monastery before concluding your tour.