As you make the dramatic descent into Paro International Airport, don’t miss the spectacular views of the Himalayas looming high above the runway. A private transfer will escort you to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, where music venues and bustling bars abound, and traffic lights do not exist. After taking time to settle in at your hotel, you’ll visit a mother-and-daughter-led textile shop, where you could pick up a souvenir dress or outfit to remind you of your travels. Later, you’ll learn about the daily practice of Buddhist prayer at the National Memorial Chorten. Then we’ll celebrate your first evening in Bhutan with a welcome dinner of traditional cuisine.

Head to Pangrizampa today, a 17th-century institute for traditional astrology nestled in the mountains, where you will meet an Astrologer and learn about the central role that astrology has played in Bhutanese traditions, from choosing dates for important ceremonies to picking names for newborns. Nestled in the mountains, this handsome complex is also home to some of the biggest cypress trees in the country. Later, enjoy visits to iconic sites such as the monumental fortress of Tashi Chodzong, the Memorial Chorten, and Buddha Point, where a towering Buddha statue looks out majestically across the Bhutanese mountains.

You have the option of taking a behind-the-scenes tour of a traditional incense factory this morning, catching a glimpse of the complex production process behind the creation of each fragrant stick. Then we’ll regroup for a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a 169-foot golden Buddha statue perched atop a meditation hall. With 125,000 tiny, bronze Buddhas encapsulated in its chest, the statue’s Buddha population is larger than Thimphu’s human one! After taking some time to stretch our legs, you’ll embark on a five-hour drive to Phobjikha, a glacial valley home to grassy meadows, blue pines, and rare, black-necked cranes. Arriving by early evening, you’re free to settle into your hotel and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the lush, green sprawl of the Phobjikha Valley, Gangtey Goemba is an ornate 17th-century monastery. Gangtey's current head lama is an incarnation of the site's legendary founder and visionary, Pema Lingpa, a 14th-century saint, and terton (discoverer of spiritual treasures). Spend the morning exploring the complex before venturing out along Gangtey Nature Trail, a moderate (optional) hike with breathtaking views. Next, you’ll head to the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature to meet Karma, a black-necked crane that suffered multiple fractures to its left wing before it was rescued and rehabilitated here. After that, you’ll meet with several local agriculturalists who will teach you some of their farming practices. We’ll return to our hotel for dinner and another peaceful night’s rest.

Punakha is first up on your itinerary today, a spectacular valley at the junction of two major rivers. You’ll stop at the majestic Punakha Dzong, or ‘Palace of Great Bliss,’ once the winter fortress of the chief of Bhutanese Buddhism, it now houses some of the country’s most sacred relics. Enjoy some solo exploration this afternoon, perhaps take a wander around the town or relax by the river. Later, you’ll journey across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, which stretches nearly 500 feet. Hovering high above the rushing waters of the Pho Chhu River, the views of the valley from here are utterly breathtaking. Take some time to relax this evening before we gather together for dinner.

Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten this morning, a stupa that’s home to a slew of massive statues of wrathful deities thought to ward off evil spirits. The rest of the day’s itinerary is up to the group to decide what they’d most like to see and do. We could visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple devoted to the "Divine Madman" and saint, Drukpa Kunley, or we could visit a different temple or monastery. Tonight we’ll head back to our cozy resort for our final night in Punakha.

Today we head back to Thimphu and then ascend on a walk through a winding, densely forested trail marked by a string of prayer flags. At the top lies Cheri Monastery, a century-old structure that once housed Bhutan’s first monastic order. After a picnic lunch we’ll head back to the capital city for a free afternoon and a night out in Thimphu town together.

At an altitude of nearly 13,000 feet, Chelela Pass is one of the highest drivable stretches of road in Bhutan. The views as we drive across it, heading toward Haa Valley, will captivate you.. One of the country’s smaller districts, Haa is home to bustling bazaars, terraced hillsides, and vast stretches of pristine forest. Here you’ll explore two of the region’s most iconic temples: Lhakhang Karpo (The White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (The Black Temple). It’s said that when searching for the right place to build a new temple, the king of Tibet released two doves. The first landed on the site where Lhakhang Nagpo now stands while the second landed at the site of Lhakhang Karpo. After exploring the temples, we’ll head to our cozy farm stay for the night.

We’re heading back to Paro today, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town at your own pace. Consider taking a gentle hike to some of the nearby temples, watching a local archery event, or strolling through the farmers’ market. At an additional cost, you can also opt to take a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath or get a massage. Be sure to get some rest tonight; tomorrow we’re hiking up to the Taktsang Monastery!

This morning we’ll set out for Taktsang Monastery, one of the most venerated Buddhist destinations in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the monastery is set into a cliff face nearly 2,600 feet above the Paro Valley floor. The journey will require a challenging but rewarding climb, complete with spectacular views. (Note that if you’d prefer not to make the hike, other options are available.) At the top, there will be time to explore the various parts of the monastery and participate in a conversation with a prominent Bhutanese monk and one of their students to gain a deeper understanding of monastic life in Bhatan. After the return descent, take some time to rest and freshen up before we gather for our final dinner together.

This morning, we’ll say our goodbyes before returning to Paro International Airport. From here, ascend through the Himalayas and homeward. Until our next adventure!