We will welcome you at the arrival gate of Paro International Airport after what should have undoubtedly been a most scenic flight into the kingdom. From here, we travel to the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu. Your guide will make suggestions of where you can stop for sightseeing along the way. Once in Thimphu, following an authentic Bhutanese meal and some rest, we can head to one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, from where you are offered a panaromic view of the valley. We can then descend into the city and stroll through its streets and markets giving you an idea of the urban Bhutanese way of life. A visit to the Postal Museum will allow you to understand Bhutan's modern history and another to the Zorig Chusum Traditional School of Arts and Craft, to see one way of how we attempt to preserve our heritage. We can end the day by joining local devotees by circuambulating the Memorial Chorten.

In the morning, we can continue sightseeing in Thimphu with a visit to Tashichhodzong, which is the seat of the government and royal office of our beloved King. We can follow this with a visit to Kaja Throm, Thimphu's farmers' market. If preferred, there are two more markets to visit if you'd like to pick up some souvenirs from contemporary to traditional handicrafts. We can visit the Royal Textile Academy which displays the diverse textiles of Bhutan, the Folk Heritage Museum to see how Bhutanese lived in the past, and drop by a local art gallery to see contemporary Bhutanese art. Other areas that may interest you are: The Jungshi paper-making factory to see how tradtional paper is hand made, National Institute for Zorig Chusom to see how young Bhutanese learn 13 traditional arts and crafts, catch a game of archery at the Changlimithang Stadium, among others.

In the morning, we head to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3100m/10,200ft asl), where a panaromic view of the greater himalayas can be seen from a hill adorned with 108 stupas. We will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple that is devoted to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenley, a 15th century saint known for his unorthodox teaching methods, and a pilgrimage site for couples seeking fertility and children. We can then head to the majestic Punakha dzong, an ancient fortress that sits at the confluence of two rivers. A walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan is not for the faint hearted but is an experience not to be missed as it's only a short walk away from the dzong.

We head for Bumthang today. However, we make a stop in Trongsa, for lunch and to visit the Ta Dzong museum, has has several rich exhibitions on the history of Bhutan's royal family. From here we move straight to Jakar, Bumthang. In Bumthang, if energy levels and time permits, a tour to local cheese factory that makes Swiss Cheese, followed by a visit to a micro-brewery that brews Swiss-style unfiltered weiss beer, and a sampling of the product in the adjacent Panda Beer Garden Cafe, should sound like a good way to conclude the day.

We start today with visits to the 7th century monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang, and the Wangduecholing Palace, which is now converted to a museum. A trip to the Jakar Dzong can be added if desired. A visit to a local yathra weaving establishment is also warranted as the fabric is a speciality of Bumthang. We then make our way towards Ogyen Choling, but with a short stop at Membartsho, or the Burning Lake, which is a highly revered holy site on the way. Our stay at Ogyen Choling begins with a tour of the museum.

There are a number of small temples and monasteries around Ogyen Choling, most of which are within walking distance. The day can be spent visiting some of these temples and monasteries, which will provide you with a good opportunity to also stroll through some villages, allowing you to witness the Bhutanese rural way of life.

We travel to the most beautiful valley in Bhutan, Gangtey/Phobjikha today. We will visit the 17th century Gangtey monastery, from where you will get a panaromic view of the valley. Gangtey/Phobjikha is the winter home for the endangered Black Necked Crane, and if you visit during the winter months, you will be able to observe them, otherwise there's still the Black Necked Crane center, in which a pair of injured but recovered cranes still live. There are many hiking trails available as well.

We head back to Paro today. If time permits, we will visit the National Museum which is housed in what was once a watch tower that guarded the valley from invaders. Nearby is Paro Rinpung Dzong, the administrative center of the district, which can be visited as well. The rest of the day can be spent exploring Paro's streets and markets.

Today, we will hike up to one of Bhutan's most holiest and iconic sites, Taktsang monastery (900m/3,000ft asl). We will join other pilgrims as we hike, or if preferred ride a pony, through pine forests and trails that offer stunning views of the valley below. As we near the monastery, we may begin to appreciate its architecture and the devotion of those who built this 17th century structure that clings to a sheer cliff. In the evening, after some rest and refreshments, your guide will suggest how to spend the remainder of the day. It would be a good time to pick up some gifts and souvenirs from the many handicraft stores in the area or simply stroll through the town and mingle with the locals.

With hope that you are leaving with a rich and happy experience, and that we may meet once more in Bhutan, we will bid you farewell at Paro International Airport today.