Morning flight to the Bhutanese city of Paro, our entry point located in a beautiful valley, where a warm welcome awaits. Jovial faces, prayer flags and the cool, fresh air of this high Himalayan city are immediately noticeable. Orientation and free time follow. (D)

The lovely valley in which Paro is nestled encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and the National Museum. Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) dominates the northern end of the valley; its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro river). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields. (B,L,D)

Our long-awaited morning hike up to the famed Taksang Monastery (Tiger's nest), an iconic Bhutanese landmark. The upward climb will take around 3 hours and stunning views compensate for the energy expended. Local lore claims that it is here that Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a Tiger in the 8th century, and then proceeded to meditate for three months. In 1684 a monastery was built on the site to commemorate the event. After lunch, it’s a downhill walk to the road head and transport back to town. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration of the city. (B,L,D)

Leaving Paro to the west by road, and after driving through pine and rhododendron forest, we begin our climb of the Chele-la pass (4,200 meters), the highest mountain pass in Bhutan. From here one has splendid views of the High Himal, including the magnificent peaks of Jhomolari, Bhutan’s most sacred peak at over 6,700m, and Jichu Drakey. A 22km descent from the top of the pass brings us to Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by the Bhutanese military, but the views from outside its walls are stunning. After a picnic lunch there are visits to the Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by the Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine of Lhakhang Nagpo is said to resemble that of the Jowo in Lhasa, Tibet.

The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa Valley are popularly known today as ‘Rig Sum Goenpa’, signifying three deities: Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrizig.

On our drive to Thimphu (109 km) we come across two more dzong, one at Betikha and another at Dobji. After a full day’s exploration we arrive into the Bhutanese capital, Thimphu. (B,L,D)

Center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a lively place, and an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monks, Thimphu maintains a strong national character thanks to the adherence to traditional architectural practices. (B,L,D)

Drive to Punakha (70 km) via the Duchula pass (3,050 m). Again, mountain views are spectacular, weather permitting.

Capital of Bhutan until 1955, Punakha is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country. Afternoon sightseeing will include a visit to Punakha Dzong. Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center for the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch.

Located south of Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang (1,300m) is like an extended village with a few well-provisioned shops. The higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang Valley provide rich pastoral land for cattle. The district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate, which is mined further up a valley. Stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature.

Return to Punakha for overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Enroute to Paro we visit the Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands on a low ridge 8 km down the valley from Thimphu. Nowadays it is home to the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is a series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

We drive on to Paro for overnight. (B,L,D)

Early morning drive to Airport for the return flight to Kathmandu. Journey ends on arrival at Kathmandu Airport. End of Expedition. (B)

MEAL CODES: (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)