Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Kathmandu, via Dubai, with Emirates. (N)

Afternoon arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the Hotel Himalaya (or similar) for 2 nights. (N)

Morning tour of Kathmandu. Afternoon visit to the temple at Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. (B)

Morning flight to Paro. Drive to Thimphu. Afternoon tour including the Tashichho Dzong. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kisa (or similar). (B, L, D)

Morning sightseeing in Thimphu, including the National Memorial Chorten, Simply Bhutan, Buddha Point and the Textile Museum. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner this evening with a local family. (B, L, D)

Travel to Punakha via the stunning Dochula Pass. Visit a traditional farmhouse for an authentic village experience. Stay 2 nights at the Meri Puensum (or similar). (B, L, D)

Morning tour of Punakha, including the Punakha dzong, a 17th-century fortress. This afternoon visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute to meet with the Buddhist monks. (B, L, D)

Drive to Paro and stay 2 nights at the Village Lodge (or similar). Afternoon visit to Ta dzong, now the national museum. Later, enjoy a cooking class in spicy Bhutanese cuisine. (B, L, D)

Morning trek to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), a monastery perched on a rocky ledge. The return walk takes about 5 hours. Afternoon visit to Rinpung dzong. Later try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport – archery. (B, L, D)

Morning flight to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at the Hotel Himalaya (or similar). Farewell dinner at Brick Café. (B, D)

Day at leisure. This evening fly from Kathmandu to London, via Dubai, with Emirates. (B)

Early morning arrival in London. (N)