Bhutan: The Dragon Kingdom

Overnight flight from London (regional connections available) to Kathmandu, via Delhi, with Jet Airways. (N)

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

Morning tour of Kathmandu, including Durbar Square and the Golden Swayambhunath stupa. In the afternoon visit Pashupatinath, an important Hindu temple and Bodhnath, the largest stupa in Nepal and the religious centre for Nepal's considerable population of Tibetans. (B)

Morning flight to Paro and drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. Afternoon tour including the National Library, a fundamental source for Buddhist scripts. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Kisa (or similar). (B, L, D)

Morning sightseeing in Thimphu, including the National Memorial Chorten. Here, the finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner this evening with a local family. (B, L, D)

Drive across the stunning Dochu La Pass to Punakha. Later visit a traditional farmhouse for an authentic village experience. Farmhouses in Bhutan are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built with mud and stones. Stay 2 nights at the Meri Puensum (or similar). (B, L, D)

Morning tour of Punakha, including the Punakha dzong, a 17th-century fortress and the largest in the country. This afternoon visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute to meet with the Buddhist monks and to enjoy the fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. (B, L, D)

Drive to Paro and stay 2 nights at the Village Lodge (or similar). Afternoon visit to Ta dzong which was originally the watchtower of Paro Dzong and was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum of Bhutan. Later, enjoy a cooking class in spicy Bhutanese cuisine. (B, L, D)

Enjoy the spectacular walk to the iconic 300-year-old Tiger's Nest Monastery, where it is believed Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tiger in the 8th century. The return walk takes about 5 hours. Afternoon visit to Rinpung dzong and 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)

Fly from Kathmandu to London, via Delhi, with Jet Airways. (B)