As you make the dramatic descent into Paro International Airport, you will enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas looming high above the runway. Your first stop is Bhutan’s capital and largest city, Thimphu, where music venues and bustling bars abound. After taking some time to settle in at the hotel, you’ll visit a mother and daughter led textile shop. Keep your eyes peeled for garments such as gho or kira that you could wear to the Thimphu Tsechu tomorrow. Later, you’ll learn about the daily practice of Buddhist prayer at the National Memorial Chorten. We’ll celebrate our first evening together with a welcome dinner, where we’ll get to know each other over traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

Today, you’ll head out to the spectacular Tashichho Dzong monastery to witness the annual Thimphu Tshechu festival. Joined by thousands of residents dressed for the occasion, dancers in elaborate masks will reenact moments from the lives of celebrated Buddhist figures. Meanwhile Atsaras, or Bhutanese clowns, in perpetually grinning red masks will crack jokes and rile up the crowd. After a morning of celebration, you’ll head to an artist studio that connects Bhutanese youth to contemporary art. From there, you’ll head to Pangrizampa, a 17th century institute for traditional astrology nestled in the mountains, where you’ll learn about the central role that astrology has played in Bhutanese traditions, from choosing dates for important ceremonies to picking names for newborns. Then you’ll head back to our hotel for a good night’s sleep.

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 hierarch of Bhutanese Buddhism, it now houses some of the country’s most sacred relics. Next, you’ll cruise down the waters of the winding Mo Chhu River via raft. Alternatively, if river rafting is not your thing, opt to explore 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.

Later, we may visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa that’s home to a slew of massive statues of wrathful deities thought to ward off evil spirits. Or we could visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple devoted to the "Divine Madman" and saint, Drukpa Kunley. 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. 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 the next adventure!