Central Bhutan tour

Today, a full-day guided tour will let you explore the highlights of Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, embark upon a guided walk in and around the Jama Masjid and take a cycle rickshaw through the bustling Chandni Chowk Bazaar. After a short visit to Raj Ghat, the site of Mahatma Gandhi's funeral pyre, proceed to New Delhi — home to Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar and a plethora of Imperial-era buildings.

You will be transferred to the airport for your short flight to Paro. On arrival, meet your private driver and guide, who will stay with you for the rest of your trip. Getting to know your personal preferences, they can suggest stops along the way that suit your interests. Driving the one-and-a-half-hour journey from Paro Airport to Thimphu, you can stop at Simtokha village, home to a Dzong said to guard the locals from a daemon who vanished on a nearby rock. The road into Thimphu closely follows the Paro Chhu (river) with scenic views across the Paro valley.

You have the whole day today to discover Thimphu with your driver and guide. The city is best explored on foot, but your driver is on hand if you wish to visit one of the sites of interest in the surrounding hills. The King's Memorial is particularly interesting, built in honour of the third king. Each day, many Bhutanese come to pray and spin the vibrant prayer wheels — it's a great spot for people-watching.

Today you take a short flight from Paro to Bumthang in Central Bhutan, a treasure trove of ancient monasteries and sacred sites. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will spend the next two nights.

Explore Bumthang Valley, and let these highlights guide your journey. Start with the Royal Heritage Museum at Trongsa, followed by the traditional fabric-making process at Chumey’s Yathra Weaving Centre. Discover the mystical charm of Membartsho (Burning Lake), hike the scenic Bebzur Trail, and admire the ancient Jambay Lhakhang Temple. Conclude your adventure by either enjoying locally crafted delights at Red Panda Brewery and Cheese Factory or finding peace during evening prayers at Kharchu Dratshang Monastery.

After breakfast, you will travel for around five hours to reach Phobjika, also known as Gangtey, a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Embark on an exploration of the Gangtey Valley with these remarkable highlights. Begin at Gangtey Monastery, founded in 1613 and rich in Nyingma Buddhist tradition. Your guide will share its fascinating history. For hiking, consider the Gantey Nature Trail, which takes you through meadows and forests to a viewpoint of the cranes' feeding ground, or the Longtey Trail, which winds through bamboo and rhododendron forests, local villages, and up to a pass with stunning valley views. Visit the Black-Necked Crane Education Centre to learn about crane preservation.

The drive from Phobjikha to Punakha will take about three hours excluding any stops, passing through the town of Wangdiphodrang, before branching off the main highway to Punakha. On arrival in Punakha check in to your hotel and have the remaining part of the day free to relax.

The Punakha Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) Rivers, and today your guide can show you around the temples, towers and courtyards. Over the years, it has suffered from several fires and flooding, but it's still one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan. Before returning to your hotel, you will visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup perched on a hilltop overlooking the Punakha valley for a blessing ceremony.

Return to Paro by road today which takes about five hours. Your guide can suggest places to stop along the way to enjoy the scenery and have light refreshments. On arrival in Paro, you have the rest of the afternoon to relax.

Spend the day exploring the Paro Valley and the town, visiting Paro Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong and the National Museum. After visiting the sites, soak in a traditional hot stone bath. A large wooden trough is filled with cold spring water before red-hot stones are immersed at one end. This popular form of medication has been practised in Bhutan since time immemorial.

An early rise is recommended today as you drive 12 km (7 miles) from Paro to Taksang, better known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. The highlight of most trips to Bhutan, the monastery is perched on a high rocky ledge with incredible views. The climb from the car park takes two to three hours, depending on your fitness, with small cafés to stop off for tea or coffee along the way. Once you have reached the hermitage itself, you then retrace your steps back to the car park. If you feel you might not make it to the hermitage itself, we would still suggest a visit, climbing part of the way up to view the monastery from a viewpoint with a stunning vista of the cliff face. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Delhi. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel near the airport.

Today you will be driven by private transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day. Your return flight will arrive the same day.