Bhutan's highlights: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Today you will explore the valley, visiting several temples, including Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath — a sacred Hindu temple. You'll be accompanied by a driver and an experienced guide who can explain each site's history and cultural importance.

Today, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for a one-and-a-half-hour 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.

A scenic drive today to Punakha, over the Dochula Pass, offers stunning views. The drive takes about three hours, but it's worth stopping to visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple before reaching Punakha. The temple can't be reached by road, so your guide will lead you on a short walk through rice paddies to the temple itself, a particularly memorable way to arrive. 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 today, 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 to catch the short flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Bhaktapur, a charming village that seems frozen in time with 17th-century streets leading to the Durbar Square, renowned for its fine temple carvings. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

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