After a hearty breakfast, hike to Phajoding, a beautifully decorated, hilltop Buddhist monastery overlooking the entire Thimphu Valley from the west. It is a steep climb, taking about 3½ hours up and about two hours down, passing through wooded areas of chir pine and rhododendron. In the afternoon, you may want to explore the charming lanes of central Thimphu to discover the city’s coffee and dining scene and browse for Himalayan curiosities.  

Day 4's early departure takes guests on a dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La and into the Punakha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th-century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba Monastery. After a stop for a picnic lunch, we continue on to Punakha, which lies at an altitude of 1,250m (4,100ft) in a warm, fertile valley at the junction of the Mo Chhu (Female River) and Pho Chhu (Male River). The valley’s subtropical environment allows the cultivation of rice and exotic fruits, making it an apt setting for Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. Many couples hoping to start a family come here to receive a blessing from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’.​ 

Today, you have the choice of joining our Nature Trail walk, hiking to Tongpushing or combining both to complete a full loop of the valley. The Nature Trail winds through wildflower meadows to Semchubara Village, and then through beautiful forests to Tabeding Football ground via Khewa Lhakhang. ​If time and season permit, visit the Black Neck Crane Centre to spot these rare birds that migrate from Tibet in winter to breed. The Tongpushing Hike is is a leisurely 1½ - 2 hour walk, starting from the lodge and continuing through Tokha Village. The trail then ascends to a magnificent open meadow and ends near the Royal Society for Protection of Nature campsite (a 15-minute drive from the lodge). 

On Day 8, undertake the five-hour drive to Bumthang – a journey along the country’s only east-west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, you will carry on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Explore the village and perhaps the Trongsa Dzong, then continue over the picturesque Yotong La Pass into the Chhume Valley, home to Bumthang and Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving. ​ At 2,580m (8,464ft), Bumthang Valley is a patchwork of buckwheat, millet and potato fields, with apple orchards climbing the slopes to meet deep pine forest. After getting settled at the lodge, explore our neighbouring palace, Wangdicholing, the birthplace of Bhutan’s first king renowned for its prayer wheels.​ 

After a scenic 35-minute flight from Bumthang, you will land in Paro and be driven through the town towards the north end of the valley. Here, Paro lodge lies hidden in pine forest.​ Before the sun sets, settle beside the big prayer wheel below the Drukgyel Dzong, and relax whilst admiring the rural scenery and changing sky. Alternatively, enjoy an archery session using a set of traditional bows and arrows.​ 

Begin Day 12 with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the former watch tower of the Rinpung Dzong fortress. Just a short walk downhill lies the imposing Paro Dzong, home to one of the most important monastic bodies and countless cultural treasures. From the fortress, we will cross the Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilevered bridge, after which you'll be driven to the town temple. Built in 1525, it is renowned for its ancient wall paintings.​ Choose between a picnic lunch or a traditional farmhouse meal then explore the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the Kingdom’s first Buddhist temples. Light 108 butter lamps (chargeable activity) and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions still practised today. A visit to the unique stupa-shaped Dumtse Lhakhang will be followed by a stroll around Paro’s picturesque old town. ​