Highlights of the Trans Bhutan Trail

Upon arrival enjoy a private transfer from Paro International Airport to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. The rest of the day is yours before a brief welcome meeting in the evening with the rest of the group in the hotel. Afterwards head out to enjoy dinner together at a local restaurant where you'll have your first opportunity to sample Bhutanese cuisine. If you still have energy left after dinner, consider bar hopping through some of Thimphu's best spots to get a taste of local nightlife. Thimphu is a city with elevations ranging between 2,248 meters (7,375 feet) and 2,648 meters (8,688 feet) above sea level. It is also the fifth highest capital city in the world by altitude; and it is also the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights. You'll be captivated by the unique blend of the modern world alongside the striking Bhutanese tradition.

Spend the day seeing the best of Thimphu's many highlights. In the morning transfer to the scenic Kabesa valley, just north of Thimphu, to visit the Choki Traditional Art School, an institution offering free education to underprivileged youth who have an interest in learning traditional art and craft. On the way back stop in at the Pangri Zampa Monastery to enjoy a private reading with a monk astrologer. The rest of the day includes a visit to Thimphu Dzong (fortress), lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a trip to Buddha Point, and a final stop for the day at the Memorial Chorten, a Tibetan-style stupa built in 1974. In the evening indulge in dinner as a group at a local restaurant.

Begin the drive early with packed breakfast to Pelela, where the group will rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail. Descend through meadows below Pelela and stop at a traditional farmhouse in the village of Rukubji to enjoy a hot lunch before visiting the temple known as Kuenzang Choling. Rukubji is also famous for its unique local language, called Ngyen-Kye and you will have the chance to learn about it from the villagers over tea. Then rejoin the trail for a gentle climb out of the valley, through the forest, and to the village of Chendebi where you will camp for the night. Head for a visit to the Chorten (stupa) in the village and then indulge in an organic, locally sourced dinner at the campsite.

Wake with the sun and eat breakfast at camp before transferring towards the town of Trongsa to rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail at the viewpoint high above the town. Recreate the experience of past royals as you descend as a group into the steep valley below. See spectacular views of the Dzong (fortress) and cross the old cantilever bridge over the Mangde River before climbing the other side of the valley to reach Trongsa Dzong via the Western gate. After arriving here the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore before joining back together for dinner at a local restaurant in the early evening.

Devour a quick breakfast this morning before heading out for a tour of Trongsa Dzong (fortress), first built as a small meditation room in 1541. Visit a selection of the Dzong's 23 lhakhangs (temples), before heading to the Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower), which now houses the fascinating Royal Heritage Museum. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to explore Trongsa at your own pace.

Have some breakfast before beginning your next trek on the Trans Bhutan trail. Along the way stop at the Pema Choeling Nunnery to learn about this institution and how it was created to increase opportunities for Bhutanese girls,coming from rural or vulnerable backgrounds. Then, continue south along the Trail towards the sacred Mebartsho (The Burning Lake) where you'll enjoy a typical Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant in the Bumthang (Jakar) town. In the evening, enjoy another homestay experience with local Bhutanese families. Tuck into a delicious homemade meal and rest up for another incredible day ahead On days when you will be hiking it's recommended that you have your own day pack to carry during the long hiking days. In the pack you should have any daily, personal medicine you may need, sunscreen, cameras, a water bottle, and any valuables such as cash or passports. During the trekking itself the camping crew will provide all travellers with boiled water. You can fill your water bottles with this water provided during the hiking days. But it is highly recommended that you bring your own water bottles.

After an early breakfast travel to Punakha. After taking a look around you'll be transferred back to your hotel for the evening.

Enjoy some breakfast before heading out for a day of exploring around the charming town of Punakha. Visit the Bazam (bridge) just across the river from Punakha Dzong (fortress). On the other side head out on a tour of the Dzong (fortress). Afterwards, drive north to Zomlingthang, and whet your appetite with a local cookery demonstration and a traditional Bhutanese outdoor lunch. In the afternoon you can choose to go on a gentle rafting expedition down the Mo Chhu River before going out to dinner at a local restaurant as a group in the evening.

Enjoy one last breakfast before being transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.