Touch down in Paro on one of the world’s most spectacular approaches, with snow-tipped peaks and terraced fields unfolding beneath the wing. Meet your guide and drive the riverside road to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. An easy-paced orientation walk introduces prayer wheels, colour-draped chortens, and the gentle rhythm of Himalayan life.

Greet the day beside the colossal Buddha Dordenma, gazing over the valley. Spin the prayer wheels at the National Memorial Chorten, then explore Thimphu’s weekend market (on market days) where chillies, incense, and yak cheese perfume the air. Dive into Bhutan’s artistry at the Textile Museum and a paper workshop preserving ancient Deh-sho craft. Conclude at Tashichho Dzong, its whitewashed walls glowing at dusk.

Drive into pine forests for a contemplative walk to the monastic retreats of Cheri or Tango, where crimson-robed monks chant amid fluttering prayer flags. Back in the city, visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum to see Bhutan’s “13 arts” in practice. A private blessing with monks (subject to monastery schedule) offers a serene moment of connection.

Cross one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges and wander paddy-field paths to the hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for sweeping views. Visit village homes to learn about farmhouse architecture, butter-lamp offerings, and daily rituals that anchor Bhutan’s living traditions. Optional at extra cost: gentle rafting on the Mo Chu.

A scenic drive curls into the glacial bowl of Phobjikha (Gangtey), a high-altitude valley of meadows, pines, and winding streams. Explore Gangtey Goemba, a centuries-old monastery, then breathe in the stillness along the nature trail as yaks graze and the valley opens to endless sky. (From Nov–Feb, watch for the elegant black-necked cranes.)

Follow forest paths bordered by dwarf bamboo and stone mani walls. Meet valley residents to hear stories of migrating cranes, winter potato harvests, and age-old butter-churning techniques. Warm up with a traditional hot-stone bath and herbal soak back at the lodge. The night sky here shimmers with stars.

Journey east across high passes and deep ravines to the cultural heartland of Bumthang. Pause at dramatic Trongsa Dzong, cascading down a ridge above the Mangde River, and the Tower of Trongsa museum to trace the Wangchuck royal lineage. Continue through villages where prayer flags outnumber road signs.

In spacious valleys stitched with apple orchards, visit sacred sites such as Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing, where legends of Guru Rinpoche echo through mural-lined chapels. Sample local cheeses at Swiss Farm and see weavers produce soft yathra textiles in warm ochres and indigos.

Trace a quiet road into the remote Tang Valley. Pause at the spiritual “Burning Lake” (Mebar Tsho), then continue to Ogyen Choling, a noble manor turned museum where heirlooms reveal Bhutan’s feudal past. Picnic amid wind-hushed meadows before returning to Bumthang in the golden hour.

Subject to schedule, take a short domestic flight to Paro (otherwise enjoy a scenic overland return). Discover the hilltop Ta Dzong (National Museum) with its masks, thangkas, and sacred relics, then walk to Rinpung Dzong, where monks chant beneath carved balconies. Try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport.

Wander the ancient temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, said to pin down a supine demoness and among Bhutan’s oldest sanctuaries. Follow farm trails past buckwheat fields and blue-painted homes; sip butter tea and learn how prayer flags are raised for merit and remembrance. As dusk falls, a small cultural performance brings songs of the valley to life.

Ascend forest switchbacks, prayer flags snapping in the breeze, until the cliffside Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) appears, improbably perched above a thousand-foot void. Explore its smoky chapels and cave shrines; on the descent, pause at viewpoints where the monastery floats like a mirage. Return to the valley for a restorative spa session and a reflective farewell evening.

Bid farewell to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Transfer to Paro Airport for your onward connection back to NEW YORK, carrying memories of prayer wheels and cedar-scented trails, saffron robes and mountain light.