Fly UK to Kathmandu.

Arrive Kathmandu. After immigration formalities you will be welcomed by the Novaturient representative with a 'tashi khaddar' - this an auspicious and traditional welcome giving an offering of a white scarf to the guest. Then transfer to the Dwarika's Hotel for an overnight stay. Rest of the day at leisure.

Morning fly to Paro. Then drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. Enroute visit Tamchog Lhakhang. Check-in at The Six Senses Thimphu for 2 nights stay. Later in afternoon walk around National Memorial Chorten, the main street and busy local market.

After breakfast a short drive to the north of town to the Buddha Dordenma to see the massive, 51.5m high, gilded bronze statue of Shakyamuni. Walk to the 12thC. Tango Goemba; part of the University for Buddhist studies. Sightseeing also includes the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly called the Arts and Crafts school and the interesting Folk Heritage museum. After lunch visit the Textile Museum, then the Pangri Zampa - one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and home to the College of Astrology. Next visit the Trashichho Dzong, 'fortress of the glorious religion' before a leisurely walk to the local craft Bazaar.

After breakfast drive up to Dochula pass (3,088m) with its wonderful panoramas to view the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags decorating the highest point on the road. Prayer flag hoisting at Dochula pass. Drive to Punakha. Check-in at The Six Senses Punakha for 2 nights. After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of Phochu and Mochu rivers. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan. Finally, a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, where women make a pilgrimage to be blessed with children. It's also, unsurprisingly, called the Temple of Fertility!

After breakfast enjoy a hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, built to remove negative forces, promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. Picnic lunch by the riverside. After lunch explore the fascinating Rinchengang Village, particularly known for its traditional method of stone masonry. On the way back to the hotel, drive through Wangdue town and its market.

After breakfast drive to Gangtey passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. Check-in at The Six Senses Gangtey for 2 nights. After lunch visit the Gangtey Goenpa. Perched on a small hill, the Gangtey Monastery is the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. Later stroll around the beautiful village, perhaps chatting with the locals or simply absorbing the amazing views.

Early morning visit the Monastic School to witness the prayer ceremony at the village Monastery. After breakfast walk the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail ends at local community school after passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang. After lunch explore the fascinating Phobjikha valley famed as the winter home of black necked cranes. These beautiful birds migrate from the arid plains in the north to spend the winter in the valley with its milder climate. The valley has two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). Visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Evening visit a traditional farmhouse to gain an understanding into the way of life of the villagers.

After breakfast drive to Trongsa crossing Pelela pass (3,300m). See the Chendbji Chorten, built in the 18th C. After lunch in Trongsa visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648 it was the seat of power in central and eastern Bhutan. The first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. Also visit Ta Dzong, a fascinating cylindrical stone structure rising five stories. Chogyal Minjur Tempa built it in 1652. Continue on to Bumthang crossing Yutong-la pass (3,400m). Then stop at Chumey, famed for its wool weaving called 'Bumthang Yathra'. Visit Yathra weaving centre, and relax with a weaving family over a cup of tea. On arrival in Bumthang check-in at The Six Senses Bumthang for 2 nights.

Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to several ancient Temples and Monasteries. Today's full (5,sightseeing includes Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong. After lunch visit the Swiss Brewery and the Dorbji Weaving Centre. Evening visit a village Monastery for an enlightening interactive session with Monks on Buddhism and spiritual practices in Bhutan.

After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a walk around the heart of Bumthang town. Later fly to Paro. Check-in at The Six Senses Paro for 3 nights. Later try your band at Archery - the National sport of Bhutan, and taken very seriously. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, and now houses the National Museum. Next a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning 'fortress of the heap of jewels', with its long and fascinating history.

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk). The precariously perched Monastery, literally clinging to the mountainside, is considered to be one of the holiest in Bhutan. Needless to say the views are spectacular. Late afternoon attend a blessing Ceremony at a village Monastery followed by the sacred lighting of 108 butter lamps. This is a special prayer Ceremony by Monks for peace, prosperity and happiness.

After breakfast drive to Chelela pass. At an elevation of 3,988m, Chelela is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. From here enjoy a fascinating walk to Kila Goemba- home of Buddhist Nuns who've have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfilment. They lead a life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. Picnic lunch, near Kila Goemba in a pretty forested area. Late afternoon visit the 7th C. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your flight to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at Dwarika's Hotel.

Transfer to the airport for flight home.