Bhutan Itinerary

Arrive in the small town of Paro and get an immediate sense of just how special Bhutan is. With colourful buildings, a main street that is only 25 years old and houses without front doors, Paro is a charming place to begin the adventure.

The fortress of Tashichho Dzong dominates Thimphu, the world's only capital city without traffic lights. See the National Library's priceless collection of Buddhist manuscripts, visit the Folk Heritage Museum and stop in at the National Memorial Chorten. In keeping with the country's goal of Gross National Happiness, the stores here take it in turns to be closed; stores on the upper lane are closed on Tuesdays and stores on the lower lane are closed on Wednesdays.

Cross the Dochu La Pass to take in spectacular views of the Bhutan Himalaya and stop in at the quirky Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the 'Temple of the Divine Madman'. Visit the Punakha Dzong and the hillside Khamsum Yueling Temple. Browse local handicrafts in a traditional homemade paper factory and discover the ancient art of thangkas at a Bhutanese painting school.

Journey across the Pele La Pass to Gangte and visit the 450-year-old Gangte Goemba. Explore Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan's wonderfully remote area without telephones or regular power.

The adventure comes full circle on the return to Paro. Home to Bhutan's unusual red rice, Paro is the base for exploring the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the dramatic Rinpung Dzong. Tour the National Museum, housed in an original watchtower, and drive out to the beautiful Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most important of Bhutan's temples. A trek to Taktshang Goemba, the famed 'Tiger's Nest' monastery miraculously clinging to a cliff face, is a definite must-do.