The land of the Thunder Dragon is an extraordinary place. Vast and impressive fortresses, known as Dzongs, dominateBhutan's landscape - from the wide subtropical valleys in the south to the Himalayan mountain ranges of the north. One ofthe world's biodiversity hotspots, Bhutan's national animal is the Takin - legend says it is half goat, half cow. This is a countrywhere selling cigarettes or plastic bags is illegal, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls, where chillies andcheese with red rice is the national dish, and where Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross NationalProduct.

Tucked away from the modern world for centuries, Bhutan, the last remaining Himalayan Kingdom, is managing to retain itsBuddhist culture and traditions of the past whilst taking a cautious approach to modernisation. The juxtaposition of old andnew is one of Bhutan's most appealing qualities: its ancient history is one of legends and miracles performed by saints, whomthe majority of the population still worship daily, whilst most of the population now have electricity produced by hydro powerand 2008 saw a new King crowned and the election of a new democratic parliament - Bhutan really is an extraordinarycountry in transition.

As our name suggests, we like big panoramic vistas and encounters that give one a new perspective on life - Bhutan boasts afew of these of Himalyan proportions. We have made a name designing journeys that allow our clients to get "under thesurface" of a country - to meet the people and get off the tourist route. In designing this itinerary, we have allowed time tomeet local people, to walk in rural valleys, and really get to know this beautiful country, as well as taking in the mostimportant historical and religious sights that define Bhutan.

This journey has been designed for lovers of the outdoors, who want to get under the surface of this remarkable Kingdom,exploring hidden villages, monasteries and mountain lakes only accessible on foot, whilst staying in comfortable guesthousesand small hotels. The itinerary allows for acclimatisation with hikes gradually building from easy strolls to tougher mountainhikes, culminating in a two day (one night) trek high above the Paro valley on a picturesque approach to Taktsang (Tigers Nest)Monastery. Follow woodland trails to rarely visited villages, cross rice paddies and climb temples for breathtaking views - thereis even an option for white-water rafting. Visit the compact capital of Thimphu, the magnificent Dzong at Punakha and thequirky temples in Paro. As with all our journeys, time is built in to allow serendipity to play a part. Experience colourfulmarkets, high mountain passes, temples clinging to cliffs and many chance encounters with locals as you take time to reallyexplore the western valleys of Bhutan.

Sat 13-Oct Arrive Kathmandu

Sun 14-Oct Drive to Dhulikhel, begin Kathmandu Valley hike

Mon 15-OctHike down through valley to Panauti and then Bhaktapur

Tue 16-Oct Fly to Paro and transfer to Thimphu

Wed 17-Oct Explore the capital, walk to Tango Monastery

Thu 18-OctTo Punakha over Dochu Laa. Walk to ChimmiLhakhang

Fri 19-Oct Butterfly hike & Punakha Dzong

Sat 20-OctSamdingkha village and river hike then KhamsumYuley

Sun 21-Oct Drive to Paro via Dochu Laa pass

Mon 22-Oct Wander in Paro town before hiking to Zurig Dzong

Tue 23-Oct Floating Goddess day hike

Wed 24-OctTrek to Bumdra monastery (3,800m) – overnight camping

Thu 25-Oct Hike down to Taktsang Monastery and on to Paro

Fri 26-Oct Dzong Drakar to Chele Laa pass & Kila Nunnery

Sat 27-Oct Fly to Kathmandu, afternoon at leisure

Sun 28-Oct Transfer to airport for departure

Once you have cleared immigration, collected your luggageand passed through customs, make your way towards theexit of the terminal building where you will see a bank ofpeople waiting for you. Amongst them will be a PanoramicJourneys representative who will be waiting to greet youwith a board with your name on. The crowds can be large soyou will really need to look out for your name. Transfer toyour hotel in Thamel and enjoy the rest of the your day atleisure.

Check out of your hotel, meet guide and driver to drive tothe small administrative town of Dhulikhel. If you are lucky,you will have an impressive view of the unfolding Himalayanpeaks – including nearby Melungtse (7,181m) and even asfar as Numbur (5,945m) in the east. Although the old townescaped the worst of the 2015 earthquake damage, resortsin the surrounding valleys and region have ongoing repairwork to varying degrees.

From here, hike the 3 hour country path to Namo Buddha intime for a delicious vegetarian lunch. There are greatopportunities to explore the local villages this afternoonand to walk down to Namo Buddha main shrine andThrangu Monastery where you can learn about how Buddhasacrificed himself for the Tigress.

Travel Details – 30 mins airport – hotel Accommodation –Kantipur Temple House, Deluxe roomIncludes – Dinner

Travel Details – 1 hr drive Kathmandu – DhulikhelAccommodation – Namo Buddha Eco ResortIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

This morning, hike about 2 hours down from Namo Buddhato the historical town Panauti. Wander to the oldest templein Nepal, Indreshwar Mahadev Temple, at the confluence ofthe Roshi Khola (river) and Pungmati Khola – a particularlysacred spot.

Meet your driver and head back to Kathmandu and anafternoon tour of the largest of the three Newar kingdoms inthe valley, Bhaktapur.

Our airport representative will let you know what time youwill be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bhutan.Your guide and driver will welcome you at the airport andthe capital of Bhutan is an hour’s drive away with a quickstop at Tamchhu Lhakhang on the way. 14th century saintThangtong Gyalpo, or the Iron Bridge Builder as he isknown, introduced the art of building suspension bridgeswith iron chains and the only way to reach his temple is byone of his bridges. The view over Thimphu from the bigBuddha statue helps to get our bearings before we plungeinto this vibrant growing town struggling to blend the shockof the new with traditional aspects of life in the shadow ofthe Himalaya. After check-in at the comfortable and centralNamgay Heritage hotel and depending on how tired you arefrom all the travel today, you may like to join your guide fora stroll downtown or meet him after a rest to discuss theplan for tomorrow.

Travel Details – 1.5 hrs Panauti - BhaktapurAccommodation – Heritage Hotel, BhaktapurIncludes – Breakfast

Travel Details – 1 hr flight, 1 hr Paro – ThimphuAccommodation – Namgay Heritage, ThimphuIncludes – Breakfast, dinner

Day out in Thimphu – enjoy monastery hikes then dependingon opening times, there are options to visit The NationalMemorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong (fortress of theglorious religion), the National Institute of TraditionalMedicine, the National Textile Museum, the Folk HeritageMuseum, the artists’ co-op; VAST, the Post Office to view thefamous stamp collection and/or the takin compound or youmay wish to just go window shopping.

In the afternoon we take two short hikes to pay our respectsat two important monasteries North of Thimphu - TangoGoemba the home of the Drukpa Kagyu school of BhutaneseBuddhism and Cheri Goemba where in 1620 the first monkbody was established by the Zhabdrung the Unifier ofBhutan.

If the weather gods are with us at 3,140m the Dochula passaffords sweeping views towards the main Himalayan rangeand a meditative stroll amongst the forest of flutteringprayer flags and maze of 108 memorial chortens – yourguide will invite you for a longer walk along the ridge and tovisit the nearby temple.

The route now plunges into primeval forest (look out formonkeys and birdlife) snaking nearly 2,000 metres downinto the Punakha valley at Chimmi Lhakhang. This hilltopfertility temple, was founded by the tantric Buddhist MasterDrukpa Kuenley, one of Tibet's foremost saints and yogisand the Patron Saint of Bhutan.

Travel Details – No long drives todayAccommodation – Namgay Heritage, ThimphuIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Travel Details – 3 hrs Thimphu - PunakhaAccommodation – Meripuensum Resort, PunakhaIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

A short drive from our hotel this morning, up from yourhotel to Lapsakha and the start of the 3 hour ButterflyHike down to the edifice of Punakha Dzong (DrukPungthang Decchen Phodrang - the Palace of GreatHappiness). After lunch, visit this immense Dzong. Built in1637 by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal in a commandingposition at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu(Father and Mother rivers). Bhutan’s second oldest dzongserved as the seat of the Kingdom's government until thetime of the second King and today is the winter home ofthe Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with aretinue of about 1,000 monks. Some guests are socaptivated by the murals, shrines and general goings-on inthe courtyards that they choose to spend a few hourshere.

Travel Details – No long drives todayAccommodation – Meripuensum Resort, PunakhaIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Driving back down towards Punakha Dzong, we start thismorning’s walk from behind the dzong and strike out on apicturesque woodland walking trail along the Mo Chhu (river)to the tiny village of Samdingkha (look out for wildlife such asotters and fishing eagles along the way). This is the put-in forthe white water rafting (which we can arrange at anadditional charge) but whether we walk or float back toPunakha Dzong the trail loops back through lush rice paddiesdotted with homesteads before crossing the longestsuspension bridge in Bhutan. Our hike takes us well off thebeaten tourist path and back in time to witness the verytraditional local way of life.

Time permitting we can continue down the valley throughwhitewashed homesteads and farmland to Khamsum YuleyNamgay Chorten, a shrine built by the Royal Family.

Travel Details – No long drives todayAccommodation – Meripuensum Resort, PunakhaIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today, head back over the Dochu Laa pass to Paro; if it isclear spend some time at the pass taking in the fantasticviews before heading down in to Thimphu for lunch. If thereare any sights that you missed on Tuesday or Wednesday,you could visit these today. A visit to the weekend market isa must either in Thimphu or Paro.

Travel Details – 4.5. hrs Punakha – ParoAccommodation – Gangtey Palace, ParoIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, take a leisurely wander through thepicturesque Paro town, one of the few main streets in thecountry lined with buildings of traditional Bhutanese design.

Take the countryside walk across fields, farmland and thevillages following the Zuri trail. Overlooking the valley andDzong below, visit the National Museum and walk along thehillside to Uma Paro Hotel where you might like to have a teabreak! If there is time, visit the lovely Kyichu Lhakhang orperhaps try your hand at archery on a local range.

Travel Details – No long drives todayAccommodation – Gangtey Palace, ParoIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

A magical and memorable day begins with a drive along thepeaceful Do Chhu (river) Valley, up a rough track past tinyhamlets to the trailhead. Deep in ancient forest we followthe rushing course of the Do Chhu deeper into this remoteand untouched valley - very few foreigners have passed thisway. In the season the flowering rhododendron provide ariot of colour and on a warm day pilgrims may be temptedinto a refreshing dip in one of many swimming holes.Towards the head of the valley the trail switchbacks as itsteepens and Chumphu Monastery can be glimpsed abovewith craggy peaks looming behind. The monks at thisspectacularly positioned and remote monastery afford allpilgrims a warm welcome particularly if they are bearingsmall gifts and offerings for the supernatural statue of the‘Flying Yogini’, that seemingly floats in the air. Having paidour respects we may climb higher to a beautiful mountainlake before bidding the monks a fond farewell and headingfor home.

Travel Details – 3-4 hrs hikeAccommodation – Gangtey Palace, ParoIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

The gravity defying remote Temple of a Thousand Fairies(Bumdra Lhakhang) is a mini Taktsang or Tiger’s Nestseemingly floating on its own cliff face high in the mountainsbetween the Do Chhu and Paro valleys. The half-day trek toour wilderness camp is aided by vehicle uplift to the Buddhistcollege of Sang Choekor where our pack ponies await. Thefirst two hours are ever upwards through deep ancient forestall the way to the little temple Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang,where our efforts are rewarded with spectacular viewstowards the main Himalayan range and back southwardswhere the runway at the airport is a tiny strip in the valley farbelow.

Fortified with water, a snack and blessings from spinningprayer wheels there is a final steep pull before the trailtraverses then pops out onto high, wide meadows dottedwith sacred chortens and prayer flags.

Travel Details – 3-4 hrs hikeAccommodation – Thousand Fairies Wilderness CampIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

With “bed tea” delivered to your walk in tent you can lie inbed and peek out at the morning mountain vista, beforejoining your guide for a hearty and leisurely open airbreakfast. After a farewell to any monks in residence wetake their path downwards through pine and rhododendronforest and soon catch glimpses of golden roofs below.Emerging from the wilds we pay our respects at themonasteries and temples dotting the mountainside beforereaching Sangtopelri (Heaven on Earth), peering over edgeof the temple gardens and straight down onto the ornateroofs Taktsang Goemba (the Tiger’s Nest monastery) in thecliff far below.

A further hour’s descent then short climb from a waterfallbrings us to the gates of Taktsang.

If time allows, it might be a nice addition to the day to visitthe ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong in the upper part ofParo valley.

Travel Details – 4 hrs hikeAccommodation – Gangtey Palace, ParoIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Chelela Pass between Paro and Haa valleys reaches animpressive 3,988m. Shrouded with prayer flags, this is apicturesque starting place for an incredible walk along theridge to an old meditation centre (4,300m) offeringbreathtaking views through the valleys below as well as thesnow capped mountains as far as Jomolhari (7,326m) andKangchenjunga (8,586m) in Nepal.

Hike down towards Kila Goempa Nunnery on the cliffs below.There are seven small temples and several retreat huts withsome 30 – 70 nuns living in self-imposed isolation.

Travel Details – 3 hrs Paro – Chelela PassAccommodation – Gangtey Palace, ParoIncludes – Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Transfer to the airport for your morning flight toKathmandu. Meet your guide and driver once again outsideof the airport and drive to the luxurious Dwarikas hotel.Afternoon at leisure and special 6 course traditionalNepalese farewell dinner.

Travel Details – 20 mins Paro – airport, 1 hr flightAccommodation – Dwarika’s Hotel, KathmanduIncludes – Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight to your onwarddestination.

Travel Details – 30 mins hotel – airport Accommodation –N/AIncludes – Breakfast

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The city of Kathmandu, together with the cities of Patan andBhaktapur, make up the Kathmandu Valley. The whole valleyis what most refer to as 'Kathmandu' and the three cities,small towns and villages within the valley form the hub ofNepal's traditional culture and arts.

Nepal is an ethnically diverse country with almost 30 millioninhabitants and 92 spoken languages and this culturalmeting pot comes together in Kathmandu. It is a place oftemples and shrines where worship is a part of daily life forboth the Buddhists and Hindus who have resided side byside within Nepal for centuries.

At the heart of each city is the Durbar Square (Durbar means'palace') and it was from the Royal Palace on each squarethat the kings of Nepal once ruled. The medieval city core ofKathmandu is often considered to be among the mostbeautiful urban locations in the world.

(Please let us know if you would like to add more days inNepal)

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From the Buddhist point of view, Namo Buddha is one of themost important religious sites in Nepal. Namo Buddhameans 'Greetings to the Buddha'. It is the symbol of humansacrifice at the highest possible level. Legend has it that aprince while hunting in the forest saw a hungry tigress withher cubs. The compassionate prince seeing the pitiablecondition of the starving animals cut flesh from his body &fed them. This extraordinary deed is depicted here. A trailfrom this site climbs up for about five minutes to the otherside of the hill where there are several more stupas and aretreat centre for Buddhist monks.

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Bhaktapur, 16km to the east of Kathmandu, is in many waysthe most medieval of the three major cities in theKathmandu valley. Much of its architecture dates from theend of the 17th century.

Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for itsrich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork.The cobblestone streets link a string of temples, courtyardsand monumental squares, and the side streets are pepperedwith shrines, wells and water tanks. The town's cultural lifeis also vibrant, with centuries-old traditions of craftsmanshipand strong communities of potters, woodcarvers andweavers. Bhaktapur's main square, Durbar Square, housesthe Palace of 55 windows which was home to royalty until1769, and now holds the National Gallery.

Close by is the Golden Gate and the Lion Gate. Nearby,Taumadhi square has Nyatapola, Nepal’s Tallest Temple with5 Pagodas and Duttatreya Square, an open museum ofancient wood carving.

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This small city was established as the capital in 1961. Thejuxtaposition of old and new is one of its appealing qualities;robed monks texting on their mobile phones, collegestudents in traditional dress with the latest trainers andhairstyles; even the beautifully hand-painted petrol station!Famous for being the only capital in the world without trafficlights, 2008 saw many new structures built including thestadium which held the King’s coronation. Best explored onfoot, decorated shop fronts and intriguing 'grocery-cum-bar'signs reveal friendly shopkeepers and a surprising array ofgoods.

Takin: often known as a 'goat-antelope' the Takin is found inthe Eastern Himalayas above 2,000m. In Bhutan they can befound in the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park, but youwould be extremely lucky to see one in the wild. This uniqueanimal is strongly associated with Bhutan's religious historyand is the national animal of Bhutan. Visit the MothithangTakin Reserve to learn about these mystical creatures andthe legend of how they came to be.

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Folk Heritage Museum, this is one of the oldest houses inThimphu and as you look out of the windows from the topfloor you can really imagine what Thimphu must have beenlike a century ago - just another rural valley with a smallcluster of farmhouses. This traditionally built mud andtimber farm house complete with its objects andimplements from traditional Bhutanese life, provide aninsight into how many rural Bhutanese still live today andgive you a chance to have a proper look, before you visit areal family home.

National Memorial Chorten, Bhutan's third king, Jigme DorjiWangchuck, wished to erect a monument to world peaceand prosperity, but died before his plan came to fruition.However, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfil hiswishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate hismemory and also serve as a monument to peace.

Cheri Goempa, the full name of the monastery is Cheri DorjiDhen. The Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (first ruler ofBhutan) built the gompa in 1620 and established its firstorder of monks here. A silver chorten (shrine) inside thegompa is said to hold the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father. Itis usually possible to enter Cheri courtyard, but occasionallynot the temples.

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Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang wasbuilt over a period of four years (2004-2008) under thevision and patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Mother AshiDorji Wangmo. The Lhakhang honours the courageousservice of the armed forces and the Fourth King, whopersonally led the troops against the insurgents.

Dochu Laa (3,140m). On fine days this pass has spectacularviews of the snow capped Himalayas to the North. Animpressive collection of 108 stupas and the more recentlybuilt temple, make this a very photogenic spot. One of the4th King's four wives initiated their construction tocommemorate Bhutan's victory over North East Indianseparatists in the South in 2003. This pass is a botanistsdream, home to 16 species of Bhutanese Rhododendronsand other species such as Primula, Lauraceae such as Litsea,Cinnamomum, Neolitsea, Oaks, Virburnum, Magnolia,Daphne, Arisaema, Gentian, Himalayan Acer, and manyothers.

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Punakha was the winter capital of Bhutan for over 300 yearsbefore it was moved to Thimphu: the first King of Bhutanwas crowned in Punakha Dzong in 1907.

Punakha is now a small village and most of the land inPunakha valley is used for cultivation.

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Punakha Dzong (1,250m), has been damaged by fires, floodsand earthquake over the centuries, but the Dzong hasrecently been fully restored to its original glory. The muralsdepicting the life of Buddha in the assembly hall areimpressive - one of our clients recently likened the hall tothe Sistine Chapel.

Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (Chorten Walk), Thethree-storey chorten was built by Her Majesty the QueenAshi Tshering Yangdon in 1999 for the protection of thecountry. The views of Punakha valley from the top of thechorten are spectacular. Even though you are not allowed totake photos inside, it is worth keeping your camera for theviews from the top.

Chimi Lhakhang, this temple was built in honour of LamaDrukpa Kunley - the "Divine Madman". Childless couplestravel from around the world to be blessed here by one ofthe wooden effigies of the "Erotic Lama" penis! Some taketheir children back to the temple to be named or send backphotographs of the children that they have conceived sincethe blessing.

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Paro sits at the confluence of the attractive Paro-chu andDo-chu valleys a short distance from Bhutan’s onlyinternational airport. The main street of this charming townis lined with colourfully painted wooden shop fronts andrestaurants. The town is an excellent place to explore onfoot and is worth an hour or two’s stroll, if time allows.

Only a few kilometres from the runway, you get a taste ofmany aspects of Bhutan and her people. Beside the road,farmers plant crops, a water wheel turns a prayer wheel thatrings a bell; oxen plough fields and children walk to school.

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Paro Dzong, otherwise known as the 'fortress of the heap ofjewels', the Dzong is guarded by a Mongol holding a tiger ona leash, a fact we at Panoramic Journeys especially like! Lookout for the superb woodwork on the central tower, thepainting of the four friends (bird, rabbit, monkey andelephant) and the impressive cosmic mandalas.

The National Museum, housed in Paro Dzong's ancientwatch tower, gives a delightful introduction to Bhutan'shistory. Artefacts ranging from costumes, armour, masks andstamps to stuffed animals and musical instruments are allhoused in the spiral building. Although you can't take photosinside the museum, you may wish to keep your camera withyou for the amazing views over Paro valley as you exit.

Kyichu Lhakhang. Legend has it that the first temple atKyichu was built in the 7th century. A giant demoness wassaid to be attempting to prevent the spread of Buddhism bylaying across the Himalayas. The Buddhist Tibetan Kingdecided to build 108 temples across her body to subdue her.Lhasa was built above her heart and Kyichu Lhakhang wasbuilt on her left foot. In the 8th century the temple wasvisited by Guru Rinpoche and it is believed he concealedmany spiritual treasures here.

Chele Laa pass used to be on the main route from north-western India to Bhutan and is well documented intravellers’ accounts. If the weather is clear there areamazing views from the pass to Mt. Jomolhari and JichuDrakye in Bhutan and Mt. Kanchenchunga in Sikkim. CheleLaa is one of the richest sites for Bhutanese flora andbirdlife. Many species of Primula, Rhododendron, Iris, Lily,Gentian as well as four species of Himalayan poppies arefound here.

Drukgyal Dzong. These ruins are situated 15km north ofParo. The Dzong was built in 1649 to protect the countryagainst threatening Tibetans and is the best example of afortified Dzong built in the 17th century. Unfortunately a firein 1951 destroyed the Dzong but it still shows unique andintriguing design and construction techniques including afalse entry to lure invaders into an enclosed courtyard,which along with other tactics, helped the Bhutaneseprotect their country successfully through the 17th century.

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One of the most sacred of pilgrimages in the Himalayas, thishike is quite tough - but most abilities will be able to copewith it if it is taken at a steady pace. Although thoseaccustomed to the altitude might take 2 – 3 hours to climbto the temple, we allow the full day for the excursion andstop regularly, including for coffee, on the way up and takeour time to explore the monastery on the way back down.

This two day trek is best for those who are physically fit andwill take about 3 – 4 hours to ascend then around 5 hoursdown (depending on how long you would like to spend atthe monastery).

Walking through oak, rhododendrons and trees draped inlychen, it is a rewarding and photogenic hike. If there is time(and you have the energy!) you may like to visit DrukgyalDzong on the way back to the hotel.

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Taktsang Monastery (3,200m). An iconic landmark andnational treasure, Taktsang (‘The Tiger’s Nest’) is perchedspectacularly on a rocky ledge above Paro valley. Itsfoundation was laid in the 8th century when 2nd Buddha,Guru Padma Sambhava, flew to the site on the back of atigress and meditated here for 3 months, 3 days and 3 hoursin order to subdue the evil demons residing within the cave.

Taktsang Monastery hike. One of the most sacredpilgrimages in the Himalayas, this hike can be tough - butmost abilities will be able to cope if it is taken at a steadypace. Although those accustomed to the altitude might take2 hours to climb to the temple, allow a full day for theexcursion and to stop regularly including for coffee on theway up and for lunch on the return leg. You will be able to goat your own pace and if you prefer to stop at the cafe orview point a little higher up, that is fine. Walking throughoak, rhododendrons and trees draped in lichen, it is arewarding and photogenic hike.

Namo Buddha Eco Resort is a beautiful, peaceful eco-resortsurrounded by farmland and forest, with fantastic views of ofthe Annapurna and Khumbu range. Situated 45km east ofKathmandu, by car it takes 2 hours passing Bhaktapur, Banepaand Dhulikhel. The resort is committed to supporting the localeconomy and 80% of their staff are local (some staff do notspeak English).

The resort is made up of several small houses, built intraditional Nepali style by carpenters and masons fromKirtipur and surrounded by an organic farm which grows itsown fruit and vegetables, grains and flowers. The farmproduces milk and honey, jams and bake their own breads ina wood-fired oven.

There are many lovely little walks which you can take fromthis resort including the short hike to Namo Buddha shrineand stupa.

This hotel, built in old Newari temple-style, is an oasis ofcalm, on the edge of the old town, less than ten minutes walkto the hustle and bustle of Thamel and Durbar square. Thefriendly staff are happy to help with suggestions for eatingout, or the restaurant in the hotel also comes recommended.The owner of the hotel is environmentally aware - the food isorganic, guests are given cloth bags to use when shopping,and bulk mineral water is available free of charge, so youdon't need to buy unrecyclable plastic bottles.

This is a boutique hotel which successfully blends a traditionalNepali look and feel with modern amenities. The hotel islocated a short 7 minute walk from Bhaktapur Durbar Square.While the hotel is a deep bow to Nepali tradition and culture,you will also be properly pampered with all modern amenitiesincluding luxurious large rooms, modern bathrooms, as wellas 24-hour electricity, hot water and free WiFi.

We select the hotels that we consider to be the mostcomfortable and characterful. The Dwarikas ticks both ofthese boxes. This heritage hotel was built using exquisitelycarved wooden beams and frames from the houses of oldKathmandu that would have been used for firewood. Each ofthe rooms has its own character and individuality. There are16th century windows in many, while there are privatecourtyards attached to others. You will find all the amenitiesof a luxury hotel complemented with fabrics and furniturecustom designed from traditional patterns.

We select the hotels that we consider to be the most comfortable andcharacterful from old palaces to converted farmhouses, and more modern hotelsin great locations. Some rooms have fireplaces, others balconies, or a fantasticlocation - and 99% are ensuite. In places where there is limited accommodationsuch as the Phobjikha and Haa valleys and further east, the hotels may be a bitmore basic, perhaps with hot water provided in bowls or harder beds!Accommodation bookings can change at the last minute in Bhutan, so you shouldbe prepared for a possible change to the itinerary.

This wilderness campsite is reached only after the 3 – 4 hoursteep ascent from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m)and will be your overnight stop. The tents at the ThousandFairies Camp are very comfortable and well-appointed(camping arm chairs, raised camp beds, 4-season sleepingbags and “walk-in” tents). Your trek team will also set upseparate kitchen, dining and loo tents ready for your arrivalinto camp.

In-camp services include a choice of tea, coffee, hot chocolateand drinking water on tap, two picnic lunches, a three/fourcourse dinner either al fresco with mountain views or tuckedin the dining tent and in the morning bed tea and washingwater delivered to your tent before a full trekker’s breakfast.

The camp site is situated at the foot of Bumdra Monasterywhich is set in the rocky plateau known as the ‘HundredThousand Fairies’. This location offers an incredible view ofParo Valley below, Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) and MountJichu Drake (6,794m).

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Cynny Sharp

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Louise Fournier

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Helen and Bob Conway

Prices Include: All Bhutanese permits, government taxes and visa · Accommodation (based on 2 sharing*) · Meals as per itinerary ·Activities as per itinerary · Guide(s) · Surface Transportation · Park & Museum Entrance Fees · Airport Transfers · Kathmandu return Druk Airflights · Kathmandu activities, accommodation & food as per itinerary

Prices Exclude: Travel Insurance · Passport · Vaccination charges · Private excursions · Bar bills · Laundry · Telephone calls & items of apersonal nature · International flights · Nepalese visa charges

* Single supplement: $810

** Small group supplement applies for less than stated group size

Deposit $1,500 per person (plus any extras)

Full payment is due if departure is in less than 90 days

Contact us to check availability and hold your spot. We can hold you a provisional place for seven days.

Complete our online booking form (a word version is also available) and send us your deposit payment, plus any applicable flight oradditional costs. We accept bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard or American Express, and UK cheques. Full payment methods are detailed inour booking conditions. We shall then send you a booking confirmation together with an invoice for the full payment of your holiday whichis due 90 days before your departure date.

Call one of our experts on +44 (0)1608 676821 or email us at info@panoramicjourneys.com.