Bhutan: A Journey Through the Himalayan Kingdom

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, meet your private driver and transfer to The Dwarika's, a remarkable heritage hotel built around the craftsmanship and architectural traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.

Carved Newari woodwork, terracotta courtyards and restored architectural details make the hotel an introduction to Nepalese culture in its own right. The evening is left free to settle in before tomorrow's flight into Bhutan.

Fly to Paro, where the approach through the Himalayan valleys provides the first impression of Bhutan's extraordinary geography. Meet your private Bhutanese guide and begin the journey towards Thimphu. Along the way, cross the traditional iron suspension bridge at Tamchog Lhakhang and visit Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest fortress-monasteries.

Later, stand beneath the immense Buddha Dordenma, overlooking the capital from its hillside setting. The scale is striking, but so too is the setting: forested mountains rising around a capital that has retained much of its traditional character. If time allows, explore the Bhutanese craft market.

Cross Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand against the Himalayan skyline, before descending into Punakha's warmer valley. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang and explore magnificent Punakha Dzong, its whitewashed walls rising where two rivers meet.

The following day brings a different perspective: a walk to hilltop Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, followed by gentle rafting along the Mo Chhu. Return to Pemako Punakha, where a private heated pool overlooks the valley.

Continue into Phobjikha, a broad glacial valley where endangered black-necked cranes spend the winter. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, an important Buddhist monastery, before settling into Amankora Gangtey, an intimate eight-suite lodge overlooking the landscape.

The following day, walk the Longtey Trail through bamboo groves, traditional villages and rhododendron forest. Prayer flags appear between the trees, and the valley gradually opens beneath you, revealing a quieter, deeply rural side of Bhutan.

Travel east through mountain passes, stopping at Trongsa Dzong, the great ridge-top fortress associated with Bhutan's royal history. In Bumthang, visit a traditional farmhouse and join a local family to prepare khabzey, intricately shaped Bhutanese biscuits.

The following day, follow forest trails above the Chamkhar Valley before visiting Jakar Dzong. Legend tells of a white bird that chose the fortress's hilltop setting, one of many stories revealing how closely Bhutan's landscape and spiritual beliefs are intertwined.

Return west through high mountain passes to COMO Uma Paro. We save Tiger's Nest until the final full day, when the journey through Bhutan has given its spiritual traditions greater meaning.

Follow a pine forest trail, catching glimpses of the monastery before it emerges dramatically from the cliffs. According to Buddhist tradition, Guru Rinpoche arrived here on a flying tigress to meditate. Reaching this sacred pilgrimage site on foot is a fitting culmination to the journey.

Return to Kathmandu for a final night at The Dwarika's. Explore the old city's lively bazaars by rickshaw before visiting Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath, where Buddhist pilgrims circle the great stupa, turning prayer wheels as they walk. After Bhutan's quiet mountain valleys, Kathmandu offers a fascinating contrast, its ancient religious traditions woven into the energy of everyday city life.

Transfer privately to Kathmandu Airport for your return flights to Dublin via Dubai.