Disembark from your Pandaw ship and transfer to the hotel for the last overnight in India. Rest of the day free to relax.

The journey begins with a breathtaking flight into Paro, offering spectacular Himalayan vistas before a warm welcome with a tashi khaddar (white scarf). We then embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.5 hours), the unique capital city (2,320m) where modern development coexists with ancient traditions and a complete absence of traffic lights. The evening features a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a prominent white structure with a golden spire where locals gather to circumambulate and spin prayer wheels in daily worship, followed by a stroll through the vibrant main street and market area to soak in the local atmosphere.

This morning, visit the magnificent Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu Valley before enjoying an easy walk through fragrant pine forests and colourful prayer flags to the ancient Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the kingdom's most revered temples.

After lunch, discover Bhutan's rich textile traditions at the Textile Museum and experience local life at the bustling Ka Ja Throm market. End the day at the grand Tashichho Dzong, a striking fortress-monastery that remains the centre of Bhutan's religious and political life.

We drive to the picturesque Dochu-la Pass (3,088m) to view the 108 chortens and witness a traditional prayer flag hoisting ceremony against a backdrop of Himalayan peaks. Continuing to Punakha (75km, approx. 2.5 hours), the country's former capital situated in a fertile valley (1,300m), we explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, the 'Palace of Great Happiness', built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers. The day includes a short excursion across rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous 'Temple of Fertility' associated with the 'Divine Madman', where couples have sought blessings for centuries.

This morning, journey to the picturesque Paro Valley (125km, approx. 4 hours; 2,280m), home to some of Bhutan's most treasured cultural landmarks. Visit a traditional homestay in Dema Village, where you will experience authentic Bhutanese hospitality, gain insight into rural life and have the opportunity to try traditional archery, the kingdom's national sport.

In the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, the former watchtower that now houses Bhutan's fascinating National Museum, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage, historic artefacts and traditional arts. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Paro Valley.

The highlight of the journey is a hike to the legendary Taktshang Monastery, or 'Tiger's Nest' (approx. 5 hours round trip), which clings precariously to a cliffside 900 metres above the valley floor where Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived on a tigress. En route back, we visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Himalayas marking the dawn of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening, we participate in a sacred butter lamp ceremony at a village monastery, a spiritual ritual using yak butter lamps to symbolise the illumination of wisdom and the dispelling of darkness.

After breakfast transfer Paro International Airport.