Fly Emirates via Dubai to Kolkata.
Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to the centrally located Peerless Inn hotel (there's the option of upgrading to the deluxe Oberoi Grand hotel for a supplement). The afternoon is left free to relax after the flight. The bustling New Market is a short walk away, should you want to explore.
Take an early morning flight to Paro today. After meeting your guide continue on to Bhutan's capital city of Thimphu. Stay at the Kisa Hotel (or similar) for two nights (You could upgrade to the more luxurious Taj Thimpu hotel for a supplement).
A full day is spent visiting the sights of Thimphu including the huge Dzong (Dzongs are fortified buildings found in nearly all of Bhutan's main settlements. They generally perform the dual role of local government seat and the housing of a monastic community, all protected within the imposing walls). We also visit the King's Memorial, the Painting School and a Handicrafts Emporium.
We start our journey eastwards into the heart of Bhutan with a morning's drive up to the Dochu-la pass (3,088 metres) from where on a clear day one can see Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest peak rising to an impressive 7,497metres. Descending down to the small settlement of Wangduephodrang we break the journey and explore the magnificent Dzong which is perched on the riverside.
Continue on to Gangtey and the valley of Phobjika. Two nights are spent at the Dewachen Resort or the Farm House (or similar). Both properties are simple and use generators to provide electricity.
The valley is considered sacred to the Bhutanese as it is the winter residence of a small but significant Black Necked Crane population that migrate over the Himalaya from Tibet. Visit the Black Necked Crane centre to learn more about these birds and the significant place they hold in local folk lore.
This morning we drive to Punakha for one night at the Puna Tshangchu or the Damchen Resort (or similar); stopping on the way for a short excursion to the Chimi Lhakhang (a half hour's walk from the roadside through paddy fields), where a fabled monk, known as 'The Divine Madman' is said to have once blessed the site.
Visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong this afternoon. Built at the confluence of two rivers it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dzong architecture in Bhutan.
Drive back to Paro today and stay at the Jakar Village or The Village Lodge for two nights (or similar). You could upgrade to the exclusive Uma Paro hotel, for a supplement.
A full day's sightseeing today includes visits to the Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum, the Rinpung Dzong and the famous Taktsang ('Tiger's Nest') monastery, which rests precariously on a rocky hillside overlooking a wide forested valley. It is an arduous but ultimately rewarding climb to reach the monastery.
Fly back to Kolkata for a night; visit the sights including the imposing Victoria Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum.
Fly back to London via Dubai.
