Bhutan's highlights: Thimphu, Punakha & Paro

Today, drive to Kathmandu Airport by private transfer for a one-and-a-half-hour flight to Paro. On arrival, meet your private driver and guide, who will stay with you for the rest of your trip. Getting to know your personal preferences, they can suggest stops along the way that suit your interests. Driving the one-and-a-half-hour journey from Paro airport to Thimphu, you can stop at Simtokha village, home to a Dzong said to guard the locals from a daemon who vanished into a nearby rock. The road into Thimphu closely follows the Paro Chhu (river) with scenic views across the Paro valley.

You have the whole day today to discover Thimphu with your driver and guide. The city is best explored on foot, but your driver is on hand if you wish to visit one of the sites of interest on the surrounding hills. The King's Memorial is particularly interesting, built in honour of the third king. Each day, many Bhutanese come to pray and spin the vibrant prayer wheels — it's a great spot for people-watching.

A scenic drive today to Punakha, over the Dochula Pass offering stunning views. The drive takes about three hours but it's worth stopping to visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple before reaching Punakha. The temple can't be reached by road so your guide will lead you on a short walk through rice paddies to the temple itself, a particularly memorable way to arrive. On arrival in Punakha check in to your hotel and have the remaining part of the day free to relax.

The Punakha Dzong is situated on the confluence of the Mo (Mother) and Pho (Father) Rivers, and today your guide can show you around the temples, towers and courtyards. Over the years it has suffered from several fires and flooding but it's still one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.

Return to Paro by road today which takes about five hours. Your guide can suggest places to stop along the way to enjoy the scenery and have light refreshments. On arrival in Paro, you have the rest of the afternoon to relax. Your hotel has an open-air terrace with views right across the valley.

An early rise is recommended today as you drive 12 km (7 miles) from Paro to Taksang, better known as Tiger's Nest Monastery. The highlight of most trips to Bhutan, the monastery is perched on a high rocky ledge with incredible views. The climb from the car park takes two to three hours, depending on your fitness, with small cafes to stop off for tea or coffee along the way. Once you have reached the hermitage itself, you then retrace your steps back to the car park. If you feel you might not make it to the hermitage itself, we would still suggest a visit, climbing part of the way up to view the monastery from a viewpoint with a stunning vista of the cliff face.

Spend the day at Cheli La today, one of the highest passes in the area. Here your guide might suggest walking to some local villages for a taste of local life and to admire the mountain views.

Today drive to the airport by private transfer to catch the short flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu meet an Audley representative and drive to your hotel by private transfer. Depending on the time of your flight, you may have some extra time to explore Kathmandu — visit the Thamel market for some quirky souvenirs.

Today you will be driven by private transfer to Kathmandu Airport for your onward flight.