Welcome to Bhutan. After arriving at Paro Airport, meet your guide and driver before enjoying some free time. Paro is the perfect town to explore on foot, due to its small size, quiet streets and bevy of sacred and historical buildings. Paro Dzong, Bhutan’s most well-known dzong, is well worth a visit, due to its impressive architecture and sweeping views across the valley. In the evening, meet your group for a welcome meeting at the hotel. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the reception where it will take place. We’ll be collecting insurance and next of kin information at the meeting – please make sure you have all these details ready to provide to your leader. Bhutan Visas & Additional Accommodation Travel in Bhutan is strictly controlled and to do any independent travel outside of a group tour is extremel...

After an early breakfast, head out for what is sure to be a pretty incredible day: hiking to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. Legend has it that the Great Guru Rinpoche flew here from northeast Bhutan on the back of a tigress to subdue the demons of Paro Valley. Once there, he made himself comfortable in a cave, where he meditated for three years, three months, three days and three hours. Hike uphill for an hour, then stop at a small teahouse for a snack and outstanding views of the cliff-hugging monastery. Then it’s onwards and upwards through the forested trail to the top. The last part of the trail is pretty strenuous, but well worth the effort. In the afternoon, travel to Thimpu and spend some time exploring Bhutan’s most modern city.

After breakfast, drive to Paro and make the short flight out of the valley to Bumthang. Named after a ‘bumpa’, the vessel of holy water commonly found on monastery altars, Bumthang is considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan. The serene valley is home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country. Keep your eyes peeled for black-necked cranes and wild yaks roaming in the lush valley.

Start the day with a walking tour in the beautiful Bumthang Valley (2,580 metres); the verdant pastures here are filled with apple orchards, rice paddies and potato crops. Visit the Jambay Lhakkang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Built in 750 AD by King Songsten Gampo of Tibet, it is said that the temple was constructed in one night – pretty impressive, if you ask us. Continue on to Kurje, a 17th-century temple next to a spectacular new monastery that has been built using traditional techniques. From here, walk through the countryside, cross the rushing Chamkhar River, and cross through farmland to the Tamshing temple complex. After lunch, enjoy free time exploring Bumthang town.

Continue on to Mongar, a dzongkhag (district) in the country's east. The road here, which winds through fir forests and over the Thrumshingla Pass (3,780 metres), is considered one of the most spectacular in the country (6-7 hours of travel). As the region's principal town, Mongar is something of an economic hub in Bhutan. A hydro power plant generates green power from the Kuri Chhu River, lemongrass is a local industry, and the area is renowned for its varieties of Rhododendron. On especially clear days you may also be able to sneak a peak at Gangkhar Puensum: at 7,541 metres, it’s the world's highest unclimbed mountain. Spend the evening in a local lodge.

Drive out of Mongar towards the river. We’ll be on the road for around two hours before a three-hour hike to our rafting put-in spot at Drangme Chhu. Perhaps explore the nearby woodlands, or just chill out at our riverside campsite.

Are you ready to raft? Of course you are! First up, our leaders will give you a briefing to get you acquainted with paddling commands and safety precautions on the river, then… the river awaits. Pop on your helmet, clip on your life jacket, hit the water in our inflatable rafts and prepare to get drenched (don’t worry – splash jackets and dry bags will be provided). Over the next few days, we’ll be on the water for an average of 5-6 hours each day, rafting on a combination of class 3 and 3+ rapids.

Pack up the tents and prepare for our second day on the river. On the calmer stretches of water, remember to look up and take in the gorgeous green valley surrounds. In the afternoon, set up camp on the sandy riverside beach and enjoy dinner, a cool drink, and a night under the stars.

Get ready for another day of beautiful river rafting down the rushing Drangme Chhu. Launch the rafts for our last full day on the river before an evening of camping on the riverbank.

After breakfast, continue on down the river to our take-out spot. Cross the border into India and spend night at a lodge in the Manas National Park. Initially established as a sanctuary in 1928, in 1992 the park was declared a danger by UNESCO, due to heavy poaching. After years of being closed, the national park is now open (and safe), although is still relatively unknown to visitors. The park is home to a variety of animals, such as elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos. Keep your eyes – and ears – open.

We’ve got an early start this morning as we make the long drive out of Manas to Guwahati (4-5 hours). Here board an onward flight to Delhi or Kolkata, where our rafting expedition comes to an end. (Please note that flights must be booked at own expense out of Guwahati and are not included in the cost of the trip)