Far East Bhutan Tour
Make your holiday awesome
Book this trip as a private departure -for any group, big or small
More Information
Fly into the Kingdom of Bhutan. On the flight, you can witness breathtaking views of the Great Himalayan Mountains. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and enjoy lunch at the hotel. The day begins with a visit to the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which was once a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Fortress) and was converted into a museum in 1968. Perched on a promontory overlooking the Paro Valley, it offers a stunning view of the area. Afterward, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress built in 1646 AD. The Dzong serves as the seat of the district administration and is home to the monastic school. The central watchtower (Utse) is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Night in Paro.
Embark on a hike or take a horse ride to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger’s Nest." Perched 3000 feet above the valley floor, the monastery is built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated. The hike to the viewpoint offers a thrilling and mystical experience. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the monastery on the back of a tigress from Tibet and meditated there for three months. Though the main temple was destroyed by fire in 1998, the hike remains worthwhile, as the temple has since been restored. Afterward, visit Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and then Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Night in Paro.
After breakfast, take a scenic two-hour drive to Thimphu, the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. As you travel through the Paro Valley, enjoy views of Chomolhari, one of Bhutan’s "Mountains of the Goddess." In spring, the valley is alive with vibrant colors, blooming rhododendrons, and wild cherry trees. The landscape is a stunning palette of brilliant colors. Arriving in Thimphu, explore the Last Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom. Night in Thimphu.
Visit the General Post Office, where you can purchase some of the world’s most beautiful postage stamps and postcards. Explore the Arts and Crafts School, where young children learn traditional Bhutanese arts. At the Traditional Medicine Institute, observe ancient healing practices still in use today. Visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 to honor the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Experience the vitality of Tantric Buddhism at the stupa. Witness traditional paper-making at a local factory and purchase handcrafted paper products. Visit the mini zoo/sanctuary to see Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley from a viewpoint after a short hike. Explore Thimphu on foot and shop for handicrafts. Night in Thimphu.
Begin the day with a drive up to Dochula Pass at 3150 meters, where, on clear days, you can see the entire Bhutanese Himalayas. The pass is home to 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens. Descend into Punakha, which served as Bhutan’s winter capital for over 300 years. Visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. This magnificent fortress stands at the confluence of the Po-chu and Mo-chu rivers. After lunch, continue to Wangdue, where another stunning Dzong is located. Night in Wangdue.
Travel from Wangdue to Trongsa, a five-hour drive that takes you across Pele-la Pass at 3300 meters. This pass marks the division between eastern and western Bhutan. On the way, encounter yak herders’ camps and see traditional Himalayan villages like Rukubji and Chendebji. In Chendebji, admire the 18th-century Nepalese-style stupa built by Saint Shida. The final leg of the journey offers incredible views of Trongsa Dzong. Night in Trongsa.
After breakfast, take a trip to Kuenga Rabten, the winter palace of the second King of Bhutan. While the palace is mostly empty, it provides a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s early monarchy. On the way back, enjoy stunning views of rice terraces and a large waterfall. Visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive fortresses. In the evening, drive to Bumthang, passing through the beautiful Chhumey Valley. Night in Bumthang.
Hike to Thangbi Mani, a countryside trail that takes you through picturesque villages and past an ancient monastery. Afterward, explore Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and the Swiss Cheese Processing Unit, where you can sample cheese and apple juice. Visit Jakar Dzong and, time permitting, explore more of the area. Night in Bumthang.
Drive to Ura Valley, a beautiful area known for its sweeping slopes and rich pastures. Visit Ura Lhakhang to gain insight into the lifestyle of central Bhutan’s people. Explore the village, interact with locals, and enjoy the unique landscape. Ura is famous for its community monastery dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. The valley also offers a chance to visit the Thimshingla National Park. Night in Bumthang.
Visit Gangtey Goemba, a 16th-century monastery surrounded by blue pine trees. Continue to Phobjikha Valley, known for its black-necked cranes, which migrate here from November to April. The local community has become friendly with these rare birds. After a picnic lunch in the valley, head to Wangdue. Night in Wangdue.
After an early breakfast, drive back to Thimphu for lunch and some souvenir shopping. In the evening, make your way back to Paro. Night in Paro.
After breakfast, your Bhutan adventure comes to an end as you depart from Paro.
