Where Ancient Legends Meet Highland Life

During the flight, you may enjoy views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive follows the Paro Valley to Chuzom, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. En route, you will stop at Tachogang Lhakhang, built in the 15th century by Thangthong Gyalpo, who is known for introducing iron bridges to Bhutan. In Thimphu, you will visit the Memorial Chorten, Traditional Paper Factory, Buddha Dordenma statue, Post Office and Centenary Farmers’ Market. In the evening, you can stroll around Thimphu city and observe local life. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, you will drive towards Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m). From the pass, you will hike for approximately 3 hours along a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail, known as the Divine Madman Trail, towards Lumitsawa. The trail passes through forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak and birch, with a small stream and birdlife along the way. After the hike, you will continue by road to Punakha. En route, you will stop at Mitsana Village and take a 20-minute walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Before heading to Phobjikha, you will drive to Nyizergang and hike for about 30 minutes to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, beautifully located on a ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley. After exploring the temple, you will hike back and visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch, you will drive through Wangdue and over Lawala Pass towards Phobjikha Valley. On arrival, you will hike for about 1.5 hours along the Gangtey Nature Trail through pine and bamboo forests, with views of the valley. You will then visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre. Overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha.

Today you will drive towards Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. The route passes through Pele La Pass (3,300m) and Chendebji Chorten, which was built in the 19th century. As you enter Trongsa Valley, you will see the impressive Trongsa Dzong on the opposite side of the valley. You will visit this historic fortress, which was built in 1648 and played an important role in the history of Bhutan. The journey continues over Yotong La Pass (3,450m) into Bumthang. En route, you will stop at a traditional yathra weaving centre before reaching Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today you will explore some of Bumthang’s important cultural and spiritual sites. You will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, known for its old Buddhist paintings, followed by Zhugdra (Chung Drag), one of the four sacred cliffs in Bumthang associated with Guru Rinpoche and Terton Pema Lingpa. You will then visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have left his body imprint during meditation. A visit to a local farmhouse will give you an opportunity to experience Bhutanese hospitality and taste traditional dishes. In the afternoon, you will visit Jambay Lhakhang and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), associated with the discovery of treasures by Pema Lingpa. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Your journey to eastern Bhutan begins with a visit to Ura Village, known for its traditional houses, cobbled streets and unique local culture. You will continue towards Thrumshing La Pass (3,750m), where you can stop and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. The road then descends into eastern Bhutan, where the landscape and lifestyle are noticeably different from western and central Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Mongar.

Today you will drive towards Trashigang, crossing Kori La Pass (2,450m) and passing through Yadi Village before crossing the Sheri Chhu River. You will make a short diversion to visit Drametse Monastery, founded in the 16th century and famous for the Drametse Nga Cham mask dance, recognized by UNESCO as an important form of intangible cultural heritage. After a picnic lunch, you will continue to Trashigang and spend the evening exploring the town. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

Today you will drive to Sakteng. The road is mostly a rough farm road, giving you a chance to experience the more remote side of eastern Bhutan. Sakteng is home to the Brokpa people, traditionally semi-nomadic yak herders with their own language, customs, beliefs and distinctive dress. Their traditional yak-hair headgear is particularly unique. Overnight at a farmhouse in Sakteng.

Today you will attend the Great Yeti Quest Festival in Sakteng, a unique celebration that brings together the traditions and folklore of the Brokpa community. The festival features traditional dances, folk music, storytelling and local cultural performances, along with opportunities to see traditional crafts and experience the local way of life. Overnight at a farmhouse in Sakteng.

In the morning, you will have time to explore Sakteng Village and interact with the local community. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the Brokpa way of life and experience their traditional hospitality. After lunch, you will drive back to Trashigang, enjoying the scenery along the way. Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

After breakfast, you will drive to Yonphula Airport for your domestic flight to Paro. After lunch, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. You will also visit the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House, which preserves the former residence of one of the important spiritual teachers of the Bhutanese Royal Family. Later, you will visit Rinpung Dzong and walk down through the wooden bridge towards Paro town. You can spend the evening exploring the town and meeting local people. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, located at 3,180m. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave where the monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on a cliff about 900m above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria before you explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.