Cultural Expedition

Kuzuzangpola. Receive a warm welcome at Paro International Airport. Visit Paro
Rinpung Dzong, a majestic 17th-century fortress overlooking the Pa Chhu river.
Explore the National Museum (Taa Dzong), a former watchtower housing ancient
relics. Visit Dungtse Lhakhang, a three-storied temple featuring some of Bhutan's
finest murals. Overnight in Paro.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900 meters above the valley
floor. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating back to the
7th century. Experience a traditional farmhouse dinner and a relaxing hot stone
bath in a wooden tub. Overnight in Paro.

Drive over Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan at 3,989m, offering
views of Mt. Jomolhari. Explore the "hidden" Haa Valley, an off-the-beaten-path
destination only recently opened to tourism. Visit Kila Gomba Nunnery, a cliffside
retreat where nuns live in self-imposed isolation. Overnight in Haa.

Visit the White and Black Temples (Chorten Karpo and Nagpo), believed to date
from the 7th century. Drive to 1.5hrs to Thimphu, the only capital city in the world
without traffic lights. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a center of daily worship for
locals. Overnight in Thimphu.

Marvel at the Buddha Dordenma, a 51-meter gilded bronze statue. Visit Simply
Bhutan, a living museum showcasing traditional lifestyles and folk dances. See the national animal at the Royal Takin Preserve. Visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government and the Dragon Throne. Overnight in Thimphu.

Hike to Tango Monastery, which serves as a university for higher Buddhist studies.
Optionally hike to Cheri Monastery, established in 1620 by the country's unifier. Enjoy
a picnic lunch in nature before an evening stroll through Thimphu’s main streets.
Overnight in Thimphu.

Stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) to view the 108 memorial stupas and the snow-
capped Himalayas. Hike to Lungchutse Temple (3,600m) through forests of
rhododendron and hemlock. Visit the Lamperi Botanical Park, home to 29 species of
native rhododendrons. Overnight in Punakha.

Hike to the stunning Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. Explore Punakha Dzong,
the "Fortress of Great Bliss," located between the "male" and "female" rivers. Walk
across the suspension bridge and visit Chimi Lhakhang (the Fertility Temple).
Overnight in Punakha.

Drive to the serene Phobjikha Valley, a glacial landscape and winter home to Black-
Necked Cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery, a major Nyingmapa school site atop a hill.
Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail through the valley’s marshes and villages. Overnight
in Gangtey.

Scenic drive via Pelela Pass (3,420m) and traditional highland villages. Visit the
massive Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s Royal Family. Explore the
Trongsa Watchtower (Taa Dzong), now a national museum. Overnight in Trongsa.

Cross Yotongla Pass (3,400m) and stop at the Chumey Yathra Weaving Center.
Enter Bumthang, the spiritual heartland often compared to Switzerland. Visit Jakar
Dzong (Fortress of the White Bird) and its unique Water Tower. Visit the Swiss Cheese Factory and Red Panda Beer Brewery. Overnight in Bumthang.

Walk to Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche left his
body imprints. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by the great treasure revealer
Pema Lingpa. Visit Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake), a sacred pilgrimage site.
Overnight in Bumthang.

Drive to the remote Tang Valley to visit rural villages and local monasteries. Enjoy a
picnic lunch at the Eco Park. Stay at Tang Ugyencholing Palace, an ancestral home
converted into a cultural museum. Overnight in Tang.

A long, dramatic drive across Phrumshing La Pass (3,780m), the second-highest
pass in the country. Pass through the spectacular Namling ridge and the warm
riverside village of Lingmithang. Stroll through the quiet riverside village of Autsho.
Overnight in Mongar/Autsho.

Travel to Lhuentse, the ancestral home of the kings, famous for its Kushutara silk
weaving. Stay in a homestay in Khoma Village to witness the intricate weaving
process. Marvel at Takila, a 154-foot giant statue of Guru Padmasambhava
overlooking the valley. Overnight in Lhuentse/Autsho.

Drive to Trashi Yangtse, famous for traditional wooden bowl carving. Visit a
lemongrass factory to see how local scents and soaps are produced. Visit Gom
Kora, an 8th-century sacred site of Guru Padmasambhava. Overnight in Trashi
Yangtse.

Hike through the Bomdiling National Park, a sanctuary for Red Pandas, Snow
Leopards, and rare butterflies. Witness the winter roosting grounds of the Black-
Necked Cranes. Observe local artisans carving the famous wooden cups and bowls.
Overnight in Trashi Yangtse.

Visit Chorten Kora, a 1740 stupa modeled after Nepal's Bodhisattva temple. Continue
to Trashigang, the largest district in Bhutan. Overnight in Trashigang.

Visit Rangjung Monastery and climb to the beautiful Radi Valley, famous for raw silk
weaving. Meet the Brokpas, highland nomads known for their unique yak-hair hats
and culture. Overnight in Trashigang.

A 6-7 hour drive through scenic landscapes, transitioning from temperate mountains to
tropical foothills. Arrive in Samdrup Jongkhar, the oldest town in Bhutan and the
gateway to the east. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Drive 2 hours to Guwahati International Airport in India, where your guide bids you
Tashi Delek (Good Luck) for your journey home. You leave with more than
photos—you leave with a piece of Bhutanese happiness.