Overview
Embark on a grand 21-day expedition across the heart of the Last Shangri-La. This comprehensive cultural immersion traverses the kingdom from the high Himalayan passes of the west to the untouched, weaving-rich valleys of the remote east.
Highlights
- Experience a comprehensive expedition traversing Bhutan’s breathtaking landscapes from western Himalayan passes to remote eastern valleys.
- Discover centuries-old mountain monasteries, vibrant artisan villages, and deeply rooted spiritual traditions along an unforgettable sacred circuit.
- Explore pristine glacial sanctuaries, encounter rare wildlife, and connect authentically with highland nomad communities off the beaten path.
Itinerary
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 Bhutanese 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 Boudhanath Stupa. 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.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Complete Hassle-Free Visa Processing & Government Clearances
- Full Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- All Monument, Dzong, Museum, and Temple Entry Fees.
- Private Transport (Dedicated SUV or touring vehicle with an expert professional driver).
- Your Own Private English-Speaking Cultural & Trekking Guide.
- Handpicked Accommodations: 3-Star hotels, and heritage home stays.
- Daily Fine Dining: All breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and daily tea/coffee, along with packed field lunches for wilderness segments.
The Cost Excludes
- International airfare to/from Paro Airport
- Personal premium refreshments, bottled beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Customary tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
- Expenses of a purely personal nature
- Travel Insurance
FAQs
General
Yes. All international visitors (except citizens of India) require a visa to enter Bhutan. Your licensed Bhutanese tour operator will arrange the visa on your behalf before your arrival.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily fee charged by the Royal Government of Bhutan to support sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The main international gateway is Paro International Airport. Direct flights operate from selected cities in Thailand, Nepal, India, Singapore, and other regional destinations.
Yes. Bhutan is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, known for its low crime rate, friendly people, and peaceful environment.
The official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in most places.
Major hotels, shops, and restaurants in larger towns accept credit cards. However, carrying some cash is recommended when traveling to remote areas.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications. Trekking tours may require additional gear.
Most cultural tours stay at comfortable elevations. However, high-altitude destinations and treks may reach over 3,000 meters, where some travelers may experience mild altitude-related symptoms.
Yes. Paro Taktsang, commonly known as Tiger's Nest, is Bhutan's most iconic attraction and can be visited as part of most itineraries.
The national language is Dzongkha. English is widely spoken in tourism-related services, hotels, and schools.
Absolutely. Bhutan offers family-friendly cultural experiences, nature walks, wildlife encounters, and comfortable accommodations suitable for travelers of all ages.
Visitors can choose from boutique hotels, luxury resorts, heritage homestays, traditional farmhouses, and comfortable trekking camps depending on their itinerary.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation is highly recommended for all visitors.
A stay of 5–10 days is ideal for first-time visitors, allowing enough time to explore major cultural attractions, scenic valleys, monasteries, and local traditions.
Yes. Most tour operators offer tailor-made itineraries based on your interests, travel dates, budget, and preferred activities.
Bhutan hosts vibrant religious festivals called Tshechus throughout the year, featuring masked dances, cultural performances, and local celebrations.
Yes. Bhutan is renowned for its pristine trekking routes, ranging from short scenic hikes to challenging high-altitude expeditions, including the famous Snowman Trek.
Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country and is internationally recognized for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, strong cultural preservation, and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Simply contact a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, choose your preferred itinerary, submit your passport details, and your visa and travel arrangements will be organized for you.
Booking Requirement
- Payment Transfer: Upon confirming your booking, tour costs must be transferred in advance to finalize visa processing and reservations.
- Passport Documentation: Please submit a clear, color photo-page scan of your passport along with a passport-sized digital photograph to initiate visa processing.
- Optional Flight Ticketing: If requested, we can arrange your Drukair or Bhutan Airlines flights. Please share your preferred travel dates, preferred route, and travel class.
