Complete Bhutan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Sandwiched between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with myths and legends, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains, you will experience a truly unique journey deep into the heart one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet. This unforgettable 14-day odyssey will take you across the entire ...
Sandwiched between the mountainous landscapes of northern India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan is a land lost in time. Filled with myths and legends, the Land of the Thunder Dragon is without doubt one of the most extraordinary destinations anywhere on earth. Against a backdrop of towering snow-covered mountains, you will experience a truly unique journey deep into the heart one of the most fascinating cultures on the planet. This unforgettable 14-day odyssey will take you across the entire country, exploring in depth a land that for centuries was cut off from the outside world. You will explore places that have barely changed in 500 years and meet a people whose charm and culture will leave you captivated. Enjoy the compelling charms of Paro and Thimphu and discover some of Bhutan’s most important cultural treasures. Trek up to the spectacular setting of the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, Tharpaling Gompa and Trashigang Dzong. And experience a little of the truly authentic nature of the Bhutanese spirit, with visits to local farms and villages around Punakha and Mongar.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO
DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO
After arriving in Paro, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel, you will then have some time to relax and freshen up before enjoying your first opportunity to explore a little of this fascinating town. Your tour will begin with a visit to the Paro Dzong, setting for the famous spring Tsechu Festival, before following a hillside trail up to the Ta Dzong, the watchtower originally built to defend Rinpung Dzong but which, since 1968, has housed the country's National Museum. From the National Museum, take a leisurely scenic hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong, home to the valley's local protector gods. You will be met and driven back to Paro.
DAY 2: PARO
DAY 2: PARO
This morning you will have the opportunity to either walk or travel by pony to the spectacular Taktsang Goemba, the sacred 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery, without doubt one of Bhutan's most breathtaking settings. Clinging precariously to the rock ledge, over a thousand metres above the Paro Valley floor, the walk up to the viewpoint and back will take around 5 hours. When you arrive at the monastery, the guide will organise your offerings of votive lamps, prayer flags, incense and prayer offerings. At the main temple you can choose to make these prayer offerings along with the locals on their pilgrimage and pujas, giving thanks to the local deities for your time in Bhutan. This afternoon is then free to perhaps visit the ancient ruins of Drukgyel Dzong or explore a little of the town or the surrounding countryside before dinner.
DAY 3: PARO - THIMPHU
DAY 3: PARO - THIMPHU
After a relaxing morning you set off through the beautiful landscapes of the Paro Valley towards Thimphu, Bhutan's sleepy capital. You can stop to take in the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan's iron bridge builder, and Chuzom, at the confluence of the Paro and Thimphu Rivers. Situated in the western part of the country, Thimphu became the Bhutanese capital in 1961 and it still remains a charming and captivating city. On arrival you will have time to explore a little at your own leisure or visit the weekly market.
DAY 4: THIMPHU
DAY 4: THIMPHU
Today offers a chance to fully appreciate the cultural charms of the Bhutanese capital. You may choose to visit the National Library, the Textile Museum or the Zorig Chusum (famed for its Thangkha paintings), before moving on to the city's Folk Heritage Museum and the impressive Memorial Chorten. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town where devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels.
DAY 5: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
DAY 5: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
This morning you will drive out of the valley and up to the scenic Dochu La Pass, where you can stop for a drink and enjoy the panoramic vistas of the Himalayas. You will notice the change of climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres. Take a pleasant walk across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman' (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Then we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”, built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu.
DAY 6: PUNAKHA - TRONGSA
DAY 6: PUNAKHA - TRONGSA
Drive approximately 4.5 hours to Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan at 2180 metres, crossing the Black Mountains via the Pele La Pass. Just before reaching Trongsa you may like to visit Tsangkha Tashicholing monastery where there is an arts and crafts training institute with around 45 young monks learning traditional skills of woodcarving, sculpture, painting and embroidery. On arrival, you can visit Trongsa's impressive dzong and the towering 17th century Ta Dzong, which now houses a museum dedicated to the Kings of Bhutan.
DAY 7: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
DAY 7: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
After an early breakfast you will depart Trongsa and continue into the beautiful Bumthang Valley and on to your charming family run guesthouse. Later you may like to take a walk to visit Tharpaling Gompa, which is located on the hillside above Bumthang. Climb on foot up a narrow path above the monastery to the ridge of Tharpaling at 3800 metres where you will get a wonderful view over the Gyatsa, Domkha and Chumey valleys and you can also see a big statue of Longchen Rabjampa - the founder of Tharpaling Monastery.
DAY 8: BUMTHANG
DAY 8: BUMTHANG
A full day in Bumthang provides the opportunity to visit the local markets and explore a little something of the spiritual heartland of this captivating country. Encompassing four major valleys, Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan's most ancient and precious Buddhist sites including the 16th century Jakar Dzong, the largest in the country. Further along the Choskhor Valley are the temples of Kurje Lhakhang and Jampa Lakhang, the latter of which hosts one of the kingdom's most spectacular festivals, the Jampa Lakhang Drup.
DAY 9: BUMTHANG - MONGAR
DAY 9: BUMTHANG - MONGAR
Today you will drive over the spectacular Thrumshing La Pass (4,000m). Fingers crossed you may be lucky enough to spot rare red pandas on the journey today. Crossing the pass, you then plunge down towards the village of Sengor, where you stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. There is a marked change in the vegetation here as it changes from alpine to subtropical, growing warm enough now for the villagers at Limithang to extract oil from the wild lemon grass that thrives here. Crossing over the Kirichu River, you then ascend towards Mongar.
DAY 10: MONGAR
DAY 10: MONGAR
Today has been left free for you to relax and enjoy the ambience of this rarely visited Bhutanese backwater. Mongar marks the beginning of Eastern Bhutan and is home to a rich diversity of languages and dialects. It is also site of one of the country's newest dzongs, built in the 1930s. Your guide will be happy to take you on local walks, introduce you to local families and give a fascinating insight into the rich tradition and culture of the region.
DAY 11: MONGAR - TRASHIGANG
DAY 11: MONGAR - TRASHIGANG
This morning you drive to the eastern town of Trashigang, located on the eastern side of the valley above the flowing waters of the Dangme Chhu River. If time allows you'll break the journey at a local village, before completing the drive to your accommodation. Perched on the hillside above the monastery at Rangjung, you'll have time on arrival to relax and enjoy the serene majesty of this stunning setting before settling down to a home-cooked dinner.
DAY 12: MONGAR
DAY 12: MONGAR
Skirting the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, Trashigang once lay at the centre of the busy trade routes between Bhutan and Tibet. The imposing Trashigang Dzong was built to defend the region from Tibetan invasion and has remained the political stronghold of Eastern Bhutan for over 300 years. You'll visit the dzong this morning, as well as the Samtenchholing Nunnery, before taking lunch at a local farm. This afternoon then presents a chance to watch local weavers and silk dyers at work and perhaps meet some of the nomadic hill people on their way to market.
DAY 13: TRASHIGANG - SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
DAY 13: TRASHIGANG - SAMDRUP JONGKHAR
A long drive today necessitates an early departure this morning, as you head out of the mountains and down onto the plains of Assam. You'll stop at small local villages along the way, before spending your final night in Bhutan in a simple hotel in the border town of Samdrup Jjongkhar.
DAY 14: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - GUWAHATI - DEPART
DAY 14: SAMDRUP JONGKHAR - GUWAHATI - DEPART
Crossing the border into India this morning you will drive on to Guwahati, where you will take a domestic flight on to the Indian capital to connect with your international flight back home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Mountain Lodge, Bumthang
Mountain Lodge is located about one kilometre north of Jakar town, on the way to Kurjey temple, overlooking Wangdicholing. It is one of the oldest hotels in Bumthang, owned and operated by the family. The eldest son was trained in Austria in hotel management and so they are quite efficient. All the rooms are high standard wooden paneled and individually heated by the fire-wood stove (Bukhari). There is a continuous supply of hot water from the central boiler, and a well-trained team of staff who will look after you.
Wangchuk Lodge, Mongar
Set on a gently sloping hillside above the town of Mongar in eastern Bhutan, the Hotel Wangchuk offers up some spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and farmland. Just a five minute walk from the impressive Mongar Dzong, the hotel has a total of 33 rooms, all of which present guests with some great views of the rural landscape. All the rooms include cable televisions, internet connection and in-room safes, whilst the hotel itself also boasts a restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating. A newly refurbished health club with steam room and sauna is also due to open soon.
Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro
Located close to Paro’s international airport, on a rocky hillside overlooking the Pa Chu River, the Tashi Namgay Resort sits within the lush embrace of five acres of sprawling gardens. A unique fusion of traditional and modern design, the resort offers guests a choice of deluxe and standard rooms, as well as a range of suites, all elegantly appointed with contemporary furnishings, cable TVs, internet connection and separate bath and showers. Facilities also include a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, a gym and a restaurant serving up a mix of Bhutanese and international cuisine.
Drubchhu Resort, Punakha
Drubchu Hotel has been developed on the ruins of an old granary, overlooking spectacular views of the paddy fields and farm houses and is a family owned and managed resort. Guests have the option of either staying in a spacious twin superior room or a luxury twin or king deluxe room, both with en-suite facilities. The hotel has its own indoor restaurant, serving both Bhutanese and continental dishes, a cosy bar with an assortment of imported and local drinks as well as a comfortable outdoor seating area as well as a roadside café where you can enjoy a light snack whilst taking in the spectacular view.
Galingkha Hotel, Thimphu
One of the oldest hotels in Bhutan, the Galingkha balances traditional Bhutanese architecture and practical modern amenities seamlessly. In the heart of Thimpu city, its location is superb and its rooms are clean and comfortable with relaxing hues and western en suite bathrooms. The ground floor restaurant serves local and international cuisine on polished wood tables, and the hotel also offers free wifi, TVs in each room, safety deposit lockers and a laundry service.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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