The Grand Bhutan Odyssey

Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, a striking 17th-century fortress housing government offices and monastic quarters, followed by the National Museum with its collection of fine arts, thangkas, and antiques. Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the afternoon, drive along the scenic Paro and Thimphu rivers to the capital city.

Explore Thimphu's cultural highlights — the King's Memorial Chorten, Changgangkha Monastery, and the Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan's unique national animal. Visit the National Library, the School of Arts and Crafts, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. End the day at the majestic Tashichodzong and the historic Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom.

Drive 12 km north of Thimphu for a rewarding 45-minute hike through forest to Tango Monastery, a Buddhist college and the residence of the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built it. Enjoy the serenity of the surroundings and, if time permits, take a leisurely nature walk through Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park.

Cross the Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres with panoramic Himalayan views on a clear day. Descend to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortresses, built in 1637. Walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a revered fertility temple where visitors may receive a special blessing. Continue to Wangduephodrang for the night.

Drive through dense forests of oak and rhododendron to Gangtey village. Visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, and take in views of the Black Mountain range and Phobjikha Valley — the winter sanctuary of black-necked cranes. Continue to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family, crossing the 3,300-metre Pele La pass.

Explore Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture perched above a gorge, along with its watchtower, Ta Dzong. After lunch, drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, passing through lush valleys and forested hills. Stop at a traditional yethra weaving centre to watch artisans create textiles with patterns unique to the region.

Visit Peishiling Monastery and explore the surrounding Bumthang valley. The area is rich with sacred sites, quiet walking trails, and a pace of life that feels unchanged for centuries. Spend the afternoon wandering through orchards and farmland that characterise this gentle, spiritual landscape.

A full day visiting Bumthang's most revered sites — Jakar Dzong, Jambey Lhakhang (one of Bhutan's oldest monasteries), Kurjey Lhakhang (housing Guru Rinpoche's body print), and Tamshing Lhakhang with its ancient Buddhist paintings. Visit the mystical Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and take a short afternoon hike to Thangbi Monastery.

Browse the local Bumthang market before beginning the drive back to Wangduephodrang. Explore the town and visit nearby villages known for their traditional slate carvings, stone work, and bamboo crafts — skills passed down through generations.

Drive back to Thimphu and spend the afternoon visiting the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the weaving centre at Changzamtok. Explore Thimphu's lively town centre in the evening — browse handicraft shops, cafes, and the weekend market if timing permits.

The highlight of any Bhutan visit — hike through meadows of pine, rhododendron, and oak to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), dramatically perched 900 metres above the valley floor. Legend holds that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate for three months. Choose the shorter hike to the viewpoint cafe or the full trek to the monastery itself. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, on the way back.

Bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Our representative will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Tashi Delek — we hope to welcome you back!