Nestled among the eastern Himalaya, the tiny kingdom of Bhutan captures the imagination with serene landscapes, sacred temples, and a culture steeped in ancient Buddhist traditions. Set out to discover the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” with an exhilarating itinerary that includes a three-day trek through Bumthang, the most sacred valley of Bhutan. Cross mountain passes marked with colorful prayer flags, traverse stunning glacier valleys, and visit hilltop monasteries populated by red-robed monks. In charming villages long isolated from the modern world, meet gracious Bhutanese people and witness their dedication to preserving their country’s natural beauty and daily rituals. Along the way, delve into Bhutan’s unique artistic heritage in the cultural centers of Thimphu and Paro.
Trip Highlights
Itinerary - 14 Days
Days 1 & 2 — Bangkok, Thailand/Paro, Bhutan/Thimphu
Arrive in Bangkok late in the evening. The following day, board an early morning flight to Paro, taking in views of the some of the highest peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Mount Everest, if weather permits. Enjoy lunch in Paro before traveling overland to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own.
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel; Jhomolhari Hotel (Day 2: L, D)
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel; Jhomolhari Hotel (Day 2: L, D)
Day 3 — Thimphu
After breakfast, set out on our first hike, a steep, hour-long climb to Cheri Goemba, a monastery established in 1620. Hike another hour up to Tango Goemba, a Buddhist institute for higher learning originally founded in the 12th century. This afternoon, experience Bhutan’s colorful pageantry during a lively performance of traditional music and dance. (4-5 miles hiking, 3-4 hours)
Jhomolhari Hotel (B,L,D)
Jhomolhari Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Thimphu/Phobjikha
Stop for a short hike at Dochu La pass (10,000'), marked by fluttering prayer flags. Continue to Phobjikha on the western slopes of the Black Mountains. Considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, Phobjikha is also the largest wintering site for the endangered black-necked crane, which arrives here in November and stays through March. (2 miles hiking, 1 hour)
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Gangtey Goemba
Explore Gangtey Goemba, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan. Recently renovated, the monastery allows us to examine the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters. Then set out on a hike through pine and rhododendron forests, stopping to meet a family at a local farmhouse. (4 miles hiking, 3 hours)
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Trongsa/Bumthang
Travel to the town of Trongsa and explore its massive dzong, which commands a lofty perch overlooking the valley. At one time, the only mule and foot trail between eastern and western Bhutan passed through Trongsa and the dzong itself. Cross Yutong La pass (11,234′) and explore a local weaving center before continuing to Bumthang, a deeply spiritual area where Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan in the seventh century A.D. (2 miles hiking, 1 hour)
Lhendupcholing Lodge (B,L,D)
Lhendupcholing Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Begin Trek: Ngang Lhakhangfashioninn4us.blogspot.com
Embark on our Himalayan trek this morning. Trace the Chamkhar Chhu river as it winds through forests and fertile valleys. Explore Ngang Lhakhang (8,840′), or Swan Temple, supposedly named for the swans that once inhabited the valley. Arrive at our camp in the early afternoon. (7 miles hiking, 4-5 hours)
Camping (B,L,D)
Camping (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Tahung
Begin with an ascent through forests and alpine meadows to Phephe La (11,023′). The highest point of our trek, this pass is marked by prayer flags and a stone chorten, or devotional monument. Hike downhill to a traditional mani wall comprised of stones inscribed with Buddhist prayers. Take in sweeping views of Tang Valley as we approach our campsite near the village of Tahung. (10 miles hiking, 6 hours)
Camping (B,L,D)
Camping (B,L,D)
Day 9 — End Trek: Tang/Bumthang
Following the main valley trail, climb up to the 16th-century Ugyen Chholing Palace, where a museum displays the everyday tools, clothing, and living quarters of an ancient household. Descend the hill and cross a suspension bridge over the Tang Chu river, continuing through rich pasturelands. Drive back to Bumthang this afternoon. (10 miles hiking, 5-6 hours hiking)
Lhendupcholing Lodge (B,L,D)
Lhendupcholing Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Wangdi Phodrang
After breakfast we’ll retrace our route across the country to Wangdi Phodrang Dzong (4,067′), an impressive monastery and fortress perched on a ridgeline promontory above the river. Founded in 1638, this dzong is a dramatic example of Bhutanese architecture, with a silver-shingled roof and narrow courtyards with long balconies. (2 miles hiking, 1 hour)
Kyichu Resort Wangdi Phodrang (B,L,D)
Kyichu Resort Wangdi Phodrang (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Punakha/Paro
Journey to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital, and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, which guards the southern end of the valley at the confluence of the Pho (male, or father) and Mo (female, or mother) rivers. If you wish, hike to a nearby fertility temple dedicated to a beloved saint, lama Drukpa Kunley, known as the Divine Madman for his unconventional teachings. Travel to Paro this afternoon. (2 miles hiking, 1 hour)
Kyichu Resort Paro (B,L,D)
Kyichu Resort Paro (B,L,D)
Day 12 — Paro
Set out on a steep, two-hour hike to a teahouse that affords fantastic views of the legendary Taktshang Lhakhang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff nearly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. If you wish, continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Later this afternoon, try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport, during a festive display with local experts. Toast our adventure with a farewell dinner this evening. Schedule permitting, we may be joined by His Holiness Dudjom Rinpoche, who is recognized as the incarnation of a great Buddhist master. (4 miles hiking, 4-5 hours)
Kyichu Resort Paro (B,L,D)
Kyichu Resort Paro (B,L,D)
Days 13 & 14 — Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for our flight to Bangkok. The following morning, board your home bound flight.
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