Bhutan Majestic Odyssey

On a cloudless day, the journey to Paro by air offers stunning sights of prominent Himalayan mountains like Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu. As you near your destination, you’ll also glimpse Bhutan’s pristine peaks – the revered Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. Upon landing, a representative from Etho Metho will greet you. Once all the arrival processes are done, they will escort you to your hotel. In the evening, explore the local Paro market and its town. Spend the night at the Paro hotel.

After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down a hillside trail to Rinpung Dzong. Afternoon visits to Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After having breakfast, head to Thimphu, Bhutan’s contemporary capital. On the way, pause at Chuzom, the gateway to the Paro valley, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers converge. At this juncture, you’ll notice three distinct chortens on the riverbank, symbolizing the union of the rivers. Before arriving in Thimphu, make a brief stop at Semtokha Dzong, the kingdom’s most ancient fortress. Spend the afternoon exploring Thimphu’s attractions, including the National Memorial Chorten, the grand Tashichhodzong, the Handicrafts Emporium, and the primary shopping district. Stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning, explore Thimphu with visits to the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (where students study Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts), an external view of the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and the National Textile Museum, if time allows. After lunch, journey to Punakha, Bhutan’s previous capital. Pause at the Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) for a break. On a clear day, this location offers stunning mountain vistas. Upon reaching Punakha, check into your hotel. In the evening, tour the Punakha Dzong, a fortress from the 17th century. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk around the market. Spend the night at a Punakha hotel.

Following breakfast, journey to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Here, we’ll pause to explore the unique Wangduephodrang Dzong, perched on a spur at the junction of two rivers. We’ll also step into a local village home, offering a glimpse into the daily life of its residents. Next, navigate a serpentine mountain road, passing through oak and rhododendron forests, and ascend a high pass leading into the Phobjikha valley. In the evening, wander around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the kingdom’s sole Nyingmapa monastery. Spend the night at a guest house or opt for camping beneath the starlit sky.

In the morning, explore Phobjikha valley, chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan Plateau. After lunch drive to Trongsa, crossing Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft). Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

In the morning, explore Trongsa Dzong, a marvel of Bhutanese design. Constructed in 1647, it stands as Bhutan’s most magnificent dzong. Also, take a look at Ta Dzong, a watchtower established to protect this dzong. Post-lunch, head to Bumthang, recognized as the spiritual core of the country. Enjoy a relaxed evening. Have dinner and stay overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Bumthang collectively refers to four valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura, with elevations ranging from 2,600 to 4,000m (8,530-13,125ft). This region boasts numerous historic Buddhist temples and monasteries. We’ll explore Tamshing Lhakhang, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, known for its ancient Buddhist mural art. Later, we’ll head to Jakar Dzong, often called “the castle of the white bird”, which serves as the district’s administrative hub. In the afternoon, we’ll tour Kurje Lhakhang, a revered site in Bhutan due to Guru Rinpoche’s meditation here. We’ll also visit Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century, marking the advent of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening, we’ll browse through local shops. Stay overnight at the Bumthang lodge.

Following an early visit to Bumthang’s marketplace, we’ll embark on our 7-hour return drive to Thimphu, pausing for lunch at a renowned restaurant in Trongsa. Continuing through the mountains, we’ll descend to Wangduephodrang, where we’ll take a brief tea or coffee break before heading into the final leg of our trip to Thimphu. Upon reaching Thimphu, we’ll check into the hotel. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Free morning in Thimphu for shopping and leisure, then after lunch drive to Paro for an overnight stay.

Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.