This private tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan is the ultimate immersion experience, traversing from Western Bhutan to the seldom visited far Eastern region of the country.

This journey is the ultimate immersion into the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, as we travel across the country ending our trip in India. We begin in Western Bhutan as we explore temples accessible only on foot, and hike to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. As legend has it, Guru Rinpoche meditated in the cave where the temple is now located after reaching it on the back of a flying tiger. We travel to the cultural heart of Bhutan and explore the fascinating culture and legends that pervade this beautiful valley. Continuing east, we explore areas of Bhutan that are seldom visited by western guests. This journey is truly a unique experience for those who are looking to take in all that is special about Bhutan.

Days 1-3: Our adventure begins after our dramatic flight into the Paro Valley. We explore this picturesque landscape and hike to the Tiger's Nest monastery. Paro is also home to the national museum, the Paro Dzong, and many interesting shops where travelers can find local goods.

Days 4-5: A short drive brings us to the capital city of Thimphu. We explore its many interesting sites, and perhaps watch an archery tournament, enjoying Bhutan's national sport. We hike to a remote hillside temple, and visit a craft school providing free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to local children.

Days 6-7: We make an early departure for our travel to Punakha, viewing 20,000-foot mountains along the way, and stopping for a hike to the temple of the Divine Madman. Our local guide spins tales of the unorthodox teachings of this legendary Buddhist master and poet. We also visit the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's most impressive fortress, and spend time hiking through remote villages while learning about the traditional shamanism that villagers still practice.

Days 8-9: Exploration of the remote Phobjikha Valley and the small village of Gangtey. The spacious valley is excellent for hiking and full of opportunities to meet some of the locals.

Days 10-11: We travel a winding route to Trongsa where we overnight before continuing our journey east. Before moving on we visit the sprawling Trongsa Dzong. We then continue to the town of Jakar, our base for the coming days.

Days 12-13: Here we discover the heart of Bhutan and the sites of the Bumthang Valley as we hike through villages to hidden temples.  We also enjoy local culinary delicacies and take part in an evening of traditional song and dance.

Day 14: Today's travels brings us to Mongar and through the Thrumshing-La pass at 12,870', making this one of the most spectacular drives in the country.

Days 15-16: From Mongar we drive to Trashigang, the principal township of the largest and most populated district in the country. An excursion brings us to Trashiyangtse, once an important center because of its location on one of the ancient caravan routes. Trashiyangtse is now a rapidly growing town and the administrative center for this district.

Days 17-18: Our road from Trashigang brings us to many interesting sites, and ultimately descends to the plains passing through dense tropical forest full of teak, bamboo and ferns, before arriving in Samdrup Jongkhar. Located near the Indian border, we spend the night here before saying farewell to Bhutan and driving to Guwahati, the capital town of the northeastern Indian state of Assam, for your departure flight.

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world's most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips, so that you can choose which works best for you.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions and cultures around the world, and to protect fragile natural habitats.

Most Convenient Airport for Arrival:
Bangkok International Airport; Bangkok, Thailand (airport code BKK).

Most Convenient Airport for Departure:
Guwahati International Airport; Guwahati, India (airport code GAU).

Meeting Place and Time:
Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Paro, Bhutan airport upon the arrival of your flight from Bangkok. Please be sure to be at the Druk Air (national airline of Bhutan) check-in counter at the Bankgok International Airport two hours before your scheduled flight on Day 1 of our trip. The airline tickets from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan will be purchased in advance for you by Boundless Journeys.

Departure Place and Time:
Guwahati, India; in time for the departure of your flight to Bangkok on Day 18 of your trip.

When to Reserve
It is important to reserve your trip early as the Bhutanese national airline has a strict ticketing policy and will only accept reservations with full payment for the ticket. Seats can only be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit, as well as the payment of $485 for these flights. Please contact our office with any questions regarding these important policies.

Most hotels in Bhutan are of similar standards. Although the hotels cannot be compared to international standards, they are comfortable and offer all necessary facilities.

Nights 1, 2 & 3: Janka Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Nights 4 & 5: Hotel Migmar
Thimphu, Bhutan

Nights 6 & 7: Hotel Punatsangchu
Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Nights 8 & 9: Hotel Dewachen
Gangtey, Bhutan

Night 10: Yangkhil Resort
Trongsa, Bhutan

Nights 11, 12 & 13: Karma Tobden Mountain Lodge
Jakar, Bhutan

Night 14: Druk Shongar
Mongar, Bhutan

Nights 15 & 16: Hotel Doejung
Trashigang, Bhutan

Night 17: Hotel TLT
Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan

DAY 1
Arrival in Paro, Bhutan. Visit to Bhutan’s National Museum and the Drukgyel Dzong.

Walking – easy to moderate, 1-2 hours.

Our flight from Bangkok, Thailand into Bhutan provides spectacular views of Bhutan’s landscape as we approach the airport in the Paro Valley. The valley is a green bowl surrounded by jagged Himalayan mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers, and dotted with medieval fortresses. The first thing that we notice as we disembark in Bhutan is the absence of noise and a feeling of peacefulness that is rare in most other Asian cities. The Paro Valley has kept its bucolic nature and is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. The houses are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country, and Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism.

We are greeted with a warm Bhutanese reception and transferred to our first hotel where we enjoy a light lunch and afternoon tea. This afternoon we will visit the National Museum, housed in the round multi-storied Ta Dzong, built in 1775. The Ta Dzong was once the watchtower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The museum's collection includes ancient artifacts, weapons, a collection of antique thangkha (painted or embroidered religious pictures), textiles, and stamps. Next we complete a short walk to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. This dzong was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders, and sits at the point where the trail from Tibet enters the Paro valley. Bhutan's dzongs are perhaps the most visibly striking aspect of the kingdom and these huge structures dominate the landscape of the major towns and act as the administrative headquarters for their respective regions. If we are lucky and the weather is clear, we may have the opportunity to view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (23,977'), which lies along the border of Tibet and Bhutan.

We return to our lodge and relax with an orientation meeting and welcome dinner of Bhutanese cuisine.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 2
Kyichu Lhakhang to Paro Dzong; Dzongdrakha Goempa; Optional Kalila Pass.

Walking – easy, 1-2 hours; easy to moderate, 1-2 hours; optional moderate walk, 1 hour.

You wake to your first morning in Bhutan in the tranquil Paro Valley. This valley is steeped in rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is also home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's only airport, and the National Museum. After breakfast, a short drive through town takes you to Kyichu Lhakhang, which means "twin temples." It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen of Tibet, and reflects the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. This temple is one of 108 that were built throughout the Himalayas in one day in an effort to subdue a mighty ogress; it is still believed to hold her left foot in place today. From here the path travels through the Paro countryside and by farms and fields of rice, mustard, buckwheat, eggplant, and of course, chilis. Passing through Paro town, you stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and cross the Paro River and proceed to the valley's magnificent Rinpung Dzong. Depending on the schedule, you may have the opportunity to enter inside the dzong's mighty walls; however, if the Administrative Body is in session, it must be admired from the outside. This afternoon's walking destination is the Dzongdrakha Goempa or 'dzong on the rocks,' located in a quiet valley. Dzongdrakha is believed to have been built in the 15th century by Thangtong Gyalpo, the famous Iron Bridge Builder, and is home to three temples where villagers come to worship. This moderate walk provides a further opportunity to adjust to the elevation of the Paro Valley (7,000'), as the route proceeds along an easy dirt road, followed by a short, but steep, climb to the temples.

If time, energy, and the weather permits, you may wish to continue driving to the top of the Kalila Pass where a short hike up the ridgeline reveals spectacular Himalayan vistas. After your first full day in Bhutan a hearty meal and a well-deserved rest await at the hotel.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 3
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.

Hike – moderate, 3-4 hours on hiking trails; approximate elevation gain of 1,650'.

This morning we enjoy a hike to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the "Tiger’s Nest." This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro Valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Entry into the monastery is now permitted, and we may be allowed to visit a few rooms in this sacred site. We enjoy lunch and the views below before descending to the valley floor.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 4
Transfer to Thimphu; city sites.

Easy Walking.

After a leisurely breakfast we say farewell to the Paro Valley and transfer to Thimphu. Our drive passes through idyllic countryside, with villages and fields on either side of the road. En route we visit the Semtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in the country, which now houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. Before becoming Bhutan's official national capitol in 1961, Thimphu was simply a rural farming valley. Small and secluded, Thimphu is unlike any other world capital. The city is quiet and there are still only a few streets, no stop lights, and none of the traffic problems common to other Asian capitals. Thimphu is a city ideally explored on foot, and our walk today takes us between its many interesting sites. Before the day is through, we may visit the newly built textile museum, the Thimphu Dzong (seat of the government and main monk body), the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, and the Handicrafts Emporium, displaying the rich traditional crafts of the kingdom. Along the way we stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing our walk through the city. You may even be able to catch an archery match in progress at the Changlimethang sports ground, just below the town center.

We also take an early evening stroll around the market area before dinner this evening featuring Asian-Bhutanese cuisine at one of the finer restaurants in Thimphu or at your hotel.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 5
Cheri Goemba and the Choki School of Arts.

Hike – easy to moderate, 2-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

This morning a short drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu brings us to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, and the Himalayan black bear. More than 300 species of birds have been catalogued within the park as well. Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena as we cross a covered bridge over the Wang Chhu and climb steadily to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620, and this is where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. The monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the ashes of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints. After our visit to the monastery, we descend back the way we came, keeping our eyes open for the goral (wild goat) that are often spotted on the cliffs nearby. Back at the village of Dodena we follow a riverside trail via Begana to Cabesa, home to the Choki School of Arts. The Choki School is private and provides free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to Bhutanese children who are unable to attend or complete their formal education. After visiting the school we continue along the riverside trail and pass through small rural villages before returning to Thimphu.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu

DAY 6
Transfer to Punakha; (approximately 3 hours); Temple of the Divine Madman.

Walk – easy, 1-2 hours on local paths.

This morning, after an early breakfast, we say goodbye to Thimphu and transfer to the Punakha Valley, our home for the next two nights. The road to Punakha crosses the Dochula Pass (10,230'), offering a great view of the eastern Himalayan mountains. From the pass our road descends through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and wanders through some of Bhutan's most picturesque countryside.

On our road to Punakha we stop in a small village where a short walk brings us to Chime Lhakang, a temple dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drukpa Kunley is one of Bhutan's favorite saints, and is more commonly known as the "Divine Madman." He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs, humor, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings, believing that the stiffness of the clergy and social conventions were keeping people from learning the true Buddhist teachings. Also, this site is still believed to hold fertility powers for women wanting to conceive.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Wangduephodrang

DAY 7
Khamsung Yuely Namgyel temple to Punakha Dzong.

Hike – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

Following breakfast and a drive through the Punakha Valley, we begin our walk by first ascending a series of switchbacks to the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple. From the viewpoint at this modern structure we are afforded grand vistas of the Mo Chu River Valley below. We descend from the temple and follow a well-worn path down the valley through rice fields and small villages. Along the way we are rewarded with stunning views, the terraced rice paddies providing an exotic backdrop to the river below. After enjoying a picnic lunch alongside the river, we continue our walk to the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, the Punakha Dzong was the second of Bhutan's dzongs and for many years it served as the seat of the government. Today it is the home to Bhutan's spiritual leader, the chief abbot Je Khempo, who resides here with 1,000 monks during the winter months due to Punakha's relatively low altitude by Himalayan standards (4,000'). From this spectacular dzong we can look back to see the Khamsung Yuely Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.
A short walk from the dzong takes us to our private vehicle, waiting to transfer us back to our hotel for the evening.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Wangduephodrang

DAY 8
Transfer to Gangtey (approximately 2 hours).

After breakfast we depart Punakha, stopping at Wangduephodrang on our way to Gangtey. We visit the dzong which is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The position of the dzong is remarkable as it completely commands an impressive view both up and down the valley. The Wangdue district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few miles from the town.

Our drive continues up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha Valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan (approximately 9840'). Phobjikha is one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys, and is the chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Before arriving at our hotel for dinner, we explore the peaceful Phobjikha Valley and visit the Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Hotel Dewachen, Gangtey

DAY 9
Phobjikha Valley exploration.

Walk – easy, 1-3 hours on local paths.

Today is dedicated to a more in-depth exploration of the Phobjikha Valley. While our visit here may not coincide with that of the black-necked cranes, this is a very scenic and tranquil valley to spend time exploring. You may choose to simply walk through the town of Gangtey, or perhaps set out on foot for a longer exploration.
Hotel Dewachen, Gangtey

DAY 10
Transfer to Trongsa (approximately 3 hours).

Our road to the east, and the district of Bumthang, is an incredible feat of engineering which follows Himalayan ridges and valleys towards the cultural heartland of Bhutan. We stop to visit Chendebji Chorten, erected in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. It is built in the Nepalese style, with painted eyes at the four cardinal points. A winding and twisting route via the Pele La brings us to Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan's current royal dynasty, the Wangchucks. We visit the sprawling Trongsa Dzong, perhaps the most impressive in the kingdom. It is one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Given its strategic location high above the Mande Chu, it is often described as being perched so high on a mountain that clouds float below it. On arrival, we check into our lodge.
Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa

DAY 11
Transfer to Jakar (approximately 3 hours). Visit to the Yathra weaving studios; Bumthang Valley sites.

This morning we continue along the road to the Bumthang Dzongkag (district) and the town of Jakar, our base for the coming days. Along the way we visit Yathra weaving studios where hand-spun, hand-woven wool strips with patterns specific to the Bumthang region are created. These strips were once used as shawls and raincoats to protect against the winter cold of Bumthang, but today they are more often fashioned into short jackets that local women wear. The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume. The dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Choskhor Valley, commonly referred to as the Bumthang Valley. Different from most other valleys in Bhutan, Bumthang is spacious and open and ideal for walkers and hikers. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites to explore, making it the cultural and historic center of Bhutan. It would be difficult to find as many important temples and monasteries in such a small area anywhere else in the country, and almost every little valley or hill has a background of interesting myths and legends about kings, Buddhist masters, and serpents.
Karma Tobden Mountain Lodge, Jakar

DAYS 12-13
Bumthang Valley sites.

Easy walking.

While in Bumthang we visit many of the valley's significant sites. We visit Jampa Lhakhang, where according to legend, it was one of 108 temples built in a day by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo to pin down an evil ogress (Jampa holds down the left knee.) In keeping with Bhutan's significant historical figures, we also visit the Kurjey Lhakhang where Guru Rimpoche came in the 8th century to settle issues with feuding local rulers. With a flash of his magic, the guru resolved the conflict and converted everyone to Buddhism, leaving his body imprint on a rock for which Kurjey Lhakhang is named. The Kurjey Lhakhang temple complex is made up of three buildings and the body imprint of the guru can be seen in the first and oldest of the temples which was built in 1652.

In the evenings we sample local specialties such as buckwheat noodles and pancakes, local Swiss cheese, fresh apple juice, and a delicious local wheat beer. We also take part in local song and dance, a special experience for visitors.
Karma Tobden Mountain Lodge, Jakar

DAY 14
Bumthang to Mongar (approximately 6 hours).

Your journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive to Mongar takes about six hours, with spectacular views en route. We drive up into the hills above the valley and then past Ura village, before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan's road network, Thrumsing-La pass (13,125'). From here, the road gradually descends to the alpine valley of Sengor, with wonderful views of cascading waterfalls and the hills of eastern Bhutan along the way. The vegetation changes from alpine to subtropical with the loss of height, and bamboo and luxuriant ferns overhang the road as we drop down to the valley floor. Our descent ends at 2,300', where we cross the Kuri Chu (river). We ascend again through pine forests, maize fields, and eastern hamlets to reach Mongar town, high on a gentle slope above the valley. We visit the Mongar Dzong, built in the 1930's and one of Bhutan's newest dzongs. It was constructed in the traditional ways of previous dzongs, without plans or the use of nails.
Druk Shongar, Mongar

DAY 15
Mongar to Trashigang (approximately 3 hours).

The first part of our journey today is through leafy forest filled with ferns. After driving through the Kori-La pass (8,040'), marked by a pretty chorten and a Mani stone wall, we descend rapidly through corn fields and banana groves to reach the famous curves in the road just below Yadi, a recent and now fast-growing settlement. After zigzagging down the hillside, the road east runs along the Gamri River. A short while later a turnoff on the left leads up to the Drametse (meaning 'the peak where there is no enemy') temple. The temple, perched on top of a steep hill above the village, was founded by Choeden Zangmo and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. This is the place of origin for the famous Drametse Nga Chham, a masked dance with drums. Another twenty miles along our road lies Trashigang (3,610'), which clings to a steep hillside above the Gamri river. Trashigang is the principal township of the biggest and most populated district in the country.

After lunch, we visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of a rocky outcrop far above the river gorge. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the dzong is occupied by the local monastic community.
Hotel Doejung, Trashigang

DAY 16
Trashigang; excursion to Trashiyangtse.

After breakfast we visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river. Gom Kora is a famous place, as Guru Rinpoche is said to have subdued a demon here, trapping it in a rock. We continue down the road to Doksum village, where we see women busily weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric, and a chain-link swing bridge dating back to the 15th-century. The road turns into the hills here, running up the side of a winding river valley to Trashiyangtse. In former times, Trashiyangtse was an important center because it lies on one of the caravan routes leading from western and central Bhutan.

Trashiyangtse is now a rapidly growing town and the administrative center for this district. The area is famous for its wooden containers and bowls, which make memorable souvenirs of a visit to this remote region. We visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, which overlooks the town and was built in the late 1990's when the new district was created. We will also visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank below the town, and the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students are trained in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. In the evening we return to Trashigang.
Hotel Doejung, Trashigang

DAY 17
Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar (approximately 6 hours).

The Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar road was completed in 1965, and the journey to the Indian border takes about six hours. Along the way, we pass by Sherubtse College in Kanglung, which was founded in 1978 and is a degree-granting institution affiliated with the University of Delhi. We also visit the nearby Zangtho Pelri temple representing Guru Rinpoche’s paradise, built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs. We then drive on to Khaling, home of the National Institute for the Disabled and the Weaving Center. Visits to these may be arranged by prior request only, before leaving Thimphu (please let your guide know while in Thimphu if you are interested). From here, it is a further 50 miles to Deothang, which is remembered in history as the site of a famous 19th century battle fought during the Duar Wars, in which the forces of Jigme Namgyal defeated the British. The road then descends fairly rapidly to the plains through dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo, and ferns.
Hotel TLT, Samdrup Jongkhar

DAY 18
Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati, India (approximately 3 hours).

After breakfast we say farewell to Bhutan and drive to Guwahati, the capital town of the northeastern Indian state of Assam, for your departure flight.

$6,795 per person

• All meals included
• Private guide throughout
• All accommodations
• All transportation during the tour
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• Bhutanese visa fees and departure taxes