Eastern Bhutan is practically off the map. Here, the mountains are steeper, the valleys are deeper, the trails are wilder, and the villages are more secluded. On this Bhutan hiking tour, we wander the most mysterious part of the kingdom seldom experienced by visitors but perfect for the adventuresome few who choose to journey here.
Our adventure takes you through Bhutan’s varied and dramatic scenery of beautiful river valleys, snowcapped sacred mountains, and terraced rice fields. You’ll meet welcoming locals while visiting Bhutan’s iconic dzongs, hike to remote gold-roofed temples and monasteries, and walk through peaceful villages in emerald valleys surrounded by a spectacular mountain backdrop.
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Our flight into Bhutan provides breathtaking views as we approach Bhutan's only international airport tucked between mountains in the Paro Valley.
We meet our guide and embark on a short warm-up hike beginning at the village of Shaba and crossing the Paro Chu River and ascending up an old path once frequently used by local villagers. The hike affords you views of the village, its surrounding farm fields, and the clear river below, its source the glaciers high in the mountains. The path's gradual descent takes us to the neighboring village of Bondey, where our tour vehicle will be waiting for us to transport us to our hotel for the evening.
Today, we depart Paro for eastern Bhutan, our destination being the district capital Trashigang. We will fly into Yonphula airport, the lone domestic airport serving Bhutan's isolated eastern region, providing an alternative to the nearly 15-hour overland journey from Paro to Trashigang.
Our exploration of eastern Bhutan begins with a short, but steep hike from Chagzam Bridge up to the Trashigang Dzong, perched high above the river valley below. A short walk will take us from the dzong to downtown Trashigang, where local farmers sell their crops along the street and local shops contain everyday essentials alongside interesting handmade crafts.
We'll begin our day with a hike to the remote Mongling Lhakhang. This small temple sits atop a hill high above Nimshong village and contains a statue of the local deity Jampelyang Shenjey, which many locals still worship. Our hike up to the temple takes us through the countryside, past farmers' fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses.
After our hike and a picnic lunch, we will head back to Trashigang for the opportunity to visit the campus of Sherubtse College and chat with some students. Gain some insight from the young Bhutanese students to learn what it was like growing up in Bhutan during a time of great change.
This morning, we partake in another short, but steep hike up to the unique Rangshikhar Lhakhang, a newly constructed temple where the grounds contain a variety of statues depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. Rangshikhar Lhakhang is the residence of the revered Rangshikhar Rinpoche, making this temple a popular place for local people to receive Rangshikhar Rinpoche's blessings.
We enjoy a picnic lunch or perhaps lunch at Rangshikhar Ngagtshang, the neighboring homestay. In the afternoon, we will drive to the sacred Gom Kora Temple, a popular pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese due to its religious signficance.
This morning, we depart Trashigang and head to the neighboring town of Mongar, the fastest growing district in eastern Bhutan. Upon arrival in Mongar, we will check into our hotel and explore the town and visit the nearby Mongar Dzong before lunch at our hotel.
In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic hike passing small gompas with views of the Kuri Chu river valley from Yakgau Village to Phungchula.
Today, we drive to the remote village of Khoma, a small village but well-known throughout Bhutan for producing the most elaborate and high quality hand-woven textiles. On the drive to this rural area, we have the opportunity to stop and stretch our legs, enjoying the mountain scenery.
Upon arrival to the quaint Khoma village, your gracious homestay host family welcomes you into their home, offering a cup of ara, a traditional Bhutanese rice wine that is a customary offering to guests. Although the homestay is a very basic accommodation, the opportunity to stay with a local family allows for a very special connection to the Bhutanese culture, one that adventurous travelers will surely never forget.
This morning, we hike from the homestay to the Sangwa Lo Dru meditation cave, high above Khoma Village. This is a popular meditation spot, and the hospitable caretaker shares with us the history behind the meditation cave, as well as details about the holy relics of this sacred site.
In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore Khoma Village, perhaps observing the local women weave the vibrant and intricate textiles for which they are famous. Later in the day, we drive to the nearby village of Gangzur to learn about this region's vanishing art of handmade clay pottery.
We bid our homestay family farewell and leave the village of Khoma behind to make our way back to Mongar. En route, we drive up the steep mountainside past traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, our spectacular mountain views expanding as we continue our climb upwards, our destination being the magnificant Takila Temple. Reaching 173 ft tall, Takila Temple is home to the largest statue of Guru Rinpoche in the world.
Upon arrival in Mongar, we have lunch at our hotel before a visit to a local ara maker, where we learn more about this traditional Bhutanese beverage.
We leave eastern Bhutan and make our way to central Bhutan's Bumthang Valley (approximately a 6-hour drive). We stop for lunch at a local teahouse located in a small village where yak herders pasture their herds during certain months of the year.
Further along on our drive, depending upon timing, we have the option to enjoy a short hike in the lovely Ura Valley. We may stop at Tang Mebartsho (Burning Lake) before arriving at our hotel on the outskirts of Jakar. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps.
After breakfast we will partake in a hike known as the "Bush Man Trek" that takes us from Chamkhar Kharchu Dratshang Monastery to Bebjur village. While on the trail we'll keep an eye out for wild boars, deer, monal pheasants, and other animal inhabitants of the forest. Our hike concludes with lunch at Bebjur village. After lunch, we will drive to a local estate where the residents converted sections of their ancestral home into a museum in an effort to preserve and share their heritage. Now both travelers to Bhutan and generations of young Bhutanese can learn what life was like for the nobility of the past.
This morning, we fly from central Bhutan back to western Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, we will have the day at our leisure. We have some time this afternoon to stroll the Paro market, partake in an easy hike arranged by our guide, or one can opt to simply rest at the hotel before dinner.
This morning, we hike to the famous cliff-side hermitage called Taktsang — "Tiger's Nest" — a monastic retreat built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro Valley. Our hike begins on the valley floor and is a steady uphill climb on a wide hiking trail that switchbacks through pine forests, with glimpses of Tiger's Nest along the way. We pass water-powered prayer wheels and mani stones, as well as a shrine where a high lama was supposedly born — all reminders that for many, this is not just a hike, but a spiritual pilgrimage. 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.
We return to the valley floor, where we enjoy a trail side picnic lunch before heading back to our hotel. We have some time this afternoon to unwind and relax after our hike, or perhaps stroll the Paro market before dinner.
We are transferred to the airport in time for your departure from Paro.
The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume. The dzongs and the most important temples can be found in the large Choskhor Valley, commonly referred to as the Bumthang Valley. Different from most other valleys in Bhutan, Bumthang is broad and ideal for walkers and hikers.
There are numerous Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites to explore, making it the cultural and historic center of the country. It would be difficult to find as many important temples and monasteries in such a small area anywhere else in Bhutan — and almost every little valley or hill has its own background of interesting myths and legends about kings, Buddhist masters, and serpents.
Jakar, Bhutan
With views of the pine wood forest and historic Wangduechoeling palace, Bhutan Mountain Resort is one of the oldest hotels in Bumthang. The family-owned property offers simple, comfortable accommodations and warm service. All 27 rooms are appointed with wood paneling, heated by firewood stoves (or Bukhari), with ensuite baths. Featuring an attentive professional staff and in-house restaurant, the lodge is within walking distance of the Wangduechoeling palace, Jakar Dzong and Chamkhar Town.
Jakar Village Lodge is a popular four-star lodge located below the Jakar Dzong, commanding majestic views of the Bumthang Valley. The property features 14 rooms, beautifully painted in traditional style, comfortably and tastefully furnished with the latest fittings and efficiently heated, each with its own balcony. The ensuite bathrooms are fixed with stylish jet showers and bathtubs. The lodge serves a range of widely renowned delicious cuisine ranging from local delicacies to continental dishes.
Eastern Bhutan is practically off the map. Here, the mountains are steeper, the valleys are deeper, the trails are wilder, and the villages are more secluded. We wander the most mysterious part of the kingdom seldom experienced by visitors but perfect for the adventuresome few who choose to journey here.
Khoma Village, Bhutan
This remote village is known for its homestay program, and Chimi Yuden was not only the first to be established, but is also one of the best in area. Owner Tshering Yangki ensures a comfortable stay with basic amenities and warm hospitality.
Trashigang, Bhutan
Located in picturesque suroundings, this is one of the nicest hotels in the area. Ensuite rooms are decorated in traditional Bhutanese style and have private balconies with panoramic vistas.
Mongar, Bhutan
Situated on a hill overlooking the small town of Mongar and terraced farmland, Hotel Wangchuk offers comfortable ensuite rooms, each with views of the mountains and valleys below.
One of the loveliest valleys in all of Bhutan, Gangtey is home to pine and bamboo forests, spectacular views of the remote Phobjkha valley, and the Gangtey Goemba (monastery). Must-do activities include a hike on the Gangtey Nature Trail — renowned as one of the most beautiful nature trails in the entire country. Along the way, you may also catch a glimpse of the black-necked cranes that make their journey from Tibet.
Gangtey, Bhutan
With its spectacular setting and sweeping views over the whole valley, Gangtey Goenpa Lodge acts as a luxurious base for exploring one of Bhutan?s most secluded valleys. Plush leather sofas of an informal lounge invite guests to share the day’s adventures around two impressive fireplaces encased in local stone. The 12 beautifully-appointed guestrooms, each with their own cozy fireplace, reflect the rich cultural heritage with warm fabrics and earthen tones.
Nestled in the thick pine forests of Phobjikha—home to rare, black-necked cranes—the Dewachen offers a relaxed setting, in-house restaurant, and breathtaking views of the valley below. Sixteen comfortable, double rooms each contain ensuite bathrooms, colorful bedding, and balconies. Rooms are heated by iron stoves, with hot water bags for the bed on the valley’s coldest nights.
Paro is the home of the national airport and where all of our custom tours in Bhutan begin. The Valley itself is a green bowl surrounded by jagged Himalayan Mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers, and dotted with medieval fortresses.
One of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan, Paro has kept its bucolic nature and has a feeling of peacefulness rare in most other Asian cities. 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.
Paro, Bhutan
Amankora, Paro is situated in a secluded part of the valley in a tranquil setting surrounded by pine forests and mountains. This property offers 24 suites which consist of a lounge and bedroom furnished with a king-size bed, banquette window seat, and traditional bukhari wood-burning stove. A stay at Amankora is a true retreat embodying the monastic tradition of blending meditation in a physical space with harmony of its natural surroundings.
Naksel is an eco-friendly, community-based property—its traditional windows, mud-bricks, framework, and furniture were crafted in nearby Ngoba Village. Rooms feature in-floor heating and ensuite bathrooms, and guests may enjoy the onsite a restaurant, bar, and cozy coffee house.
Uma Resort, Paro, combines local artisanship with contemporary style in an intimate, 29-room resort. With an enviable location in the Paro Valley, the property is within striking distance of the country?s great cultural landmarks. The interior combines the colorful accents of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship with clean-lined contemporary design. Other luxury amenities include a spa and award-winning cuisine; the Bukhari restaurant is a royal favorite.
Set on a beautiful 10 acre property, Zhiwa Ling offers many guest amenities?spa, fitness center, sauna, steam room, traditional Bhutanese outdoor hot-stone bath, tea house, meditation house, greenhouse and even a temple, honoring the spiritual heritage of this ancient Buddhist kingdom made with 450-year-old timbers from the famous Gangtey Monastery. The two hotel restaurants specialize in contemporary international cuisine and classic Bhutanese dishes. Each of the 45 suites affords splendid views.
The road to Punakha offers great views of the eastern Himalayan Mountains, and as you cross the 10,230′ Dochu La pass, you’re soon surrounded by some of Bhutan’s most picturesque countryside. Punakha is an idyllic place, filled with magnificent pine and rhododendron forests, terraced rice fields, small villages, and spectacular views.
It’s also home to the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second of Bhutan’s dzongs, and for many years it served as the seat of the government. Today, Bhutan’s spiritual leader, Chief Abbot Je Khempo, lives here with 1,000 monks during the winter months, due to Punakha’s relatively low altitude by Himalayan standards (4,000′).
Punakha, Bhutan
Amankora Punakha resembles the design of a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by a former Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan). The property is accessible via a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River, and features 8 suites that consist of a lounge and bedroom furnished with a king-size bed, banquette window seat and traditional bukhari wood-burning stove. Views from each suite are of an orange orchard and rice terraces, capturing the countryside of Bhutan. A stay at Amankora is a true retreat embodying the monastic tradition of blending meditation in a physical space with harmony of its natural surroundings.
This elegant, contemporary hotel in the Punakha valley features traditional architecture, with intricately chiseled stone and views of the mountains, paddy fields, and the Punatshang Chhu River. Tucked away from the commotion of the new Punakha town in Walakha, Punakha, Kunzang Zhing offers 17 well-appointed guestrooms with sitting areas and private balconies. Bhutanese culture resonates throughout the property, which offers a touch of modernity in serene surroundings—making for a luxurious ambience.
Uma Resort, Punakha, is an intimate, luxury lodge located at the western end of the lush Punakha Valley, offering guests exceptional access to some of Bhutan’s most celebrated landscapes and historic sites. With 9 hillside Valley View rooms, and two free-standing luxury private villas (one and two bedroom), Uma Punakha provides luxury in the wilderness. The Bukhari restaurant serves both local and international cuisine, while the stand-alone COMO Shambhala Retreat offers traditional holistic therapies.
Before becoming Bhutan’s official national capital in 1961, and home of the royal family, Thimphu was a simple rural farming valley. However, nowadays, Thimphu is becoming increasingly popular with world travelers.
It is a city ideally explored on foot, and filled with many interesting sights including the newly built National 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, which displays the rich traditional crafts of the kingdom. Small and secluded, it is unlike any other capital in the world.
Thimpu, Bhutan
Set away from the hustle and bustle of Bhutan’s capital city, Amankora Thimpu offers a peaceful setting, yet accessible to the main sights of Thimpu. This property features 16 suites with a bedroom and lounge, a banquet window seat and a traditional bukhari wood-burning stove, each with nice views either across a landscaped courtyard or of a stream and pine forest. A stay at Amankora is a true retreat embodying the monastic tradition of blending meditation in a physical space with harmony of its natural surroundings.
Hotel Druk is located in the center of the city and within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, and main market. This beautifully decorated hotel provides all the necessary comforts and amenities.
The Taj Tashi hotel is a blend of Bhutan’s Dzong architecture and modern design. Adorned with classical hand-drawn Buddhist murals, its 66 luxuriously-appointed rooms pamper guests with the finest amenities. Guests may sample Bhutan’s fiery cuisine at one of the hotel’s four restaurants, or simply relax with a special ‘Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath ’ at the Jiva Spa. Taj Tashi’s location makes it the ideal base from which to explore the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Thimphu, Bhutan
Located outside the city center on 25 acres bordering the Motithang Takin Preserve, Zhiwa Ling Ascent is a retreat from the hustle and bustle and welcomes guests to relax in a park-like setting with panoramic views of the countryside. The hotel’s spacious rooms were designed to maximize natural light and the superb scenery. Guests may enjoy a juice bar, massage, and yoga.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. This custom journey is rated 3, moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are moderate day hikes ranging from 2-5 hours in length with minimal vehicle support. A few days involve some long drives on narrow, winding roads.
Paro, Bhutan International Airport upon arrival of your flight on Day 1.
Paro, Bhutan International Airport in time for your departing flight on Day 13.
Most Convenient Airport: Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand (airport code BKK)
Meeting Time and Place:Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Paro, Bhutan airport upon the arrival of your flight from Bangkok (other regional airports upon request).
Departure Time and Place:Paro, Bhutan in time for the departure of your flight to Bangkok (other regional airports upon request).
The mountainous areas of Bhutan have pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The driest weather and clearest skies are typically in October and November and it is the harvest season. During March through May, beautiful flowers are in bloom and it is the planting and ploughing time of year. The months of December through February are clear and cool (can be below freezing at night) and it is the shoulder season, so you will encounter fewer visitors. June through August is the monsoon season and it is generally not recommended to travel to Bhutan at this time of year. You may obtain more detailed weather information at www.weatherbase.com.
Jakar
High: 67 Low: 42
Mongar
High: 73 Low: 60
Paro
High: 66 Low: 45
Trashigang
High: 84 Low: 64
Our trip begins in Paro, which is situated at 7,300 feet, in the foothills of the Himalayas. We make our way over passes and down into valleys reaching a maximum elevation of 13,125' and a minimum elevation of about 3,610' in Trashingang. There is time to move at a comfortable pace, allowing for the adjustment to the mountain air. Keeping well hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, eating frequent, light meals, and getting plenty of rest will help with any effects of altitude that you may feel.
This itinerary includes a combination of the standard and deluxe hotel options available in Bhutan. Although the hotels in Bhutan cannot be compared to international standards, they are comfortable and offer all necessary facilities. We believe that any inconveniences due to these modest accommodations are far outweighed by the unforgettable experience of visiting Bhutan (If you prefer to stay in luxury hotels in Bhutan, please contact us to discuss a private journey).
Due to the unique tourism policy in Bhutan, we are unable to confirm which hotels we will be using until four weeks prior to departure. The accommodations listed will most likely be what we can expect, but may alter due to availability.
It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Bhutanese national airline will only accept reservations with the full payment of the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold seats in advance of reservations. Seats can only be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit, as well as the payment for these flights (subject to change). Please contact our office with any questions regarding these important policies.
Although visiting Bhutan in many ways is like stepping back in time and has been a longtime favorite of Boundless Journeys' travelers for this reason, it is important to understand that this evolving society is also eager to keep pace in the modern world. While the government is approaching the development of their country with sensitivity towards preserving the environment and culture, you can still expect to encounter some of the less positive signs of modernization. Some examples include: road construction projects that may hinder driving or cause noise and dust; litter in developed areas; and begging. We ask you to visit Bhutan with an open mind and leave any rigid expectations about the pristine nature of the country behind. It is important to embrace what you see and experience without judgment and recognize that Bhutan, just as any country, is struggling to be a part of this complex and rapidly changing world. We are confident that with this attitude, the Bhutan you experience will be a fascinating and memorable place.
Bhutanese dishes borrow elements of Indian and Chinese cuisine, however it is also unique in its style and tastes. One of the most distinguishing features of Bhutanese cuisine is the ubiquitous chili. The Bhutanese are passionate about chili; you will see them spread all over to dry - on the roadsides, on rooftops and in courtyards. Ema datse, a dish made with chilis and cheese, is a spicy favorite. Some excellent non-spicy options include kewa datse (potatoes and cheese sauce), and shamu datse (mushrooms with cheese sauce). Bhutanese also love momos. Though a Tibetan specialty, these dumplings now occupy a permanent place in Bhutanese cuisine. Chicken or pork momos are favored, but cheese momos are most common. Another important feature of this exotic cuisine is the use of rice, found in various forms in dishes ranging from breakfast to dinner.We do our best to offer a la carte meals at unique local establishments, however, options are quite limited in the smaller towns, so many of the meals will be served buffet-style at our hotels. There are usually continental, Bhutanese, Chinese, and Indian dishes served.
While we do our best to offer our guests the best possible meals and food available in Bhutan, it is important to know that the food there is basic and does not offer the variety and quality that we may be accustomed to at home. Please travel to Bhutan with an open mind and do not have high expectations in this regard and you will not be disappointed. Vegetarians can easily be accommodated with advance notice.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
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Eastern Bhutan is practically off the map. Here, the mountains are steeper, the valleys are deeper, the trails are wilder, and the villages are more secluded. On this Bhutan hiking tour, we wander the most mysterious part of the kingdom...
2-5 hours of walking, hiking, and cultural touring with some long drives on narrow, winding roads.
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