Loading...
Menu
Destinations
Destinations
from$3,550per person
Overview
An eleven-day cultural journey through western and central Bhutan, with an extra day in the remote Ura valley. You visit Paro, the ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong with its view of Jomolhari, a traditional farmhouse and Kyichu Lhakhang, then Thimphu, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang and Wangdue Phodrang. Crossing the Black Mountains to Trongsa, the tour reaches the four valleys of Bumthang with Jakar Dzong, Wangdichholing Palace, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Goemba and the Burning Lake. A full day goes to Ura, the highest of the Bumthang valleys, where about forty houses crowd along cobbled lanes with a medieval atmosphere. The return passes the black-necked crane valley of Phobjikha and finishes with the hike to Tiger's Nest.
Day by day
Arrive at Paro, enjoying the clean air and quiet of the valley. Visit the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower and Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645, now the district administration and monastic school.
Keep exploring
from$3,550
Request to bookDrukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress with a magnificent view of Jomolhari, a traditional farmhouse and Kyichu Lhakhang, then drive to Thimphu.
Thimphu, the only world capital without traffic lights. Visit the Memorial Chorten built for the third King, the National Library, the Painting School for traditional thangka art, the Handicrafts Emporium and the weekend market, then Semtokha Dzong (1629), Tashichho Dzong and Pangri Zampa Monastery.
Stop at the Dochula (3150 m) for Himalayan views, visit Punakha Dzong between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and Chimi Lhakhang (1499).
Visit Trongsa Dzong (1648) in its spectacular setting and the Ta Dzong museum, then continue to Bumthang.
Jakar Dzong, Wangdichholing Palace, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Goemba (1501) and Membartsho, the Burning Lake.
The highest of the Bumthang valleys, with about forty closely packed houses along cobbled streets and a medieval atmosphere.
Back via Trongsa and Wangdue, then down through bamboo fields into the Gangtey valley.
Visit the RSPN crane center and Gangtey Goemba overlooking the wetland, winter home of black-necked cranes, then drive to Paro.
Hike to the viewpoint and on to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's most famous monastery, clinging to a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress. Allow 4-6 hours round trip.
Transfer to the airport.
What travellers say
No reviews yet. Been on this trip? Tell others how it went.
Sign in to leave a review.
