This comprehensive 11-day journey combines cultural immersion with a gentle trek through Bhutan's spiritual heartland of Bumthang. The expedition weaves together visits to ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and sacred sites, incorporating a three-day trek through some of Bhutan's most culturally significant landscapes.
Begin your journey with one of the world's most spectacular mountain flights into Paro, where Himalayan peaks pierce the clouds. Your afternoon explores Ta Dzong Museum's religious artifacts and the historic Rimpong Dzong, featuring meditation master Milarepa's sacred paintings. A scenic 1.5-hour drive along the Pachu River leads to Thimphu, where your guide introduces essential Bhutanese etiquette before dinner.
Discover Thimphu's transformation from village to vibrant capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, conceived as a shield against modernization's challenges, and explore the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery's Zilukha Nunnery. Experience living culture at the School for Arts and Crafts, National Library, Traditional Paper Factory, and Folk Heritage Museum. If time permits, visit the Takin sanctuary and the magnificent Tashichhodzong, rebuilt in the 1960s without nails in traditional style.
Embark on a scenic 7-8 hour drive crossing Dochu-La (3,100m) and Pele La (3,420m) passes. Visit the 18th-century Chendebji Chorten before reaching Trongsa, ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty, where the impressive dzong spans a deep canyon.
Explore Trongsa Dzong and its museum before driving 2.5 hours to Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual core. Visit Jakar Dzong (White Bird Fort), the 16th-century Tamshing Lhakhang with its ancient Buddhist murals, sacred Kurje Lhakhang, and the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang.
Begin your trek along the Chamkhar Chu river through blue pine forests and bamboo groves. This gentle 14km walk passes villages and temples before reaching your farmhouse accommodation at 2,900m.
Undertake the trek's most challenging day, ascending through juniper forests to Phephe La Pass (3,360m) before descending into Tang valley. Camp riverside near Ugyencholing village at 2,670m.
Visit the 16th-century Tang Ugyencholing Palace and its museum showcasing traditional rural life. Explore the sacred Mebartso (Lake of Fire), where Terton Pemalingpa discovered hidden treasures in the 15th century. Return to Bumthang for hotel comfort.
Journey to Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital, with time to explore its traditional township.
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Mother and Father Rivers, site of Bhutan's first king's 1907 coronation. Drive to Thimphu for handicraft shopping before continuing to Paro.
Ascend to iconic Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically 900 meters above the valley. This sacred site marks where Guru Rimpoche meditated for three months in the 8th century. Visit the restored Drukgyel Dzong with Mount Jomolhari (7,314m) as backdrop.
Conclude your journey with a morning departure from Paro.