Iconic Bhutan

Paro provides a dramatic introduction to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Bhutan’s snowy peaks from the flight approaching Paro.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your Nomadic Expeditions guide and transferred to the hotel.

(Zhiwa Ling Heritage; D)

In the morning, visit the National Museum, housed in the Taa Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provides a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Following your visit, enjoy a short walk downhill to the 17th-century fortress, Paro Dzong. It is a fine example of historic Bhutanese architecture, and today it houses the office of the Governor and the Clergy. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge. We will then drive to the town temple built in 1525 to view its ancient murals before visiting Kyichu Temple, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo.

In the afternoon drive to Thimphu (1 hour), Bhutan’s capital city, and overnight at the hotel.

(Zhiwa Ling Ascent; B, L, D)

After breakfast visit Chorten Memorial, a large Tibetan–style stupa that was built in 1974 to honor the memory of Bhutan’s third king,Jigme Dorje Wangchuk, before continuing on to the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. Time permitting, you may also have the opportunity to explore the School of Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the Textile Museum, as well as the nunnery at Drupthob Lhakhang, and a small zoo that houses the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

(Zhiwa Ling Ascent; B, L, D)

Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar hung with lichen up to Dochula Pass (3,050 m.), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Stop for a short hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a hilltop temple, and then continue about 3 hours down into the fertile Punakha Valley (4,430 ft.).

After lunch continue to Punakha to view the dzong situated between Pho Chu and Mochu, the Male and Female Rivers. Once the capital of the kingdom, this fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. After a stroll through the town of Punakha, enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel.

(Dhensa Hotel; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive toward Gangtey (3.5 hours) via Wangdiphodrang. Visit the once-remarkable Wangdi Dzong, an impressive structure in ruins built high on a ridge with magnificent views overlooking the expansive valley. While in Wangdiphodrang, visit a house in the village and enjoy the local hospitality.

Continue driving toward Gangtey and pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees before reaching the town.

(Dewachen Lodge; B, L, D)

After breakfast, explore the Phobjikha Valley, designated as a conservation area by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature.

After lunch drive toward Trongsa (5 hours), passing forests, waterfalls, and frolicking monkeys along the way, stopping at the Pele La Pass (10,800 ft.) for magnificent views of the lush Longte Valley of Central Bhutan. Continue driving along the Nikka Chhu River to Trongsa, a town surrounded by mountains and overlooked by Trongsa Dzong, a huge fortress perched high above a gorge.

(Yangkill Lodge; B, L, D)

Taking less than two hours to cover the 44 miles between Trongsa and Bumthang, arrive in the Choekhor Valley by lunchtime. Along with Chumey, Tang, and Ura—Choekhor is one of the four valleys that make up the region known as Bumthang.

From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of turns to Yotong La Pass (11,200 ft.), before descending to the Chumey Valley (average altitude 8,800 ft.). In Chumey, visit Domkhar Dzong, a small fortress overlooking the valley that was once the summer palace of Jigme Wangchuk, Bhutan’s second king.

Continue to the village of Tsugney to observe traditional weaving of woolen fabrics before crossing the Kiki La Pass (9,500 ft.), arriving in Choekhor Valley, the Valley of the Dharma Wheel. Check in to the lodge and have lunch.

In the evening, visit Jambay Lhakhang to witness the Mewang, or Fire Blessing. The Bhutanese believe that jumping over this fire will bring blessings and burn away the sins one has created. Return to the lodge for overnight.

(Mountain Lodge; B, L, D)

Bumthang is considered the holiest valley in Bhutan and attracts Bhutanese from throughout the country wishing to be blessed by visits to the many holy sites where ancient religious masters have meditated. Today’s tour will follow the Bhutanese tradition of traveling clockwise. Begin at Kurjey Lhakhang, where it is believed that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava meditated and subdued the local deity Shelging Karpo. Hike from here across a suspension bridge to reach Padmasambhava Lhakhang, another meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. The temple was founded by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century and was restored by the Grand Queen Mother of the present king. Continue hiking to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in the early 16th century by Saint Pema Lingpa, before visiting the Konchogsum Lhakhang temple, famous for its bell that bears an inscription from the 8th century. Drive south to visit a small cheese and apple juice factory, and the Membertsho, or Burning Lake. Drive back to the village and wander through the small town of Chamkhar, capital ofBumthang Province, and home to the largest number of temples and meditation centers in Bhutan. Overnight at the lodge.

(Mountain Lodge; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang and attend the Jambay Lhakhang festival that is held in honor of the Jambay Lakhang temple and Guru Rinpoche. Watch the colorful mask dances and enjoy the activities held on the monastery grounds. Opportunities abound for connecting with local people and experiencing the local culture. Overnight at the lodge.

(Mountain Lodge; B, L, D)

In the morning, transfer to Bumthang airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, go for a short 20-minute drive northward to visit the ruins of Drukyul Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpas) – this Dzong was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to mark his victory over invading Tibetan forces. The Dzong was destroyed by a fire in 1951. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Jhomolhari. On the drive back toward Paro town, you will get a view of the Tiger’s Nest – Taktsang Lhakhang - perched atop a cliff at 9,700 feet/2,950 meters. Overnight at hotel.

(Zhiwa Ling Hotel; B, L, D)

In the morning, hike to the pilgrimage site of Taktsang Lhakhang, also popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. This extraordinary monastery is perched on the edge of a granite cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche landed here from neighboring Tibet on the back of a flying tiger, bringing the doctrines of Buddhism with him. On our way back, visit Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 kilometers up. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

(Zhiwa Ling Hotel; B, L, D)

After breakfast, drive to Paro International airport for departure.

(B)