Himalayan Odyssey
Bhutan's ultimate east-to-west traverse, culture and craft villages included
Overview
Begin with a circuit through Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey and the sacred valleys of Bumthang. Then push east across the cloud forests of Thrumshing La into Mongar, visiting the hilltop dzong. Continue to Trashigang with a cultural stop at Drametse Monastery, and spend a day in Radhi Village, meeting weavers famed for their raw-silk textiles. Return west to Bumthang and take a domestic flight to Paro for your international departure. A rare traverse linking Bhutan's best-known highlights with its less-visited eastern heartlands — ideal for culture lovers, photographers, and repeat travelers.
Trip Highlights
- Full traverse from western Bhutan across Thrumshing La into the remote east
- Hilltop dzong visits in Mongar and a cultural stop at Drametse Monastery
- A day with raw-silk weavers in Radhi Village
- Bumthang's sacred circuit — Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and the Burning Lake
- Domestic flight from Yonphula back to Paro for departure
What's Included
- Room with breakfast, lunch and dinner (MAP plan)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and visa fees
- Private vehicle transportation throughout
- Experienced guide and trekking staff
- All monument, museum and park entrance fees and permits
What's Excluded
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic flights
Free itinerary customization — no booking commitment.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Paro
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, transfer to your hotel and check in. Take time to freshen up after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk through Paro town — charming shops, cafés, and traditional Bhutanese architecture. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Meals: Dinner
Hike to Tiger's Nest (Taktsang)
After breakfast, embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside about 900 meters above the Paro valley floor. Enjoy breathtaking views along the trail and take time to explore the sacred monastery upon reaching the top. Descend and return to Paro town. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paro → Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's charming capital city. Explore key landmarks such as the Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Tashichho Dzong, and the bustling Centenary Farmers' Market. Stroll through Thimphu's main street to experience local shops, handicrafts, and cafés. Evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Thimphu → Gangtey
After breakfast, embark on a beautiful drive of about 5–6 hours towards the serene Gangtey Valley, winding through forests, high passes, and traditional villages with spectacular Himalayan views. Visit the famous Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goemba), an important center of Nyingmapa Buddhism, then stroll through the pristine Phobjikha Valley, winter roosting ground of the rare black-necked cranes (seasonal). Overnight: Lodge in Gangtey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Gangtey → Bumthang
Depart for Bumthang via Pele La Pass (≈3,420 m), pausing for photos and, time permitting, stopping by Chendebji Chorten and Trongsa Dzong en route. Continue over Yotong La Pass (≈3,425 m) before descending into the broad Bumthang valley. Estimated driving time: ~7–9 hours. Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bumthang
Morning visit to Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) for panoramic views, then explore Bumthang's sacred circuit: Jambay Lhakhang (7th-century temple), Kurjey Lhakhang (Guru Rinpoche's body imprint), and Tamzhing Lhündrup. Stroll Chamkhar town for handicrafts and snacks, with an afternoon brewery visit (Red Panda/Swiss Farm) to see the small-batch process and sample a fresh pour. Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bumthang
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's sacred monasteries founded by Pema Lingpa, with its ancient murals and sacred relics. Drive to the Tang Valley to visit Membartsho (Burning Lake / Mebar Tsho), a sacred pool on the Tang Chhu river. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside the riverbank with time for quiet reflection and photography before returning to Bumthang. Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Bumthang → Mongar
Scenic drive via Ura and Thrumshing La Pass, one of Bhutan's most beautiful routes — about 6–7.5 hours with photo and tea stops. Settle in, with an optional evening stroll in Mongar. Overnight: Hotel in Mongar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mongar → Trashigang
Drive roughly 3–4.5 hours to Trashigang, with a detour to Drametse Monastery if road and time allow. Evening walk through Trashigang town, with a brief visit to Trashigang Dzong if open. Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trashigang
Excursion to Radhi Village, famed for raw silk (bura) weaving. Meet artisans, observe dyeing and spinning, and shop directly from weavers before returning to Trashigang. Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trashigang → Trashiyangtse → Gom Kora → Trashigang
Drive to Trashiyangtse to visit Chorten Kora and browse local woodturning crafts, then a short outing to Gom Kora, a riverside meditation site, and Rangjung Lhakhang. Afternoon at leisure or a market browse before returning to Trashigang by evening. Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trashigang → Rangjung & Radhi → Trashigang
Visit Rangjung Woesel Choeling Monastery, a vibrant hilltop gompa with serene courtyards and wide valley views, paired with a return to Radhi to see bura (raw silk) weaving in family homes and small cooperatives amid scenic rice terraces.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trashigang → Khaling / Sherubtse College → Trashigang
A flexible day for the Khaling National Handloom Development Centre (textile demonstrations and shopping) or as a buffer for weather and road contingencies, plus a visit to Sherubtse College, Bhutan's oldest college campus, near the Yonphula airstrip. Overnight: Hotel in Trashigang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trashigang → Yonphula → Paro
Domestic flight from Yonphula to Paro (flight schedules can shift with weather), with the rest of the day flexible for sightseeing or rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Paro
Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
