The Dragon Kingdom’s Complete Journey – From Western Valleys to the Eastern Frontier (11 Nights / 12 Days)
Experience Bhutan in its Purest and Most Complete Form
This 12-day Bhutan tour package is the ultimate Himalayan expedition — a cross-country odyssey from the legendary western valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha to the sacred heartlands of Bumthang and the untamed beauty of Mongar and Trashigang in Eastern Bhutan.
Designed for the curious traveler, this immersive journey reveals Bhutan’s ancient traditions, diverse landscapes, and the deep spirituality that defines the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Tour Highlights
- Complete Himalayan Traverse: A rare west-to-east journey across Bhutan’s most iconic valleys and remote frontiers.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang): The legendary cliffside pilgrimage that defines Bhutan’s spiritual identity.
- Bumthang Valley Exploration: Two full days in Bhutan’s “spiritual heartland,” home to ancient temples and timeless legends.
- Punakha Dzong & Phobjikha Valley: Witness Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress and the peaceful glacial valley of the Black-necked Cranes.
- Eastern Bhutan Discovery: Uncover the untouched beauty of Mongar and Trashigang, regions rarely visited by travelers.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience farmhouse hospitality, spiritual blessings, traditional hot stone baths, and the joy of Bhutanese life.
Places You’ll Visit
Fly into Paro International Airport with spectacular Himalayan views. Meet your local guide and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. Evening stroll through craft shops and cafés.
Overnight: Thimphu
Visit Buddha Dordenma, the National Memorial Chorten, Takin Preserve, and majestic Tashichhodzong—seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic body.
Overnight: Thimphu
Drive across Dochula Pass (3,100 m) for sweeping mountain vistas. In Punakha, hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) and explore the breathtaking Punakha Dzong.
Overnight: Punakha
Travel to the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, a conservation area and glacial basin. Visit Gangtey Monastery and walk the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail for panoramic valley views.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Journey through Pele La Pass and Trongsa, stopping at the magnificent Trongsa Dzong for exploration and lunch. Continue to Bumthang Valley, the “Switzerland of Bhutan.”
Overnight: Bumthang
Visit Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Jambay Lhakhang—ancient temples linked to Guru Rinpoche. End the day at Tamzhing Monastery, known for its sacred murals.
Overnight: Bumthang
Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), one of Bhutan’s holiest sites. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring local artisan workshops, brewery, or cheese factory, soaking in the valley’s peaceful atmosphere.
Overnight: Bumthang
Journey east across Thrumshing La Pass (3,750m) — the highest motorable pass in Bhutan — and descend into subtropical forests. Visit Mongar Dzong, a masterpiece of modern Bhutanese architecture.
Overnight: Mongar
Travel to Trashigang, Bhutan’s easternmost district and a vibrant center of local trade. Explore Trashigang Dzong, dramatically perched over the Dangme Chhu River.
Overnight: Trashigang
Retrace your route westward through forests, waterfalls, and pristine mountain passes — one of the most scenic drives in the Himalayas.
Overnight: Bumthang
Board a spectacular domestic flight over the Himalayas back to Paro. Upon arrival, hike to the world-famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched 900m above the valley floor.
Relax in a traditional Hot Stone Bath afterward.
Overnight: Paro
After breakfast, your guide transfers you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Bid farewell with Bhutan’s blessing — “Tashi Delek!”
Why This 12-Day Bhutan Tour Is Extraordinary
- Covers the entire breadth of Bhutan — from Paro to Trashigang.
- Includes all major spiritual, cultural, and scenic highlights.
- Combines overland exploration with a spectacular domestic flight.
- Perfect for adventurous travelers, photographers, and cultural enthusiasts.
Official Trek Map
Explore unique experiences
Bumthang Cultural Trail Embark on the Bumthang Cultural Trail, connecting ancient temples, traditional villages, and sacred sites through beautiful landscapes....
Explore the mystical Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where Pema Lingpa discovered sacred treasures in the 15th century. This spiritually significant...
Visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the 16th-century monastery founded by Bhutan's renowned treasure revealer Pema Lingpa. This important Nyingma institution houses ancient...
Experience spiritual tranquility at Kurjey Lhakhang, the sacred temple complex where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint in rock. This...
Discover Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples dating to the 7th century. This spiritual landmark founded...
Explore Jakar Dzong, Bumthang's magnificent "Castle of the White Bird" perched strategically above the Chamkhar Valley. This 17th-century fortress monastery...