Most journeys through Bhutan stay within the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. This one goes further — into Trongsa, ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty, and Bumthang, the spiritual heart of the Kingdom and home to some of its oldest temples. It's a longer, more immersive way to see Bhutan, built for travellers who want to understand the country, not just visit it.
Land in the Paro Valley, where your private Ultra Dewa guide and driver welcome you before the scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital.
A traditional iron-chain bridge and temple, an atmospheric introduction to Bhutan's heritage.
A 51.5-metre golden Buddha statue overlooking the Thimphu Valley.
Where locals gather throughout the day for prayer and circumambulation.
A lively riverside market and a gentle first taste of contemporary Bhutanese life.
Cross the spectacular Dochula Pass before descending into the warm, fertile Punakha Valley.
Walk among the pass's 108 chortens, with sweeping Himalayan views on a clear day.
The Temple of the Divine Madman, reached on foot through rice fields and villages.
One of Bhutan's most magnificent fortresses, at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Head east over the Pele La pass into central Bhutan, leaving the western valleys behind for the ancestral heartland of the Wangchuck dynasty.
A striking Nepali-style stupa with painted eyes, set beside a mountain stream.
Bhutan's largest dzong, dramatically perched above the Mangde Chhu gorge and historically the seat from which the country was once governed.
A former watchtower, now home to exhibits on the Wangchuck monarchy's history.
Cross the Yotong La pass into Bumthang, widely regarded as Bhutan's spiritual heartland and home to some of its oldest and most sacred temples.
One of Bhutan's oldest temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
A sacred complex marking the site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have left a body imprint in rock.
A Nyingma monastery renowned for its ancient, well-preserved murals.
A full day exploring the Bumthang valley at an unhurried pace, away from Bhutan's more visited western circuit.
A sacred lake linked to the treasure-revealer Pema Lingpa, and a peaceful place for quiet reflection.
Bumthang's cool climate supports Bhutan's dairy and honey production — a taste of the valley's everyday life.
Visit a local workshop producing Bumthang's distinctive hand-woven wool textiles.
Journey back west over the Yotong La and Pele La passes into Gangtey, arriving at the wide, glacial Phobjikha Valley.
An important Nyingma monastery overlooking the Phobjikha Valley.
A gentle morning walk before the final leg of the journey west to Paro.
A peaceful walk through forest and meadow, winter home of the endangered black-necked crane.
A full day dedicated to the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Paro Valley.
Housed in the historic Ta Dzong watchtower, with views across the valley.
A 17th-century fortress-monastery — "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels."
One of Bhutan's oldest temples, dating to the 7th century.
The unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), perched roughly 900 metres above the Paro Valley.
Bhutan's most iconic spiritual landmark, marking the cave where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated.
Soothe tired muscles after the hike in a bath heated with river stones and local herbs.
A final evening of traditional folk dances and the sacred Cham mask dance, with a curated Ultra Dewa gift bag.
After breakfast, your private guide and driver transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
All accommodation is based on twin-sharing unless otherwise requested.
Bhutan's only international gateway is Paro International Airport, served by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines from hubs including Delhi, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Singapore. A visa is required for most nationalities and is arranged on your behalf as part of this journey.
Yes — this is a fully private journey, so there is no minimum number of travellers required. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or as a larger family group, your itinerary, pace, and vehicle are arranged around you alone.
Yes, though this is our longer, more immersive itinerary with several full driving days between Trongsa and Bumthang. It suits families comfortable with a slower travel pace. The Tiger's Nest hike is the one section worth discussing with your travel designer in advance.
Yes — while our standard guides are English-speaking, we can often arrange guides fluent in other languages such as French, German, Spanish, or Mandarin upon request. Language availability varies, so please let your travel designer know your preference as early as possible when planning your journey.
Trongsa and Bumthang sit at the heart of Bhutan's history and spirituality, home to some of the country's oldest temples and the ancestral seat of the Wangchuck dynasty. Most shorter itineraries skip this region entirely — this journey is built for travellers who want to go beyond the western valleys.
International airfare, travel insurance (mandatory), personal expenses, alcoholic and premium beverages, and tips for your guide and driver are not included.
Tell us your dates, and we'll shape this journey around you.
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