Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La
"Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product." ~ His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Bhutan is the land of mountain legends, nestled high in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet. This is one of the last untouched bastions of ancient civilization, where the vibrant whirl of the masked festival is very much an authentic celebration. The spiritual resonance of Buddhism is tangible throughout the land, with intricately carved monasteries colorfully emerging out of the majestic mountains.
The landscape is dramatic throughout — deep wooded forests, emerald valleys bursting with wild flora, and snow-capped peaks soaring beyond the eye. This extroverted journey takes you along an extraordinary route, full of lore and splendor, punctuated by photographic attractions and remarkable diversity. Discover your own Shangri-la in this land of mystique and myths.
Plan Your Bhutan JourneyHow We Do Bhutan
Private monk blessings at cliffside monasteries
Luxury lodges on the Druk Path Trek
Exclusive sunrise access to Tiger's Nest
Private access to monasteries, artisans & ceremonies
Local insider guides and curated encounters
Heritage hotels and authentic immersive stays
Paro / Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas — an exciting descent into the Kingdom with fascinating views along the range. Bhutan's first gift is cool, clean mountain air. Drive to Thimphu, the capital, stopping at Chuzom where three styles of stupas — Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese — adorn the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. Overnight in Thimphu, perhaps the world's only capital without a traffic light.
Thimphu
Explore the Thimphu valley at 2,400m: the National Library's priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum where students train in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts, and the Textile Museum. Visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum run by young people, and Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) for sweeping valley views and the country's largest Buddha statue. Circumambulate the King's Memorial Chorten and explore the impressive Trashichhoedzong, the summer seat of the Chief Abbot, before browsing hand-woven textiles and crafts at the Local Crafts Bazaar.
Thimphu / Gangtey
Drive toward Gangtey (Phobjikha) over Dochula Pass at 3,080m, marked by 108 chortens and prayer flags and offering the most spectacular panorama of the eastern Himalayan peaks on a clear day. Descend through forests of oak and rhododendron into Phobjikha — one of Bhutan's few glacial valleys and the chosen winter home of the black-necked cranes. Walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region.
Gangtey / Punakha
Begin at the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, equipped with telescopes to observe the migrating cranes, before driving to Punakha — the old capital. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Once the capital of Bhutan until 1955, it remains the winter residence of the monk body.
Punakha
Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility perched on a hillock amid paddy fields, where couples seeking children come to pray. Continue to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, a nunnery perched on a ridge amid pines overlooking the Punakha and Wangdue valleys, housing a 14-foot bronze Avalokiteshvara — one of the largest in the country and the handiwork of entirely local artisans.
Punakha / Paro — Tiger's Nest
Excursion to Taktsang Monastery — the Tiger's Nest — perched on a sheer cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have arrived on the back of a tigress. This sacred site, restored to its original splendour after a 1998 fire, is visited by every Bhutanese at least once in a lifetime. Continue to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Paro / Depart
After an early breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward flight. Our representative assists with exit formalities and bids you farewell from the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Bhutan in Motion
Swipe to explore →
Journey Line
Follow the path from start to finish — each stop along your adventure.
Designed Around You
This featured journey is an example rather than a fixed package. Adventure International can adjust every element to match how you want to experience Bhutan.
Your Bhutan Story Starts Here
From the cliff-perched Tiger's Nest to the snows of sacred Chomolhari, we will design a private journey shaped around how you want to experience the Last Shangri-La.