The Happiness Tour
A deeper journey into the heart of the kingdom: from the western valleys to glacial Phobjikha and the spiritual heartland of Bumthang.
Named for the idea at the centre of Bhutanese life, this journey travels beyond the west into the kingdom's heartland. Glacial valleys, crane country, the great dzong of Trongsa and the ancient temples of Bumthang reveal a Bhutan few visitors ever see.
The long, scenic drives over high passes are part of the pleasure, broken by village stops, butter tea and the kind of conversations that make a journey.
Highlights
- Gangtey Goenpa and the Phobjikha valley
- Trongsa Dzong, ancestral seat of the royal family
- Bumthang's Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhangs
- Punakha Dzong and Dochula pass
- The Tiger's Nest hike
Day by day
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Day 1
Arrive in Paro
Your guide meets you at the airport. Visit Rinpung Dzong and stroll Paro's main street before dinner.
Rinpung Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 2
Paro to Thimphu
Stop at Kyichu Lhakhang on the way to the capital. In Thimphu, visit the Memorial Chorten, the giant Buddha Dordenma overlooking the valley, and Tashichho Dzong.
Tashichho Dzong · Photo: Christopher J. Fynn, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha
Cross Dochula pass and descend to Punakha. Explore Punakha Dzong in the afternoon light.
Dochula · Photo: David Broad, CC BY 3.0 -
Day 4
Punakha to Gangtey
Drive into the wide glacial valley of Phobjikha. Visit Gangtey Goenpa, a 17th-century monastery, and walk the Gangtey nature trail through pine forest and meadow. In winter the valley is home to black-necked cranes.
Gangtey Goenpa · Photo: Prof. Mortel, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 5
Gangtey to Bumthang
A long, beautiful drive over Pele La (3,390 m) to Trongsa, where the vast dzong commands the valley, then on over Yotong La into Bumthang.
Trongsa Dzong · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 6
Bumthang
Explore Jambay Lhakhang, founded in the 7th century, Kurjey Lhakhang with its sacred rock imprint of Guru Rinpoche, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Finish at Jakar Dzong, and taste Bumthang's local cheese and craft beer.
Jambay Lhakhang · Photo: Arian Zwegers from Brussels, Belgium, CC BY 2.0 -
Day 7
Bumthang to Paro
Take the short domestic flight back to Paro (schedule permitting; otherwise we break the journey by road). Afternoon at leisure.
Paro valley · Photo: Doctor 17, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 8
The Tiger's Nest
Hike to Paro Taktsang, then celebrate with a farewell dinner in a Paro farmhouse.
Paro Taktsang · Photo: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA 4.0 -
Day 9
Depart
Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight.
Paro International Airport · Photo: Vinayaraj, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included on this journey
More journeys
Classic Western Bhutan
Bhutan's essential first journey: cliffside monasteries, the capital's living culture and the great dzong of Punakha, at an unhurried pace.
Hidden Haa & the Western Valleys
A quieter West: over one of Bhutan's highest road passes into Haa, a valley that only opened to visitors in 2002.
Grand Bhutan: West to East
The whole kingdom, end to end: from Paro's cliffs to the rarely visited east, exiting overland to India.
Make it yours.
Tell us your dates and wishes, and we'll tailor this journey around you.
- Private & tailor-made
- Licensed by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism
- Every enquiry answered personally