Taksang Monastery in the Bhutan mountains.

Bhutan Odyssey

Mystical Eastern Bhutan

November 28 - December 13, 2025

Embark on a cultural journey across Bhutan, where you'll be immersed in the spiritual and cultural richness of this Himalayan kingdom. Experience the vibrant 3-day Buddhist festival of sacred mask dances and traditional folk songs in the remote village of Trashigang, once a bustling center of trade with Tibet. Marvel at stunning views of Himalayan peaks and lush forests, and engage with local artisans in weaving, bamboo crafts, and traditional pottery.

Highlights

  • Mindful Travel
    Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world with 70% of it covered with trees. It was recently elevated to "developing country status" by the UN. I would like for us to remain mindful and cultivate wisdom as we travel through this remote area of the world. They model sustainability and compassion for others. Engage with local people. Your journey will be slow and long but filled with flexibility and open to spontaneity.
  • Trashigang Tshechu(festival)
    Bhutan’s festivals are performed to honor Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to the country in the 7th century. The three day ancient festival draws in many people from small mountain villages, including the nomadic Brokpas who have a unique clothing style. Sacred mask dances are performed apart from other traditional folk music and dances.
  • Taktsang Monastery
    A very beautiful hike to the iconic and sacred Taktsang or Tiger's Nest, perched dramatically on a cliffside overlooking the valley below. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated on the cliff where the monastery was built.
  • Local Artisans
    Learn about local artisans very fine expertise in weaving, bamboo crafts and traditional pottery.
  • Delve into Buddhist Heritage
    Learn more about Buddhist history at pilgrimage sites and monasteries. Marvel at the ancient wall paintings.

Cost

Price: $7950, based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available at an additional cost: $800.

Contact us if interested. A deposit of $1000 will hold your place. Final payment due 3 months before departure. Credit cards are accepted

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Activity Level

Moderate activity level. We walk 2-6 miles a day, typically over uneven surfaces. Taktsang Monastery hike is from 7300 ft to 10,000 ft. Please wear comfortable walking or hiking shoes with a good grip. Walking poles might be helpful

Odyssey Includes

  • * 15 nights comfortable lodging
  • * Land transportaion in an air-conditioned vehicle.
  • * Airline transportation from Paro to Trashigang (45 minute flight)
  • * All meals - B,L,D. Unlimited bottled mineral water, if needed.
  • * Expert bilingual guides, BBO staff
  • * Entrance fees
  • * Visa fee
  • * Tips for guide and driver

What is not included

  • * Round trip airfare from a connecting city, such as Delhi or Bangkok, to Paro, Bhutan is not included in the above cost. There are 2 airlines that fly in and out of Paro; Druk Air or Bhutan Air. Our Bhutan travel provider must arrange this flight for you. I will invoice you for payment on this separately. More information will be given to you at the time of registration.
  • * Medical travel insurance that includes covering you for a minimum of $200,000 evacuation and repatriation coverage, inculding personal injury and all forms of medical expense os required. Proof of insurance is required.
  • * Beverages other than water and tea
  • * meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Itinerary

During the flight to Paro, you will marvel at the renowned Himalayan peaks and then descend through the Bhutanese foothills for a thrilling landing in Paro. You will be greeted by our guide. Paro has authentic handicraft shops and small restaurants that can be explored before we conclude our day. Overnight Paro, altitude 7000 ft

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Paro airport for your flight to Trashigang, a far eastern district in Bhutan. On arrival, we will be taken to our hotel, driving past the country’s oldest and first college, Sherubtse College. Overnight in Trashigang, altitude 4600 ft

Bhutan’s festivals are performed to honor Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to the country in the 7th century. The Trashigang festival is one of the biggest festivals in eastern Bhutan and draws in many people from small mountain villages. A nomadic community called the Brokpas has a unique dress and appearance. Sacred mask dances are performed apart from other traditional folk songs and dances. The highlight of the 3-day festival is the unfurling of a large tapestry, the thongdrel, of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche. Overnight Trashigang

In the morning, we will be witnessing the festival, but after lunch, we will take an excursion to Trashigangtse to see Drametse Goemba, the biggest and most important monastery in eastern Bhutan, founded in 1511 by Ani Choten Zangmo, the grand-daughter of the Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa, 1450-1521. Overnight in Trashigang

The road approaching Mongar is one of the most spectacular journeys in the country, passing over sheer cliffs, beautiful fir forests, and green pastures. Overnight Mongar, altitute 5500 ft

Day excursion to Lhuentse, 2 hrs, the ancestral home of the Bhutan’s royal family. This region is famous for its bamboo basket and silk brocade dress. Gangzur village is very small, 2km from Lhuentse, and is known for its earthen pottery. Overnight in Mongar

We will have a spectacular drive over the highest mountain pass in the country, Thrumshingla, 12,000 ft. We will visit Ura Village, one of the oldest villages of Bhutan. You will have the opportunity to meet local people, have tea, and talk to them. The people here still practice a semi-nomadic lifestyle herding yaks and sheep. Overnight in Bumthang, altitude 9000 ft

Bumthang is the religious heartland and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Jakar Dzong overlooks the town. Jampay Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by Songtsen Gong of Tibet and is one of the oldest temples in the country. It also has beautiful artistic works. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery offers the amazing experience of seeing monks chant the mantras. Overnight in Bumthang

You will continue to see Himalayan scenery as we go over several passes. Gangtey is home to the monogamous Black-necked Cranes, who return at the beginning of each winter to Gangtey from the Tibetan Plateau. With a lifespan of 80 years, they symbolize longevity for the Bhutanese. The Gangtey Nature Trail is a lovely 2-hour walk through beautiful villages and monasteries. The Black-necked Crane Information Centre has an observation room with telescopes for spotting the cranes. Overnight in Gangtey, an altitude of 9500 ft

The Punakha Dzong was built in 1637, called also the Palace of Great Happiness. Punakha is still the winter residence of the religious head of Bhutan. The Dzong is located between the meeting point of two rivers and is very photogenic. The Punakha Suspension Bridge is one of the longest in Bhutan and connects to numerous villages which we will visit, stop in traditional shops, and get an authentic view of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha, an altitude of 4300 ft

We will stop at the Chimi Lhakhang, known as the temple of fertility. We drive over the spectacular Dochua Pass with 180 views of the Himalayan mountain range. After checking into the hotel, you are free to walk around the town, shop at handicraft stores, etc It is the only city in the world without traffic lights. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude of 7700 ft

Thimphu is the center of commerce, religion, and government for Bhutan. There are many restaurants. The Buddha Dordemna, is a 51.5 meter high statue and one of the biggest in the world, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. There can be visits to the Folk Heritage Museum, an Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar, a Handicraft Emporium, and a Farmers Market. Overnight Thimphu

A visit to the peaceful Zilukha Nunnery where Buddhist nuns practice. Later, a visit to the Memorial Chorten, a sacred site and gathering place for locals to pray and spin prayer wheels. After lunch, you will visit the Takin Preserve. The mysterious Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and is only found there. Overnight Thimphu

The Paro region has many fertile rice fields and a lovely river meandering down the valley. You will see the Rinpung Dzong, one of the best in Bhutanese architecture and known as “Forest on a Heap of Jewels.” The National Museum of Paro, built in 1649, has the best collection of historical items. Overnight in Paro

You are now well acclimated to the altitude for our walk to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the most iconic landmark and religious site in Bhutan. Paro is approximately 7000 ft and Taktsang is at 10,000 ft. This beautiful hike is approximately 5-6 hours. Overnight in Paro

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