CENTRAL& EASTERN BHUTAn ADVENTURE
Immediately following our fall 2026 Bhutan journey we are again offering a journey to little visited central Bhutan. Despite the small size of Bhutan, the different regions offer dramatically different scenery, so what you will observe and experience on this journey gives the impression you have entered another country. We begin with a short flight to Bumthang in central Bhutan, and here we stay 2 nights in an ancient manor house, Ogyen Chholing, built in 1898 by a noble family who still own the property, however much of the remarkable property has been turned into a museum and hotel. Not only is Ogyen Chholing gorgeous, but its location is also amazing, in the secluded and spiritual Tang Valley. Those who have the opportunity to stay here describe it as one of the high points of their Bhutan visit. From the Tang Valley we travel by vehicle to Yong Klola, to spend the night at Trogon Villa. Trogons are beautiful tropical birds, common in this part of Bhutan and the villa was built for birdwatchers, but has such a beautiful location and comfortable feel to it, we want our guests to experience the scenery, vibe and great food it has to offer. The drive fro Bumthang to Yong Khola is impressive, a roller coaster of a ride, over high passes and plunging into remote tropical valleys, all on paved road. Next we have a short drive to the town of Mongar, while tiny it's one of the biggest towns in eastern Bhutan, with a pleasant and friendly wild west feel to it. Our next drive takes us to Lhuentse, the ancestral home of the Royal Family and the Dzong in Lhuentse is considered one of the most picturesque in all Bhutan. More interesting than Lhuentse to many is the small nearby village of Khoma, the weavers here are the most famous in Bhutan for their intricate and beautiful patterns, here you can talk with the weavers and observe the process of creating these works off art. We will base ourselves in the small riverside village of Autsho for 2 nights, and make our daily excursions from here. Next stop is a drive back to Bumthang, and the next morning we fly back to Paro. One night in Paro and then onward to your next destination.
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: TUESDAY, Oct 6
Arrival in Bhutan
Arrive Paro and check into hotel, and then we go into Paro town to explore this small but important and interesting town. Enjoy your first Bhutanese meal in one of our favorite restaurants. Afternoon drive to the end of Paro Valley to visit the ancient Drukyel Dzong (fortified monastery). Welcome dinner at hotel.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
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(Lunch,Dinner)
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, Oct 7
Flight to Bumthang
Located in central Bhutan, Bhutanese often refer to Bumthang as their cultural heartland. Formerly a 7-hour drive, the introduction of air service has reduced the time to a 30 minute flight, which provides remarkable views of Bhutan's mountainous terrain. Bumthang region encompasses a series of valleys, and the most secluded, spiritual and beautiful is the Tang Valley, home to the ancient manor house; Ogyen Chholing. Now still the residence of the original aristocratic family, it is also a museum and hotel. This magnificent property will be our home the next 2 nights.
Overnight at Ogyen Chholing Manor.
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(B,L,D)
DAY 3: THURSDAY, Oct 8
Ogyen Chholing and the Tang Valley
The ancient manor house of Ogyen Chholing is one of the very few such places in Bhutan, and what makes it even more special is that it has been restored to its full glory. Spending 2 nights here, and taking hikes in the surrounding and stunning Tang Valley will provide you with a glimpse into the life of Bhutan in past times. Relax, explore the museum, we will take some hikes and in general feel as though you have been transported back into time a century ago (but with all the amenities of today).
Overnight at Ogyen Chholing Manor.
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(B,L,D)
DAY 4: FRIDAY, Oct 9
Drive to Yong Khola
The old adage 'it's not the destination, it's the journey,' certainly applies to the ride from Bumthang to Yong Khola. In 6-hours we traverse some of the most stunning scenery anywhere, as we ascend and descend the mountains with their every changing scenery and vegetation. The road is paved, making the drive comfortable, and the jaw dropping vistas have left other guests speechless as they gawk at this most fascinating landscapes. Late afternoon we arrive in the small village of Yong Khola, site of the delightful Trogon Villa, one one of the new and highly acclaimed hotels in this part of Bhutan. The tropical region is rich in bird life, while the area is gorgeous and a late afternoon hike will help whet your appetite for a delicious dinner.
Overnight at Trogon Villa
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(B,L,D)
DAY 5: SATURDAY, Oct 10
Yong Khola to Mongar
A short drive today takes us to Mongar, a small town but one of the largest in central/eastern Bhutan. Mongar has a pleasant and friendly wild west feel to it and the surrounding area is beautiful and we can hike or drive into the forest to see some of the ancient temples and chortens now largely in ruins, but still very picturesque and atmospheric.
Overnight in Wangchuk Hotel.
(B,L,D)
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DAY 6: SUNDAY, Oct 11
Mongar to Lhuentse
From Mongar to Lhuentse is a 2.5-hour drive, the town of Lhuentse is the seldom visited ancestral home of the Royal Family. The principal sight is the ancient Dzong, often considered to be of the most picturesque of all these fortified monasteries. It is unlikely we will encounter any other visitors, so will just talk to the monks and civil servants who make this their home and work place. After visiting the Dzong it's a short drive to the small village of Khoma. About 30 households make up Khoma, and all the village women are famed weavers, creating some of the most sought after and expensive kushutara weavings, some of the most intricate and beautiful of all Bhutanese textiles. You can observe the women at work on their back strap looms, ask them questions, take photographs and purchase their wares. The remote village is located in a beautiful green hilly setting, only adding to the magic of the experience. We then return to the idyllic riverside town of Autsho, where a small resort provides very comfortable lodging and excellent hiking.
Overnight at Phayul Resort.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 7: MONDAY, Oct 12
Explore Autsho and surrounding areas
While Autsho itself is just a tiny village, the surrounding area is beautiful and home to many interesting sights. We will spend the day driving (and walking) to many of these impressive sights. While it's mostly just the beauty of the countryside, there is a newly constructed 45 meter tall statue of Guru Rimpoche, the purpose of which is to bring peace to the world. Late afternoon return to Autsho.
Overnight at Phayul Resort.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 8: TUESDAY, Oct 13
Autsho to Bumthang
We depart after breakfast for the 6-hour drive to Bumthang, on the same impressive road we traversed a few days ago. Enjoy this remarkable drive again, and then arrive late afternoon in Bumthang. Our home tonight will be at the Swiss Guest House, established in 1969 by Swiss Fritz Maurer who responded to an ad the government of Bhutan placed in European newspapers looking for someone to teach Bhutanese how to make European style cheese. Fritz ia a local institution, and in addition to cheese also produces honey and brews a wheat style beer, and runs the bucolic Swiss Guest House.
Overnight at Swiss Guest House.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 9: WEDNESDAY, Oct 14
Flight to Paro
We fly to Paro today, and spend our last full day in Bhutan exploring some of the parts of Paro and the Paro Valley we've not yet seen. Farewell dinner at hotel tonight.
Overnight at Olathang Hotel.
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(B,L,D)
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DAY 10: THURSDAY, Oct 15
Departure
To the airport to catch onward flight.
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(B)
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PRICES & REGISTRATION INFORMATION
(Inclusive of food, non-alcoholic beverages, accommodations, ground transportation, round trip domestic airfare Paro to Bumthang round trip, entrance fees, services of licensed Bhutanese guide and driver, services of USA based trip leader, Bhutanese visa and airport taxes.)
$4750. (Based on double occupancy)
$5150. (Based on single occupancy)
NOTE: International airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages with meals, laundry, souvenirs, items of a personal nature and travel insurance are NOT included.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE
Bhutan is accessed most easily from Bangkok, Thailand from where there are daily flights. Flights always depart in the early morning and participants should give themselves at least 24-hour layover in Bangkok in the event flight to Bangkok is delayed. Fares are subject to change without notice.
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $980. ROUND TRIP, economy class
BANGKOK-PARO, BHUTAN-BANGKOK, $1390. ROUND TRIP, business class
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Flights are with DRUKAIR, ROYAL BHUTAN AIRLINES, operating Airbus 319 jets.