Mystic Dragon Odyssey: 6 Nights 7 Days with Manifest Bhutan Expeditions

Touch down at Paro International Airport, where Manifest Bhutan Expeditions welcomes you with a traditional khadar amidst the majestic Himalayas. Embark on a scenic 1-hour drive (65 km) to Thimphu, winding through lush valleys dotted with traditional villages. Stop at a riverside viewpoint to capture the serene Paro River and learn about Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy from your expert guide. Check into a luxurious boutique hotel in Thimphu (2400m), where you’ll unwind in elegant comfort. Savor a welcome dinner at a local eatery, indulging in ema datshi and red rice, paired with insights into Bhutanese culinary traditions. In the evening, stroll Thimphu’s vibrant streets or relax at a cozy café, sipping suja (butter tea).

Overnight in Thimphu.

Awaken to Thimphu’s crisp air and a sumptuous breakfast. Dive into the capital’s cultural riches, starting with the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, its golden visage overlooking the valley. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, where locals circumambulate in quiet devotion, and Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple offering blessings and panoramic views. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum to glimpse traditional Bhutanese life and the Textile Museum, showcasing intricate weaves. Enjoy a lunch of momos and phaksha paa at a charming restaurant with valley vistas. In the afternoon, marvel at Tashichho Dzong, a fortress-monastery housing Bhutan’s government, and visit the Takin Preserve to see the national animal. Try on a gho or kira for photos and light a butter lamp at a temple. Dine on Bhutanese delicacies, reflecting on the day’s cultural tapestry.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a 5-hour drive to Gangtey’s Phobjikha Valley, a glacial haven framed by the Black Mountains. Pause at Dochula Pass (3100m), where 108 chortens stand sentinel against a Himalayan backdrop, perfect for photography. Descend through verdant forests and terraced fields, stopping in Wangdue Phodrang to admire its historic dzong overlooking the Punakha River. Enjoy a riverside lunch of Bhutanese specialties, surrounded by nature’s splendor. Arrive in Phobjikha, a sanctuary for black-necked cranes, and check into a cozy homestay. Stroll through quaint villages, meeting locals who share tales of crane migrations. Prepare a traditional dinner with your hosts, crafting dishes like buckwheat noodles. Unwind under starry skies, enveloped by the valley’s serenity.

Overnight in Gangtey, 3000m.

Savor a farm-fresh breakfast before a 3-hour drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. Revisit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, exploring its courtyards and murals. Arrive in Punakha (1350m) and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a 1637 masterpiece at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers, its intricate woodwork glowing in the sunlight. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river, savoring local flavors. Trek to Chimi Lhakhang, the “Fertility Temple,” through Mesina’s rice fields, learning about its quirky legacy tied to Drukpa Kunley. Check into a luxurious riverside homestay, where you’ll cook mushroom datshi with your hosts, sharing laughter over a candlelit dinner. Relax by the riverbank, lulled by its gentle flow.

Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, journey 4 hours to Paro, retracing the route via Dochula Pass for another glimpse of Himalayan peaks. Stop for a gourmet lunch at a scenic café, savoring Bhutanese and international fusion dishes. Arrive in Paro (2280m) and check into a charming homestay nestled in the valley. Visit Rinpung Dzong, Paro’s “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” its vibrant frescoes narrating Bhutanese lore. Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple radiating spiritual calm, and browse the National Museum’s artifacts in a historic watchtower. In the evening, join your hosts to prepare a farewell feast, perhaps featuring ara-infused dishes. Wander Paro’s quaint streets, soaking in its timeless charm.

Overnight in Paro.

Rise early for a hearty breakfast, fueling up for the iconic 4km hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched at 3120m. Guided by your expert, ascend through pine forests (2 hours), pausing at a cafeteria for tea with cliffside views. Explore the monastery’s sacred caves, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, feeling its profound energy. Descend and enjoy a packed lunch at the trailhead. In the afternoon, engage in a cultural workshop at Manifest Bhutan’s center, trying archery or crafting prayer flags—complimentary for guests. Visit a local market for handwoven textiles or carved masks. Dine at your homestay, savoring a Bhutanese banquet under starlit skies, toasting to your journey.

Overnight in Paro.

Savor a final breakfast, reflecting on your odyssey through Bhutan’s mystical landscapes. Pack and transfer 20 minutes to Paro International Airport, where your guide ensures a smooth check-in. As you board your flight, gaze at the Himalayas one last time, carrying the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality, the serenity of its valleys, and the spirit of its sacred sites. Manifest Bhutan Expeditions bids you farewell, inviting you to return to the Land of the Thunder Dragon.