Example Itinerary

Pilgrim's Valley Trek

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Trekking, Spirituality
Destinations
Bhutan

This unforgettable journey allows you to combine luxury travel with trekking, in an easy-to-moderate trek itinerary that showcases Bhutan's inherent rural charms. The western and central regions of Bhutan form the country's cultural heartland, and is where Buddhism first got its foothold. During this trip, you’ll travel from sacred sites in Paro to Bumthang, through the capital of Thimphu and the imposing settlement of Trongsa, with the opportunity to join one of Bhutan's many Buddhist festivals along the way.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Wangdue Phodrang Town: This small town sits at the crossroads of three major highways and offers respite to travelers in its wooden houses. Nearby are several sacred sites including Landra Nye where the Guru Rinpoche meditated, and Chimme Lhakhang dedicated to the Mad Monk.
  • Trongsa Dzong: The largest dzong fortress in Bhutan, Trongsa Dzong sits in the middle of the country overlooking a gorge. It houses 200 monks and is prints most of Bhutan's religious text.
  • Tang Valley: This isolated valley in Bumthang district rewards visitors with trekking trails through carpets of flower fields and over rivers. Stop at Ogyen Choling, a former palace that is both a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists and a museum providing insight into historical Bhutanese life.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Paro

Arrive in the beautiful village of Paro, nestled in between soaring mountain peaks and alpine forest. Spend time enjoying the fresh mountain air and acclimatizing to the altitude in preparation for your onward journey.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Spa: The Aman spa contains private saunas, steam rooms, a yoga studio and private treatment rooms with showers and outdoor stone baths.

Accommodation: The hotel has just 24 select suites featuring traditional Bhutanese wood-burning stoves and generous terrazzo-clad baths.

Location: The resort overlooks a 17th century Drukyel Dzong and snow-capped Mt. Jumolhari.

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Amankora Paro Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The resort is located in the beautiful natural wilderness of the Paro Valley, local activities include camping, trekking, walking, biking and trips to local festivals, monasteries, markets and museums.

Cuisine: Guests may choose from authentic Bhutanese or Indian food cooked in a charcoal tandoor oven.

Peace: The resort hosts yoga courses throughout the year and the spa offers Ayurvedic treatments from trained therapists.

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COMO Uma Bhutan Paro Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Forest-covered mountains, tiny villages and terraced crop fields, valley rivers and rich history. One of the most scenic locations in Bhutan, Six Senses Paro is perched at an altitude of 2,250 meters, putting the spotlight on its epic views.

Sustainability: Six Senses Paro is committed to low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community - befitting Bhutan, the world's only carbon-negative country.

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Six Senses Paro Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Paro

Today you will hike towards the Tiger’s Nest monastery - the famous Taktsang Temple. This is one of Bhutan’s most treasured and visited sites, clinging to the cliff face above Paro Valley, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Spend the night in Paro and  perhaps book a massage at the luxury spa at your lodge.

Paro
Paro

Day 3

Thimphu

It’s time for a cultural excursion today, as you visit Bhutan’s National Museum - the Ta Dzong Museum in Paro. You have the option today to hike to the 14th century Zuri Temple, a leisurely 30 minute walk away from the museum. Today you’ll also visit traditional Bhutanese handicraft workshops and the National Library before heading to Thimphu.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: The resort has a relaxed pace of life, residing in a pine forest in the upper Thimphu Valley away from the lively Bhutanese capital.

Location: The resort is an ideal retreat from the capital city of Thimphu, yet within easy reach to the city’s main attractions.

Library: In the evenings guests may get cozy with a hot drink or glass of wine in the on-site library which boasts a collection of literature on Bhutanese culture and art.

See Hotel
Amankora Thimphu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Secluded between apple orchards and young pine forest, Six Senses Thimphu is a "Palace in the Sky," perched 2,650 meters up in the hillside. From here, you can peer down at Thimphu Valley and across to the giant Buddha, but you're still close to all of the capital's main attractions.

Sustainability: Fitting with the other Six Senses' Bhutan properties and Bhutan's reputation as the world's only carbon-negative country, Six Senses Thimphu aims to have a low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community.

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Six Senses Thimphu Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Mendegang

Your destination for today is Mendegang, traveling 2 hours along the Dochu La Pass, which offers spectacular mountain views. In Mendegang, you will check into a cozy hillside guesthouse for the night, enjoying the serenity of the mountains, authentic local cuisine and the warm hospitality of the locals.

Hotel Options
About

In order to pursue a full immersion into the majesty of Himalayan culture and its sweeping, dynamic landscapes, one must venture away from the beaten path. Home to several remote guesthouses scattered amidst the country’s most rural corners, Bhutan offers ample opportunity for accommodation perfectly suited for travelers seeking to escape into untouched territory.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 5

Trongsa

Today, you’ll make your way to Trongsa via Pele La pass. On the way, you will pass through and Wangdue Phodrang town, where you’ll see its beautiful 16th century temple of the same name, a revered Bhutanese site. After that, it’s onward to Chendebji Chorten, around 40 km outside of Trongsa, where you will spend the night at one of the quaintly-decorated resorts such as the Raven Crown Resort or the Yangkhil Resort.

Hotel Options
About

Raven Crown Resort stands in a mountainous area on the outskirts of Trongsa Town. The hotel overlooks the entire Trongsa valley including the Trongsa Dzong and the Ta-Dzong.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The three-star boutique Yangkhil Resort is the best in Trongsa and has just 21 rooms, all equipped with full bathroom, central heating and large windows and/or private balconies overlooking Trongsa Dzong, rice fields and small farmhouses. The resort is comprised of a cluster of buildings painted with traditional Bhutanese motifs and built on a hillside.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Trongsa
Trongsa

Day 6

Bumthang

Trongsa Ta Dzong is the largest dzong in Bhutan, and you’ll get the chance to explore it today, as well as speak with a local statue sculptor. After that, you’ll move on to Bumthang, one of the most religious Bhutanese sites, surrounded by ancient temples. This beautiful area is protected and aside from seeing historic sacred sites, you might even spot the black-necked crane. Bed down in Bumthang for the evening.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Bumthang is one of the most remote, least visited parts of Bhutan –known as the spiritual hub of Bhutan and steeped in folklore and stories- providing a unique and authentic visitor experience.

Décor: The 16 guest suites balance Bhutanese flair and contemporary luxury, each suite is centered around a traditional bukhari wood-burning stove.

View: The resort looks out towards the crumbling Wandichholing Palace the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy in Jakar in the Choekhor valley.

See Hotel
Amankora Bumthang Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: For harmony with nature, the lodge is hard to beat. It serves as an ideal base from which to explore nature and to experience a peaceful part of the planet that relatively few people have explored.

Generous Accommodations: Beautifully appointed and spacious suites wholly complement and meld with lush forest surroundings. For even more roominess, the two-bedroom villa provides all the space you need to breathe, stretch out and unwind.

Sustainability: Six Senses Bumthang is committed to low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community - befitting Bhutan, the world's only carbon-negative country.

See Hotel
Six Senses Bumthang Preferred Hotel

Day 7

Bumthang

Bumthang is the most historic area of Bhutan and today you have an entire day to explore the valley and its many sacred sites. Hike through woodland, see the Red Panda Brewery, visit Jakar town, see Tamshing Lhukhang, the country’s most important Nyingmapa temple, or Kurjey Monastery, where the first three Bhutanese kings lie. 

Day 8

Choekhor Valley

After visiting the Kurje temple complex, you’ll begin the trekking segment of the itinerary. Your destination today is Ngang Lhakhang, a private Buddhist monastery built in the 16th century, also called Swan Temple. On the way, you’ll pass Thangbi Temple, one of Bumthang’s most historically significant temples. You will spend tonight at a guesthouse next to Ngang Lhakhang.

Hotel Options
About

In order to pursue a full immersion into the majesty of Himalayan culture and its sweeping, dynamic landscapes, one must venture away from the beaten path. Home to several remote guesthouses scattered amidst the country’s most rural corners, Bhutan offers ample opportunity for accommodation perfectly suited for travelers seeking to escape into untouched territory.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Choekhor Valley
Choekhor Valley

Day 9

Tang Valley

Today you will cross the high-altitude Pepe La Pass at 11,647 feet, marked by a stone chorten and colorful prayer flags. From there, it’s a two- to three-hour descent into Tang Valley, where verdant green fields are home to grazing cattle. Tonight, set up camp at Meadow Camp.

Hotel Options
About

Enjoy close commune with nature by setting up camp in the great outdoors as part of a Bhutanese Himalayan trek. Surrounded by forests, travelers fall asleep under the stars and wake up to glorious mountain views each morning – campsites really allow travelers to connect with their environment and enjoy the serenity of the Himalayas.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 10

Tang Valley

Continue your exploration of Tang Valley and witness Ogyen Choling Palace Museum. The palace museum features intricately-designed lattice woodwork and stained glass windows, with brightly-colored frescoes and prayers painted on the walls. You’ll spend the night here in this picturesque and friendly mountain village, and have the chance to meet the renowned yatha weavers. Stay at a guesthouse or camp. 

Day 11

Bumthang

Push onwards further down Tang Valley, past Tang Rimochen Temple on the west bank of the river Tang Chu. The revered Guru Ripoche was said to have meditated here, leaving footprints. The temple itself was founded in the 14th century and around it, many sacred sites can be found. One of these is the “burning lake” - Membartsho. This is actually a pool in the gorge of the Tang Chu river where Pema Lingpa, a famous Buddhist saint is said to have retrieved sacred treasures. Return to Bumthang to retire.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Bumthang is one of the most remote, least visited parts of Bhutan –known as the spiritual hub of Bhutan and steeped in folklore and stories- providing a unique and authentic visitor experience.

Décor: The 16 guest suites balance Bhutanese flair and contemporary luxury, each suite is centered around a traditional bukhari wood-burning stove.

View: The resort looks out towards the crumbling Wandichholing Palace the birthplace of Bhutan’s monarchy in Jakar in the Choekhor valley.

See Hotel
Amankora Bumthang Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: For harmony with nature, the lodge is hard to beat. It serves as an ideal base from which to explore nature and to experience a peaceful part of the planet that relatively few people have explored.

Generous Accommodations: Beautifully appointed and spacious suites wholly complement and meld with lush forest surroundings. For even more roominess, the two-bedroom villa provides all the space you need to breathe, stretch out and unwind.

Sustainability: Six Senses Bumthang is committed to low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community - befitting Bhutan, the world's only carbon-negative country.

See Hotel
Six Senses Bumthang Preferred Hotel
Bumthang
Bumthang

Day 12

Trongsa

Bumthang and Trongsa are intriguing Bhutanese destinations and today you have the day to explore them independently. The 16th century Trongsa is the ancestral home of the royal family, and here you can go visit the palace, or just go hiking along the Mangdu-Chu river. In the evening, try a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at Raven Crown Resort or enjoy views of the Trongsa Dzong from your room in the Yangkhil Resort.

Hotel Options
About

Raven Crown Resort stands in a mountainous area on the outskirts of Trongsa Town. The hotel overlooks the entire Trongsa valley including the Trongsa Dzong and the Ta-Dzong.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The three-star boutique Yangkhil Resort is the best in Trongsa and has just 21 rooms, all equipped with full bathroom, central heating and large windows and/or private balconies overlooking Trongsa Dzong, rice fields and small farmhouses. The resort is comprised of a cluster of buildings painted with traditional Bhutanese motifs and built on a hillside.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 13

Thimphu

Today you head back to Thimphu on one of the final legs of your journey. Now’s your chance to spend some leisure time in the capital, whether that’s exploring the city by bicycle, visiting a local orphanage or relaxing in the botanical gardens. Subject to their availability, you can have dinner with a local parliamentarian and hear first-hand the plight of contemporary Bhutan. 

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Tranquility: The resort has a relaxed pace of life, residing in a pine forest in the upper Thimphu Valley away from the lively Bhutanese capital.

Location: The resort is an ideal retreat from the capital city of Thimphu, yet within easy reach to the city’s main attractions.

Library: In the evenings guests may get cozy with a hot drink or glass of wine in the on-site library which boasts a collection of literature on Bhutanese culture and art.

See Hotel
Amankora Thimphu Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: Secluded between apple orchards and young pine forest, Six Senses Thimphu is a "Palace in the Sky," perched 2,650 meters up in the hillside. From here, you can peer down at Thimphu Valley and across to the giant Buddha, but you're still close to all of the capital's main attractions.

Sustainability: Fitting with the other Six Senses' Bhutan properties and Bhutan's reputation as the world's only carbon-negative country, Six Senses Thimphu aims to have a low impact on the environment and wildlife, and a positive impact on the local community.

See Hotel
Six Senses Thimphu Preferred Hotel

Day 14

Departure

On your final day of your journey, you’ll return to Paro, where you can continue your onwards or stay to enjoy the city’s cultural sites. Paro is home to the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels” - a temple that houses shrines to various deities. You can also take part in Himalayan singing bowl meditation or revisit the Tiger’s Nest monastery before concluding your tour.

Why Remote Lands?

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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