Bhutan, a mysterious kingdom nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is no ordinary place. Here, chilies make up whole dishes, the rice is red and you get fined for not wearing your national dress.
A fascinating land heavy with deep mythology, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls of houses and ancient traditions and modern complexes intertwine seamlessly. It is a country of surprises terraced by lush rice paddies, pine forests and dotted with sparkling mountain lakes.
Bhutan is one of the most untouched kingdoms on our planet, with the doors open to only a small number of travellers each year. Now is your chance to mingle amongst the elders chewing on red beetle nut, the creak and whirr of spinning prayer wheels and the flap of fluttering prayer flags, your senses are overloaded. Bhutan will truly encapsulate you.
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Signature Tour 
Welcome to Bhutan! Nestled in the tranquil Paro Valley at 2,280m, your journey into the Land of the Thunder Dragon begins. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, depending on your flight schedule, explore the imposing Rinpung Dzong, an outstanding example of Bhutanese architecture. Nearby lies the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the kingdom’s oldest and most sacred shrines. If time permits, visit Dumtse Lhakhang, built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the famous iron bridge builder. Later, enjoy a gentle stroll around Paro town as you begin to soak in the serene pace and culture of Bhutan. (D)
Overnight – Olathang Cottages or similar
Transfer to the airport this morning for your domestic flight to Yonphula. On arrival, meet your driver and travel to Trashigang, the gateway to eastern Bhutan. En route, visit Draktsho East – a pioneering centre dedicated to the vocational training of youth with disabilities in Rongthung. This initiative is a beacon of empowerment in eastern Bhutan.
Upon reaching Trashigang, explore the historic Trashigang Dzong, perched above the confluence of two rivers. Once the administrative heart of eastern Bhutan, this fortress has long stood as a symbol of power and spirituality. This evening, if possible, enjoy dinner with the former Home Affairs Minister of Bhutan, now the owner of Lingkhar Lodge. His insights into Bhutan’s history and governance promise a truly unique introduction to the region. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Lingkhar Lodge or similar
This morning you will journey to Merak Village, approx. 3hrs. Merak is home to the nomadic Brokpas who can be easily spotted as they wear different costumes unlike other Bhutanese. Most distinct is their black felt hat with five fringes protruding from it known as tsipee cham woven from yak hair. The fringes help them as gutters for the rainwater and the hat serves as a cushion on their head, while carrying heavy loads. They also wear a vest made of deerskin or yak calf hide with the furs intact to provide warmth.
Pause en route at Rangjung Woesel Choling Monastery, before continuing on to meet the Brokpa people – a semi-nomadic community famed for their yak-herding heritage and striking traditional attire.
Here, be welcomed by your local host, who will guide you through his home village and share stories of Brokpa culture and personal life as a lay monk. In the evening, gather around the hearth as Brokpa women perform traditional songs and dances, serving Ara (locally distilled rice wine) and tea. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Family Farm House or similar
Following breakfast, witness the sacred Yak Dance – a ritual homage to the Brokpa’s most treasured animal, accompanied by ancient legends and chants for protection and prosperity. Continue your journey westward to Trashiyangtse (approx. 5hrs). Depending on road conditions, your route may pass through Bartsham and Ramjar – small hamlets steeped in rural life.
Arriving in Trashiyangtse, nestled at 1,700m, you’ll be introduced to this quiet town revered for Chorten Kora, its spiritual centre modelled after Nepal’s Boudhanath Stupa, and known for traditional woodturning and handmade paper. Few travellers venture this far east – making your visit a rare privilege. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Karmaling or similar
Today, immerse yourself in Bhutanese village life. Choose from a variety of hands-on experiences – join farmers in making Ara or local cheese, learn the art of butter churning, or take a guided village walk. Observe elders in meditation at Chorten Kora and watch as they offer butter lamps, a symbolic gesture of enlightenment. The day is yours to deepen your connection with this tranquil, rarely visited region. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Tashi Yangtse (basic accommodation) or similar
Depart for Lhuntse with a full day of driving (approximately 6 hrs). En route, visit Gom Kora, a sacred site associated with Guru Rinpoche, where meditation caves and relics remain.
Continue to Mongar for a short walk through town, known for its traditional textiles and its role within the historic Kheng region. Proceed to Khoma village in Lhuntse, recognised for its intricate weaving traditions and as the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. (B,L,D)
Overnight Khoma Homestay or similar
Spend the day exploring Khoma village. Visit local homes to observe traditional weaving techniques. Textiles produced here are highly detailed and can take several months to complete. The village presents a distinct social structure, where men often take on domestic responsibilities to support the weaving economy.
Later, visit Gangzur village, formerly known for pottery production, before continuing to Tangmachu to see the Takila Guru Statue, set on a ridge with wide views across the valley. The site includes a three-storey temple. Return to Khoma for the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight in Khoma Homestay or similar
Depart for Bumthang with a full-day drive of approximately seven hours through changing landscapes and elevations.
En route, visit Ura village, one of the highest settlements in the region, characterised by closely clustered houses and a central temple. Continue to Sumthrang Monastery, a 13th-century site currently under restoration, housing a small collection of religious artefacts.
Arrive in Bumthang, a region of four valleys considered the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, known for its concentration of monasteries and temples.
Later, visit the Red Panda Brewery for a look into local brewing traditions. In the evening, dine at a local farmhouse, with the opportunity to try archery. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Valley Resort or similar
Today, discover Tang – the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys. Visit the mystical Membar Tsho (Burning Lake), one of Bhutan’s holiest pilgrimage sites. Continue to Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, once an aristocratic residence, and delve into Bhutan’s noble heritage. Enjoy a picnic or lunch in the palace courtyard. On your return, visit the Bee Keepers’ Cooperative and Ta Rimochen Lhakhang, said to be imprinted by Guru Rinpoche’s own footsteps. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Valley Resort or similar
Depart Bumthang for Trongsa (2.5hrs), where you’ll explore the majestic Trongsa Dzong – ancestral seat of Bhutan’s royal family. Continue westward to Punakha (4hrs), descending into a lush, subtropical valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, nestled among rice terraces. Browse local produce at Kaja Throm market before retiring for the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Meri Puensem or similar
This morning, visit the regal Punakha Dzong, majestically poised at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Rivers. Journey to Thimphu (3hrs), crossing the panoramic Dochu La Pass (3,050m). Stop for a hot drink and soak in Himalayan views before visiting the grand Buddha Dordenma – housing over 125,000 miniature Buddhas.
Stretch your legs on a walk to the ancient Druk Wangditse Temple overlooking Thimphu Valley, then continue to Paro. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Olathang Cottages or similar
Today it is time to trek to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the ‘Tigers Nest.’ The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 this site has been recognised as a most sacred place. It is said all Bhutanese should visit at least once in their lifetime. On 19th April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
The hike to the monastery can be broken down into stages. The first stage is the trek to the cafeteria (where lunch will be served) which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. This leg of the trek takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to reach.
The 2nd stage of the walk is from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite the monastery. This leg takes close to one hour. The 3rd stage is the trek/climb down the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine which crosses over a stream and waterfall before the path again ascends another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. Once here, you will be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated (cameras are not allowed inside the monastery). The visit and climb to the entrance and back to the lookout will take approximately one hour. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountainside. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Olathang Cottages or similar
Following breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Paro airport for your flight to your onward destination. (B)
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at any time until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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