SIGNATURE JOURNEY
Blessings of Bhutan
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
HEALTH & SAFETY
We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more.
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request.
PEACE OF MIND
May 23 - June 4, 2024
$6,840
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,440
Per Person
(US$5,000 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
September 24 - October 05, 2024
$8,040
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,840
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
DATE
2 PEOPLE*
4 PEOPLE*
6 PEOPLE*
*When signing up together as part of the same group
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals.
Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February.
TRAVEL SEASONS
$6,840
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,440
Per Person
(US$5,000 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$8,040
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,840
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
October 1 - 12, 2025
March 1 - 12, 2025
DATE
2 PEOPLE*
4 PEOPLE*
6 PEOPLE*
*When signing up together as part of the same group
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals.
Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February.
TRAVEL SEASONS
2024 Dates & Prices
2024 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan, such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost)
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers
All Accommodations
All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants
The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff
Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional).
Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees
All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits
All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
ITINERARY
PRACTICAL DETAILS
| RECOMMENDED POSTS
TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
This scenic journey during Bhutan’s crisp fall season begins with your arrival in Paro, Western Bhutan, from where you take a scenic mountain flight to the central highlands of Bumthang. Here, in the sacred heart of Bhutan, our ancestral home region, we attend the ancient Jakar Tshechu festival, which provides a colorful and vibrant doorway to our exploration of the kingdom's rich culture and heritage.
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Explore the spiritual heart of Bhutan, its scenic trails, temples & vibrant Buddhist culture
DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO/THIMPHU
VIEW DAY BY DAY
Take the breathtaking flight to Bhutan from Bangkok this morning with some of the highest peaks in the world rearing their heads above the clouds, including Mt. Everest. After meeting your Bhutanese guide—who will travel with you for the duration of your stay—at the airport, we transfer to your lovely lodge overlooking Paro town.
Meals included:Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 02: BUMTHANG, JAKAR/PILGRIM'S ROUTE
Today, a dramatic mountain flight over Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks and valleys brings us to Bumthang. We have time to check in at our lovely family lodge and stretch our legs with a stroll to the small, two-lane market center of Jakar with its picturesque fortress overlooking the shops and houses from the high a knoll like an elegant white bird.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 03: PILGRIM’S WALK - JAKAR VALLEY
This morning, embark on the traditional Buddhist pilgrim’s walk around Jakar Valley. We stop at a series of exquisite monasteries and temples where we learn about Bhutanese cosmology, life, impermanence, the Kalachakra “Wheel of Time” and other foundational pillars of Himalayan Buddhism. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch mid-day and complete the circuit with a special blessing at a local monastery.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 04: EXPLORE TANG VALLEY
Spend the day on an excursion to bucolic Tang valley where we eat at a traditional farmhouse featuring ingredients grown on the farm. Cross a suspension bridge and enter a village where time seems to have stopped still before continuing on a hike to Tang Orgyencholing Palace with its surrounding homes and ancient palace complex, now a wonderful repository of Bhutanese history.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 05: MASK DANCE FESTIVAL
Break out your festive gear or, better yet, try on the colorful Bhutanese national dress today and join Jakar Valley residents at the annual event of the year! The mask dances depict myths and legends from Himalayan Buddhism, and illustrate morals such as compassion, tolerance and non-violence that still informs Bhutanese national life to this day.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 06: DRIVE TO TRONGSA - GANGTEY
After descending from the high pass of Yotongla, we drive today along the national highway west toward the densely forested valleys of Trongsa and Wangdue valleys. We may have time for a stop at the beautiful Museum of Royal Antiquities, housed in a fascinating medieval watchtower. This evening we rest at our comfortable lodge in Gangtey (with a view of the valley) or, alternately, Trongsa (with a view of the longest fortress in Bhutan).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Ecolodge, RKPO Lodge, Yangkhil Resort or comparable
DAY 07: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA
Today we descend via the steeply forested valleys of the Black Mountains. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot families of Bhutan’s rare White Langur monkeys among the flame-trees, magnolia, birch, rhododendron and Asian Maple in this vegetation-rich zone. In the evening, check into the beautiful lodge overlooking Punakha’s massive dzong. Begin the day with a stop at the beautiful Museum of Royal Antiquities, housed in a fascinating medieval watchtower.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable
DAY 08: PUNAKHA HIKE & TOUR - TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
Explore the regal valley of Punakha, home to Bhutan’s Queen Mothers and some of Bhutan’s most exquisite temples. Visit monumental Punakha Dzong, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing and walk across the country’s longest suspension bridge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:The Ariya Resort or comparable
DAY 09: EXPLORE MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS OF BHUTAN’S BUSY CAPITAL
Step into Old Bhutan with a visit to the spectacular national monument that houses the offices of the king and the government, the national stupa where devout residents do their daily Buddhist prayer rounds, learn about the traditional arts with a trip to the magnificent Royal Textile Academy.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Ariya Resort or comparable
DAY 10: THIMPHU’S GIANT BUDDHA; HIKE - TRANSFER TO PARO
Today we visit the largest bronze Buddha in the world, followed by a hike on a scenic forest trail with views of the capital. Following a delicious lunch of traditional delicacies, we transfer to Paro in time for an evening stroll or a round of traditional archery using bamboo bows and arrows. An early dinner and rest prepare us for our early morning hike.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 11: TIGER’S NEST HIKE FAREWELL DINNER
Cap your journey across Bhutan with an early hike to the famous cliffside monastery at Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Nest.” Complete the strenuous hike to the monastery, perched on a steep rock face more than 2,000ft above the valley floor, or rest at the halfway viewpoint to admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the magnificent temple, and meditation retreats that sit above the famous site. Return to the Paro’s for a delicious lunch at a special friend’s busy restaurant before walking along the shops and windows to people-watch or pick up last-minute gifts and reminders of your trip. This evening we have a special farewell feast at a surprise location featuring some familiar and some new Himalayan delicacies!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 12: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | DEPARTURE
This morning/afternoon we bring you back to the airport in time for you to catch your flight to Bangkok or another gateway city, from where you can connect with your international flight home, or travel to other destinations.
This scenic journey during Bhutan’s lovely fall season starts with your arrival in Paro, Western Bhutan, from where you take a scenic mountain flight to the central valleys of Bumthang. Here, in our home region, we attend the colorful Jakar Tshechu festival and explore the enchanting valley and its ancient monasteries, taking informative walking tours and enjoying a deeper experience of the kingdom’s balanced way life. Next, we take an overland journey through western Bhutan's cultural centers before celebrating with a hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery. Other valleys featured on this journey include Punakha, Thimphu, Wangdue, and Trongsa, with a possible overnight excursion to Gangtey. We also meet interesting Bhutanese people and celebrate a vibrant annual mask dance festival at one of the most anticipated annual Buddhist calendar events!
CUSTOM TRIPS
If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
EXPEDITION STAFF
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS
Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside.
GETTING THERE
Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)*
Overnight
Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan.
IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price.
For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page.
*Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan.
OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS
(with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements)
If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India.
For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page.
WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING
“Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders, we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced!”
~ Lola W., California (U.S.)
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end traditional lodges
GROUP SIZE
8 ~ 12; 16 MAX
DURATION
12 days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to Moderate
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE
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