SPOTLIGHT
TREKKING ADVENTURE
Perkins International
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end traditional lodges
Small Group Adventure
DURATION
22 days/18 days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Difficult to Strenuous
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● HIGH HIMALAYAN TREK
ASK A QUESTION
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
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
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
April 30 - May 21, 2025;
May 04 - May 21, 2025
TRIP DATES 1: APRIL 30-MAY 21
US$17,950/- per person*
(Includes all land costs: hotels, transport, meals, trekking equipment and commissaries; government SDF fees and taxes) FLIGHTS ADDITIONAL***Please see below***
TRIP DATES 2: MAY 04-21
US$15,968/- (INCLUDING ALL LAND COSTS FOR 18 DAYS, GOVERNMENT SDF, TAXES. FLIGHTS ADDITIONAL***Please see below***
***PLEASE ADD AIRFARE ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions will handle the following flight bookings as a courtesy service.
___________
*REGIONAL FLIGHTS:
Via Delhi:
$699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class)
Via Bangkok:
$899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class)
___________
**DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro.
**** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements
DATE
*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
TRIP DATES 1: APRIL 30-MAY 21
US$17,950/- per person*
(Includes all land costs: hotels, transport, meals, trekking equipment and commissaries; government SDF fees and taxes) FLIGHTS ADDITIONAL***Please see below***
TRIP DATES 2: MAY 04-21
US$15,968/- (INCLUDING ALL LAND COSTS FOR 18 DAYS, GOVERNMENT SDF, TAXES. FLIGHTS ADDITIONAL***Please see below***
***PLEASE ADD AIRFARE ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions will handle the following flight bookings as a courtesy service.
___________
*REGIONAL FLIGHTS:
Via Delhi:
$699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class)
Via Bangkok:
$899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class)
___________
**DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro.
**** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements
DATE
*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
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
Connect from western Bhutan on a private domestic charter flight to attend the royal palace event, its adaptive use reincarnation as a modern museum that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the kingdom. Next, we drive by car to another ancestral region of the royal family, to Trongsa, a lush forested region that encompasses parts of the Black Mountain Range and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Here we stay as guests of Khedrup Rimpoche, spiritual leader of the Riphel Mebar monastery. Next, we trade car seats for inflatable rafts under the care of the River Guides of Panbang. An exhilarating freshwater navigation follows, bringing you to the confluence of the kingdom's two major rivers: the Drangme-Chhu and the Mangde-Chhu. Spend a few days exploring the ecologically rich Panbang region, then take a drive up from the kingdom's tropical southern borders to the capital Thimphu. A day of meetings and a final return to Paro for the flight home completes this comprehensive itinerary that's sure to leave you with many rich memories.
SHARE:
Discover Bhutan's lightly traveled classic Himalayan trek
APRIL 30: PARO/THIMPHU
VIEW DAY BY DAY
Depending on your flight preferences there are two options for the flight in. If you choose Delhi as your option your flight KB201 departs Delhi at 12:30 p.m. and lands 03:20 p.m. If flying from Bangkok instead, your flight from Bangkok, KB0131, departs at 05:00 a.m. and arrives in Paro at 08:40 a.m. via a brief stop at Bagdogra, India. After pick-up at the airport we drive you to your hotel, the Le Meridien Paro Riverfront, just a few minutes down the road.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Le Meridien Paro Riverfront
MAY 1: THIMPHU FOREST HIKE/MEET ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY NGOS
Today we take the short (25-minute) flight to Bumthang, in central Bhutan, and check in at the Mountain Resort across the road from Wangduechhoeling Palace. Our domestic chartered flight from Paro lands at Jakar Airport late morning. After pickup, we make the short drive to the lodge, followed by welcome refreshments and lunch. Later, we take a short drive up the valley past imposing Jakar Dzong to hike a central section of the new Trans Bhutan Trail from Lamai Goempa, built in the 1800s as a palace for the first king, now home to the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research (UWICER), a Bhutan Foundation project site that supports environmental education, ecological studies and forestry conservation services in Bhutan.
MAY 2: THIMPHU/BHUTAN FOUNDATION PROJECTS/SILVERSMITHS
Palace Event: The Bhutan Foundation-supported palace renovation for adaptive use is formally unveiled today. Its dynamic new incarnation is a museum that's more than just a repository of unique and rarely-seen historical artifacts, manuscripts, and religious objects. It stands as a cultural and historical institution that intersects with the present and sends its visitors— Bhutanese and international—on a journey of inquiry and exploration into the origins of Bhutan and the modern Bhutanese state. Attended by the members of the royal family and Bhutanese dignitaries, today's fitting ceremony launches it into its new role as an exciting place to learn about the rich narratives drawn from the annals of Bhutanese history. A sneak peak of the exhibitions and programs of the Palace will be presented at this event along with the traditional ceremony of installing the Gyaltshen of the Palace. Future visitors to the museum will also enjoy audio- visual galleries and exhibits that bring the palace's unique history to life, and children and youth will be able to participate in hands-on activities that educate, inform, and stoke their learning.
MAY 3: TREK THE TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL/HAA
Stretch your trekking muscles today on this acclimatization trek along the final western stretch of the Trans Bhutan Trail. Overnight in a charming former governor’s country home in Haa valley, complete with its private Buddhist chapel. Enjoy a traditional herbal medicine bath beside a rushing stream before dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zingkha Heritage Lodge or comparable
MAY 4 - 6: EXPLORE HAA/TREK TO PARO/HIKE TIGER'S NEST
HAA VALLEY
Explore the Haa Valley along a scenic loop trail that will help further acclimatize you for your trek at elevations between 9- to 10-thousand feet. Part of the day will take your through villages that seem lost in time.
TREK TO PARO
Take the old traditional 'rice cultivators' route back to Paro over the Kaley La Pass, which will bring you back to Paro, where we spend the night at a friend's new glamping spot, in an ancient village setting.
TIGER'S NEST
Take the early morning hike to Tiger's Nest for an unforgettable experience as the mists part like natural theatrical curtains to reveal the famous 8th-century cliff-top shrine. In the afternoon, visit the national museum and one of the oldest temples in the Himalayas to light butterlamps for world peace. Other options include a friendly archery match with the BHE crew at the lodge or Paro Market center for a colorful stroll and window-shopping.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Glamping above Paro & The Olathang Hotel
MAY 7: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT TO JAKAR/VALLEY LOOP HIKE
We fly early this morning to Bumthang on a breathtaking 25-minute flight. On arrival, check in at our family-owned lodge, the Mountain Resort. Visit the fascinating Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum across the street. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of valley temples along the “pilgrims route,” ending at the Kharchu monastery for a traditional Buddhist blessing to wish us luck for the trek.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable
MAY 8 & 9: TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL TO TANG/OGYENCHHOELING/BUDDHIST BLESSING
MAY 8
Take an optional hike today from Kharsumpe directly up the hill on the Trans Bhutan Trail to descend into Tang Valley. After the 3-4 hour hike, you will be picked up by car at Pemachhoeling nunnery, and continue the drive to Orgyenchhoeling for lunch with Ashi Kunzang Roder, Bhutanese author and prominent member of an old nobility family from the region. Tour the old museum and manor with its excellent collection of artifacts and historical records before the return drive to Jakar with a stop to see the Special Education Needs program at Tang High School, and Tang Rimochhen, or "Tiger Claw Cliff."
MAY 9
The only thing on the agenda today is a special blessing ceremony at the Lhodrak Khharchu Monastery to secure the blessings of the mountain gods for our trek, a traditional ceremony for our major trekking expeditions. Afterwards, pack, rest, read or relax in preparation for out trek to majestic Mount Gangkhar Puensum.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable
MAY 10–18: GANGKHAR PUENSUM TREK DETAILS
Day 1:
Start at trailhead at Toktu Zampa (2620m/8856ft) or Shobtang; finish beyond Khakthang army camp (2898m/9505ft); Distance 16km (10 miles); Trek duration 4–5hrs; Altitude gain 280m (918ft) Altitude loss none.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
Day 2:
Start beyond Khakthang army camp (2898m/9505ft); finish in Gophu (3269m/10,722ft); Distance 16km (10 miles); Trek duration 6hrs; Altitude gain 369m (1210ft); Altitude loss none.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
Day 3:
Start at Gophu (3269m/10,722ft); finish in Tsawuu (3780m/12,400ft); Distance: 15km (9.5 miles); Trek duration 5–6hrs; Altitude gain 511m (1676ft); Altitude loss none.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
DAY 4:
Start at Tsawuu (3780m/12,400ft); finish in Bamurpa (4430m/14,530ft); Distance 20km (12.5 miles); Trek duration 7–8hr; Altitude gain 650m (2132ft); Altitude loss none.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
DAY 5:
Rest & exploration around Bamurpa (4430m/14,530ft). If we’re lucky and the timing is right, we might meet and visit with local yak herders in the area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
DAY 6:
Start from Bamurpa (4430m/14,530ft); finish in Tsampa (3675m/12,054ft); Distance 22.5km (14 miles); Trek duration 6-8hrs; Altitude gain none; Altitude loss 755m (2476ft)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
DAY 7:
Start in Tsampa (3675m/12,054ft); finish at Solang Chhu (Thole Tsho) (4420m/14,480ft); Distance 14km (9 miles); Trek duration 5–6hrs; Altitude gain 745m (2445ft); Altitude loss none.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
DAY 8:
Start from Solang Chhu (Thole Tsho) (4420m/14,480ft); finish in Lambrong (4070m/13,350ft); Distance 14.5km (9 miles); Trek duration 6hrs; Altitude gain 312m (1023ft); Altitude loss 662m (2171ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
DAY 9:
Start from Lambrong (4070m/13,350ft); finish in Lungsum (3170m/10,400ft); Distance 14km (9 miles); Trek duration 4–5hrs; Altitude gain none; Altitude loss 900m (2952ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp
MAY 19: END OF TREK/EXIT IN BUMTHANG
Start from Lungsum (3170m/10,400ft); finish in Dhur (2688m/8817ft); Distance 12km (7.5 miles); Trek duration 4hrs; Altitude gain none; Altitude loss 482m (1582ft).
This morning we depart camp at 8 am, arriving in Jakar by noon in time for hot showers and lunch. We have a gentle stroll into Jakar town this afternoon, or rest and relax at our family lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable
MAY 20: FLIGHT TO PARO
This morning we depart via a dramatic mountain flight to Paro, arriving in time to rest at the Olathang lodge before lunch and a trip into the bustling Paro town center for last minute souvenirs and gifts, or relax at the lodge and practice archery with the team on the hotel greens.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable
MAY 21: RETURN FLIGHT TO DELHI/BANGKOK
This morning or afternoon, depending on flight schedule, we bring you back to the airport in time for your return flight to Delhi or Bangkok.
SPECIAL NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
ITINERARY
Please note that all trip and itinerary descriptions are accurate at the time of publication. While we strive to keep the actual running of the trips as close to our original description as possible we cannot rule out changes or modifications and, or, variations on the ground as a result of factors that may be beyond our control. If such circumstances occur, we always strive to do better, or at minimum match the trip described but this may not always be possible.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Infrequently, we may also have to swap out the lodges and accommodations listed on your trip as a result of seasonal overbooking; in such instances we will always find a comparable hotel of the same category and amenities as replacement/s.
AIRFARE COSTS
Please note that while we make every endeavor to accurately price our trips, airfares subject to change by the airline are outside our control. As a result, current charter flight costs currently included the trip trip may change and we may be forced to generate a final additional invoice to make up any such potential differences in cost. While we don't expect this to happen in this case, a reduced number of travelers may result in a per-individual fare increase for which we will send out an addendum invoice if the occasion arises, within reason, to cover any such potential shortfalls. Guests will be notified of any such changes well before trip departure.
We begin in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, with cultural touring and visits to the offices of the Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation, the World Wildlife Fund, and some of the diverse projects of the Bhutan Foundation for a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Acclimatization hikes in Thimphu, Paro, Haa and Bumthang include climbs along scenic sections of the legendary Trans Bhutan Trail. We take a mountain flight to Bumthang in central Bhutan, where the main trek begins and ends. After a traditional Buddhist blessing to ensure a safe passage through the mountains, we trek through pristine forests, remote villages, and panoramic mountain vistas. The route leads to Gangkhar Puensum’s southeast face and back, returning via the Thole La pass. Late-breaking local conditions and the updated advice of our regional caravan leaders and muleteers may require modifications to our plans in the interest of safety and trail accessibility. A final return flight from the central highlands to Paro caps off the journey before a final night in Bhutan prior to your return flight to Delhi or Bangkok, and onward home.
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 trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous. Please See the "About Trekking Expeditions" tab below for further details and notes on trip participation fitness.
The cultural portions of this trip are rate 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 TREKKING EXPEDITIONS
The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs.
Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. 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. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more.
Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended.
Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures 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
“...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.”
~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID
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