Curated travel adventures for when we are all ready to fly, literally & metaphorically VIEW MORE LEARN MORE Celebrate Bhutan's Black Necked Cranes Join us on our annual journey to see Bhutan's rare Black Necked Cranes as they make their winter roosting grounds in the high valley of Phobjikha. The 13th century Gangtey Monastery overlooks the scene like sacred jewel on an ancient mandala, just one of the precious insights on this remarkable November adventure to the "Gateway to Central Bhutan." SCHEDULE & DATES 5-16 NOV 2018/FEB-MAR 2019; 5-16 NOV 2019 LEARN MORE Trekking Western Bhutan's Pristine Route Climb into the high ridges of western Bhutan's pristine edge, skirting a trail that overlooks parts of the kingdom's lowland valleys, finally making your way to a sacred lake, revered in local legend. Hike along a dramatically scenic trail used for centuries by hardy local pilgrims for cleansing the spirit. SCHEDULE & DATES CUSTOM TRIPS 2018/ MAR - MAY 2019; JUNE-JULY 2019 (wet, wildflowers) OCT - NOV 2019; LEARN MORE Discover Bhutan's Gross National Happiness Learn what makes the Happy Little Kingdom tick, on a journey especially designed to bring you up close and personal with Bhutan's over-arching national philosophy. Is it egalitarianism, Buddhism, the close-knit traditional values or a combination of it all? Join us to find out! SCHEDULE & DATES DEC 2018/OCT - DEC 2019; LEARN MORE Hike Bhutan's Jomolhari Trail Stargaze on your back with galaxies filling the sky over camp, explore hidden corners of the Jomolhari region, join a highland festival that seeks to protect the elusive and endangered Snow Leopard and peek over a sharp ridge at secret herds of magnificent Blue Sheep. Discover western Bhutan's beautiful back-country on this world-class trek on the heels of an acclimating and insightful cultural journey across the kingdom. SCHEDULE & DATES OCT - NOV 2018/OCT - NOV 2019 START THE CONVERSATION Private & Custom Journeys We also specialize in tailor-made trips to Bhutan. If the dates of our scheduled itineraries don’t work for you, or you wish to travel privately on a trip designed just for you, we have the connections to craft your unique Bhutan experience. We can customize an existing trip — or build one from the ground up — to suit your needs, interests and travel schedule. Start the Conversation to jump start your Bhutan adventure! SCHEDULE & DATES PRIVATE JOURNEYS YEAR ROUND LEARN MORE A Spiritual Experience in Bhutan Tap into the clarifying spiritual traditions of Bhutan on a journey that seeks to balance understated luxury with introspection and cultural discovery. The outward exploration that seeks to point toward a latent inner path to healing. SCHEDULE & DATES MAY - JULY 2018; DEC - MAR 2018/MAY - JULY 2019; DEC - MAR 2019 REQUEST A TRAVEL EXTENSION Astonishing Angkor & Laid-back Laos If you have a bit more time before or after Bhutan, you may like to pair your Bhutan journey with one of our travel extensions operated by our local partners in the region. Experienced local guides share their in-depth insights with you as you explore some of the world's most magnificent temple ruins or wander the charming French-influenced streets of one of Asia's friendliest countries. SCHEDULE & DATES REGIONAL EXTENSIONS COMBINED WITH MOST BHUTAN JOURNEYS AS AVAILABLE

PICTURE STORIES Sharing our stories about the Bhutan Himalaya, in words and images. Follow us @BhutanHimalaya Waiting for Black-necked Cranes Bhutan's elegant "Birds of Heaven" bring joy to locals and visitors alike when they arrive at the end of fall. But sometimes it's a narrow window of opportunity ... See Picture Story The Grand Pageant of Warriors Festival An account of the pomp and ceremony, the pageantry and history ... See story Bhutan's lovely Rhododendron Blooms A photo-essay about the beauty and the madness of the Himalayan “Rose-Tree” ... See story Jomolhari: Mother Goddess Mountain The beauty and the power of hiking in the lap of Bhutan's sacred peak ... See story

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Colorful curated springtime adventures for a post-pandemic world VIEW MORE LEARN MORE Celebrate a return to normalcy at a festive pageant of warriors Equal parts riotous celebration and equal parts religious ceremony, this unique springtime festival celebrates the little-known martial history of Bhutan, blending culture, mysticism and the Vajrayana Buddhist faith of Bhutan. Experience the color and vibrancy of Bhutanese culture at the cusp of the kingdom’s spring travel season. SCHEDULE & DATES Travel & safety guidelines are constantly evolving, contact us for the latest dates and information. LEARN MORE Experience an exciting mask dance festival in the valley of Bhutanese queens The Talo and Nobgang valleys of western Bhutan are an ancestral home to Bhutanese queens and a noble reincarnation of the Shabdrung, Bhutan's founder. An annual festival of Buddhist mask dances celebrates this codifier of spiritual life in Bhutan and the protection of the kingdom's holiest Buddist relic. This wide-ranging journey matches the beautiful springtime season of Bhutan in its vibrant depth and diversity. SCHEDULE & DATES Travel & safety guidelines are constantly evolving, contact us ​ for the latest dates and information. LEARN MORE Travel to see the magnificent rhododendron blooms of Bhutan A journey themed to coincide with one of the loveliest of times to visit Bhutan, this trip offers hiking, remote temples and monasteries and in-depth cultural experiences handpicked from our many years of leading these springtime adventures. SCHEDULE & DATES Travel & safety guidelines are constantly evolving, contact us ​ for the latest dates and information. START THE CONVERSATION Private & Custom Journeys If the dates of our scheduled itineraries don’t work for you, or you wish to travel privately on a trip designed just for you, we have the connections to craft your unique Bhutan experience. Customize an existing trip or build a private departure from the ground up. Start the Conversation. Jump start your Bhutan adventure by describing your ideal Bhutan adventure to us. SCHEDULE & DATES PRIVATE DEPARTURES HAVE FLEXIBLE DATES Travel & safety guidelines are constantly evolving, contact us ​ for the latest dates and information. SEE LAOS EXTENSION PREVIEW Astonishing Angkor & Laid-back Laos If you have a bit more time before or after Bhutan, you may like to pair your Bhutan journey with one of our travel extensions operated by our local partners in the region. Experienced local guides share their in-depth insights with you as you explore some of the world's most magnificent temple ruins or wander the charming French-influenced streets of one of Asia's friendliest countries. SCHEDULE & DATES REGIONAL EXTENSIONS COMBINED WITH MOST BHUTAN JOURNEYS AS AVAILABLE Travel & safety guidelines are constantly evolving, contact us ​ for the latest dates and information. SEE CAMBODIA EXTENSION

About Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions | Guests Gallery | Who we are And if you think that's a mouthful, wait for this one (😉). Since 1999, we have arranged in-depth journeys to Bhutan for culturally curious and open-minded travelers; New York Times journalists; traveling photography seminar leaders and their groups; artists; architects; writers; yoga teachers (and their students); meditation teachers and their followers; birders; mountaineers; medical; dental; and eye-clinic missions and volunteers; avid trekkers; multi-generational families; honeymoon couples; and many other discerning travelers. Learn more about the Bhutan Himalaya Difference. Bhutan Himalaya staff and guests with the chief Buddhist abbot of Trongsa, central Bhutan © Bhutan Himalaya archives What we've learned Through the decades, each individual guest’s traveling style, interests, and needs have made us as diversely expert as our guests. As expected, we’ve seen and handled a wide range of challenges, and in response, cultivated an alert, gracious and sensitive range of travel and trip leading skills, and then some. The result is that we’re as unruffled, overseeing the complex logistics and demands of your trip, as at keeping things flexible enough to seize the unique and unplanned experiences that arise from our longstanding connections across Bhutan. What we’ve learned from our long years of experience is this. The trip information you see on our website and in print is merely the beginning, the structure, ‘the bones of the trip,’ so to speak. It’s our ability to spin magical memories from each spontaneous, in-real-time encounter on those itineraries that make our trips such sparkling, meaningful, and life-changing human experiences. (See our Guests Gallery below). Learn about our wonderful team coordinators and their special connections . Bhutan, at your pace Guests at one of our spontaneous outdoor picnic lunches © Bhutan Himalaya archives Expanding Options Our volunteer journeys provide opportunities to give back and do some good in the communities where we travel. Our past “voluntouring” trips have included short-term projects for families with high school teens, retired professionals and travelers with backgrounds in health & medicine. Our culinary journeys, village-to-village ride and camp horseback tours and our winter treks to Southern Bhutan’s recently re-opened Royal Manas National Park are thoughtfully expanding the range of travel options available in the kingdom. Bhutan Himalaya guest working with Buddhist nuns in Bhutan's central highlands region © Bhutan Himalaya archives Sharing Bhutan is our passion We strive to create and share experiences that provide deep and meaningful perspectives into a way of life that is inherently balanced, sane and compassionate. We're proud to share our rich Bhutanese heritage with respect, sensitivity, and the firm belief that Bhutan has a remarkably human, and humane, perspective to share with the rest of the world, especially in these troubled times. Traveling in a group, if done improperly, can feel impersonal and rushed. When you journey with us we see that you always have reasonable personalized access to our guides and staff to ensure that you never feel as if you are holding up the group. Our journeys have enriched the lives of our many guests, a great number of whom have described their journeys as transformational, and who continue to refer us to new travelers. We are proud of the fact that most of our new guests come to us by word-of-mouth introductions from past travelers instead of heavy marketing. This, in turn, enables us to continue nurture and widen our expanding network of sensitive cross-cultural friendships. Bhutan Himalaya guest Monica shows how it's done, at the base of Mt. Jomolhari © Bhutan Himalaya archives

VIEW MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Visit Bhutan when the kingdom's wild rhododendrons bloom Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons Visit a magnificent mask dance festival, experience traditional Bhutanese culture and journey to ancient temples and monasteries. Take beautiful hikes through the vibrant Himalayan landscape and discover Bhutan when the kingdom's legendary rhododendrons blossom like the exuberant whirls of a flamenco dancer's dress. Great for nature enthusiasts An ancient mask dance festival Mixed terrain hiking & country walks High-end traditionally authentic lodges & resorts Highlights of West & Central Bhutan Hike to magnificent "Tiger's Nest" Monastery Trip Extensions Available on Request Bhutan's wild and magnificent rhododendron blooms elevate the stunning Bhutanese landscape, transforming the merely beautiful into an experience that is truly unforgettable. Old growth rhododendron forests, such as those found in Bhutan and a few other parts of the Himalayas have long fascinated explorers, botanists, collectors and enthusiasts alike. This journey coincides with the long season of flowering rhododendrons in Bhutan and takes us to a centuries-old religious mask dance festival that provides insight into the rich spiritual traditions of the kingdom. Traveling from west Bhutan to the center of the country and back, we stop along the way to “smell the flowers,” and explore hiking trails redolent with the breath of Himalayan pines. Enter a series of awe-inspiring Buddhist monasteries strung across the country like pearls on a necklace before the final, spectacular, ascent to Tiger's Nest monastery, one of Bhutan's most ancient temples. ​ To learn more about rhododendrons in the spring, please read our In Focus feature The Magnificent Madness of Bhutan's Wild Rhododendron Blooms Share This with a Friend: ITINERARY Route Map - Celebrating Bhutan's Rhododendron Season bhutanhimalaya SEE LARGER MAP “I’m still on a high! Words aren’t coming to express how much the last few weeks traveling with [your group] have meant to me!” ~ Rebecca B . DAY ​ 1 DAY ​ 2-3 DAY ​ 4-6 DAY ​ 7-8 DAY ​ 9-11 DAY ​ 12-13 Admire the massive peaks of the Eastern Himalaya as we fly into Paro ● Wander the colorful streets of Paro, and visit nearby temples set amid bucolic rice fields. Take the dramatic Himalayan flight to Jakar, the geographic and spiritual center of Bhutan ● Take the acclimating walk through the Jakar valley floor, stopping at several interesting temples and monasteries ● Check in at our superlative family lodge ​ Take the beautiful excursion to the Ura valley where we attend the colorful mask dance festival which has been a valley tradition for centuries ● Explore the beautiful Tang Valley and visit the beautiful Pemachholing nunnery ● Hike along the banks of the Chamkhar river to the Ngang Lhakhang, an ancient clustered around a legendary old folk temple. Take the return drive to Trongsa or Gangtey valleys, stopping at the Museum of Royal Antiquities ● Arrive in the Punakha valley and visit the valley's famous Dzong Walk to the lovely Khamsum Yuelley temple with a beautiful view overlooking rice-fields and the Punakha river. ● Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan's bustling capital ● Explore museums and markets of the capital ● Hike to beautiful Tango monastery north of the capital. Hike to the famous cliff-side of Taktshang or “Tiger's Nest” Monastery. Explore downtown Paro for last-minute gifts before a traditional farewell feast ● Transfer back to the airport for your departing flight from Paro. ​ *** REQUEST FULL DETAILS TRAVEL EXTENSIONS TO CAMBODIA & LAOS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) ​ If you'd like to spend a little more time exploring the magnificent World Heritage sites of Cambodia and Laos before or after Bhutan with arrangements in and out of Bangkok, we can take care of those details as well. Start the Conversation and tie in a visit to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat or explore the quaint streets of Luang Prabang where French Colonial meets a distinctly unique Asian sensibility. START THE CONVERSATION DATES & PRICES Dates 2019: April 15 ~ 27 ; other dates may be available March through May 2019. / 2020: TBD ​ Pricing From $4,600 per person (Custom trips may require additional arrangements, which may add to trip costs.) Single supplement $500 per person *Mountain biking optional add-on $350 per person. ​ ​ ​ CUSTOM JOURNEYS TAILORED JUST FOR YOU ​ Did you know we also arrange custom journeys throughout the year? Just tell us what you need from your trip and we will put it all together for you. REQUEST DETAILS HERE ​Inclusions: ​ All ground transportation 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 community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff 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. ​ For further details please email us using the contact form on the bottom of this page. ​ ​ ​ *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City & offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. BLOGS Bhutan Himalaya Apr 24, 2019 1 min The Bhutan Mountain Resort: Our family-run traditional lodge in the Central Highlands of Bhutan The dream of a man of exceptional kindness, the Bhutan Mountain Resort is rooted in the best traditions of Bhutanese hospitality... 135 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Bhutan Himalaya Feb 6, 2019 4 min The Pomp and Ceremony of Bhutan’s Punakha Warrior Festival At the ancient celebration of Bhutan's Pazaap Warriors, a blend of spiritual tradition and martial history reveal the men who protect the... 406 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 TRIP ARCHIVES Check back soon Once posts are published, you’ll see them here.

THIS MONTH'S Insights Dig deeper, get cultural. Whether you're looking to join one of our upcoming trips, planning future travel to Bhutan, or simply curious about this unconventional slice of happiness we call the "Land of the Peaceful Dragon" we hope you find something here to whet your travel appetite! READ OUR ARTICLES Bhutan Himalaya Dec 13, 2019 4 min Hot tips for trekking the Laya-Gasa route The Laya-Gasa Trek traverses the second largest national park in Bhutan, covering a distance of about 200 km or 124 miles. The first five... 82 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Bhutan Himalaya Feb 6, 2019 3 min 2024, Year of the Wood Dragon: Celebrating Losar, the Himalayan New Year Losar is a time for fun, family, and feasting in Bhutan. 130 views 0 comments 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 More Suggested Reading TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS GUEST VIGNETTES FEATURE ARTICLES FOR YOUR INFORMATION LONG READS GOING DEEPER TRIP ARCHIVES PAST JOURNEYS