Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US LEARN MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Perkins International ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 8 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Active Hiking RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The secret to Bhutan's pandemic success story? Science, Religion, and faith in the monarchy 10 best mask dances to see on a Bhutan trip during the Spring & Fall Tshechu festival travel seasons Bhutan: The Little Kingdom that Could 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. ​ The Capital Hotel Deluxe Room The Thimphu Zhiwa Ling Ascent Front View Courtyard, the Dhensa Resort, Punakha The Gangtey Tent Resort interior view A room at the Uma Paro Resort The lounge at the Uma Como Paro The Bukhari Restaurant at the COMO Uma Paro 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 April 22/23 - April 30/May 01 $11,040 per person for couples (includes US$800 per person Government SDF Taxes and Fees + US$1,400 per person roundtrip from Bangkok US$240 monument and visa fees) Single occupancy: $13,290 per person ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 REQUEST RESERVATION $11,040 per person for couples (includes US$800 per person Government SDF Taxes and Fees + US$1,400 per person roundtrip from Bangkok US$240 monument and visa fees) Single occupancy: $13,290 per person ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ April 23 - May 1, 2026 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices 2026 Dates & Prices 2026 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 REQUEST ITINERARY Click map to enlarge 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 cultural centers during the stunning rhododendron season DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, 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 DAY 02: BUDDHA OF COMPASSION/HIKE TO GIANT BUDDHA/MUSEUMS & SHOPS 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. DAY 03: RHODODENDRON HIKE/PUNAKHA/NUNNERY VISIT 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. DAY 04: VALLEY HIKE/LUNCH/PUNAKHA DZONG/SUSPENSION BRIDGE Start the day early with a drive to the base of the trail leading to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This beautiful hike takes you along a trail that skirts ancient terraced rice fields and offers stunning views of the Punakha Valley and Mo Chhu River. The Chorten itself is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architecture and spiritual artistry, built to promote peace and stability in the world. The hike is relatively easy, taking about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top, and is suitable for anyone how is moderately fit. The panoramic views from the top are truly spectacular, making the hike well worth the effort. Descending from Khamsum Yuelley, head to the banks of the Mo Chhu River for a relaxing picnic lunch. The serene riverside is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a lovely catered picnic lunch. This afternoon, we enter and explore Punakha Dzong, easily the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, the Dzong serves as a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture and tradition. Known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," Punakha Dzong is a must-visit for its historical significance and breathtaking beauty. We take you on a guided tour to learn about the Dzong's rich history and explore its majestic courtyards and temples, especially the majestic Hall of 100 Pillars, where the life of the Buddha is illustrated in giant murals depicting his life story from birth to death. We end the day with an exhilarating walk across Bhutan's longest suspension bridge, located near Punakha Dzong. Stretching over 160 meters across the Po Chhu River, the bridge is adorned with colorful prayer flags that flutter in the wind, adding to the spiritual ambiance. Walking across this swaying bridge offers a unique perspective of the river below and the surrounding landscapes. It's a thrilling experience that combines adventure with the peace of Bhutan's natural beauty. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable DAY 05: DRIVE TO GANGTEY/HIKE/TRADITIONAL BATHS We start early with a scenic drive through the Black Mountain Range to Gangtey Valley, which will take about 2.5 to 3 hours. On arrival in Gangtey, our first stop is the Black-necked Crane Center, where we learn about the black-necked cranes and their migration patterns. The center provides valuable insights into how these birds are protected and revered in Bhutan. After visiting the center, embark on the Gangtey Nature Trail. This gentle hike will take you through the valley’s wetlands and pine forests, offering opportunities to spot yaks grazing in the valley marshes. The well-marked trail offers serene views of the surrounding valley and the Gangtey Monastery in the distance. Later this evening, we treat you to a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, known as Dotsho. This unique experience involves soaking in a bath heated by river stones that are roasted until red-hot. The stones release minerals into the water, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. This relaxing bath is perfect for soothing sore muscles after a hike and offers a window into traditional Bhutanese wellness practices. Dinner follows and a well-deserved rest in our plush safari tents. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Gangtey Tent Resort or comparable DAY 06: GANGTEY EXPOLRATION/NUNNERY/RHODODENDRONS/SWISS CHEESE Begin the day with a relaxed morning in the serene Gangtey Valley. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, taking in the tranquil surroundings and preparing for a day of exploration. Gangtey is known for its beautiful, wide valley and the presence of the rare black-necked cranes during the winter months. After breakfast, we have a few different options for the day. Option 1: take a walk down the valley to the Shechen Orgyen Chozong Nunnery, located at the south end of Gangtey Valley. This nunnery is a peaceful retreat where over one hundred Bhutanese nuns live, meditate, and study under the guidance of Dilgo Khyentse Yangsi Rinpoche and Shechen Rabjam Rinpoche, two revered Buddhist reincarnate lamas. We take some time to explore the grounds, observe the architectural details, and enjoy the serene atmosphere before heading back to the lodge. Option 2: Longtey Loma Rhododendron Hike If you're in the mood something more challenging. take the scenic hike on the Longtey Loma trail. This trail is known for its stunning rhododendron forests, which are particularly breathtaking when in bloom. The hike can be challenging but incredibly rewarding with its views and floral beauty. It's a fantastic way to experience Bhutan's natural landscape and take in the fresh mountain air. Option 3: Visit to Gogona to see its Swiss Cheese Making Diary Cooperative. Take the strenuous hike to Gogona village to learn about the traditional Swiss cheese-making process, started by the Swiss industrialist Fritz von Schulthess, a friend of the Third King of Bhutan, and later supported by the Swiss government in the 1980s.We learn about the local dairy cooperative and the community's efforts in dairy production, and of course, sample some of the delicious cheese. At the end of the day we return to the lodge for happy hour by a cozy iron stove and reflect on hiking among rhododendrons, visiting the Buddhist nuns, or tasting Swiss cheese in Bhutan! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Gangtey Tent Resort or comparable DAY 7: MORNING WALK/DRIVE TO PARO/ ARCHERY MATCH Begin the day with an invigorating country walk up to the Lawala Pass. This scenic route offers an opportunity to see valley homes and get a sense of the lay of the land before our vans pick us up to continue the 5-hour drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, you'll check into the luxurious Uma Como Paro. This deluxe resort, nestled on a pine-forested hill overlooking the town of Paro, is renowned for its elegant interiors, exquisite cuisine, and the pampering of the Como Shambhala spa. Take some time to settle into your room and explore the resort's amenities, ensuring a relaxing start to your afternoon. In the late afternoon or early evening, join us for traditional archery on the grounds of the lodge. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and this activity is not only a fun way to engage in some healthy competition but also an opportunity to delve into Bhutanese culture and traditions. Whether you're a seasoned archer or trying it for the first time, this experience is fun for one and all! After this eventful day, spend your evening relaxing at the resort. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the resort's restaurant, which serves a blend of Bhutanese and international cuisine, often using fresh ingredients from the Paro Valley Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The COMO Uma Paro or comparable DAY 08: HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST/PARO MARKET/FAREWELL Start early with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). This sacred site, perched dramatically on a cliff 2,000 feet (610 meters) above the Paro valley, is a must-visit destination in Bhutan. The trek to Tiger's Nest is approximately 4.5 kilometers each way and involves a steep ascent through beautiful forested areas, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The total hike can take between 4 to 6 hours, including time spent exploring the monastery and its surroundings. Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. After descending from the monastery, head back to Paro to spend some time exploring the Paro Market. This local market offers a glimpse into Bhutan's vibrant culture and is a great place to pick up last minute souvenirs and gifts: Look for traditional Bhutanese textiles, handicrafts, and local produce. The market is also a good spot to interact with local artisans and learn more about Bhutanese crafts and traditions. This evening we have a lovely farewell dinner around a Bhutanese fireplace and take some time to reflect on our memorable adventures together through Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The COMO Uma Paro or comparable FEATURED LODGES Your featured lodges on this trip are: Thimphu: The Capital Hotel More at https://www.bhutanhimalaya.com/lodges-and-accommodations/the-capital-hotel or The Zhiwa Ling Ascent More at https://www.bhutanhimalaya.com/lodges-and-accommodations/the-zhiwa-ling-ascent Punakha: The Dhensa Resort, Punakha More at https://www.bhutanhimalaya.com/lodges-and-accommodations/dhensa Gangtey: The Gangtey Tent Resort More at https://www.bhutanhimalaya.com/lodges-and-accommodations/gangtey-tent-resort Paro: The COMO Uma Paro More at https://www.bhutanhimalaya.com/lodges-and-accommodations/como-uma-paro Paro: The Olathang Hotel More at https://www.bhutanhimalaya.com/lodges-and-accommodations/olathang 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, charter flight costs if 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. Guests will be notified of any such changes well before trip departure. Bhutan's wild and magnificent rhododendron blooms elevate the stunning landscape, transforming the merely beautiful into a journey that is 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. This journey takes place during the peak season of flowering rhododendrons in Bhutan and explores the four major cultural centers of Bhutan, where we get a taste of traditional life. Traveling along the east-west national highway, stop 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 climb to Tiger’s Nest monastery, one of Bhutan’s most sacred Buddhist shrines. 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.) See all posts > EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up

Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US LEARN MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Perkins International ACCOMMODATIONS High-end Lodges and Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps 12 people maximum Group Travel| 17 Days ACTIVITY LEVEL Challenging; Strong Hiking Fitness & Endurance Required RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP ! 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 September 27 - October 13, 2024 US$9,590 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees) US$9,390 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees) US$9,190 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees) October 23 - November 08, 2024 US$11,290 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) US$11,090 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) US$10,890 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$3,640 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 REQUEST RESERVATION US$9,590 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees) US$9,390 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees) US$9,190 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$1,740 Bhutanese government SDF fees & US$200 monument and entry fees) US$11,290 per person (US$7,650 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) US$11,090 per person (US$7,450 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) US$10,890 per person (US$7,250 per person + US$3,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) October 23 - November 08, 2025 September 27 - October 13, 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 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 REQUEST ITINERARY Click map to enlarge 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: Hiking where Bhutan’s Snow Leopards & Blue Sheep Roam ! DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, 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 DAY 02: EXPLORE THIMPHU 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. DAY 03: PUNAKHA'S ANCIENT FORTRESS & A COUNTRY HIKE 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. DAY 04: TRANSFER TO GANGTEY-PHOBJIKHA, VALLEY OF THE CRANES Take the morning drive winding up the Black Mountain Range to the high plain of Gangtey-Phobjikha, home of wintering (rare) Black-necked Cranes. After lunch, complete the beautiful valley loop hike along the nature trail, arriving back at the lodge in time for dinner and rest. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable DAY 05: RETURN TRANSFER TO PARO Take the four-to-five-hour return drive to Paro, in time for a late lunch and an exploration of downtown Paro with an early dinner and rest for the morning hike to Tiger's Nest monastery. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel DAY 06: EARLY MORNING HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST Take the early morning hike to spectacular Tiger's Nest monatery for special Buddhist blessings for the trek and your return trip home. Afternoon stroll through Paro market center and a round of traditional archery back at the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable DAYS 07-08: SHANA/THANGTHANGKHA, JOMOLHARI ANCESTRAL CAMP Days 7-8: We drive to Shana border control camp and begin the trek after a permit inspection. A long day of hiking back and forth along the headwaters of the Pa-chhu river brings us to Thangthangkha camp, by a white stupa at the confluence of two rushing streams, or by the camp host's stone hut. The next day, climb a steep trail to our caravan leader’s ancestral grazing grounds and temple hidden in the western shadow of the Jomolhari massif. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps DAYS 9-10: CAMP ACTIVITIES, MAIN BASECAMP Explore the breathtaking high valley around camp, a place of cascading waterfalls and hidden meditation retreats. We may help our caravan leader with the construction of a stupa—revered as a symbols of supernatural protection for travelers passing through the wilderness. Next day, we descend to the main Jomolhari Basecamp where trekkers converge. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps DAYS 11-12: REST/BASECAMP EXPLORATION, FESTIVAL* Today is a rest day around Jomolhari Basecamp. Join our annual ritual (smoke) offering to honor the sacred mountain spirits and the deity Jomolhari in particular. Explore surrounding ridges and slopes on easy to challenging hikes. Day 12 is our first attendance at the colorful Jomolhari Mountain Festival,** organized by nonprofit Bhutan Foundation to celebrate snow leopard conservation, indigenous customs and skills. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps * ** (festival is only included for October itineraries) DAYS 13-14: FESTIVAL, HIKE SNOW LEOPARD TERRITORY/BHONTE-LA PASS/YAKSA CAMP Attend the second day of the Snow Leopard Festival as events ramp up with folk dances, horse-races, yak dressage and traditional feats of strength. Or, take the challenging day-long excursion to the high ridges where locals say the Snow Leopards roam. See Blue Sheep, the Snow Leopard’s primary prey, grazing on the steep slopes. On Day 14, climb to Bhonte La, at 16,100ft, the highest pass of the trek. Descend into the beautiful cleft valley of Soe Yaksa through prime Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep habitat. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accomodations: Fully Supported Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps DAY 15-16: THANGTHANGKHA, SHANA/PARO Hike back to Soe Thangthathangka, exiting through Shana outpost to Paro. Depending on trekking speed, we have a final day, or evening, of rest in Paro. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable DAY 17: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | DEPARTURE Enjoy a leisurely breakfast (depending on your flight departure) before your transfer to the airport. Catch your flight to Bangkok or another gateway city from where you can continue your travel home or on to other destinations. Trek into the lap of Bhutan’s mountain goddess, Mount Jomolhari, the kingdom's second highest peak. During this journey, we learn about snow leopard conservation, meet Bhutan’s nomadic yak herding communities and attend the annual Snow Leopard festival, proceeds from which go to preserve local nomadic culture and snow leopard habitat. But first, a cross-country cultural exploration with day hikes help us to acclimate for the trek. We cover the highlights of western and central Bhutan, bringing us back to the Paro valley where we begin the trek. In the high valley of Soe, we work with a respected elder to complete a holy Buddhist stupa to bless and protect all travelers on the high passes, giving us a first-hand insight into an important spiritual custom of Bhutan's hardy highland people. 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 TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The activities on this trip are rated as moderate for the cultural portion of the journey and challenging for the trekking part of the trip. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery 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 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 “...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 See all posts > EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up

LEARN MORE CULTURAL ADVENTURE Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The secret to Bhutan's pandemic success story? Science, Religion, and faith in the monarchy 10 best mask dances to see on a Bhutan trip during the Spring & Fall Tshechu festival travel seasons Bhutan: The Little Kingdom that Could 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. ​ 1/10 The Olathang Hotel - Paro, western Bhutan The grande dame of Bhutanese hotels and lodges, this sprawling property dotted with pine trees throughout its well-manicured grounds exudes an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and ceremonious. 2/10 A standard room in the main wing of the Olathang Hotel 3/10 The Bhutan Mountain Resort - Wangdicholing, Bumthang, central Bhutan Set against a sacred cloud forest a short distance below Bumthang's Jakar Dzong (fortress), our family-run lodge in Central Bhutan features the best elements of traditional architecture, including flagstones of river rock, the beautiful wood-and-stone masonry construction of Central Bhutan, and spacious rooms with wood paneling and post and beams of fragrant pine. Guests can enjoy a healing soak in traditional "hot stone" baths enhanced, in accordance with indigenous practices, by mugwort and other medicinal herbs. It's our perfect base for exploring the ample beauties and blessings of the central highlands of Bhutan. 4/10 A standard twin-bedded room at our family-owned Bhutan Mountain Resort 5/10 The Zhingkham Resort, nestled on the green slopes opposite Punakha Dzong 6/10 Zhingkham Resort - Punakha, western Bhutan Overlooking the monumental Punakha Dzong, and the fertile agricultural valley cut by the Pho and Mo rivers, this lodge some of the best views in the country from its wide windows and plush, modern rooms. 7/10 City Hotel - Thimphu, capital of Bhutan This elegant and tasteful modern tower is located in the heart of the city and steps away from the bustling and colorful Centenary Farmer's Market. 8/10 A standard King room at the Thimphu City Hotel 9/10 Gangtey Dewachen Lodge Front View Gangtey Dewachen Restaurant View 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 20 - May 1, 2024 From $6,708 per person* (Total of *US$5,268 per person + US$1,200 Government SDF tax + plus $240 monument and entry fees) *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $600 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *Regional Flights: Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **Domestic Flights: Please add $250/- per person for one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $6,508 per person* (Total of *US$5,068 per person + US$1,200 Government SDF tax + plus $240 monument and entry fees) *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $600 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *Regional Flights: Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **Domestic Flights: Please add $250/- per person for one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $6,308 per person* (Total of *US$4,868 per person + US$1,200 Government SDF tax + plus $240 monument and entry fees) *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $600 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *Regional Flights: Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **Domestic Flights: Please add $250/- per person for one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 REQUEST RESERVATION From $6,708 per person* (Total of *US$5,268 per person + US$1,200 Government SDF tax + plus $240 monument and entry fees) *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $600 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *Regional Flights: Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **Domestic Flights: Please add $250/- per person for one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $6,508 per person* (Total of *US$5,068 per person + US$1,200 Government SDF tax + plus $240 monument and entry fees) *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $600 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *Regional Flights: Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **Domestic Flights: Please add $250/- per person for one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $6,308 per person* (Total of *US$4,868 per person + US$1,200 Government SDF tax + plus $240 monument and entry fees) *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $600 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *Regional Flights: Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **Domestic Flights: Please add $250/- per person for one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements ​ ​ ​ ​ April 20 - May 1, 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 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 REQUEST ITINERARY THIS SPRINGTIME JOURNEY at the peak of Bhutan’s colorful rhododendron season brings us to a religious mask dance festival with hidden symbols and meanings that sustain the spiritual lives of the central Bhutanese people, who are the keepers of its ancient traditions and ceremonies. SHARE: An active adventure exploring the spiritual heart of Bhutan with the ancient Ura festival APRIL 20/BANGKOK TO PARO FLIGHT VIEW DAY BY DAY Your early flight from Bangkok, Drukair KB 131, departs at 07:30 a.m. and lands in Paro at 10:40 a.m. We recommend you stay at The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Hotel. Your journey begins when we pick you up at the airport on arrival from Bangkok and take you on an easy outing around Paro Valley—after a stop for refreshments and bracing cups of Bhutan’s homegrown coffee or tea. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Cottages or comparable APRIL 21/TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY This morning, we step back in time at the eighth century, clifftop Tiger’s Nest monastery and other monuments along the valley floor. A visit to the traditional weekend farmers market, where we see people from all walks of life buying weekly provisions, gives us an idea of the local tastes and culinary preferences. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Cottages or comparable APRIL 22: DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO CENTRAL BHUTAN The short 25-minute domestic flight with views of the greater Himalayan range drops us into the heart of the kingdom. After checking in at our family-run lodge, the Mountain Resort, we head out on a tour of the beautifully-restored historic Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum across the street. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable APRIL 23: THE URA FESTIVAL MASK DANCES Today, we take an hour's drive in the morning to attend the popular religious celebration in Ura valley, a place that features prominently in the critically acclaimed feature film, The Monk and the Gun, Bhutan's official 2023 Academy Awards nominee . Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable APRIL 24: "PILGRIM'S WALK" This morning we take a walking tour of the key temples and monastery along the valley floor, along the traditional "pilgrim's circuit," exploring the religious art and architecture of buildings dating from the 7th to the 17th centuries. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable APRIL 25: TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL/TANG VALLEY This morning after breakfast we hike along a stretch of the Trans Bhutan Trail, which takes us from the Jakar to the Tang valley where we enjoy a delicious lunch in an old atmospheric home that's been refurbished as a museum. If time permits, we stop in at a picturesque gorge in the Tang river called the "Flaming Lake," because of a popular local legend. This evening we sample local Red Panda Beer, Juniper Schanpps and Gouda and Emmenthaler cheeses made at the local Swiss Farm. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable APRIL 26: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY Today we descend into the warm Trongsa valley before climbing back up through the rugged Black Mountain Range to the high alpine Gangtey valley. Lunch is at a traditional restaurant set by a spectacular waterfall! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable APRIL 27: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA AND TEMPLES TOUR This morning we hike the flanks of beautiful Gangtey valley to the nature center and continue our drive along the east-west highway and arrive in the fertile Lobeysa valley in time for a delicious traditional red rice lunch. In the afternoon, we walk along rice terraces to the famous "Temple of the Divine Madman." This evening, enjoy cocktail hour at the Zhingkham Resort's terrace with spreading views of the river and valley and the beautiful lights of the Punakha Dzong. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort , Dhumra Farmstay or comparable APRIL 28: VISIT PUNAKHA DZONG/EXPLORE PUNAKHA This morning, enter majestic Punakha Dzong across a traditional wooden bridge. Visit the magnificent Hall of 100 Pillars before continuing our drive to a lovely riverside picnic. In the afternoon, take a lovely hike through rice-fields to the Khamsum Yuelley Temple upriver of the Punakha Mochu valley. In the late afternoon, we walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, a fun and exhilarating experience! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort , Dhumra Farmstay or comparable APRIL 29: EXPLORE THIMPHU After breakfast, we drive the 2.5 hours to Thimphu, with a stop at the 10,000-foot Dochula pass. Take a short hike into the old-growth rhododendron forests above the pass to see any late season blooms, which can be spectacular. Lunch will be back at the cafe with a quick walk around the 108 white stupas. Continue to the Giant Buddha Dordenma, followed by an optional 1.5-2 hour hike through pine forests to the 14th century Changgangkha Monastery with an exquisite statue of the Buddha of Compassion. After checking in at the hotel, we have a free late afternoon or early evening to walk through the colorful city center or visit an interesting local market by the river, or a smiths' workshop for one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery and religious statuary. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel/Thimphu City Hotel or comparable APRIL 30: TAKIN ZOO/CITY MONUMENTS This morning we visit the Takin zoo, where we come face to face with the curious-looking national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, as well as yaks. Later, we continue on a lovely forest trail to the Wangditse temple with spectacular views of the city and enjoy a scenic packed picnic lunch on the temple grounds. This evening, we enjoy a traditional farewell feast at the city's culinary hotspot, the Folk Heritage Restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel/Thimphu City Hotel or comparable MAY 1: DEPARTURE/BANGKOK We bring you to the airport after breakfast, in time for your return flight to Bangkok. Drukair KB 126 Departs at 11:50 a.m. and arrives 5:30 p.m. in Bangkok. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch served inflight en route to Bangkok Recommended transit hotel in Bangkok: The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Hotel Note: Guests are responsible for round-trip arrangements to Bangkok. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions takes care of the rest, including domestic flights and the return round-trip from Bangkok and back (airfare, additional). ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ THE JOURNEY BEGINS with a hike to famous clifftop Tiger’s Nest monastery and a short but spectacular cross-country flight into Bhutan’s spiritual and geographical heart, where we attend the ancient springtime festival and explore the region’s hidden valleys and hamlets by foot and car. The return trip overland to western Bhutan takes us through Trongsa, spiritual home of Bhutanese kings; Gangtey, a hidden high valley that sits midway between central and west Bhutan; Punakha, the ancient Bhutanese capital at the confluence of two culturally significant rivers, and, finally, Thimphu, Bhutan's bustling modern capital. Along the way, we stop at each valley’s historically notable temples and Buddhist monastery fortresses known as Dzongs. Through our curated blend of active hiking, cultural experiences, and historical context, we seek to provide a deep, insightful understanding of the kingdom before returning to the western (air) port city of Paro for your return flight 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 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.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges Small Group Adventure DURATION 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Opening the doors to Bhutan since 1999 LEARN MORE High tea at Tiger's Nest Jomolhari Camp Bauhaus family at Tiger's Nest Guests Raymond and Peggy in Punakha Farm-to-table day with traditional families in central Bhutan Guest Donna makes a friend Guests Sheri and Dayton have a moment Our young hikers Jenny and Alli Guests Nelsons and friends on hike Guests at the top of Dochula mountain Guest Stephanie and family at Punakha Dzong Guest Byron and group hiking in Tang Guest Chuck C shares pictures with village children An encounter on the trail Archery day Guests celebrating a successful afternoon archery session A joyous farewell dinner Learning about the Bhutanese emphasis on universal education Hiking in central Bhutan Barb tries on the national dress Trekking on the Dragon's Path Camping Guests resting under holy Bo tree Rebbecca and mom Becky treasure hunting at the Tibetan market El Salvadorean painter and mixed media artist Camila admiring temple mural | Guests Gallery Since 1999, we have arranged in-depth journeys to Bhutan for culturally curious and open-minded travelers; New York Times correspondents; traveling photography seminar leaders and their groups; artists; architects; writers; yoga teachers (and their students); meditation teachers and their followers; birders; medical, dental, and eye-clinic missions and volunteers; avid trekkers; multi-generational families; honeymoon couples; and 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 Himalaya guest Monica shows how it's done, at the base of Mt. Jomolhari © Bhutan Himalaya archives Bhutan, at your pace 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. 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. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A TEAM OF well-connected guides and trip leaders, with operations in Bhutan and the U.S., we offer in-depth, intimate, and authentic journeys across the transformational landscape of Bhutan, with travel extensions in the region. | Who we are Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: a summer journey JOURNEYS Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan’s Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha’s Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What Our Travelers Say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Project Name Six 2023 Client Name Six I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. To update me, go to the Data Manager. The Data Manager is where you store data to use in your site pages, or collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. This collection in the Data Manager is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, you can import a CSV file or simply edit the placeholder text. You can also add more fields which you can connect to other page elements so the content displays on your published site. Remember to sync the collection so your content is live! You can add as many new collections as you need to store or collect data. With Presets, we’ve handled the page set up for you, but you can create the exact same functionality in your other site pages. To connect page elements to data, the first step is to add a dataset to the page and choose the collection you want to use. From the dataset Settings panel, you can filter or sort the available items, decide how your users can interact with the page (read/write), and more. Next, select the element you want to connect to the data, and choose the field you want to connect it to. So simple! If you want to add even more capabilities, enable Developer Tools to use JavaScript and APIs to add custom interactions and functionality to your site. To see what’s possible and get answers to your questions, check out the Wix Code Forum. Previous Next

Project Name Nine 2023 Client Name Nine I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. To update me, go to the Data Manager. The Data Manager is where you store data to use in your site pages, or collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. This collection in the Data Manager is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, you can import a CSV file or simply edit the placeholder text. You can also add more fields which you can connect to other page elements so the content displays on your published site. Remember to sync the collection so your content is live! You can add as many new collections as you need to store or collect data. With Presets, we’ve handled the page set up for you, but you can create the exact same functionality in your other site pages. To connect page elements to data, the first step is to add a dataset to the page and choose the collection you want to use. From the dataset Settings panel, you can filter or sort the available items, decide how your users can interact with the page (read/write), and more. Next, select the element you want to connect to the data, and choose the field you want to connect it to. So simple! If you want to add even more capabilities, enable Developer Tools to use JavaScript and APIs to add custom interactions and functionality to your site. To see what’s possible and get answers to your questions, check out the Wix Code Forum. Previous Next

Project Name Eleven 2023 Client Name Eleven I'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. To update me, go to the Data Manager. The Data Manager is where you store data to use in your site pages, or collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. This collection in the Data Manager is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, you can import a CSV file or simply edit the placeholder text. You can also add more fields which you can connect to other page elements so the content displays on your published site. Remember to sync the collection so your content is live! You can add as many new collections as you need to store or collect data. With Presets, we’ve handled the page set up for you, but you can create the exact same functionality in your other site pages. To connect page elements to data, the first step is to add a dataset to the page and choose the collection you want to use. From the dataset Settings panel, you can filter or sort the available items, decide how your users can interact with the page (read/write), and more. Next, select the element you want to connect to the data, and choose the field you want to connect it to. So simple! If you want to add even more capabilities, enable Developer Tools to use JavaScript and APIs to add custom interactions and functionality to your site. To see what’s possible and get answers to your questions, check out the Wix Code Forum. Previous Next

Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US LEARN MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Perkins International ACCOMMODATIONS High-end accommodations & all-inclusive expedition camps GROUP SIZE 8 ~ 12; 16 MAX Small Group Adventure| 14 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy cultural tour with challenging trek RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE PRIVATE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The secret to Bhutan's pandemic success story? Science, Religion, and faith in the monarchy 10 best mask dances to see on a Bhutan trip during the Spring & Fall Tshechu festival travel seasons Bhutan: The Little Kingdom that Could 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. ​ 1/5 City Hotel - Thimphu, capital of Bhutan This elegant and tasteful modern tower is located in the heart of the city and steps away from the bustling and colorful Centenary Farmer's Market. 2/5 Zhingkham Resort - Punakha, western Bhutan Overlooking the monumental Punakha Dzong, and the fertile agricultural valley cut by the Pho and Mo rivers, this lodge some of the best views in the country from its wide windows and plush, modern rooms. 3/5 The Eco-Lodge at Gangtey-Phobjikha In the Gangtey, we stay at a tastefully built eco-lodge in the traditional style. Wake up to cradle your hot morning beverage as you watch life gradually stirring on the ancient farm next door through tall glass windows, even as you become happily aware of the delectable sounds and smells of a hearty country breakfast taking shape in the lodge kitchen, featuring local eggs and the valley's famous potatoes and cheese garnished with vegetables from the kitchen garden out back. 4/5 The Olathang Hotel - Paro, western Bhutan The grande dame of Bhutanese hotels and lodges, this sprawling property dotted with pine trees throughout its well-manicured grounds exudes an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and ceremonious. 5/5 Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps On our treks, bed down nightly under the stars and peaks in our top-notch expedition grade tents designed to withstand everything that the Himalayan weather can throw at us. Our expdition camps include fluffy below-zero sleeping bags, sheets, pillows, sleeping mats and porterage via mule caravan; our full-fledged kitchen and dining services provide three full meals a day, cooked from scratch and early a.m. and nightly relaxation at campsite with a hot beverage in hand. 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 October 18 - 31, 2024 US$7,940 per person (US$6,300 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, and US$200 monument and entry fees) SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can price it out for you.*** PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $250/- per person for two one-way domestic flights from Paro to Bumthang & Yonphula to Paro * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$7,740 Per Person (US$6,100 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF, & US$200 monument and entry fees). SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can price it out for you.*** PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $250/- per person for two one-way domestic flights from Paro to Bumthang & Yonphula to Paro * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$7,540 Per Person (US$5,900 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & $200 monument and entry fees). SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can price it out for you.*** PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $250/- per person for two one-way domestic flights from Paro to Bumthang & Yonphula to Paro * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements November dates available ​ ​ ​ 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 REQUEST RESERVATION US$7,940 per person (US$6,300 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, and US$200 monument and entry fees) SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can price it out for you.*** PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $250/- per person for two one-way domestic flights from Paro to Bumthang & Yonphula to Paro * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$7,740 Per Person (US$6,100 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF, & US$200 monument and entry fees). SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can price it out for you.*** PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $250/- per person for two one-way domestic flights from Paro to Bumthang & Yonphula to Paro * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$7,540 Per Person (US$5,900 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & $200 monument and entry fees). SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can price it out for you.*** PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $250/- per person for two one-way domestic flights from Paro to Bumthang & Yonphula to Paro * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 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 REQUEST ITINERARY Click map to enlarge 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: Active cultural adventure in 'the Last Himalayan Kingdom' DAY 01: FLIGHT FROM BANGKOK, THAILAND, TO PARO, BHUTAN 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 DAY 02: EXPLORE BHUTAN’S CAPITAL | HIKE TO TANGO MONASTERY 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. DAY 03: LEARN TO COOK A BHUTANESE MEAL | TRANSFER TO PUNAKHA VALLEY, BHUTAN’S ANCIENT CAPITAL 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. DAY 04: EXPLORE REGAL PUNAKHA Explore the regal valley of Punakha, home to Bhutan’s Queen Mothers and some of Bhutan’s most exquisite temples. Visit the magnificent and historic Punakha Dzong, walk the length of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and hike to panoramic Khamsum pagoda while exploring villages surrounded by ancient rice-terraces. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable DAY 05: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY | NATURE HIKE | BLACK-NECKED CRANES We drive today along the national highway east through the spectacular Black Mountain Range. If we're lucky, we may spot some of Bhutan's rare White Langur monkeys among the flame-trees, magnolia, birch, rhododendron and Asian Maple in this vegetation-rich zone. We arrive in time to take an afternoon hike along the beautiful Phobjikha Nature Trail, and rest this evening at our charming eco lodge set in a small village on the valley floor. If you're taking this trip in November, you're in luck! Keep an eye out for the beautiful and endangered black-necked cranes that make the valley their winter home from November until March. Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations:Ecolodge or comparable DAY 06: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG We start the drive early this morning stopping at an interesting museum of royal antiquities housed in an ancient military watchtower. This evening we descend the high pass of Yotong-la to arrive in the surpassingly lovely region of Bumthang, before checking into our large, family-run mountain lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DAYS 07-09: TEMPLES & MONASTERIES Over the next couple of days, we stop at a series of exquisite Buddhist temples and monasteries dating between the 8th and 17th centuries, simultaneously learning about the religious art and symbolism of Himalayan Buddhism and how it affects daily life and government policy in Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Moutain Resort DAY 10: EXPLORE CHAMKHAR VALLEY Today we take a guided picnic hike along the glacial Chamkhar river to a series of quaint and little-visited villages in the interior of Bumthang, including some old interesting homes and temples before returning in time for local brew, Red Panda beer with slices of Bumthang's famous Swiss Cheese. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DAY 11: TANG VALLEY This morning we take the dramatic hike over a pine forested ridge into the ancient Tang valley, where we visit an old mansion refurbished as a museum. We return to the lodge in time for happy hour and a sumptuous dinner of regional specialties such as 'puta' or buckwheat noodles. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DAY 12: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT This morning a dramatic mountain flight brings us back to Paro, where we settle in for a cozy evening after an afternoon exploring the colorful market and shops of Paro. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable DAY 13: HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY We rise early in the morning to complete the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery followed by a farewell dinner at a secret location. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable DAY 14: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | DEPARTURE We drive you back to the airport after breakfast for your return flight home to Bangkok or other destinations. This journey covers the kingdom's scenic valleys of Paro, Gangtey-Phobjikha, and the twin capitals of Punakha and Thimphu as well as the breathtaking and relaxed Bumthang region. Arriving in the agricultural Paro valley at the cusp of the harvest season, we travel gradually into the spiritual heart of the kingdom. We take vigorous hikes, sample the hearty regional cuisines and visit temples and monasteries that seem suspended in the lap of mist-wreathed mountains. As we succumb to the ample charms of the countryside and the Bhutanese way of life, we celebrate the cherished Himalayan values of laughter, humility, respect, caring, mutuality and contentment. 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.) See all posts > EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up

LEARN MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Bhutan Abundance Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The secret to Bhutan's pandemic success story? Science, Religion, and faith in the monarchy 10 best mask dances to see on a Bhutan trip during the Spring & Fall Tshechu festival travel seasons Bhutan: The Little Kingdom that Could 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. ​ 1/9 Balcony - Zingkha This beautifully refurbished hed former governor's residence is our featured lodge in western Bhutan's Haa valley. Each morning lodge staff place a censor of fragrantly smoking mountain herbs on the balcony giving it the air of a devout Buddhist family home. 2/9 Entry Passage - Zingkha Traditional Bhutanese murals of a man and woman bowing in welcome decorate the lodge's earthy entry passage. 3/9 Artisan-painted interior Wall - Zingkha A famous piece of art known locally as "Mongolian leading Tiger" graces the lodge's interior walls. 4/9 Bedroom - Zingkha Maintained in the traditional style, with hangings of silk and brocade, and elaborately hand drawn stylistic clouds on the walls, the bedrooms of the Zingkha lodge evoke a bygone era of the comforts accorded to a local governor. 5/9 Exterior - Zingkha The heavy rammed earth walls and the cheerfully decorated windows, scalloped in the distinctly traditional Bhutanese style of past centuries, makes the lodge a true architectural gem in an era of rapidly modernizing buildings. 6/9 Welcome Foyer - Zingkha The impressive welcome foyer of the Zingkha lodge provides a gracious space where guests can rest and relax and enjoy a cup of espresso or a traditional Bhutanese teatime. 7/9 Zhingkham Resort - Punakha, western Bhutan Overlooking the monumental Punakha Dzong, and the fertile agricultural valley cut by the Pho and Mo rivers, this lodge some of the best views in the country from its wide windows and plush, modern rooms. 8/9 The Olathang Hotel - Paro, western Bhutan The grande dame of Bhutanese hotels and lodges, this sprawling property dotted with pine trees throughout its well-manicured grounds exudes an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and ceremonious. 9/9 City Hotel - Thimphu, capital of Bhutan This elegant and tasteful modern tower is located in the heart of the city and steps away from the bustling and colorful Centenary Farmer's Market. 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 July 7 - 18, 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) ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 REQUEST RESERVATION $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) not available not available not available ​ TBD 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 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 REQUEST ITINERARY This journey covers the kingdom's scenic valleys of Paro, Haa, Gangtey-Phobjikha, and the twin capitals of Punakha and Thimphu. Arriving in the agricultural Paro valley during the wet, planting season, we trek over a high pass into the Haa valley, the old gateway to Bhutan before roads and modern transportation opened other points of access. We discover the bucolic village life and traditions in Haa's Haatoe village after attending a summer festival showcasing the region's nomadic culture. We take vigorous hikes, sample the hearty regional cuisine and volunteer at a beautiful nunnery that seems suspended in the lap of mist-wreathed mountains. As we succumb to the ample charms of the countryside and the Bhutanese people, we work our way through a Bhutan 'abundance' list that includes laughter, humility, respect, caring, mutuality and happiness. SHARE: Discovering the superlative charms of Bhutan's countryside during the kingdom's lush, green season DAY 1: BANGKOK/PARO VIEW DAY BY DAY Take the magnificent flight from Bangkok to Paro, past snow-capped Himalayan peaks whose summits pierce the clouds. Meet your Bhutan Himalaya trip staff and guides at the airport, before transferring to a series of peaceful wood and mud cottages overlooking the rice fields and Paro town. After orientation, we take a late afternoon hike to limber up after the flight and get the circulation going. This evening we have an informal discussion on Bhutanese Buddhism to provide a cultural context for the journey. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable DAY 02: HIKE TO FAMED TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY We take the early hike to magnificent cliff-hanging Tiger’s Nest monastery with a return to the lodge in time for lunch. An early afternoon rest and relaxation in preparation for tomorrow's big trek along an ancestral farming route to Haa valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable DAY 03: TREK/TRANSFER TO HAA VALLEY We have an optional full day trek today along the old ancestral trail from Paro to Haa, walked by generations of farmers traveling between the two valleys for seasonal rice-planting and harvest, the labor for which was traditionally shared by the two communities. For those looking for an easier option, a 2.5 hour van shuttle brings you into Haa with a stop at spectacular, prayer-flag strewn Chele La pass (13,000 feet). We check in this evening at the thoughtfully refurbished country manor of a former governor of the valley, complete with its own temple in the main building, an authentic taste of local life with modern amenities. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge DAY 04: HAA SUMMER FESTIVAL Today we attend the Haa summer festival, celebrating the nomadic culture of the regional yakherders as well as other mountain cultures from the region. This is a colorful opportunity to learn about the region's unique foods, culture and folkways. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge DAY 05: HIKING TOUR OF PRISTINE HAA VALLEY We have a hiking tour of the valley which begins from our lodge in the center of ancient Haatoe village, steeped in the timeless rhythms of agriculture and seasonal (yak) herding. A breathtaking, little-known cliffside temple off the beaten-path is our treat for the day! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge DAY 06: CULTURE OF HAATOE/COOKING CLASS & DEMO After breakfast, we'll visit the ancient local temple in the village for a short blessing. Then it's on to a local family home to learn how to make the valley’s hearty buckwheat-and-turnip dumpling, hoentey. This evening try Bhutan‘s version of a Japanese Onsen bath beside a rushing mountain stream. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge DAY 07: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY Today we descend into the warm Punakha valley before climbing back up through the rugged Black Mountain Range to the high alpine Gangtey valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable DAY 08: MORNING HIKE, VOLUNTEER WITH CENTRAL BHUTANESE NUNS After a morning hike along the nature trail today, we meet the nuns at a local nunnery to work alongside them at their monastery. We stay tonight in main part of the valley but spend some time getting to know these amazing nuns of central Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable DAY 9: SERVICE WORK/ VOLUNTEER DAY This morning after breakfast with the nuns, we spend the remainder of the day working alongside the nuns. In the late afternoon, we return to the lodge in time for a brief introduction to Vajrayana meditation, followed by a contemplative valley walk, aperitifs and, or, happy hour before dinner. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, the Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable DAY 10: DRIVE TO THIMPHU We drive to the nation's bustling capital Thimphu today, via Punakha, the old capital of the kingdom. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu City Hotel or comparable DAY 11: EXPLORE THIMPHU MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS We explore the capital today, stopping at the world-class textile museum, the giant brass Buddha on a hill overlooking the capital and a brisk hike through pine forests with bird's eye view of Bhutan's largest city. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner prepared by a respected Bhutanese food personality. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu City Hotel or comparable DAY 12: BANGKOK, THAILAND I DEPARTURE We drive you back early this morning to Paro in time for your return flight home to Bangkok or other destinations. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ This journey coinciding with the lush, onset-of-summer season in Bhutan is an immersive experience of Bhutanese culture, coupled with the intentions set out for this journey of discovery, understanding and service, and local Bhutanese people we meet along the way illuminate our understanding of a world-view that is important now more than ever. A most-culturally sensitive way to see the country that many associate with wellbeing, happiness and balance. 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.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges GROUP SIZE 8-12; 16 people maximum DURATION 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Challenging RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ● VOLUNTEER ASK A QUESTION EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US LEARN MORE ​ Perkins International ACCOMMODATIONS Spiritual Wellness Center PRIVATE DURATION 09 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE WELLNESS ● SPIRITUAL ASK A QUESTION Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The secret to Bhutan's pandemic success story? Science, Religion, and faith in the monarchy 10 best mask dances to see on a Bhutan trip during the Spring & Fall Tshechu festival travel seasons Bhutan: The Little Kingdom that Could 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. ​ 1/8 Sanctuary entrance doors; courtyard 2/8 Rooms: sitting-area 3/8 The spa entrance 4/8 Restaurant: mushroom-surprise 5/8 Terrace rooms 6/8 Restaurant: outdoor-terrace 7/8 Bathrooms 8/8 Restaurant overview 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 Flexible Dates Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing ​ ​ ​ ​ 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 REQUEST RESERVATION Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing ​ ​ ​ ​ Flexible Dates 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 2024 Dates & Prices 2024 Dates & Prices ​ ​ DATES & PRICES WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED ITINERARY PRACTICAL DETAILS | RECOMMENDED POSTS TRIP PHOTOGALLERY REQUEST ITINERARY Click map to enlarge 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: A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions DAY 1: ARRIVAL 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 DAY 2: ACCLIMATIZATION 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. DAY 3: TIGER´S NEST 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. DAY 4: CHELE LA & HAA VALLEY Kickstart the day with yoga or meditation. Explore Chele La pass, hang prayer flags, and hike for breathtaking views. Continue to Haa for a homemade picnic, visiting a Bhutanese fortune teller on the way back. Dinner awaits at the sanctuary. DAY 5: THIMPHU Morning yoga or meditation, followed by a day trip to Thimphu. Explore key sites, savor a local restaurant lunch, and discover the Cordyceps tasting house. Return for a six-course dinner at the sanctuary. DAY 6: EUTOK GOENPA MONASTERY Enjoy a guided hike to Eutok Goenpa monastery, followed by spa facilities, traditional sports, or a cooking class in the afternoon. End the day with a six-course dinner on the terrace. DAY 7: SOCIAL IMPACT Start with yoga or meditation, followed by a visit to a local village. Experience a traditional Bhutanese lunch and explore social impact projects. Dress in traditional Bhutanese attire for a festive dinner with Bhutanese-inspired entertainment. DAY 8: PARO Begin with yoga or meditation, followed by a day exploring Paro's cultural gems. Discover Bhutanese local fare at lunch, and indulge in spa treatments or forest bathing in the afternoon. Visit Namgay artisanal beer brewery and enjoy a farewell dinner in the garden. DAY 9: FAREWELL After a healthy breakfast, indulge in a final mind and body treatment before embarking on a mountain flight to central Bhutan. This marks a fitting end to your immersive stay at the sanctuary, and the beginning of your exciting rhododendron season journey! ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY All aspects of this itinerary can be modified according to your wishes. FLIGHTS Flights connecting to this journey are available from Delhi and Bangkok. PROGRAM ACCURACY Please note that while we strive to maintain the highest level of program accuracy, actual program may vary reasonably depending on late-breaking changes on the ground, weather, and or last-minute changes or modifications that may result from forces beyond our control. Following your arrival at the Paro airport and reception, you are whisked away to a spritual retreat that blends highlights of the ancient and the modern in Bhutan. From this serene base, you get to choose how you structure each day with our proposed itinerary as a back-up. This way, you experience the best of Bhutanese wellness traditions from a restful space before your flight to central Bhutan and our overland signature rhododendron season journey from central to western Bhutan. 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.) See all posts > EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up

Hatching in the Himalaya: How the brown trout, a native of the British Isles, found a home in Bhutan’s lakes and rivers OUTDOORS 28 July 2022 Tshering Tashi The brown trout, a foreign transplant from a distant shore, now abundant in the lakes and rivers of Bhutan originally came from Kashmir, India, by way of the British highlands. With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us 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 Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter Share Share A Bhutanese angler holds a fresh-caught brown trout for the camera. In 1941, at the behest of Gongzim Sonam Tobgye Dorji (1896-1953), the high chamberlain to the king, the trout eggs were first driven from their hatchery in Kashmir, India, by motorcar to Kalimpong, West Bengal (India), traversing approximately 2,187 kilometers. Then, Bhutanese porters carried buckets of the ‘eyed’ eggs 4,310 meters (14,140 feet) over the Nathula Pass before descending to 2,895 meters (9,498 feet) into the Chumbi valley, and, finally, to the hatchery in the Haa valley at 2,712 meters (8,897 feet). To accomplish this, the Gongzim used a relay of porters similar to the one tactically employed by Genghis Khan, called Yam. That traditional form of transportation has mostly fallen out of practice today with the advances in modern travel, but it ensured that the load was constantly on the move and delivered at the fastest possible speed without tiring the runners and damaging the eggs. No fewer than 20,000 fertilized ova from the Harwan Hatchery in Kashmir were brought to Bhutan in that way and introduced into the lakes and rivers of the kingdom. But the project began even earlier when the forward-thinking Gongzim sent his subordinate, a man named Tsudup, to Kashmir to study trout breeding and learn how to build native hatcheries. A European species of the salmonid, the eggs of this pure freshwater fish were originally transplanted to Kashmir from Scotland between 1904 and 1905, bred in hatcheries, and successfully introduced into the rivers and lakes of the Indian province. Prior to that ichthyologists or fish scientists established that the environment and the physicochemical parameters of the snow-fed streams of Kashmir were suitable for this species of the cold-water fish. The trout flourished and eight years after the trout were first introduced to Bhutan, the English naturalist Frank Ludlow was able to write in his diary: “One thing …I noticed is that the Ha trout don’t fight as well as they do in Kashmir. Perhaps they are too fat.” Conditions in the Haa valley being similar to that of Kashmir, Bhutan’s first ichthyologist, Tsudup, returned from Kashmir to establish the country’s first hatchery in Haa. In addition to Ludlow’s diary, there remain two other documents archived in the British Library (from 1944) that tell the tale of the brown trout’s arrival in Bhutan. The first was a letter written by Gongzim's wife, Yum Chuni Wangmo Dorji (1897-1994) to Irma, the wife of Lieutenant Colonel F.M. Bailey (1882-1967). That same year, the Gongzim wrote a second letter to the Colonel, who was a British Intelligence Officer. Both letters contain references to the fish. Flyfishing on the Mochhu River, Punakha, western Bhutan. Rod-and-reel fishing has a small but avid group of devotees in Bhutan. “Colonel Bailey will be interested to hear that Tobgye introduced brown trout at Haa three years [ago],” Yum Chuni Wangmo wrote to her friend. From the Gongzim’s own letter we learn that it was Sir Basil Gould, (1833-1956) who provided assistance for the project. Gould was the British Political Officer in Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet from 1935-1945. The letters provide details about the hatchery in Haa valley, and the first two attempts at breeding, which happened in 1943 and in 1944. In the first attempt, one fish was stripped and 200 eggs found. The second attempt took place a year later, and with 1,100 fry was an even bigger success than the first. The project had its setbacks particularly when for some unknown reasons, thousands of ova perished. However, by 1944, the eggs from Kashmir had hatched and one hundred brown trout weighing two to five pounds were held at the hatchery for further breeding. The first brown trout caught successfully in the wild on a Bhutanese river, in 1944, was, according to Gongzim’s letter, “10 pounds and two feet in length.” The inaugural catch was released back into the river. Next, the Gongzim stocked three glacial lakes high above the Haa valley with the fish. “We have also put fish into the Hala & Kyula lakes about three years ago,” he wrote. Anxious about the progress of his experiment, the Gongzim sent his men at regular intervals up to the high-altitude lakes so they could tell him how they were doing. Good news came in the autumn of 1944 when the Gongzim and his men saw a couple of the fish in the Hala Lake on two occasions. The same could not be said for the other lake where they thought they had seen several fish rise to the surface but could not actually verify their presence. According to the Gongzim’s letter, the trout in the Hala Lake had not grown as much as the ones in the Haa river. They measured only about one to two pounds. But, judging from the big splashes the fish made at the Kyula Lake, he believed that the ones in that lake were much bigger. “They should be bigger as the Kyula Lake is bigger than the lake at [near] Hala & there is also more food in it,” he theorized. The high-altitude lakes of Bhutan are today well-stocked with non-native trout. The name of the third Bhutanese lake to be stocked with brown trout fingerlings, sometime in 1943, was Bidang. In 1949, when Frank Ludlow fished for the brown trout in the rivers of Haa he made further comments in his diary about the movements of the brown trout. He said that the rivers of Haa were well stocked with trout and gave credit to Tsudup: “It is entirely due to him the Ha river has now probably the finest trout fishing anywhere in [and near] India.” At the time of his visit, the hatchery had about 20 fish of three to six pounds in weight and a number of smaller specimens. Ludlow, who was a seasoned angler, declared: “I cannot imagine better fishing anywhere.” He was of the opinion that people would gladly pay Rs. 500 a month (a princely sum in those days) to fish in Bhutan and that it would be a commercial success, noting ruefully that he knew the Gongzim Dorji would not entertain such an idea. Ludlow also confirmed the existence of brown trout in the Kyula Lake. He saw one or two good-sized fish rise to its surface and noted that the little lake appeared to be better stocked. He found the fish in the lake in better condition and made special note of its dark coloring. In Damthang, Haa, Ludlow caught a two-pounder in the river and found numerous fish in splendid condition. “They are, I think, the most golden and handsome trout I have ever set my eyes upon and there is no doubt that the abundance of food accounts for them,” he wrote. On April 24th,1949, Ludlow also discovered trout at Chunzom, the confluence of the two rivers of Paro and Thimphu. Further, he found that by 1945 to 1946, the trout were already propagating in the Pachhu or Paro River. By the end of 1949 the brown trout–a transplant from the rugged highlands of the British Isles by way of Kashmir–had definitely found a footing in the welcoming waters of Western Bhutan, where they flourish to this day. The National Research Center for Riverine and Lake Fishes is a present-day successor to the early endeavors of the Gongzim Sonam Tobgye Dorji to provide an additional source of food and recreation in the kingdom. These days the trout farms of Haa provide local markets with an added source of protein. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ AN EPIC FEAT of transportation brought the common brown trout, a native of the broodingly cold streams and rivers of Scotland, to Bhutan. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys In-depth cultural exploration of Bhutan A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan Trekking Bhutan's majestic Mount Gangkhar Puensum with acclimatization hikes on the Trans Bhutan Trail Explore Bhutan when wild rhododendrons bloom Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons Discover Bhutan’s vibrant Warriors Pageant Celebrate the annual return of Bhutan’s endangered Black-necked Cranes Bhutan Abundance The pristine high trek to Treasure Lake Trekking Bhutan’s Jomolhari Basin The Heart of Happiness View all journeys Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Why visit Bhutan in 2023 INSIDE INFO July 20, 2022 Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions The magnificent Jakar Dzong in central Bhutan lit by the rays of an afternoon sun With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us 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 Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter Share Share Table with a variety of the traditional culinary hits laid out at the Folk Heritage restaurant, a favored watering hole for officials entertaining visiting guests and diplomats © Bhutan Himalaya archives The country practices as "low numbers, high value" tourism policy, and your travel pays for national investments in youth and social services, health and education, as well as infrastructure. Further, since the country avoids environment-polluting industries, the government's entry fees underwrite environmental protection as well. With all that in mind, here are our 10 reasons why Bhutan is still a good investment of your precious time time and money. 1. The Food All agricultural produce in the country is grown organically by decree. The use of pesticides and non-organic soil amendments has been banned in the kingdom for nearly a decade now. Today, a growing interest in the diverse food traditions of the kingdom and the availability of local organic produce is fueling a local food revival. Built on the primary ‘nine grains’ of Bhutan—red rice, millet, sweet buckwheat, bitter buckwheat, barley, amaranth, mustard, wheat and maize—Bhutanese food includes many unique flavors and ingredients such as wild foraged bitter cane (in season), the wild matsutake mushroom (in August and early September), country-style buckwheat noodles in the central Bumthang region, and the nutritious (and delicious) buckwheat dumplings of the western Haa region. Among the more exotic items you can try in Bhutan is Cordyceps Sinensis, the allegedly miraculous health-bestowing high-altitude fungus that’s harvested only after it fuses with the remnants of a ‘caterpillar’. Several of the well-known co-ops in the capital such as the OGOP or the CSI carry dried or powdered versions, as well as tea infused with the essence of this fabled fungus, which is now even appearing in high-end health food stores in the US and Europe. In some parts of Bhutan, the Cordyceps ‘worm’ is consumed whole or imbibed after being steeped in Bhutan’s clear alcoholic brew, Ara, which is similar to Japanese Sake (please ask your guide in advance if you'd like to try it as it takes some time to find). Bhutan Himalaya guest photographer Robert surrounded by young monks curious about his work © Bhutan Himalaya archives 2. The people are genuinely good and open Bhutanese people are honest and kind to a fault. You may not realize how exhausting it is to live in societies where everything is a transaction until you arrive in Bhutan. Once you drop your guard and relax into your journey, the natural good humor of the people, their decency, and their honesty begins to shine through. Here, you can appreciate just how truly amazing it is to have people approach you without motives other than to share an experience of genuine human contact. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, honesty is, in fact, a national attribute. Lost ATM cards in the kingdom are routinely found taped to walls next to ATM machines with helpful handwritten notes to their owners, and taxi drivers commonly track down passengers who forget their purses, wallets and valuables in their cars. The only large signs beside the highway in Bhutan are of the young king and queen and the adorable crown prince or 'Gyalsey' © Bhutan Himalaya archives 3. No advertisement billboards, Starbucks or McDonald's There are no giant billboards pushing the consumer lifestyle here. The only large signs you will see are the ones announcing important public health messages and those celebrating the cutest first family in the world: the handsome young king; the winsome queen; and their adorable, dimple-cheeked sons, the older of whom, Gyalsay (Crown Prince), has already won hearts and minds across the kingdom and beyond. Not here the ubiquitous Starbucks, the omnipresent Golden Arches or the scarlet Pizza Huts you see in neighboring countries in the region, and it will probably remain so, by royal decree. The expansive rooms at our family-owned mountain resort feature tall wood beams and local river rock, built in the traditional style with a modern flair © Bhutan Himalaya archives Style meets tradition at the intimately-curated modern lodges and hotels during our time in Bhutan's capital, Thimphu © Bhutan Himalaya archives 4. Local inns and lodges with traditional character Every local lodge, inn or hotel, while not necessarily up-to-date with the latest modern standards, offers its own unique blend of traditional culture and convenience. Worried about central heating? Check out the kingdom’s spin on an iron wood stove, or bukhari , which lends rustic charm to any hotel interior while giving you the benefits of warming your feet. Using a local lodge or hotel means you're supporting the local economy, the likelihood of striking up a friendship with the local owners or inkeepers and there’s none of the flattening sameness of the international chains you see in many other travel destinations. 5. Here you can truly get away from it all! In Bhutan, you probably have the best chance anywhere of truly getting away from it all! Remote valleys with a pristine environment (and great weather in the spring and the fall) means that you can go deep into the country if you choose. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the capital and the few major towns, the true heart of Bhutan opens up. You can still find many places where there are no landlines, no television sets or radios, or even newspapers. But if you truly seek escape from the world, you’ll have to take the ultimate plunge and unplug your cellphones. That's because the local sattellite-beamed network coverage is excellent, and you’ll likely pick up a connection in most places, even the more remote valleys. The bucolic Tang valley which can often seem far, far from the madding crowd © Bhutan Himalaya archives The Bhutanese countryside and the reflective pace of life invites you to explore deeper, physically and spiritually © Bhutan Himalaya archives 6. Bhutan invites you to explore the deeper meaning of our lives From taking a longer, more cosmic view of things to a deeper inquiry toward peace and equilibrium, an encounter with the Bhutanese culture encourages us to ask the bigger questions in life—questions we may not have time for in our busier societies with more materially-defined ideas of success, happiness and meaning. 7. Bhutan offers an opportunity for personal transformation This is not a tall claim. For those who find it at the right time in their lives, Bhutan can be a catalyst for personal transformation. The 17th century Japanese Haiku poet Basho believed that travel can be a process of spiritual rebirth. He wrote that "when you visit sacred sites and explore sacred landscapes, you enter a liminal space of the heart and the mind, where your old habitual self dies, and you enter an in-between state in which a new awareness arises." He believed that, in this elevated form of travel, "we undertake such journeys seeking to be reborn in a higher state of consciousness by encountering all the sublime influences in the places that we experience." The sheer number of sacred sites in Bhutan, the numerous ancient temples and monasteries in every village and town that have remained virtually unchanged since they were built, as well as the open spirits of the people mean this country just may be where you awaken to your higher state. The Buddha and the "Wheel of Dharma" still inform life and values in Bhutan to this day, providing a perfect learning opportunity © Bhutan Himalaya archives 8. Here you can take an inner and an outer journey Like the best places in the world, you can take both an inner and an outer journey in Bhutan. There's the physical journey through the history, the temples, the monasteries, the ancient landscape, the valleys and gorges, the rushing waterfalls, the aquamarine rivers roaring down from the snow-capped peaks. Then there's the inner journey in which the visitor can travel in their own hearts and their minds over some of the paths that the Bhutanese people follow in their own learning and study, their beliefs, their spiritual practices and their way of life. In this way you can travel simultaneously on two planes and connect with the hearts and minds of the people to get an understanding of where their culture comes from, their version of reality, and their perspectives on the nature of existence. Along the way you're invited to immerse yourself in a way of seeing the world differently, which is the greatest gift of travel. The depth of cultural learning that Himalayan cosmology offers, and the lived generosity of spirit in the daily lives of the people can be an inspiration for many travelers to Bhutan © Bhutan Himalaya archives 9. You can bring home the practical lessons for your own life The stated national goal of Bhutan is perfecting a formula for happiness. A large part of the country's population are monks and nuns whose job it is to daily contemplate the ways of finding peace and teaching it to the people. Meet a government official and they will tell you about protecting the four pillars of Gross National Happiness: cultural preservation, environmental well-being, equitable socioeconomic development and good governance. Bhutanese people are wonderful at sharing their stories and their perspectives, which means that, if you're willing to listen, you will likely find more than a few practical gems and reminders you can bring home to enrich your own life. Our journeys sometimes offer remarkable meetings with the living masters of Buddhism who often share their hard-won insights with our travelers © Bhutan Himalaya archives 10. We are all connected The ultimate lesson of Bhutanese culture is that we are all warmed by the same spiritual fire. That we are all, each of us, "Buddhas in the rough." To break down the delusions that separate us, and to seek a higher understanding of the interconnected nature of all things are the true goals of Bhutanese Buddhism. When an entire country believes that all of us in the world have been each other’s mothers in our previous lives, it makes the people that much more open to visitors. Bhutanese people also respect all other religious traditions. By sharing perspectives grounded in the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha), Bhutanese people are not expressing a belief that their view is somehow superior. Instead, they are sharing the belief that a close examination and training of our own minds, no matter who we are, can vastly improve the depth and meaning of our lives no matter what or where we come from. And that, ultimately, is what makes Bhutan a truly worthy destination whether in 2023 or beyond. Karma Singye Dorji has been leading and coordinating close and intimate journeys to Bhutan since 1999 . He is the author of Dreaming of Prayer Flags: Stories and Images from Bhutan . A print version of this post appeared in the year-end issue of Tashi Delek, the inflight magazine of Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national carrier of Bhutan. The ultimate lesson of the Bhutanese way of life is that we are all warmed by the same spiritual fire of our common humanity, without exception © Bhutan Himalaya archives ​ ​ WHEN LONELY PLANET named Bhutan their top travel choice for 2020, no one could have known that the kingdom would instead close its borders to protect its citizens from the pandemic. Now, with travel resuming under the 'new normal,' the country has reopened its doors. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys In-depth cultural exploration of Bhutan A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan Trekking Bhutan's majestic Mount Gangkhar Puensum with acclimatization hikes on the Trans Bhutan Trail Explore Bhutan when wild rhododendrons bloom Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons Discover Bhutan’s vibrant Warriors Pageant Celebrate the annual return of Bhutan’s endangered Black-necked Cranes Bhutan Abundance The pristine high trek to Treasure Lake Trekking Bhutan’s Jomolhari Basin The Heart of Happiness View all journeys Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US