Conservation and culture in the Last Himalayan Kingdom
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.
This exclusive journey takes us from western Bhutan on an epic road trip to the kingdom’s central highlands, before taking a sharp turn onto less-traveled roads to the southern jewel of Bhutan’s wildlife conservation crown. We arrive during the perfect seasonal window to welcome the rare Black-necked Cranes and explore the beautiful Bumthang Valley system. Lis reconnects with places and causes dear to her heart—and some unexpected stops—while we delight in introducing Dabney and Elisabeth to a selection of the kingdom’s most surpassingly lovely valleys en route, including some special spots and experiences we keep up our sleeves. A final return to Paro by helicopter, followed by a climb to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, leaves us all with a lifetime of special memories.
SHARE:
Rare Black-necked Cranes, Royal Manas National Park, and western, central and south-central Bhutan highlights
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ITINERARY
After flying in to Paro, we make our way east with stops in both Bhutan’s modern and ancient capitals, before a stay at the gateway to central Bhutan where we welcome the rare Black-necked Cranes returning on their winter migration to the Gangtey Valley. We continue to the lovely valleys of Bumthang and visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently featured on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to experience, before continuing on the national highway south to the crown jewel of the Bhutanese national park system. A final helicopter flight brings us back to Paro for the final night, followed by the next day’s hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery before the return flight home.
VIEW DAY BY DAY
NOVEMBER 14, 2025: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang and its traditional iron chain bridge. After checking into your hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten and take an evening stroll along Norzin Lam, Thimphu’s bustling downtown street.
NOVEMBER 15, 2025: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU
Begin the day with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Explore the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to learn traditional paper-making techniques. In the afternoon, tour Simply Bhutan Cultural Center, an interactive museum showcasing Bhutanese traditions. Conclude with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s administrative and monastic center.
NOVEMBER 16, 2025: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA AND VALLEY EXPLORATION
Travel from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m), enjoying panoramic Himalayan views and stopping at the 108 memorial stupas. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley. Explore Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers and take a walk across the scenic Punakha Suspension Bridge. Elisabeth hikes to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (4-5 miles round trip), while Dabney enjoys a gentle stroll through nearby rice fields. Optional river rafting on Mo Chhu is available for adventure enthusiasts.
NOVEMBER 17, 2025: DRIVE TO GANGTEY
Journey through winding mountain roads to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), a glacial valley known for its black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery and take an easy nature trail walk through this serene valley surrounded by alpine meadows and forests.
NOVEMBER 18, 2025: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG
Travel eastward into central Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Upon arrival in Bumthang, visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples believed to date back to the 7th century. Take time to explore Bumthang town and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere.
NOVEMBER 19, 2025: BUMTHANG EXPLORATION
Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit (March 2025). Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated during his journey through Bhutan. Revisit the farmhouse near Burning Lake and reconnect with the private temple housing ancient manuscripts you helped preserve years ago. Spend time learning about local traditions and connecting with villagers in this culturally rich valley.
NOVEMBER 20, 2025: EXPLORE BUMTHANG’S VALLEYS
Take a scenic drive to Ura Valley, known for its medieval atmosphere and quaint farming villages. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang for its ancient murals and Jakar Dzong for sweeping views of Chamkhar Valley. Elisabeth can opt for a longer hike through Tang Valley or Chumey Valley while Dabney enjoys shorter walks in picturesque surroundings.
NOVEMBER 21, 2025: BUMTHANG TO TRONGSA
Drive westward to Trongsa via Yotong La Pass (3-hour drive). Visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress and ancestral home of its royal family. Tour Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower museum) for insights into Bhutanese history before settling into your hotel for the night.
NOVEMBER 22, 2025: SAMCHHOLING TEA VILLAGE
Visit Samchholing green tea village in Trongsa District. Tour the plantation spanning over 67 acres while learning about tea cultivation and processing methods from members of the Samdrupcholing Green Tea Cooperative. Enjoy a tea-tasting session featuring organic green tea products grown in Bhutan’s pristine environment. Stay at a unique local monastery supported by the Bhutan Foundation, or alternately at the Yangkhil Lodge, with a majestic view of the gorge, Mangde River valley and and Bhutan’s longest Dzong.
NOVEMBER 23, 2025: DRIVE TO ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Take a drive south along the lush south-central route to the Manas region, passing through Zhemgang district and the historic Trong village, a medieval cobblestone settlement preserved intact for posterity. Upon arrival, settle into the Royal Guest House and enjoy an orientation to Manas’ wildlife conservation efforts and cultural significance.
NOVEMBER 24, 2025: MANAS NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES
Dabney enjoys gentle nature walks or bird watching near the lodge while Elisabeth embarks on jungle treks or river rafting adventures along the Manas River. Engage with local park inhabitant through cultural exchanges where you’ll learn about their traditions and lifestyle.
NOVEMBER 25, 2025: EXPLORE MANAS NATIONAL PARK
Explore deeper into Manas National Park with tailored activities:
- Dabney participates in cultural demonstrations or takes short scenic walks.
- Lis and Elisabeth join longer jungle treks or river rafting excursions.
Enjoy wildlife spotting tours or guided eco-trail walks before ending the day with storytelling around a campfire.
NOVEMBER 26, 2025: HELICOPTER RETURN TO PARO
Early morning chartered helicopter from Trongsa to Royal Manas National Park for a unique aerial view of Bhutan’s landscapes. Return by helicopter from Manas to Paro in the morning for your final two nights in Bhutan. Spend your afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring Paro town’s markets for souvenirs.
NOVEMBER 27, 2025: TIGER’S NEST HIKE & DEPARTURE
Embark on a visit to Tiger’s Nest Monastery:
- Elisabeth hikes the full trail (5-7 miles round trip).
- You hike up to the viewpoint or cafeteria (3-4 miles round trip).
- Dabney takes a horse ride up to the cafeteria for stunning views.
Conclude with last-minute shopping in Paro before transferring to Paro International Airport for departure.
ACCOMMODATIONS
PEACE OF MIND
PRACTICAL DETAILS
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
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ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end traditional lodges
GROUP SIZE
8 ~ 12
DURATION 14 days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to Moderate
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE
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