CULTURAL ADVENTURE
Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
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
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
2024 Dates & Prices
2024 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan, such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost)
Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
Alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers
All Accommodations
All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants
The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff
Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional).
Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees
All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits
All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners)
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
ITINERARY
PRACTICAL DETAILS
| RECOMMENDED POSTS
TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
THIS 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.)
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end traditional lodges
Small Group Adventure
DURATION
12 days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to Moderate
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE
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