SIGNATURE JOURNEY
The pristine high trek to Treasure Lake
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
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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 10 - 23, 2024
US$7,540
Per Person
(US$5,900 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & $200 monument and entry fees). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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$7,940 per person (US$6,300 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, and US$200 monument and entry fees). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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
US$7,940 per person (US$6,300 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, and US$200 monument and entry fees). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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$7,940 per person (US$6,300 per person + US$1,440 Bhutanese government SDF fees, and US$200 monument and entry fees). Includes all trekking gear except personal sleeping bag liners and trekking poles.
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 10 - 23, 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
Hike and camp amid the steep and dramatic slopes of the western Bhutan Himalaya, ascending to high passes marked by photogenic cairns and brightly colored prayer flags, opening to vistas of the rugged snow-capped peaks. Climb above the tree-line and drop to deeply forested valleys, camp beside the lake on a scenic meadow looking out to the the mountainous border of India and China. Meet the rigors of our 6- to 8-hour treks by day, and relax amid the relative comfort and camaraderie of our fully supported camps by night; savor the experience of a classic high Himalayan trek that includes cultural highlights and lodge-based hiking that supplements your training and perfectly acclimates you for the trail.
SHARE:
Western Bhutan’s Himalayan ridge-line trail to a sacred alpine lake
DAY 01: FLIGHT FROM BANGKOK, THAILAND, TO PARO, BHUTAN
VIEW DAY BY DAY
Stroll into Paro town, visit the national museum and 7th century Kyichu Temple. Settle into your comfortable, well-appointed lodge.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 02: EXPLORE BHUTAN’S CAPITAL | HIKE TO TANGO MONASTERY
Dive into Bhutanese culture with a hike to 17th century Tango Buddhist College, followed by a trip to the magnificent Royal Textile Academy, and an exploration of Thimphu’s colorful city center. End the day with a late afternoon-early evening walk alongside Buddhist devotees at the National Memorial Stupa, built in memory of Bhutan's third king.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 03: LEARN TO COOK A BHUTANESE MEAL | TRANSFER TO PUNAKHA VALLEY, BHUTAN’S ANCIENT CAPITAL
Meet a surprise Bhutanese food personality this morning and learn about traditional Bhutanese cuisine at her home. After helping prepare a Bhutanese feast, enjoy the furits of your labor and, following the repast, contunue east to Bhutan’s old capital.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable
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: RETURN DRIVE WEST TO HAA VALLEY
We start the drive early this morning and arrive shortly before mid-day at the lodge. After resting from our long drive, we continue down the valley to meet with the regional hosts and dignitaries and enjoy our open-air picnic in grand Bhutanese style. We return to the lodge for an early lights-out and rest for the trek.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge
DAY 07: TREK TO TREASURE LAKE
This is not one of Bhutan’s more famous treks and is, for that reason, one of our favorites! This less-traveled route gives us the option to share the purer aspects of trekking in Bhutan by cutting out the busier trails. In fact we like to think of it as our little secret! Climbing sharply through oak and deciduous trees with vibrant leaves that are best in late fall, it takes us along a high Himalayan ridge-line before descending to the peaceful lake where its mirror surface reflects an ever-changing sky. We camp deep in the Womji valley today.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps
DAY 08: CAMP AT TREASURE LAKE
Today, we make the steep uphill climb through dense forests of pine to summit Tshejey Pass at 13,900 feet before a panoramic descent to Treasure Lake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps
DAY 09: CAMP TSHABJO
We climb back up to Bjara pass, where we're likely to see herds of the wild Blue Sheep the pass is named for. The maximum altitude for the day is 13, 963 feet.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps
DAY 10: CAMP TSHOKAM
After a spectacular day of hiking that offers, weather cooperating, excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, we camp beside a clear running stream for our final night on the trail. This is an evening when we discover some of the hidden talents of our Bhutanese staff and crew who all love a good camp song.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps
DAYS 11-13: RETURN HIKE TO HAA & PARO
After a trailside picnic lunch, we end our loop in Haa, from where we continue our drive to the lodge, arriving back in time for a good traditional soak in a hot stone bath back at the Zingkha Lodge.
The next morning, we drive to Paro and check in at our lodge for some well-earned rest and relaxation.
On our final day (day 13), 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: Day 11 at the Zingkha Lodge and Days 12 and 13 at 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.
Beginning with a steep ascent through a lush landscape of oak and deciduous trees that display their vibrant colors best in late fall, this trek is among the most rewarding ones in western Bhutan because of its lightly traveled trails. According to local belief the sacred Tshonapata lake in the western Ha Valley holds within its depths many holy relics and treasures that predestined awakened beings can see and, subsequently, reveal to the world for the benefit of all beings. Such a master was the Terton or “Treasure Revealer” Sherab Mebar who extracted a magic cymbal from its depths that's still used to make sacred music on the first day of the high holy days of the traditional Buddhist calendar. This beautiful Himalayan ridge-line trek celebrates the outstanding Bhutanese tradition of cleansing the spirit by trekking to revered lakes and holy mountains. Join us on this adventure honoring that most Bhutanese of traditions!
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 4,725 m/14,000 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, horseman, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making this a trip of a lifetime.”
~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID
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
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
HIGH ALTITUDE TREK ● CULTURE
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