SPOTLIGHT
Perkins International
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
ASK A QUESTION
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
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PEACE OF MIND
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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ITINERARY
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TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
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:
Rare Black-necked Cranes, Royal Manas National Park, and western, central and south-central Bhutan highlights
NOVEMBER 14, 2025: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO 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
NOVEMBER 15, 2025: SIGHTSEEING IN 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.
NOVEMBER 16, 2025: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA AND VALLEY EXPLORATION
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.
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.
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.
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