SPOTLIGHT
PRIVATE TAILORMADE JOURNEY
Perkins International
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end Luxe Lodges
PRIVATE
DURATION
09 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
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
March 03 - 11, 2025
$24,800/-
Per Person
All ground costs inclusive at Luxury Lodges category (please see more information about the lodges by visiting the lodges linked under the itinerary inclusions)
________
ADDITIONAL COSTS
1. Government SDF Taxes and Fees: $800 per person
2. Government Monuments and Entry Fees: $200 per person
3. Roundtrip flights from Delhi Business Class: $1,122 per person
4. Heli-flight from Bumthang to Khoma to Punakha: From $10,938++ with each additional hour of wait in Khoma beyond one free hour at $2,188/- per hour (Please note: ***Heli fees are estimated and subject to change by heli operator***)
***
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.
PLEASE ADD: $1,400 per person (business class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for the One-Way internal domestic PRIVATE CHARTERED flight requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for chartered flights. Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals.
We will all 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. 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
$24,800/-
Per Person
All ground costs inclusive at Luxury Lodges category (please see more information about the lodges by visiting the lodges linked under the itinerary inclusions)
________
ADDITIONAL COSTS
1. Government SDF Taxes and Fees: $800 per person
2. Government Monuments and Entry Fees: $200 per person
3. Roundtrip flights from Delhi Business Class: $1,122 per person
4. Heli-flight from Bumthang to Khoma to Punakha: From $10,938++ with each additional hour of wait in Khoma beyond one free hour at $2,188/- per hour (Please note: ***Heli fees are estimated and subject to change by heli operator***)
***
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.
PLEASE ADD: $1,400 per person (business class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for the One-Way internal domestic PRIVATE CHARTERED flight requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for chartered flights. Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals.
We will all 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. 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
2025 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), 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
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 private journey to Bumthang, Punakha, Paro and Beyond
MARCH 03 : ARRIVAL/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
MARCH 04 : BUMTHANG EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES
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.
MARCH 05 : PALACE MUSEUM & JAKAR
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.
MARCH 06 : HELI-FLIGHT TO KHOMA/PUNAKHA
This morning, after breakfast, take the dramatic heli-flight east to the Lhuentse district and the famed village of Khoma, where the best weavers of Bhutan are born and trained. Khoma has a long and storied history of producing the best artisans of the weaving trade. Most, in the past, went on to become weavers for the royal households. Stopping in Lhuentse, take the short walk up to Khoma village for a tour to meet some of the well-known local weavers and learn more about their skills and techniques, before returning via the deep gorges and valleys of central Bhutan to Punakha, the ancient capital, set amid the abundant rice fields of West Bhutan.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: AndBeyond River Lodge Punakha
MARCH 07 : THE PUNAKHA FESTIVAL
This morning, join the residents of Punakha, dressed in their season's best silks and brocades, headed to one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Crossing the ancient cantilever bridge, enter the grand fortress of Punakha, surrounded by scented jacaranda trees, and accessed by an impressive set of medieval stone steps and wooden ladders. Experience a feast of sights and sounds as the clash of cymbals and drums announce the start of the festival, attended by some of the highest-ranking monks and royalty, as well as government dignitaries. (You can read our report on the festival here: The Pomp & Circumstance of Bhutan's Punakha Warriors Festival).
Later this afternoon, return to the lodge for a relaxed picnic beside the river, or join us on a set of available excursions to a local nunnery, to meet a famous national artist at his hilltop open studio, or to hike to a famous pagoda in the valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: AndBeyond River Lodge Punakha
MARCH 08 : PUNAKHA TO THIMPHU
Today, we take the three-hour drive back to the modern capital, Thimphu. If you're feeling adventurous, we can take you on a guided trek to a beautiful, mountain-top shrine with 360-degree views of the high Himalayan peaks. Alternately, continue on to the capital, arriving at the Amankora Thimphu lodge in time for a sumptuous lunch, followed by an excursion to the city to meet the Royal Textile Academy's director, Rinzi Dorji. In the late afternoon, we wander the city and its markets or proceed to the Bhutan Foundation offices to learn about their wide-ranging projects targeting programs that aim to ehance services and growth in education, health, culture, the environment, happiness, and rural upliftment among others.
We will also be on call for any royal audiences you may receive invitations for.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Amankora Thimphu Lodge
MARCH 09 : CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Today we make space in the day for capital city highlights such as a visit to the giant Buddha Dordenma, which watches over the capital; a visit to 14th-century Changangkha Temple, which has one ofthe most beautiful Avalokiteshvara images in the kingdom, or a short walk to the Wangditse temple, which offers some of the best views of Bhutan's rapidly urbanizing capital. We also keep room for potential meetings with any interesting local personalities as well as visits to local art galleries, and crafts markets, or to meet and visit the famous silversmiths who create much of the new temple art—besides personalized gold and silver jewelry—in the country.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Amankora Thimphu Lodge
MARCH 10 : VISIT NUNNERY/MEDITATION
Today we drive one-hour to the Paro Valley and meet with the Chung Trulku Rimpoche, a renowned abbot of the Longchen Nyingthik tradition. We visit his nunnery and learn about his efforts to support the education and training of the nuns, and receive a one-on-one instruction in Vajrayana meditation from him.
Later in the evening, make a quick run into the bustling center of Paro to pick up last minute gifts, or spend a relaxed evening trying your hand at the national sport of archery on the pine-forested grounds of the lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Paro Uma Resort by COMO
MARCH 11 : DEPARTURE/DELHI
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, take the drive to the Paro airport in time for your departing flight Drukair KB202, with take-off at 11:55 a.m. and arrival in Delhi at 1:45 p.m. Indian Standard Time.
NOTES ON INDIAN VISAS
INDIAN E-VISA
You can apply for an e-Visa before traveling via a simple online form. This is the Indian government e-visa issuer, although there are private ones also this is most reliable.
Link: Online Indian E-Visa
You’ll want to choose the Tourist e-Visa for 30 days, not the other kinds. The 30-day visa allows two entries into India, which is handy since they consider each transit a single trip. All e-Visas take at least 72 hours to process, so be sure to do it well ahead of time!
YOUR FEATURED LODGES
Please visit the following links to learn more about the featured lodges on this trip.
Bumthang:
The Six Senses Forest within a Forest
Punakha:
Thimphu:
Paro:
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, current charter flight costs currently 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. While we don't expect this to happen in this case, a reduced number of travelers may result in a per-individual fare increase for which we will send out an addendum invoice if the occasion arises, within reason, to cover any such potential shortfalls. Guests will be notified of any such changes well before trip departure.
Arriving from an early flight in Delhi, we connect directly via a short but spectacular mountain flight to Jakar, the spiritual heart of Bumthang. There, visit a royal palace that’s being lovingly restored as a museum for the future, preserving the royal culture and spiritual treasures of the kingdom. Visit the inspiring nuns of Pemacholing at their remote monastery in Tang, hidden among the quiet folds of the mountains, before stopping by a series of atmospheric temples and monasteries from the seventh to the 17th centuries. Learn about local traditions, like the colorful yak-and-wool weavings for which the region is famous. Next, take the Heli flight to Khoma, where the famed royal weavers of bhutan live, and spend the morning there, learning about their fascinating traditions and techniques before a spectacular return over the deep valleys and gorges, and high alpine ridges where prayer flags murmur benedictions to the wind, finally arriving in Punakha, the ancient Bhutanese capital.
Here, attend the first major annual religious mask dance festival of the year, the Punakha Drubchhen, sometimes also known as the Punakha Procession of Warriors. Toward the end, we transfer to the modern capital, Thimphu, where we explore museums, markets, the sights and sounds, and meet interesting and notable capital society members, and attend any royal audiences you may be invited to attend. Close out your journey back in Paro with a personal meditation instruction from Chung Rimpoche, a reincarnated Buddhist abbot of the Longchen Nyingthik or “The Great Heart Essence“ discipline.
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.)
EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS
Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions