SIGNATURE JOURNEY
The Heart of Happiness
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
August 19 - 30, 2024
$6,840
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,440
Per Person
(US$5,000 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
November 28 - December 9, 2024
$8,040
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,840
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
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
$6,840
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$6,440
Per Person
(US$5,000 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees)
$8,040
Per Person
(US$5,400 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,840
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
$7,640
Per Person
(US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees)
November 28 - December 9, 2025
August 19 - 30, 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
Bhutan is often described as a “happy place,” a reference to the government’s stated goal of “Gross National Happiness” for its citizens. The beautiful Himalayan landscape, the overarching cultural and spiritual sensibilities, and the philosophical outlook of the people make Bhutan’s quest for a meaningful human existence more than mere Utopian lip service.
SHARE:
Travel to Bhutan’s spiritual & cultural interiors to learn about a government in the service of human happiness
DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO/THIMPHU
VIEW DAY BY DAY
Depart from Bangkok or another gateway city and arrive in Paro Valley. 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: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT TO BUMTHANG
Take the beautiful mountain flight to Bumthang valley in central Bhutan and relax at our beautiful family lodge across the street from the historic Wangdicholing Palace.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 03: JAKAR PILGRIM’S HIKE
Take the mostly-level loop hike (est. 6-8 miles) around the valley, exploring a string of legendary Buddhist temples dating to the 8th-century en route.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 04: THE SACRED JAKAR TSHECHU FESTIVAL
Join the people of Bumthang at their annual mask dance festival. The spectacular religious pageantry, performances and deep spiritual symbolism of the proceedings provide a unique window into the vibrant local culture and Bhutan's ancient Buddhist traditions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 05: HIKE TO TANG VALLEY
Enjoy a second day at central Bhutan's remarkable annual festival, or explore the beautiful trails of Chamkhar on foot (optional) or alternately explore some of the valley's more remote temples and monasteries. Explore the beautiful Tang valley, gateway to Eastern Bhutan. Learn about traditional life as it has existed for centuries; visit a hilltop Buddhist nunnery.
Meals included:Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations:Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 06: DRIVE TO TRONGSA, VISIT THE MUSEUM OF ROYAL ANTIQUITIES,
Drive from the scenic highlands Bumthang into the lush gorges and valleys of Trongsa; visit the royal museum and the magnificent fortress of Trongsa, the longest of its kind in Bhutan.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 07: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA VALLEY
Drive over the high pass of Pele-La (11,220 feet) and descend into the warm valleys of Punakha, with scenic stops enroute.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 08: EXPLORE PUNAKHA, BHUTAN’S BEAUTIFUL ANCIENT CAPITAL
Visit beautiful Punakha Dzong, and wander its ancient corridors and magnificent shrines . See the ancient Bo tree, a descendant of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha is said to have become enlightened.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort or comparable
DAY 09: SCENIC VALLEY HIKES; CULTURAL EXPLORATIONS
Today's hiking options include visits to scenic villages, a hike past ancient rice terraces, or a short uphill stretch to a moutaintop pagoda followed by a riverside picnic.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort or comparable
DAY 10: MEET BHUTANESE LEADERS & EXPLORE THE CAPITAL
Cross the high pass of Dochu La (10,200 feet) to enter the nation's capital, Thimphu, with views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks; explore the busy markets and monuments of Bhutan’s premier city; evening dinner with Bhutanese dignitaries, thought leaders and artists for an exchange of ideas. Take advantage of the opportunities to gain first-hand insights from the people who face the challenges of translating Bhutan’s national happiness philosophy into reality. Explore the downtown Thimphu, its museums, markets and monuments.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The City Hotel, Thimphu, or comparable
DAY 11: TIGER’S NEST HIKE FAREWELL DINNER
Cap your journey across Bhutan with an early hike to the famous cliffside monastery at Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Nest.” Complete the strenuous hike to the monastery, perched on a steep rock face more than 2,000ft above the valley floor, or rest at the halfway viewpoint to admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the magnificent temple, and meditation retreats that sit above the famous site. Return to the Paro’s for a delicious lunch at a special friend’s busy restaurant before walking along the shops and windows to people-watch or pick up last-minute gifts and reminders of your trip. This evening we have a special farewell feast at a surprise location featuring some familiar and some new Himalayan delicacies.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations:Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 12: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | DEPARTURE
This morning/afternoon we bring you back to the airport in time for you to catch your flight to Bangkok or another gateway city, from where you can connect with your international flight home, or travel to other destinations.
In a world driven by consumerism and ego politics, Bhutan begs the question: “What are the secrets to happiness in a country where human well-being, described as Gross National Happiness, is held in higher esteem than GDP?” To answer this question, we explore the spiritual underpinnings that shaped the Bhutanese government’s GNH philosophy. We meet well-known personalities and local thought leaders familiar with Bhutan’s Great Social Experiment. Taking a dramatic Himalayan flight from the western center of Paro to the cultural heartland, Bumthang, we visit exquisite temples and monasteries dating from the 8th to 17th centuries. We decode Vajrayana Buddhist art and cosmology. We learn about Bhutan’s ancient customs and traditions. We attend a colorful mask dance festival that opens a vibrant window into the people’s communal lives. Finally, we close with an early morning trek up to “Tiger’s Nest,” Bhutan’s holiest of holies, a magnificent Buddhist shrine perched 2,000-foot-high on a vertical cliff! If you’re a traveler who likes to make the world better and loves to positively impact lives around you, this is a carefully curated journey that ensures you’ll return with not just happy memories but valuable life-lessons you can use in your day-to-day.
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
“A wonderful trip made all the more special by the personal touches of the excellent guides and staff. ...it was like traveling with a really close and fun group of friends.”
~ Karen H., USA
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end Lodges & Hotels
Small Group Travel
See Dates and Prices
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to Moderate
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE
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