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The Bhutan Himalaya Difference
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Journey to Bhutan in the footsteps of Monika and Fritz von Schulthess
For
Sibylle Pacher
Gustav Pacher
Clemens Pacher
Nadja Bachmann
Amelie Alker
April 11 to April 25, 2026
Service includes:
Guides, drivers, private vehicles, lodges, meals, visas, permits, admissions to temples & monuments, museums & all ground costs & fees (***Tips & Gratuities are not included***)
Fly from Dubai to Paro on Drukair KB081 on April 11, 2025
Enjoy a spa experience based on traditional Bhutanese healing
Upon arrival, drive about 20 minutes to rest at a luxe wellness resort in the hills above Paro
...consult an in-house Drungtsho, or wellness physician
...and begin your trip rested and restored
Next, trek the pristine Trans Bhutan Trail to Haa
or take a relaxed drive and an afternoon walk in Haa
...where we stay in the ancient Haatoe Village
...in the restored home of the former Penlop of Haa
...enjoy panoramic guided hikes in Haa
...followed by a romantic hot stone bath with bracing dips in an icy mountain stream!
After two nights in Haa, drive to Thimphu over Chelela Pass with views of Mt. Jomolhari
In Thimphu, take a forest hike from old Changangkha Temple to the Giant Buddha Dordenma statue...
Spend some time learning about elevated Bhutanese heritage cooking with Chuniding Organics founder Kesang Choeden
Meet and reconnect with old family friends
A local fashion-forward weaving enterprise
...and visit our friends at 'Yarn & Yathra'
where we meet master weavers and try our hand at the looms
we also learn how this business improves women's lives while creating modern designs based on age-old Bhutanese weaving techniques
...finally, we explore the bustling city center, including a trip to the Royal Textile Academy
Next, travel by car to Punakha
...and stay at Ama Om's family home, a lovely old place hidden in the hills above Punakha
...where we meet our old friend, the artist Asha Kama Wangdi, & visit his open air village studio
Punakha details: Cross Dochu La pass and enjoy lunch at Mendegang Heritage Home. In Punakha, drive to Sangchhen Dorji Nunnery & visit the grand Punakha Dzong to walk Bhutan's longest suspension bridge before seeing Asha Kama and arriving at Ama Om's village homestay for the evening.
Drive from Punakha to Gangtey Valley
Check in at the Gangtey Tent (glamping) Resort; visit the Black-necked Crane center to learn about Bhutan's efforts to save the endangered cranes & hike a serene nature trail where we have lovely views of the valley center.
From Gangtey, drive 5 hours to Bumthang, royal heart of the kingdom
Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions
Explore the magnificently-restored Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum; Take the 'Pilgrim's walk,' visit temples and monasteries from the 7th to the 17th centuries & stay at the Swiss Guest House, where we catch up with Dasho Maurer, Sonam, Namgyel and family to reminisce about the old days! 💛
Depending on circumstances and availability, we meet Her Majesty the Royal Grandmother's Zhung master & former abbot of Kurje Lhakhang, Lama Dorji Wangchuk, or His Eminence the Seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rimpoche, or the chief Khenpo of Kharchu monastery for our private ceremony.
Receive a private Buddhist blessing in Bumthang
The young people may enjoy a challenging full-day trek along the old royal route to Ogyen Choling in Tang. Or we can all take a 2-hour drive along winding mountain roads to cross the footbridge and hike uphill for an hour and half to the Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum.
After breakfast, and a relaxed visit with Ashi Kunzang Roder & her Swiss husband Walter, we drive back to Jakar for our final night in Bumthang. The young people can take a guided trek back from Tang Nunnery to the front door of Swiss Guest House if they wish!
Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions
Take the domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro
We check in again at the spirit sanctuary for the final two nights. We rest and enjoy the in-house spa, or go on a relaxed exploration of Paro for the remainder of the day. We will also approach Her Serene Highness Ashi Kesang Choeden, Royal Granddaughter, and request her to join us for a final farewell dinner if she can.
On the last day of the trip, we rise early and drive to the trailhead for the hike up to Taktshang Monastery; in the afternoon, we have a final opportunity to browse the Paro market for local gifts and souvenirs. Or you may like to relax back at the resort & enjoy a friendly archery match with your Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions crew.
On the morning of April 25th We bid farewell following a final breakfast, after which we bring you back to the airport in time for your return flight to Delhi. We suggest booking the direct flight home on Swiss International Air Lines LX147 (8h 45m duration). Further details on the lodges for this trip are at the links below:
Learn more about the lodges on this trip by visiting the following links:
Paro Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary | Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge | Thimphu The Zhiwa Ling Ascent | Punakha Ama Om's Homestay | Gangtey Tent Resort | Bumthang Swiss Guest House | Tang Ogyen Choling Manor & Museum | Paro Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary