Celebrating Bhutan Foundation's Wangduechhoeling Palace Event & reconnecting with the cultural highlights of Bhutan through a royal lens LEARN MORE PRIVATE BHUTAN FOUNDATION JOURNEY Treasures of the Thunder Dragon Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP 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. In her 2016 book “Treasures of the Thunder Dragon” Bhutan’s eldest Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck writes evocatively about her family’s ancestral roots in the ancient capital of Punakha. The spirit and title of Her Majesty’s book is a fitting theme for this journey celebrating the resurrection—with Bhutan Foundation support—of the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace as an innovative museum preserving and promoting the kingdom’s cultural heritage for present and future generations of Bhutanese and international visitors. As we travel from west to central Bhutan, we reconnect with the six cultural cornerstones of the kingdom: Paro, Punakha, Gangtey, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Thimphu. Enroute, we rediscover the many “treasures” of the Thunder Dragon. This is especially true in Punakha, home to Bhutanese Queens, and in Bumthang, the ancestral seat of kings. Along the way, we see the rich roots of an old Swiss-Bhutanese friendship that began with His Majesty the Third King and Fritz von Schulthess, whom the king affectionately called “Apa [Father] Fritz.)” The journey reveals the manifold fruits of these special bonds spanning generations and continents, touching lives at the most elevated and humble levels of Bhutanese society. SHARE: Celebrating Bhutan Foundation's Wangduechhoeling Palace Event & reconnecting with the cultural highlights of Bhutan through a royal lens 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. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY This celebratory journey weaves hiking, culture, meetings, site visits, and other activities under the auspices of the Bhutan Foundation, culminating with the Wangduechhoeling Palace Event. Travel logistics by Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions includes air (from Bangkok), transportation, guides, accommodations, meals, all tour services and all land costs. Between explorations into the Himalayan landscape, meetings with royal family members and other Bhutanese people, and the revival of a national landmark, this journey offers special memories for everyone involved in the collaborative effort to restore the Wangduechhoeling Palace to an adaptive version of its former glory. Following your arrival amid the rice fields of Paro, we take you to Bhutan’s newest “glamping” spot, the Tiger’s Nest Safari Camp. Next, provided energy levels are still high, we’ll hike to spectacular cliffside Taktshang monastery. From there, we move to Thimphu for a relaxing stay at the Six Senses lodge in Thimphu, nicknamed “Palace in the Sky” for its magnificent scale and location overlooking the kingdom’s capital. Then we make our way to ancient Punakha, following some of the landmarks and paths described in Her Majesty’s beautiful and evocative memories of her childhood. Next it’s on to surpassingly lovely Gangtey valley, where we visit a local artisanal Swiss Cheese maker whose work began with the arrival of Fritz Maurer, who came to Bhutan at the behest of the von Schulthess family and the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Finally, in Bumthang, we celebrate another project that Daphne—who represents the third generation of her family's deep connections to Bhutan—has worked on with foundation Co-Chair, Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Gyalyum Tseyring Pem Wangchuck. The Wangduechhoeling Palace Event marks a historic milestone for the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty, reviving it as an institution for the common good. Finally, it's an early return flight to Paro and onward to Bangkok for Lukas and Catherine, and a farewell round of social calls and meetings for Daphne and John in Thimphu before their own return home. VIEW DAY BY DAY MAY 06: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO Your Drukair flight KB0131 departs Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport at 07:30 a.m. On arrival in Paro, Bhutan Himalaya staff will pick you up at the airport. We stop for breakfast and wake up with some Bhutanese coffee at Paro’s local roastery, which serves a strong brew made by an estate in the kingdom’s tropical south. Fortified, we hit the trail to Tiger’s Nest monastery. If you’re tired because of the early morning start from Bangkok, we’ll take you first to Tiger’s Nest Camp, where you can take a short nap, and refreshed, hike in the afternoon. Lunch can either be catered trailside, or we can eat at Tiger's Nest Cafe at the base after the hike, or at Tiger’s Nest Camp. Another alternative is to do some easy temple and museum visits and hike to Taktshang first thing next morning. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Tented Camps at Tiger's Nest Resort MAY 07: THIMPHU/SIX SENSES Today we drive 1-1.5 hours to Thimphu, and check-in at the palatial Six Senses Thimphu lodge. Freshen up and head into town, a bit later in the day. Visit the Super Fab Lab, a Bhutan Foundation-supported initiative; see the capital’s traditional silversmiths, and explore the modern Royal Textile Museum. This afternoon we meet Tshephel and Ugen for lunch. We can arrange a place or let Tshephel and Ugen choose. Return to the Six Senses lodge to rest and enjoy some of the superlative amenities at the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Six Senses Thimphu Lodge MAY 08 ~ 11 : EXPLORING THE ‘VALLEY OF THE QUEENS’/DHENSA May 8: Punakha Dzong This morning, we drive to Punakha (2-2.5 hours direct, or half hour longer with stops). We visit the massive Punakha Dzong, framed by purple jacarandas, and explore its three consecutive walled courtyards and enter the ornate “Hall of 100 Pillars,” with giant statues of the trinity of Bhutanese Buddhism: Padmasamhava, the ‘Lotus Born,’ Shabdrung Rimpoche, the ‘One at Whose Feet We Kneel,’ and Sakhyamuni, the ‘Enlightened Buddha of the Present Eon.’ Afterwards, cross the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan and walk into neighboring villages. We check into the Dhensa Resort, a lovely hotel set amid pine forests. May 9: Valley of the Queens/Local hikes Flexible Day: After breakfast today, we visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery next to Dhensa Resort. The beautiful nunnery was built by Yab Ugen Dorji, the late father of their Majesties the Queen Mothers and sits on a beautiful ridge with views toward the rice fields of Lobesa, mountainous Wangduephhodrang, and the meandering river valley of Punakha. From here, hike (or drive) up to ancient Talo Monastery, seat of the seventh Shabdrung, Jigme Dorji, an ancestor of the Queen Mothers. After visiting the monastery and touring the beautiful shrine and enjoying views of the snaking mountain road and mountains toward the high pass of Dochu-La, take the trail to Nobgang village, the ancestral home of the queens. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck's beautiful 2006 book “Treasures of the Thunder Dragon” begins with her her birth in Nobgang and the lovely descriptions of her early life in the Punakha valley. In Nobgang we visit their family temple and home and continue back down the trail to end up back at the Dhensa Resort. Today's trail is one that the queens and their family members would've taken for hundreds of years going up and down the valley for ceremonial and religious functions at Punakha Dzong. Some of these events are described evocatively in the eldest queen’s book. May 10: Hokotsho Trek or Punakha exploration Flexible day suggestion: Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck writes this in her book: "The large and mysterious lake called Hokotsho, a five-hour trek from Punakha, is the abode of a much-revered local deity, Tshomem—or Lady of the Lake. Framed by forests on one side, and by meadows dotted with wildflowers on the other, Hokotsho is a place of haunting beauty. We spent a memorable family weekend here recently, to celebrate the King's birthday." Today, we take further explorations around the valley and return to the comforts of the lodge at the end of day, or trek up to Hokotsho and camp there overnight. If we trek to Hokotsho we may invite some young artists from the VAST studio in Thimphu along with its founder, Asha Kama Wangdi, an old friend. Kama is full of stories about the region of Punakha around the Hokotsho as he grew up in the area, and has also led student art camps to the lake. The route goes through his father’s village. Alternately, we can also spend the day at Kama Wangdi’s maternal farm, eating traditional delicacies made from scratch, from ingredients grown on the farm, and prepared in the old traditional ways. In the evening, under starlight, a medicinal hot stone bath may be prepared at request, next to a small rushing stream and a mini natural waterfall, framed by a stand of flowering trees. May 11: Hokotsho Trek or Punakha Exploration Flexible day: If camping, today we hike down from Hokotsho to Punakha, and if there’s time, we visit the "House in Shelnga Shingchum" from Her Majesty’s book. The queen writes about the mystical incident in her book, a recurring dream she had in her 30s about a woman and the house she had never seen who appears to have been a daughter from her previous life. Bhutan abounds with such unexplained phenomena, which Her Majesty describes with great nuance and honesty in the book. Alternately, if we stay in Punakha, we’ll explore various hikes and sightseeing options in the area. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Punakha Dhensa Resort MAY 12: TRANSFER TO GANGTEY Drive 2.5-3 hours to Gangtey with a morning stop at Chimme Lhakhang, the “Temple of the Divine Madman.” Then, continue driving up the Black Mountain Range to Gangtey valley, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the Crane Center and explore the tranquil nature trail along the flanks of valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Gangtey Dewachen Lodge or comparable MAY 13: TREK TO GOGONA/SWISS CHEESEMAKING After breakfast, take a hike to Gogona with a packed picnic lunch from the hotel. The trail winds through fields and forests and climbs to Tsele-La Pass. Next we descend gradually through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendron. A final short climb ends at Gogona, where the residents, originally nomadic, speak a central Bhutanese dialect called Mangdibikha, which is entirely different and doesn’t share any cognates with the language spoken in Gangtey. The hiking distance is approximately 15 km, taking over 6 – 7 hours. After a visit to the Gogona Milk Processing Unit and the Gogona Yargay Chithuen Detshen (GYCD), which makes the local Swiss Cheese, you’ll take the return drive by car via the farm road back to Gangtey. The drive back takes 1.5 hours. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Gangtey Dewachen Lodge or comparable MAY 14: DRIVE TO TRONGSA/BUMTHANG After breakfast, drive 4.5-5hours to Bumthang with a a stop at the Chumey weaving center, and, or Trongsa (time permitting, enter the Trongsa Dzong and the Temple of Jawo Jampa “Buddha of the Coming Age” to admire the beautiful frescoes painted by Lama Moenlam Rabzang, a gifted artist, scholar, and lama who worked in the early 1900s for the first king before traveling to Tibet to return only decades later to live and teach in eastern Bhutan. This evening, check into the Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe, run by the children of Dasho Fritz Maurer, the well-regarded senior citizen of Bumthang. Sent originally by the Hoch family to kickstart and train people in Swiss-inspired small-scale diary industry, Fritz’s work and contributions in Bhutan have far-exceeded all expectations and he is now enjoying a happy semi-retirement surrounded by his Bhutanese children and grandchildren. The lodge is a delightful blend of Switzerland and Bhutan in their warmth, hospitality and dining services. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe MAY 15: HIKE TO ‘SWAN TEMPLE’ Hike today to Ngang Lhakhang—a name that means ‘Swan Temple’—with lunch enroute or on the grounds of the old family temple. Located in the Choekhor valley of Bumthang, it was built in the 16th century by a Tibetan lama named Namkha Samdrip, Today it remains a residential site with guest rooms for visitors. On returning to Jakar, celebrate with Red Panda Beer, Schnapps, home made Stroopwafel, and or local Gouda cheese and crackers at the convivial Red Panda, a cafe run by one of Dasho Maurer’s daughter-in-laws and his son Namgyal, who also runs the excellent and rigorous precision furniture making workshop next door. Yet another way in which the Hoch family’s Swiss-Bhutanese connections endure is through Namgyel’s work re-skilling and training national Dessup program trainees who will go one to become productive citizens in the country with their newly acquired skills. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe MAY 16: TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL TO TANG VALLEY Take an optional hike today from Kharsumpe directly up the hill on the Trans Bhutan Trail to descend into Tang Valley. After the 3-4 hour hike, you will be picked up by car at Pemachhoeling nunnery, and continue the drive to Orgyenchhoeling for lunch with Ashi Kunzang Roder, Bhutanese author and prominent member of an old nobility family from the region. Tour the old museum and manor with its excellent collection of artifacts and historical records before the return drive to Jakar with a stop to see the SEN program at Tang High School, and Tang Rimochhen or "Tiger Claw Cliff." Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe MAY 17: TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL FROM THARPALING MONASTERY This morning drive 1.5 hours to the Tharpaling monastery and hike a spectacular section of the Trans Bhutan Trail from the high ridge above the monastery. After parking, take the steep half-hour hike to Kitiphu Ridge (elevation 11,800 to 12,000 feet). There are excellent birds-eye views of Jakar township from here on the one side and all of Tharpaling and Chumey on the other side! You can see the mountains toward eastern Bhutan with partial views of the majestic Gangkar Puensum range in clear weather. At the very top of the rocky outcrop above the high ridge, there's a striking statue of Longchhen Rabjampa, founder of Vajrayana Buddhism’s Longchhen Nyingthik tradition. If circumstances favor, the hike down the ridge will reveal the last rhododendrons blooms of the season. The trail winds down through pine forests, birch, chestnut, spruce and hemlock. A number of colorful wild pheasants and other avi-fauna are commonly seen in the area. The 10- to 11-kilometer downhill trail leads to Kiki-La pass at the south end of Jakar, where you’ll be picked up by car on the national highway. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe MAY 18: WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE EVENT 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe MAY 19: BHUTAN FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING/ FOURTH CYPRESS/PROJECT SITE TOURS/HIKES Optional temple walk/ Hike to Tang: If you’re not busy at the board meeting today, we offer the traditional walking “pilgrim’s circuit” of the valley floor, stopping at a series of beautiful temples ranging from the 7th to the 17th centuries. There are also opportunities today to tour some of the project sites of the Bhutan Foundation, such as the Bumthang Hospital, the location of our nomadic health camps, and a visit the highly successful Bumthang Herbal Tea Farm, a local social entrepreneurship program created in partnership with the Loden Foundation. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Swiss Guest House at Kharsumphe MAY 20~23: DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO PARO/TASHI AIR TO BANGKOK/THIMPHU This morning our early charter flight to Paro brings the Alioths back to Paro in time to catch their return flight to Bangkok. Cunninghams travel onward to Thimphu for a final round of meetings, social calls and local sightseeing, with flexible touring options. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES May 06 - 20/23, 2023 $14,129/- (Daphne); $17,569/-(John); $15,259 per person (Lukas and Catherine) Includes $2,940-$3,540 per person government SDF fees and taxes; $1450 per person Business class Drukair and Drukair-Bhutan Airlines combo tickets; $375 per person one-way charter domestic flight. not available not available not available DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and, unless otherwise stated on your travel program, 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 Delhi are from $820 per person (economy) and from $1,200 per person (business class); Bangkok fares from $980 per person (economy) & $1,400 per person (business class) fare as noted on your travel itinerary. Domestic fares start from $175 per person for One-Way internal domestic SCHEDULED flights and $375 per person for PRIVATE CHARTERED chartered flights EACH WAY requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for charters. 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. 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 REQUEST RESERVATION $14,129/- (Daphne); $17,569/-(John); $15,259 per person (Lukas and Catherine) Includes $2,940-$3,540 per person government SDF fees and taxes; $1450 per person Business class Drukair and Drukair-Bhutan Airlines combo tickets; $375 per person one-way charter domestic flight. not available not available not available DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and, unless otherwise stated on your travel program, 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 Delhi are from $820 per person (economy) and from $1,200 per person (business class); Bangkok fares from $980 per person (economy) & $1,400 per person (business class) fare as noted on your travel itinerary. Domestic fares start from $175 per person for One-Way internal domestic SCHEDULED flights and $375 per person for PRIVATE CHARTERED chartered flights EACH WAY requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for charters. 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. 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 2023 Dates & Prices 2023 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 TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS 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 NOTES ON ELEVATION GAIN The highest elevation gains on this trip will be during the trek to Aja Ney (Days 06-09). Aja Ney sits on an elevation of approximately 11,500 feet (or 3,500 meters) at its highest point. In our experience, the majority of our travelers suffer only minor discomfort upto 12,000 feet during our treks, especially if they have already spent some days acclimating and hiking in the kingdom. Your time in Bumthang before the trek should help. Further, if driving, the highway goes over Thrumshing-la pass, which is at a similar altitude and may help in acclimation. Further suggestions and advice on dealing with potential altitude sickness or discomfort is included in our comprehensive, 38-page Pre Departure Packet which you should receive by email well before trip departure. The remainder of the activities on this trip are rated as described below: 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 “Karma and his team perfectly orchestrated a wonderful series of valuable insights into Bhutan and Bhutanese culture. My particular area of interest was to learn about Bhutan’s challenge of balancing the goals of their Gross National Happiness Policy with the need to grow their economy and promote industry in the kingdom, which Karma addressed by arranging fascinating meetings with Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Ministers and other Bhutanese dignitaries and media personalities. A fantastic trip all-around with great hiking, culture, current affairs, insights into Buddhism and everything in-between.” ~ Heinrich Karl Friedrich Eduard Pierer von Esch, ex CEO, Siemens AG-Germany (front, third from left) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 15 days; 18 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Explore the surpassingly lovely Bhutanese countryside and visit Bhutan Foundation projects making a difference in the royal heart of Bhutan LEARN MORE PRIVATE BHUTAN FOUNDATION JOURNEY American Delegation to Wangduechhoeling Palace Event Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP 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. This unique, in-depth journey to Bhutan weaves events, meetings, site visits, and activities fixed and arranged by the Bhutan Foundation team, with travel logistics by Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions at the foundation’s direction. Following our arrival in Bhutan, we explore the nation’s capital and have wide-ranging dialogues with key government figures and non-profit leaders working in partnership with the foundation. Next, we make our way toward the royal heart of the kingdom. We visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and other scenic temples and monasteries in the area. In serene Phobjikha valley, we enter a revered temple perched high on a knoll overlooking traditional homes and farms spread along the wide, bowl-shaped valley. We take a beautiful hike along a nature trail where the wind swishing through the pines is likely the loudest sound we’ll hear. Finally, in the cultural heart of Bhutan, we attend the Wangduechhoeling Palace Event, a celebration that includes Bhutanese royal family members and invited government leaders. The palace renovation is a Bhutan Foundation-supported project that resurrects Wangduechhoeling’s ancient heritage, transforming it into a modern museum that will be an essential resource for Bhutanese and international visitors. The last leg of the journey brings us back to Paro, where a climb to the famed “Tiger’s Nest” temple closes this exhilarating visit full of special memories. In this latest iteration, we've even added stops to see four magnificent and historically sacred trees of Bhutan, one of which was researched by fellow delegation member Jeffrey H. Lynford. Meet movers and shakers in the kingdom, and learn about Bhutan Foundation projects transforming lives and bringing positive change through diverse endeavors in Bhutan. Relax each evening at a selection of the top lodges in the country. SHARE: Explore the surpassingly lovely Bhutanese countryside and visit Bhutan Foundation projects making a difference in the royal heart of Bhutan 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. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY Connecting from Delhi to Paro International Airport, we drive overland through Thimphu, Punakha-Wangdue, Trongsa, and Bumthang. Arranged by the Bhutan Foundation team, delegation members meet and discuss future and ongoing partnerships with government and non-profit organizations. In Bumthang, the central highlands, the palace event brings together members of the royal family, public figures, and regional officials. The Bhutan Foundation's support helped realize the royal monument's rebirth as a modern cultural and historical museum that preserves the past while providing an educational bridge to the future. A return flight to Paro and a final day of touring brings the journey to a close. VIEW DAY BY DAY MAY 12: DELHI/BHUTAN, PARO/THIMPHU Your flight from Delhi KB 203 departs in the pre-dawn hours at 04:10 a.m. and arrives in Paro at 06:40 a.m. Following your arrival, we have an hour's drive from the airport to the capital. We check in at the palatial Le Méridien Thimphu in the heart of the city. If we're unable to arrange an early check-in, we will have an optional tour of capital sights. After check-in, refreshments and rest, we visit the modern Royal Textile Museum. This evening we enjoy a traditional Bhutanese feast cooked from scratch featuring ingredients that include indigenously harvested and foraged foods. We meet a well-known Bhutanese food curator who hosts our banquet and is a beneficiary of a Bhutan Foundation project to help scale up her production facility, which in turn supports local farmers and prevents surplus produce from going to waste. Before dinner, we take a short tour of her production facility, Chuniding Organics. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Le Méridien Thimphu/Zhiwa Ling Ascent or comparable MAY 13: CITY ATTRACTIONS/HIKE ABOVE THE CAPITAL/PANGRI ZAMPA TREE City monuments: Options include a morning tour of city attractions, including the giant Buddha overlooking the capital, a traditional handmade paper-making factory and or city arts and crafts schools, or a high-line hike through a pine-forested trail overlooking the city. There will be time to visit the National Postal Museum so guests can print personalized stamps featuring their portraits set against Bhutan’s famous Tiger’s Nest temple or other iconic monuments. We make time to visit the giant cypress tree outside the Pangri Zampa College of Astrology, the first in our cycle of four such trees. An established religious tradition in Bhutan marks these giant, historical trees as sacred. They're usually monumental cypresses that grow near important religious buildings. Local legends blend their origin tales with the mythology of the founding Buddhist saints, usually the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava, whose walking staff is usually said to be their beginnings. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Le Méridien Thimphu/Zhiwa Ling Ascent or comparable MAY 14: MEET GOVERNMENT LEADERS & NGO REPRESENTATIVES/ A series of meetings today—or on one or more days while we're in the capital, according to availability and changing schedules—with VIPs, government representatives, and others. These include, but are not limited to, officials from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ability Bhutan Society (ABS) and others. We also visit the Chuniding Organics facility today if we don't have time to do it on the first day of the trip. Another interesting stop is the Super Fab Lab. Additional conversations with key government physicians and relevant agencies aimed at fostering innovative areas of cooperation will be added flexibly to our overall travel schedule. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Le Méridien Thimphu/Zhiwa Ling Ascent or comparable MAY 15: TEMPLE OF THE 'DIVINE MADMAN'/ PUNAKHA DZONG/ Today we make the 2.5 - 3-hour drive over climbing and descending mountain roads to Punakha valley, the ancestral home to the Bhutanese Queen Mothers. We visit the temple of the ‘Divine Madman’ Drukpa Kunley, whose antics are celebrated in Bhutanese folktales and religious myths and whose phallic symbols have reinvigorated the local economy of the Lobesa village. We enter the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of the kingdom’s most impressive religious fortresses, straddling the confluence of two rivers like a great white ship at anchor. We explore its series of walled courtyards, temples, and wall-to-wall Buddhist murals that bring the stories of Himalayan Buddhist cosmology to life. We stay tonight at the Dhensa Punakha Resort which has featured in such publications as the South China Morning Post and Singaporean lifestyle magazine, The Peak. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Dhensa Punakha Resort MAY 16: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY/VALLEY EXPLORATION Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley: We make the 2.5-3-hour drive to Gangtey this morning, with an additional 1.5-hour detour to see the magnificent Bay Langdra cypress researched by delegation member Jeffrey H. Lynford. By Himalayan tradition, the appellate Bay before a name, such as Bay Langdra, usually denotes a mythical hidden valley kept secret from the general population. Following lunch, take the beautiful nature loop trail hike or, for a more challenging option, trek a local section of the new Trans Bhutan Trail toward Trongsa with pick-up and shuttle back to the lodge. Another option is to visit Bhutan Foundation-supported diary farms in the valley, with a stop by the Black-necked Crane Center established by Bhutan Foundation partner Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN). Gangtey valley is one of the highland areas covered by the Bhutan Foundation-supported Nomad Health Camps that provide human and veterinarian health services outreach to remote, nomadic communities in Bhutan. This evening we may hear from a nomadic beneficiary about the project's impact if they happen to be in the area during our visit. Optional: early evening aperitifs or enjoy a la carte private spa treatments or traditional hot stone baths before dinner. Our address tonight is the magnificently situated winner of the 2019 and 2020 Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards, Gangtey Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Gangtey Lodge MAY 17: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG/TRONGSA CYPRESS/CHUMEY WEAVING VILLAGE Today we drive 3.5 hours to Bumthang, with a visit to the magnificent Trongsa Dzong. The giant cypress outside the dzong has a circumference of over 19 feet near the base and a height estimated at nearly 200 feet. It's believed to be as old as 429 years. Time permitting, we visit the Temple of Jawo Jampa (Buddha of the Coming Age) to admire the beautiful frescoes painted by Lama Moenlam Rabzang, a gifted painter, scholar, and Buddhist lama who lived during the early part of the last century. This afternoon, after a stop at the Chumey weaving village, which specializes in Yathra, the region's colorful yak-and-wool weaves, we check in at the Bumthang Amankora Lodge, next to Wangduechhoeling Palace. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang Amankora Lodge MAY 18: WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE EVENT 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 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. 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang Amankora Lodge MAY 19: BHUTAN FOUNDATION BOARD MEETING/ FOURTH CYPRESS/PROJECT SITE TOURS/HIKES Optional temple walk/ Hike to Tang: Jeff will need to be at the Bhutan Foundation Board meeting this morning, but the rest are free to join the traditional walking “pilgrim’s circuit” of the valley floor, stopping at a series of beautiful temples ranging from the 7th to the 17th centuries. For those interested, the temple tour will include the site of the fourth sacred tree behind one of the temples at the Kurje monastery complex. Of all trees, this one has the strongest claim to being the Guru's "walking staff" since most historians agree on the Guru having visited the valley in the 8th century A.D. Today there are also opportunities to tour some of the project sites of the Bhutan Foundation, such as the Bumthang Hospital, the site of our nomadic health camps, and a visit the highly successful Bumthang Herbal Tea Farm, a local social entrepreneurship program created in partnership with the Loden Foundation. For a more vigorous hike, take an early trek along a different section of the Trans Bhutan Trail to Tang valley with views ofJakar Dzong and Wangduechhoeling Palace.The walk to Tang goes over a woodedmountain pass overlooking Jakar, with spectacular views of both Jakar and Tang valleys. After getting picked up at the road,drive to Tang Orgyenchhoeling Museum andenjoy a delicious lunch prepared from organicingredients grown on the grounds. Overlunch, we meet the well-known Bhutaneseauthor (and museum owner) Ashi KunzangChoden Roder. On the return from Tang, westop to visit a special Bhutan Foundation-funded education program at the valley’s Central School. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang AmankoraLodge MAY 20: CHARTER FLIGHT TO PARO (TIMING: TBD) Domestic flight: Our private chartered flight from Bumthang lands in Paro, western Bhutan. After pickup from the airport, we make the short drive to COMO Uma Paro, nestled amid luxuriant pines overlooking Paro. Our address tonight is the two-time winner of the Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards (voted 2nd place in 2021 among the Top 25 Resorts in Asia; voted 7th place in 2022 among the Top 25 Resorts in Asia) Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The COMO Uma Paro Resort MAY 21: HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST/OR VISIT THE DEAF SCHOOL, EDUCATION COLLEGE/LOCAL SIGHTS Take the culminating climb to the famous 'Tiger's Nest,' or for a gentler alternative, visit the 7th century Paro Kyichu temple, one of the oldest in the country to see its exquisite statue of the 11-headed, thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In the traditional fashion, light votive butter lamps in the temple's inner shrine for World Peace, needed now more than ever. Other alternatives today include a visit to the Bhutan Foundation-supported project sites and partners such as the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf and the Paro College of Education. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The COMO Uma Paro Resort MAY 22: RETURN FLIGHT TO DELHI, INDIA/ DEPARTURE Return flight to Delhi: after breakfast this morning we bring you back to the airport in time for your return flight to Delhi. Your return flight is KB200 departing at 09:40 a.m. and arriving 11:30 a.m. ***IMP*** SPECIAL NOTES/ADDENDUM 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. *PLEASE ADD SINGLE TRAVELERS SUPPLEMENT IF TRAVELING ALONE: Single Traveler Supplement: (if traveling alone and requiring singles accommodations) is an additional US$5,580/- per person. PLEASE NOTE: Single supplements are waived if you are willing and can arrange to share rooms with another traveler in the same group). NOTE: DELEGATES WILL ARRANGE THEIR OWN FLIGHTS FROM US EWR to DEL INDIA ROUNDTRIP ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES May 12 - 22, 2023 $12,696/- Per Person (including Bhutanese government SDF fees, Business Class Roundtrip flight from Delhi to Paro ($1,200 per person), Private Domestic Charter Flight one-way ($375 per person) and all lodges and accommodations, monument and entry fees) *PLEASE ADD SINGLE TRAVELERS SUPPLEMENT IF TRAVELING ALONE: Single Traveler Supplement: (if traveling alone and requiring singles accommodations) is an additional US$5,580/- per person. PLEASE NOTE: Single supplements are waived if you are willing and can arrange to share rooms with another traveler in the same group). ***not available*** DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and, UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED ON YOUR TRAVEL PROGRAM, 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 Delhi are from $820 per person (economy) and from $1,200 per person (business class); Bangkok fares from $980 per person (economy) & $1,400 per person (business class) fare as noted on your travel itinerary. Domestic fares start from $175 per person for One-Way internal domestic SCHEDULED flights and $375 per person for PRIVATE CHARTERED chartered flights EACH WAY requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for charters. 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. 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 REQUEST RESERVATION $12,696/- Per Person (including Bhutanese government SDF fees, Business Class Roundtrip flight from Delhi to Paro ($1,200 per person), Private Domestic Charter Flight one-way ($375 per person) and all lodges and accommodations, monument and entry fees) *PLEASE ADD SINGLE TRAVELERS SUPPLEMENT IF TRAVELING ALONE: Single Traveler Supplement: (if traveling alone and requiring singles accommodations) is an additional US$5,580/- per person. PLEASE NOTE: Single supplements are waived if you are willing and can arrange to share rooms with another traveler in the same group). DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and, unless otherwise stated on your travel program, 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 Delhi are from $820 per person (economy) and from $1,200 per person (business class); Bangkok fares from $980 per person (economy) & $1,400 per person (business class) fare as noted on your travel itinerary. Domestic fares start from $175 per person for One-Way internal domestic SCHEDULED flights and $375 per person for PRIVATE CHARTERED chartered flights EACH WAY requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for charters. 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. 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 REQUEST RESERVATION 2023 Dates & Prices 2023 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 TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS 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 (Unless otherwise noted). For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok and Delhi are the primary Gateway Cities and offer 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 “Karma and his team perfectly orchestrated a wonderful series of valuable insights into Bhutan and Bhutanese culture. My particular area of interest was to learn about Bhutan’s challenge of balancing the goals of their Gross National Happiness Policy with the need to grow their economy and promote industry in the kingdom, which Karma addressed by arranging fascinating meetings with Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Ministers and other Bhutanese dignitaries and media personalities. A fantastic trip all-around with great hiking, culture, current affairs, insights into Buddhism and everything in-between.” ~ Heinrich Karl Friedrich Eduard Pierer von Esch, ex CEO, Siemens AG-Germany (front, third from left) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 11 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Trek to Treasure Lake, Trongsa Festival & Tiger’s Nest Trek to Treasure Lake, Royal Manas National Park & the Grand Trongsa Festival Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Conservation and culture in the Last Himalayan Kingdom Lodge to lodge trekking on the epic Trans Bhutan Trail 2025 Punakha Festival and Overland to Bumthang Treasures and Textiles of Bhutan Western Bhutan Insider Ancient Kathmandu and hidden Trisuli with optional Chitwan National Park In-depth cultural exploration of Bhutan A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan Travel Choose one of our comprehensive scheduled signature journeys below, featuring the best experiences from our decades running tours and expeditions in Bhutan, or mix and match to create your own*. Our signature journeys *Additional fees for groups smaller than four travelers Trek into a lightly-traveled Snow Leopard preserve, witness the grand Trongsa festival and explore the pristine central highlands Trekking, Conservation & Culture Trek to Treasure Lake, Trongsa Festival & Tiger’s Nest Trek into a lightly-traveled Snow Leopard preserve, visit a subtropical IUCN biodiversity "hotspot," witness the grand Trongsa festival and explore the pristine central highlands Trekking ● Conservation ● Culture Trek to Treasure Lake, Royal Manas National Park & the Grand Trongsa Festival Rare Black-necked Cranes, Bhutan's oldest wildlife conservation park, and the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Mask Dance Festival ACTIVE ● CULTURE Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival Featuring Black-necked Cranes, the Gesar epic, Haa and Bumthang valleys ACTIVE ● CULTURE Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Rare Black-necked Cranes, Royal Manas National Park, and western, central and south-central Bhutan highlights ACTIVE ● CULTURE Conservation and culture in the Last Himalayan Kingdom Active cultural adventure on the kingdom’s ancient ancestral ‘highway’ TREK ● LODGE ● CULTURE Lodge to lodge trekking on the epic Trans Bhutan Trail A private journey from the ancient capital of Bhutan to the royal heart of the kingdom ACTIVE ● CULTURE 2025 Punakha Festival and Overland to Bumthang A private journey to Bumthang, Punakha, Paro and Beyond ACTIVE ● CULTURE Treasures and Textiles of Bhutan In-depth, eight-day exploration of the four key valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Haa ACTIVE ● CULTURE Western Bhutan Insider UNESCO Heritage Durbar Square, historic Pashupatinath, awe-inspiring Boudhanath stupa, ancient Patan, and a tranquil river lodge overlooking the Trisuli, with an excursion to Chitwan National Park ACTIVE ● CULTURE Ancient Kathmandu and hidden Trisuli with optional Chitwan National Park Active cultural adventure in 'the Last Himalayan Kingdom' PRIVATE ● CULTURE In-depth cultural exploration of Bhutan A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions WELLNESS ● SPIRITUAL A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: a summer journey JOURNEYS Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan’s Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha’s Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What Our Travelers Say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Losar is a time for fun, family, and feasting in Bhutan. Unlike the West, where people may stay up all night to party, the start of the lunar year in Bhutan is a mostly daytime affair. People wake early in the morning to bathe and put on fresh new clothes they’ve put away during the past year in carefully locked boxes, trunks, and closets for just such a special occasion. The first meal of the day is usually thuep, thick rice congee with spicy mala seasoning flavored by bone marrow, soft cubes of cottage cheese, and tender, well-cooked chunks of meat, usually pork or beef. It’s a dense umami concoction that’s at once savory, tingly, and filling, a great way to start this celebratory day. In some families, the day also begins with thrue, a purifying bath or shower to rinse off the negative karma of the previous year, followed by thuen or moenlam, a short prayer or dedication to welcome a prosperous new year. Daytime festivities include da-tsey or archery, the national sport, played mostly by men, and khuru or throwing darts that are enjoyed by monks (there being no injunctions against games of marksmanship in the Buddhist clergy) as well as by lay people. If, in other parts of the world, New Year parties are a time to go out, in Bhutan, the holiday is more akin to an American Thanksgiving. It’s a time when families gather and stay home to eat delicious and endless quantities of food throughout the day. Lunch usually arrives with a great deal of fanfare, featuring the season's best cereals, depending on the elevation—rice, wheat, roasted barley, dough, or buckwheat. Yak, beef, pork or chicken, and sometimes fish are served in prosperous homes. In the more religiously observant homes, a gathering of monks will usually perform ceremonies for barchey lamdoey, “which may loosely be translated as “prayers for the purification of diseases, obstacles, and misfortunes.” In such homes, the esteemed monks are invited to take frequent breaks during the day to join the family in the feasting. Renewed by such delicious food and drink, the monks will often be seen to resume their chanting, the blowing of ceremonial horns and reed pipes, and the beating of their drums and cymbals with renewed vigor and energy. Afternoon tea, with Indian-style sweet milk tea as well as salty Himalayan butter tea or suja—which is more like a broth—arrives with khabzoey, or crispy, mildly sweet deep-fried dough cakes. Dinner is usually preceded by ara, home-brewed traditional rice wine, or singchang, fermented barley beer. By this time everyone will have grown considerably rosier in the cheeks and louder and much more convivial in their mannerisms, and a good old game of playing cards, or sho (a Himalayan game similar to mahjong played with dice) may well ensue. Even the monks, if they're still around and well-known to the family, may join the general rounds of speculation over the most strategic placements of the (sho) pieces in the game! More food is served at dinner—red rice, bright red chilies, and a variety of spicy stews including the national chili-cheese dish ema datsi, and long strips of shakam or dried beef, yak or pork—until everyone is stuffed. Copious amounts of drinking follows. The mostly home-brewed alcohol, imbibed by one and all finally brings the festivities to a close with the flushed red-cheeked faces of everyone giving evidence to their glistening hopes for a happy and healthy year! In the Lunar Calendar of the Himalayas, which largely corresponds with the Chinese one with some differences, 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. According to traditional astrology, the foundational characteristics of the Wood Dragon Year are prosperity, daring, energy, and opportunity. Some people believe that Losar celebrations predated Buddhism in the Himalayas. The traditional practice of burning incense and juniper as a New Year's offering to the spirits and protective deities is believed to be an artifact of the animistic Bon practices that existed before the arrival of Buddhism. In Tibet, the celebrations are sometimes called Boed Gyalpoi Losar, which means “the Tibetan New Year of the King.” This is a reference to the belief that Losar was first celebrated following the coronation of Tibet's first king. In another story, Losar was first celebrated after a woman named Boed Ma (Tibetan Mother) invented the Himalayan lunar calendar. In some parts of the Himalayas, it was also believed to have been celebrated as an autumn festival at the time of "the flowering of the apricot trees." May the the dynamic dragon bring a happy and prosperous 2024 to everyone! As we say in the Himalayas at the start of each promising new year, Tashi Delek! May good fortune shine on all your endeavors! Like this article? Get similar features & travel information sent straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter

Posted 08/14/2021 KARMA DORJI, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions In a breathtakingly rapid response to the Covid 19 pandemic, the kingdom's health services covered nearly the entire eligible adult population with the first two doses of the vaccine, drawing widespread international media attention and earning its young health minister an executive chair at the World Health Assembly. Here’s the inside scoop of how that happened. The chief Buddhist abbot of Bhutan, His Holiness Je Khenpo, blessing Covid-19 vaccines in the kingdom’s eastern Lhuentse province. Photo: Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan By July 2021, 90 percent of Bhutan's eligible population was vaccinated with only 21 reported deaths from the pandemic. Faith in the young king’s leadership, the government's belief in science, and the support of the revered Buddhist clergy all played critical roles in the success of Bhutan’s Covid-19 vaccination drive. In a little over 16 days the kingdom’s first nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign launched March 27, 2021, covered an astounding 475,651 people, which may not sound like much until you consider that the number is more than an estimated 93 percent of everyone eligible to receive the vaccine in the country (figure last updated April 12, 2021). To boost coverage, the nation’s beloved young king, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, vowed to take the vaccine only after it was offered to every eligible Bhutanese citizen, spurring citizens to get their shot as quickly as possible. The landlocked Himalayan nation of approximately 800,000 people first acquired the early shipments of the UK-and-Sweden-based AstraZeneca vaccine, produced in India under the name Covishield, in January. But they were put on ice, literally, because February was deemed an inauspicious ‘Black Month’ according to the astrological calculations of the kingdom’s revered Buddhist clergy, the Dratshang Lhentshog. Bhutanese people routinely consult such astrological charts, released annually by the national religious body, for matters personal and official. Those recommendations can range from favorable dates to convene the National Assembly to opening times for government building projects, wedding and engagement planning, setting travel dates, and choosing the proper days to raise religious prayer flags to boost one’s karma and spiritual merit. Once those favorable dates are set, matters usually proceed at a fast clip, buoyed by the religious blessings and seemingly propitious celestial alignments. Monks and medical professionals gather for a ceremony to consecrate Covid-19 vaccines surrounded by portraits of Bhutan’s kings past and present. Photo: Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan. Bhutan first received the Covishield vaccines from the Indian government through a vaccine-diplomacy program called Vaccine Maitri (Vaccine Friendship). In the run-up to the nationwide vaccination program, the young king—who was the rallying face of Bhutan’s fight against the pandemic—made acquiring COVID 19 vaccines a top national priority. Other members of the well-loved royal family; religious figures such as His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the kingdom’s chief Buddhist abbot; Bhutan’s democratically-elected prime minister; the health minister; prominent citizens; and young social media influencers all threw their collective weight behind the vaccination program. Such endorsements assuaged fears, quelled rumors, fake news and conspiracy theories seeping in through the internet. The Prime Minister, a practicing medical surgeon, and the Health Minister, a brilliant young graduate of the Yale School of Public Health, immediately took to national television. They outlined the vaccination program, the process, timing and locations of the vaccination rollout, what to expect before and after the first shot. The government flew shipments of the vaccine to remote valleys across the kingdom’s challenging mountainous terrain on domestic flights and emergency service helicopters. Above: Covid-19 vaccines are loaded on an emergency recue helicopter to be flown over the country’s remote mountainous terrain, in preparation for the nationwide campaign to inoculate everyone over 18 years old. Photo: Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan On March 24, as the final consignment of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in the far-flung eastern Lhuentse province, completing distribution to all 20 districts of the country, the chief abbot, Je Khenpo, arrived with his entourage of monks and religious elders. They performed televised purification and consecration rites over the vaccines, setting devout Buddhist minds at rest about the efficacy of the vaccines. On the morning of March 27, vaccinations opened across the country with the first jabs given, where possible, to 30-year-old women born under auspicious astrological signs in the Monkey Year, prescribed by the Buddhist clergy. In Thimphu, the nation’s capital, vaccinations began at the religiously predetermined stroke of half-past nine in the morning, western time, chosen from the state astrological charts. Ninda Dema, a 30-year-old intellectual property rights inspector for the government, had the right star alignments to receive the first jab. A nurse, another 30-year-old woman, born in the same year and under similarly opportune conditions, vaccinated her, kickstarting the kingdom’s ambitious campaign to provide the vaccine to all ages recommended to receive the vaccine under international guidelines. Ninda Dema—the 30-year-old chosen in accordance with the Bhutanese state clergy’s astrological recommendations to receive the first jab of the vaccine—dedicates her Medicine Buddha prayer for universal healing under a smiling portrait of Bhutan’s young king, surrounded by dignitaries. Photo: Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan As the symbolic 30-year-old chosen to receive the first Covid-19 vaccine shot in the country, Ninda prepared herself a day earlier by praying at two famous Buddhist temples in the capital. Her mother, who lives in the neighboring province of Paro, visited and prayed at eight temples on Ninda’s behalf. Shortly before 9:30 am on March 27, the young woman sat on a chair, surrounded by government ministers and dignitaries (including the Indian Ambassador to Bhutan), and closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, composed herself, and recited the Medicine Buddha mantra as she received her shot. Tayatha Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Randza Samu Gate Soha. “May all sentient beings who are unwell be liberated from sickness and pain,” she prayed, “and may all forms of illness and suffering disappear, never to return again.” By contrast, an article in the New York Times on April 5, 2021, quoted the leader of a US-based nondenominational Christian ministry who said, “The vaccine is not the savior.” He told the Times that he had received a divine message that God was the ultimate healer and deliverer. According to data from the Pew Research Center used in that Times article, 45 percent of White Evangelical Christians said they would not get vaccinated against COVID-19. Bhutan’s example should—but likely won’t—be held up in the US as proof that faith and science can coexist for the greater good. Isn’t that, after all, the highest purpose of both Science and Religion? 101-year-old Phurba Deki, receiving her Covid-19 Vaccine in Bhutan's southcentral region of Dagana. To learn more about the future of Bhutan's pandemic response, watch "Prepping for the Next Pandemic," an interview with the Bhutanese Health Minister at the Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Author of Dreaming of Prayer Flags: Stories & Images from Bhutan, Karma Singye Dorji is a writer and former journalist who has led and curated cultural treks and journeys to Bhutan since 1999. SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

Hint: They're not the ones listed by Lonely Planet when they voted Bhutan their #1 travel destination for the coming year. When one of the world’s largest guidebook publishers named Bhutan their top travel choice for 2020, it caused a stir among the more experienced Bhutan travel guides (we've been leading our journeys in Bhutan since 1999). On closer reading of the announcement, however, we saw the reasons they gave were the familiar ones we've heard before: the beautiful landscape, the balance of old and new, the fact that Bhutan is carbon-negative. So here, in no particular order, is our own insider's list of why we think it's always a good time to visit Bhutan, whether in 2020 or beyond. 1. An opportunity to discover unique foods and flavors Magical matsutake or mystical cordyceps anyone? The highly prized mushroom which grows in Bhutan during a tiny window of the year and the near-miraculous (so it is said) health-bestowing high-altitude plant that’s harvested only after it fuses with the remnants of a caterpillar are merely two of the more exotic items you can try on a Bhutanese menu! The first is usually eaten in traditional stews while cordyceps is consumed dried and whole or imbibed after being steeped in teas and alcoholic brews. Bhutanese food wasn't notable for a long time after the kingdom first opened its doors to visitors, mainly because we tried to mimic what we thought was "continental" cuisine borrowed from India, but today a convergence of local organic produce and the revival of interest in the diverse food traditions of the kingdom is fueling a culinary renaissance that is catching fire. In fact, the late well-known host of the wildly popular travel and food show Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain, visited Bhutan for just that reason (and filmed an episode in the kingdom that later aired after his sad demise). Based on “the primary ‘nine grains’ of Bhutan,” Bhutanese food includes many unique flavors and ingredients such as wild foraged bitter cane (with reportedly blood-purifying properties) as well as a range of fermented and preserved foods believed to have powerful “good-for-the-gut” (no pun intended) properties. 2. The people are nice. Like, really nice... The good people of Bhutan are kind and honest to a fault. You may not realize how exhausting it is to live in societies where everything is a transaction until you arrive in Bhutan. Once you relax and begin trusting your local Bhutanese hosts (which is not difficult; in fact we guarantee it), it allows the natural good humor of the people, their decency, and their honesty to rise to the fore. Here, you can appreciate just how truly amazing it is to have people approach you without motives other than to share an experience of genuine human curiosity or serendipity. With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, honesty is, in fact, a national attribute. Lost ATM cards in the kingdom are commonly found carefully taped to the walls next to ATM machines with helpful handwritten notes and reminders to their owners. 3.No advertisement billboards, Starbucks or McDonald's There are no giant billboards pushing the consumer lifestyle here. The only large signs you will see are the ones announcing important public health messages and those celebrating the cutest first family in the world: the handsome thirty-something king; the winsome, and even younger, queen; and their adorable, dimple-cheeked, three-year-old son, the Gyalsay (Crown Prince), who has already won hearts and minds across the kingdom and beyond. Not here the ubiquitous Starbucks, the omnipresent Golden Arches or the scarlet Pizza Huts you will see in other neighboring countries, and it will probably remain so, by royal decree. 4. Local inns and lodges with traditional character In the same way that we—speaking as Bhutanese people—believe this world offers the perfect balance of suffering and joy optimal for the motivation to seek enlightenment, Bhutan offers the right balance of adventure and comfort for rejuvenating the spirit. Each local lodge, inn or hotel, while not necessarily updated to the latest modern standards, offers its own unique blend of traditional culture and convenience. Worried about central heating? Check out the kingdom’s spin on an iron wood stove, or bukhari, which lends rustic charm to any hotel interior while giving you the benefits of warming your feet. Even though a small handful of hotels in the country are now being built with outside investment, most accommodations in the country are still local affairs, which means there’s none of the sameness here of international chains that often flatten your travel experiences no matter where you are in the world. Thus, the rugged Himalayan landscape offers ample opportunities for staying active outdoors while the cozy accommodations offer the likelihood you'll strike up a friendship with the Bhutanese owners of the establishment. 5. Here you can truly get away from it all! In Bhutan, you probably have the best chance anywhere of truly getting away from it all! Remote valleys with a pristine environment (and great weather in the spring and the fall) means that you can go deep into the country if you choose. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of the capital and the three or four major towns, the true heart of Bhutan begins to reveal itself. You can still find many places in Bhutan where there are no landlines, no television sets or radios, or even newspapers. But if you truly seek escape from the world, you’ll have to take the ultimate plunge: unplug your cellphone. Because the local network coverage is excellent, you’ll likely pick up a connection in most places in the country, even the more remote valleys. 6. Bhutan invites you to explore the deeper meaning of our lives From taking a longer and more cosmic view of things to a deeper inquiry into the true nature of existence and, ultimately, to seeking the path toward peace, an encounter with the Bhutanese culture encourages us to ask the bigger questions of life that we may not have time for in busier societies with more materialistically-defined ideas about success and happiness. 7. Bhutan offers an opportunity for personal transformation This is not a tall claim. For those who find it at the right time in their lives, Bhutan can be a catalyst for personal transformation. The 17th century Japanese Haiku poet Basho believed that travel can be a process of spiritual rebirth. He wrote that when you visit sacred sites and explore sacred landscapes, you enter a liminal space of the heart and the mind, where your old habitual self dies, and you enter an in-between state in which a new awareness arises. He believed that, in this elevated form of travel, we undertake such journeys seeking to be reborn in a higher state of consciousness by encountering all the sublime influences in the places that we experience. The multitude of spiritually significant landmarks in Bhutan makes it a place where you’re likely to have just such an awakening. 8. Here you can take an inner and an outer journey Like the best places to visit in the world, you can take both an inner and an outer journey in Bhutan. There's the physical journey through the history, the temples, the monasteries, the ancient landscape, the valleys and gorges, the rushing waterfalls, the aquamarine rivers roaring down from the snow-capped peaks. Then there's the inner journey in which the visitor can travel in their own hearts and their minds over some of the paths that the Bhutanese people follow in their own learning and study, their beliefs, their spiritual practices and their way of life. In this way you can travel simultaneously on two planes and connect with the hearts and minds of the people to get an understanding of where their culture comes from, their version of reality and their perspective on the nature of existence. Along the way you're invited to immerse yourself in a way of seeing the world differently, which is one of the greatest gifts of travel. 9. You can bring home the practical lessons for your own life The stated national goal of Bhutan is perfecting a formula for happiness. Ask for a meeting with a high lama whose job it is to daily contemplate the ways of finding mental peace or talk to a government official whose responsibilities include protecting the four main pillars of Gross National Happiness: cultural preservation, environmental well-being, equitable socioeconomic development and good governance. Bhutanese people are wonderful at sharing their stories and their perspectives which means that, if you're willing to listen, you will likely find more than a few practical gems you can bring home to enhance your own life. 10. We are all connected The ultimate lesson of Bhutanese culture is that we are all warmed by the same spiritual fire, that we are all, each of us, Buddhas in the rough. To break down the delusions that separate us and to understand the interconnected nature of all things are the true goals of Buddhism. When an entire country believes that we have all been each other’s mothers in our previous lives, it makes that country much more open to visitors. As Bhutanese people we are also universalists at heart. By sharing our perspectives, which are grounded in the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha), Bhutanese people are not expressing their belief that there is some higher quality to our culture that makes us better than others. Instead, we are sharing our belief that a close examination of our own minds can vastly improve the quality of our lives spiritually and practically no matter where we come from. And that, ultimately, is what makes Bhutan a truly worthy destination whether in 2020 or beyond. KARMA SINGYE DORJI Travel Programs Coordinator Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Karma has been leading close and intimate journeys to Bhutan since 1999. He is the author of Dreaming of Prayer Flags: Stories and Images from Bhutan. A print version of this post appears in the year-end issue of Tashi Delek, the inflight magazine of Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national airline of Bhutan.