Stories and features about all things Bhutanese to pique your interest ... THIS MONTH'S Featured Articles Our in-house stories & features on all things Bhutanese. We want to further your understanding & appreciation for our beautiful corner of the Himalayas! While we're mostly busy in the field leading trips, we will be posting when we can, so please keep checking back more... LEARN MORE More Suggested Reading TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS GUEST VIGNETTES INSIGHTS LEARN MORE LONG READS GOING DEEPER TRIP ARCHIVES PAST JOURNEYS

​This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. I am a title 03 This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Previous Item Next Item This item is connected to a text field in your content manager. Double click the dataset icon to add your own content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click the Data icon on the add panel to your left. In the Content Manager, you can update your items, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up with fields and content. Add your own by editing each field, or import CSV files to your content manager. You can create fields for rich text, images, videos and more. Remember to click Sync, so visitors can see your collections on your live site. You can add as many collections as you need. Use input elements like custom forms and fields to collect info from your site visitors and store it in your content manager Collections. Make sure all your elements Connect to Data, and Preview your Live Site to check that everything is correctly binded.

A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan Ancient Kathmandu and hidden Trisuli with optional Chitwan National Park Bhutan Abundance Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons Blessings of Bhutan Celebrate the annual return of Bhutan’s endangered Black-necked Cranes Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival Discover Bhutan’s vibrant Warriors Pageant Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan Travel Choose one of our scheduled signature journeys below, featuring the best experiences from our decades-long experience 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 WELLNESS ● SPIRITUAL A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions ACTIVE ● CULTURE Ancient Kathmandu and hidden Trisuli with optional Chitwan National Park 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 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 ● VOLUNTEER Bhutan Abundance Discovering the superlative charms of Bhutan's countryside during the kingdom's lush, green season Discovering the superlative charms of Bhutan's countryside during the kingdom's lush, green season ACTIVE ● CULTURE Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Featuring Black-necked Cranes, the Gesar epic, Haa and Bumthang valleys Featuring Black-necked Cranes, the Gesar epic, Haa and Bumthang valleys ACTIVE ● CULTURE Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons Discover Bhutan's cultural centers during the stunning rhododendron season Discover Bhutan's cultural centers during the stunning rhododendron season ACTIVE ● CULTURE Blessings of Bhutan Explore the spiritual heart of Bhutan, its scenic trails, temples & vibrant Buddhist culture Explore the spiritual heart of Bhutan, its scenic trails, temples & vibrant Buddhist culture ACTIVE ● CULTURE Celebrate the annual return of Bhutan’s endangered Black-necked Cranes On the Wings of Prayer: The annual return of Bhutan's rare Black-necked Cranes On the Wings of Prayer: The annual return of Bhutan's rare Black-necked Cranes ACTIVE ● CULTURE Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival A special journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Bhutan Foundation A special journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Bhutan Foundation ACTIVE ● CULTURE Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival A special journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Bhutan Foundation A special journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Bhutan Foundation ACTIVE ● CULTURE Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival Rare Black-necked Cranes, Bhutan's oldest wildlife conservation park, and the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Mask Dance Festival Rare Black-necked Cranes, Bhutan's oldest wildlife conservation park, and the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Mask Dance Festival ACTIVE ● CULTURE Discover Bhutan’s vibrant Warriors Pageant Travel to Bhutan's first annual mask dance celebration; welcome the magnificent Himalayan springtime Travel to Bhutan's first annual mask dance celebration; welcome the magnificent Himalayan springtime ACTIVE ● CULTURE Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan An active adventure exploring the spiritual heart of Bhutan with the ancient Ura festival An active adventure exploring the spiritual heart of Bhutan with the ancient Ura festival View all journeys _________ 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 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

Latest News Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. In Bhutan, a Bank App Widens the Door to Cashless Travel Oct 22, 2025 With new email-based registration and global card support, GoBoB’s digital wallet aims to make shopping in Bhutan as easy as tapping a screen. Read More News Title 02 Feb 28, 2023 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Read More News Title 03 Feb 28, 2023 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Read More News Title 04 Feb 28, 2023 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Read More News Title 05 Feb 28, 2023 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Read More News Title 06 Feb 28, 2023 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Read More

Browse our series of articles about Bhutanese culture anad travel in Bhutan A temple that preserves the story of regional migration Hatching in the Himalaya Stories EVENTS A royal legacy reborn in the central highlands of Bhutan EVENTS Bhutan Honored with Murie Spirit of Conservation Award IN FOCUS Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park: Crown Jewel of the Eastern Himalayas Bhutanese travel blogger and writer Pema Choden Tenzin brings a temple in far-eastern Bhutan that memorializes a painful history of exodus and renewal. FIELD NOTES Bhutan’s Wild Wild East: A fascinating temple whose walls preserve a painful history of migration REVIEW COMO Metropolitan Bangkok: A modern oasis in Thailand's bustling capital How the familiar spotted brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers. OUTDOORS Hatching in the Himalaya: How the brown trout, a native of the British Isles, found a home in Bhutan’s lakes and rivers INSIDE INFO Hiking the Dochula to Lunchutse trail INSIDE INFO Hiking to the Punakha Khamsum Yuelley stupa INSIDE INFO Hot Tub Time Machine: Bhutan's ancient practice of mineral baths offer a new experience for travelers FIELD REPORT In the Realm of Mountain Gods: The Trek to Magnificent Mount Gangkhar Puensum CULTURE Momos on the mind: an ode to the delicious dumplings of Bhutan FIELD NOTES Primal Connections: Honoring my shaman ancestors _________ 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 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

Rare Black-necked Cranes, Royal Manas National Park, and western, central and south-central Bhutan highlights LEARN MORE CONSERVATION Conservation and culture in the Last Himalayan Kingdom 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. Rare Black-necked Cranes, Royal Manas National Park, and western, central and south-central Bhutan highlights SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link This exclusive journey takes us from western Bhutan on an epic road trip to the kingdom’s central highlands, before taking a sharp turn onto less-traveled roads to the southern jewel of Bhutan’s wildlife conservation crown. We arrive during the perfect seasonal window to welcome the rare Black-necked Cranes and explore the beautiful Bumthang Valley system. Lis reconnects with places and causes dear to her heart—and some unexpected stops—while we delight in introducing Dabney and Elisabeth to a selection of the kingdom’s most surpassingly lovely valleys en route, including some special spots and experiences we keep up our sleeves. A final return to Paro by helicopter, followed by a climb to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, leaves us all with a lifetime of special memories. HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY After flying in to Paro, we make our way east with stops in both Bhutan’s modern and ancient capitals, before a stay at the gateway to central Bhutan where we welcome the rare Black-necked Cranes returning on their winter migration to the Gangtey Valley. We continue to the lovely valleys of Bumthang and visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently featured on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to experience, before continuing on the national highway south to the crown jewel of the Bhutanese national park system. A final helicopter flight brings us back to Paro for the final night, followed by the next day’s hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery before the return flight home. VIEW DAY BY DAY NOVEMBER 14, 2025: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang and its traditional iron chain bridge. After checking into your hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten and take an evening stroll along Norzin Lam, Thimphu’s bustling downtown street. NOVEMBER 15, 2025: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU Begin the day with a visit to Buddha Dordenma, the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue overlooking the valley. Explore the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to learn traditional paper-making techniques. In the afternoon, tour Simply Bhutan Cultural Center, an interactive museum showcasing Bhutanese traditions. Conclude with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, Bhutan’s administrative and monastic center. NOVEMBER 16, 2025: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA AND VALLEY EXPLORATION Travel from Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m), enjoying panoramic Himalayan views and stopping at the 108 memorial stupas. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley. Explore Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers and take a walk across the scenic Punakha Suspension Bridge. Elisabeth hikes to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (4-5 miles round trip), while Dabney enjoys a gentle stroll through nearby rice fields. Optional river rafting on Mo Chhu is available for adventure enthusiasts. NOVEMBER 17, 2025: DRIVE TO GANGTEY Journey through winding mountain roads to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), a glacial valley known for its black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery and take an easy nature trail walk through this serene valley surrounded by alpine meadows and forests. NOVEMBER 18, 2025: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG Travel eastward into central Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Upon arrival in Bumthang, visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples believed to date back to the 7th century. Take time to explore Bumthang town and enjoy its tranquil atmosphere. NOVEMBER 19, 2025: BUMTHANG EXPLORATION Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit (March 2025). Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated during his journey through Bhutan. Revisit the farmhouse near Burning Lake and reconnect with the private temple housing ancient manuscripts you helped preserve years ago. Spend time learning about local traditions and connecting with villagers in this culturally rich valley. NOVEMBER 20, 2025: EXPLORE BUMTHANG’S VALLEYS Take a scenic drive to Ura Valley, known for its medieval atmosphere and quaint farming villages. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang for its ancient murals and Jakar Dzong for sweeping views of Chamkhar Valley. Elisabeth can opt for a longer hike through Tang Valley or Chumey Valley while Dabney enjoys shorter walks in picturesque surroundings. NOVEMBER 21, 2025: BUMTHANG TO TRONGSA Drive westward to Trongsa via Yotong La Pass (3-hour drive). Visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress and ancestral home of its royal family. Tour Trongsa Ta Dzong (watchtower museum) for insights into Bhutanese history before settling into your hotel for the night. NOVEMBER 22, 2025: SAMCHHOLING TEA VILLAGE Visit Samchholing green tea village in Trongsa District. Tour the plantation spanning over 67 acres while learning about tea cultivation and processing methods from members of the Samdrupcholing Green Tea Cooperative. Enjoy a tea-tasting session featuring organic green tea products grown in Bhutan’s pristine environment. Stay at a unique local monastery supported by the Bhutan Foundation, or alternately at the Yangkhil Lodge, with a majestic view of the gorge, Mangde River valley and and Bhutan’s longest Dzong. NOVEMBER 23, 2025: DRIVE TO ROYAL MANAS NATIONAL PARK Take a drive south along the lush south-central route to the Manas region, passing through Zhemgang district and the historic Trong village, a medieval cobblestone settlement preserved intact for posterity. Upon arrival, settle into the Royal Guest House and enjoy an orientation to Manas’ wildlife conservation efforts and cultural significance. NOVEMBER 24, 2025: MANAS NATIONAL PARK ACTIVITIES Dabney enjoys gentle nature walks or bird watching near the lodge while Elisabeth embarks on jungle treks or river rafting adventures along the Manas River. Engage with local park inhabitant through cultural exchanges where you’ll learn about their traditions and lifestyle. NOVEMBER 25, 2025: EXPLORE MANAS NATIONAL PARK Explore deeper into Manas National Park with tailored activities: - Dabney participates in cultural demonstrations or takes short scenic walks. - Lis and Elisabeth join longer jungle treks or river rafting excursions. Enjoy wildlife spotting tours or guided eco-trail walks before ending the day with storytelling around a campfire. NOVEMBER 26, 2025: HELICOPTER RETURN TO PARO Early morning chartered helicopter from Trongsa to Royal Manas National Park for a unique aerial view of Bhutan’s landscapes. Return by helicopter from Manas to Paro in the morning for your final two nights in Bhutan. Spend your afternoon relaxing at your hotel or exploring Paro town’s markets for souvenirs. NOVEMBER 27, 2025: TIGER’S NEST HIKE & DEPARTURE Embark on a visit to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: - Elisabeth hikes the full trail (5-7 miles round trip). - You hike up to the viewpoint or cafeteria (3-4 miles round trip). - Dabney takes a horse ride up to the cafeteria for stunning views. Conclude with last-minute shopping in Paro before transferring to Paro International Airport for departure. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES DATE TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION DATE TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges GROUP SIZE 8 ~ 12 DURATION 14 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 into a lightly-traveled Snow Leopard preserve, visit a subtropical IUCN biodiversity "hotspot," witness the grand Trongsa festival and explore the pristine central highlands LEARN MORE TREK & CULTURE Trek to Treasure Lake, Royal Manas National Park & the Grand Trongsa Festival 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. 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 SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Arrive in Paro and drive to bustling Thimphu for speaking engagements at the Royal University of Bhutan. Take in capital city highlights such as the National Textile Museum and the giant Buddha Dordenma monument. Next, drive to pristine Haa Valley and trek into the high alpine reaches of a sacred lake where rare Blue Sheep and elusive Snow Leopards roam. Then, visit Gangtey to see rare Black-necked Cranes and drive to the royal heartland, Trongsa, for an intimate Christmas Eve celebration. Take a sharp turn south from here onto less-traveled roads to the Royal Manas National Park, an IUCN "Global Hotspot." Return to Trongsa to see one of the year's biggest religious mask dance festivals , then explore the lovely central highlands of Bumthang before returning to Paro by domestic flight. A lovely New Year's celebration and a climb to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery leaves us all with a lifetime of special memories. 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 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 After flying into Paro, drive to Haa Valley and trek into the high altitude Jigme Khesar Namgyel Strict Nature Reserve. Drive to Thimphu next, before making our way east to Gangtey Valley to see beautiful Black-necked Cranes taking wing. Continue driving to Trongsa and head south toward Royal Manas National Park. Returning to Trongsa, attend the grand Padmasambhava dances at the Trongsa Tshechu Festival before continuing on to Bumthang, where we visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to experience. A final 25-minute domestic flight brings us back to Paro in time to celebrate New Year's Day, followed by a hike to spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery before your return flight home. VIEW DAY BY DAY DECEMBER 13: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU Take the flight from Bangkok this morning with the world's highest peaks rising above the clouds, including Mt. Everest. Your flight KB153 departs at 6:00AM from Bangkok and lands in Paro at 08:15AM. After meeting your Bhutanese guide—who will travel with you for the duration of your stay—at the airport, we drive 1.5 hours to the Capital Hotel, located in the commercial heart of the nation's bustling capital, Thimphu, within walking distance of museums and shops. This afternoon, stretch your hiking muscles with a visit to the Takin zoo. Takin, is Bhutan's curious national animal that local legends describe as a cross between a goat and a cow. Later, if you're still energetic, we'll continue the walk to a spectacular spot overlooking the capital city, the site of ancient Wangditse Monastery. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 14: THIMPHU CITY HIGHLIGHTS Today we begin with a two-hour hike to the giant Buddha Dordenma through pine forests. Return to the city for lunch followed by visits to the Royal Textile Museum and the school of the 13 crafts. Stop by the Bhutan Foundation offices and continue to the Royal University for speaking engagements at the university on Amercan government and politics and Global Health Economics. This evening, a traditional feast with some invited Bhutanese guests and dignitaries from the government and public life. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 15: THIMPHU TO HAA This morning meet the former and current health ministers to discuss global health economics. Then, take a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable road at 3,988 meters. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and the surrounding Himalayan peaks if weather permits. Descend into Haa Valley through picturesque pine forests and traditional villages. On arrival, settle into the beautifully restored Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge , a 150-year-old former governor’s home in Haatey village. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge DECEMBER 16: HAA PANORAMIC HIKE / EXPLORATION DAY This morning, after a traditional breakfast at the lodge, we walk the narrow, rock-laid dirt paths of ancient Haatey Village and, crossing a metal suspension bridge, catch the trail that loops around the valley, offering panoramic views of Bhutan’s westernmost district center. The Haa Panoramic Hike weaves through pine forests and exposed ridges with colorful clusters of Buddhist prayer flags left by devout local families. The Panoramic Trail also passes the serene Jungney Dra temple, perched dramatically on a cliffside, and we take a short detour to visit the holy site accessed by a steep set of stairs and two large boulders that visitors have to squeeze through as an act of purification. We arrive back at the lodge in time for evening aperitifs and, if so inclined, the strong, "hair-on-your-chest" local brew Ara , before a relaxing soak in the lodge's traditional hot-stone baths , complemented by refreshing dips in the nearby glacial stream, a well-favored form of healing and relaxation in Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge DECEMBER 17: TREK TO TREASURE LAKE This less-traveled route gives us the option to share the purer aspects of trekking in Bhutan by cutting out the busier trails. In fact we like to think of it as our little secret! Climbing sharply through oak and deciduous trees with vibrant leaves that are best in late fall, it takes us along a high Himalayan ridge-line before descending to the peaceful lake where its mirror surface reflects an ever-changing sky. We camp deep in the Womji valley today. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 18: CAMP AT TREASURE LAKE Today, we make the steep uphill climb through dense forests of pine to summit Tshejey Pass at 13,900 feet before a panoramic descent to Treasure Lake. We frequently see wild herds of exotic Blue Sheep that often come to graze very close to camp, a thrilling experience! Several groups of Bhutan's rare and elusive Snow Leopards have been caught on camera in the surrounding high ridges around camp and, in the evenings, our campers have often watched the twinkling lights from the parts of the surrounding mountais which form the natural boundaries of Bhutan. Tibet (China) and India. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 19: CAMP TSHABJO We climb back up to Bjara pass, where we're likely to see herds of the wild Blue Sheep the pass is named for. The maximum altitude for the day is 13, 963 feet. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 20: CAMP TSHOKAM After a spectacular day of hiking that offers, weather cooperating, excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, we camp beside a clear running stream for our final night on the trail. This is an evening when we discover some of the hidden talents of our Bhutanese staff and crew who all love a good camp song. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 21 : RETURN HIKE TO HAA After a trailside picnic lunch, we end our loop in Haa, from where we continue our drive to the lodge, arriving back in time for a good traditional soak in a hot stone bath back at the Zingkha Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zingkha Heritage Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 22: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we make the return drive to Thimphu for some well-deserved rest and a fun stroll through the capital city's busy and colorful downtown. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 23: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY Setting out from Bhutan’s vibrant capital, Thimphu, we climb to the Dochula pass where the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas stretch across the horizon. Rows of white chortens, 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother, stand gleaming against the sky in the crisp mountain air. The Black Mountains, known locally as Durshingla, rise ahead, shrouded in mist and legend. Past the old town of Wangdue, we cross into the Black Mountain region. Waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, rivers snake through deep gorges, and small villages cling to the hillsides, their prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Descending gently from the Lawa La pass into the Gangtey Valley is a sweeping bowl of emerald fields and marshlands. The remote valley, cradled by the Black Mountains, is a sanctuary for the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate here each winter from the Tibetan plateau. Their haunting calls echo across the valley, adding mystery to the scenic landscape. We enter the ancient Gangtey Goemba monastery perched on a hilltop. Next, we stretch our legs on an optional hike around the valley, watching the elegant cranes flying overhead or roosting in the valley below before checking into our cosy Bhutanese glamping lodge with incredible views of the cranes’ flyway through the valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge/Gangtey Tent Resorts or comparable DECEMBER 24: DRIVE TO TRONGSA Leaving peaceful Gangtey, the drive to Trongsa climbs through forests thick with rhododendrons and towering pines, the temperatures dropping with the higher altitude. We pass the beautiful Chendebji stupa, a replica pf Nepal's great stupa at Boudha before arriving in Trongsa to stay opposite the impressive Trongsa Dzong, perched high above the river and commanding the landscape with its centuries-old presence. If there's time and provided we're not too tired from the drive, we visit the magnificent dzong interiors and perhaps catch the monks practicing their mask dances for the upcoming Trongsa Tshechu Festival. We have a cozy get together tonight at the lodge to celebrate Christmas Eve in a Buddhist land, a merging of cultures. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 25: DRIVE TO MANAS Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner DECEMBER 26: MANAS Today we have the option to choose from a gentle nature walk, local bird watching, a guided jungle trek with local rangers and guides or a river rafting adventure on the meandering Manas River. We meet local people who live in the park and share cultural exchanges to learn about local traditions and lifestyle. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Marangdut Jungle Camp (paltform tents with indigenous thatch roofing) DECEMBER 27: MANAS EXPLORATION Explore deeper into Manas National Park with tailored activities for wildlife viewing, a jungle trek or a rafting excursion. We celebrate our memorable visit to royal Manas by hosting a farewell dinner to thank local community elders, park rangers and nature conservators, a lovely event to close our time in Bhutan's oldest national park. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Marangdut Jungle Camp (paltform tents with indigenous thatch roofing) DECEMBER 28: DRIVE TO TRONGSA/FESTIVAL We take the return drive to Trongsa, arriving in time to attend the afternoon mask dance performances at the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 29: FESTIVAL/DRIVE TO BUMTHANG After spending another half-day taking in the Trongsa Tshechu mask dance performances, we drive east from Trongsa to Bumthang via Yotong La Pass (3-hour drive). The road climbs up through the mountains with sweeping views of deep valleys and distant peaks. The final stretch brings us into the heart of Bumthang, where the valleys are wide and dotted with traditional villages, fluttering prayer flags, and the occasional yaks grazing on the hillsides. We stop in the weaving village of Chumey to admire the local wool tapestries called Yathra , before continuing on to our family lodge opposite the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace , now renovated as a world-class museum. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DECEMBER 30: WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE MUSEUM Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit (March 2025). Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated during his journey through Bhutan. Visit the Tamshing monastery, the Konchogsum Temple to complete the traditional pilgrim's route around the valley before an evening toast at the Red Panda Brewery to the accompaniment of local Swiss cheese and crackers. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DECEMBER 31: TANG VALLEY EXPLORATION Trek over a pass from Jakar to Tang or take a scenic drive to Tang Valley, known for its medieval atmosphere and farming villages. Enjoy lunch at the beautiful Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum and its admire its ancient murals and the beautiful shrine to the goddess of compassion. Track down former projects and revisit their progress as we explore this blissful hidden corner of Bhutan's beautiful central highlands. This evening we have a wonderfully intimate New Year's Celebration in the quiet heart of Bhutan! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort JANUARY 1, 2026: NEW YEAR'S DAY/FLIGHT Take an early domestic flight to Paro past dramatic Himalayan snow peaks. Drukair flight KB 010 departs at 11:10 AM and arrives in Paro at 11:45 AM. Browse the colorful shops of Paro and wander the bustling main street, which served for centuries as a main stop for traders and pilgrims on the ancient route to Tibet. Following lunch, we transfer to Olathang Lodge for your check-in at the front desk, and friendly rounds of archery with your trip staff afterwards. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Paro Olathang Lodge JANUARY 2, 2026: TIGER'S NEST/DEPARTURE This morning we rise early to hike up to famous Tiger’s nest monastery. Afterwards, we have a final lunch at the local spot Mountain Cafe, over cups of freshly brewed Bhutanese home-grown coffee, before we bring you to the airport in time for your early evening flight to Bangkok. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES December 13, 2025 - January 2, 2026 US$12,275/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$12,025/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$11,775/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements *** *** *** DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$12,275/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$12,025/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$11,775/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements *** *** *** DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Government Daily SDF Taxes & Fees 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 Single Traveler Supplements 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 trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous. Please See the "About Trekking Expeditions" tab below for further details and notes on trip participation fitness. The cultural portions of this trip are rate 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 TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs. Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. 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. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more. Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges & our Expedition Camps included; International Luxury Chains at additional cost per night GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 21 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Challenging to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE Trekking ● Conservation ● 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

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 into a lightly-traveled Snow Leopard preserve, witness the grand Trongsa festival and explore the pristine central highlands LEARN MORE TREK & CULTURE Trek to Treasure Lake, Trongsa Festival & Tiger’s Nest 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. Arrive in Paro and drive to bustling Thimphu for speaking engagements at the Royal University of Bhutan. Celebrate the pomp and ceremony of Bhutan's National Day and take in capital city highlights such as the National Textile Museum and the giant Buddha Dordenma monument. Next, drive to pristine Haa Valley and trek into the high alpine reaches of a sacred lake where rare Blue Sheep and elusive Snow Leopards roam. Then, climb to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, and visit Gangtey to see rare Black-necked Cranes. From there, drive to the royal heartland, Trongsa, to see one of the year's biggest religious mask dance festivals . Finally, explore the lovely central highlands of Bumthang before returning to Paro by domestic flight. This is a unique and culturally enriching way to celebrate the holiday season and ring in a brand new year, ensuring a lifetime of special memories! SHARE: Trek into a lightly-traveled Snow Leopard preserve, witness the grand Trongsa festival and explore the pristine central highlands 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 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 After flying into Paro, drive to Thimphu to celebrate Bhutan's 118th National Day since its founding. Next, drive to Haa Valley and trek into the high altitude Jigme Khesar Namgyel Strict Nature Reserve. After the trek, return to Paro and hike to magnificent Tiger's Nest monastery. Then, make our way east to Gangtey Valley to see beautiful Black-necked Cranes taking wing. Continue driving to Trongsa to experience the grand Padmasambhava dances at the Trongsa Tshechu Festival before continuing on to Bumthang, where we visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’. A final 25-minute domestic flight brings us back to Paro in time to celebrate New Year's Day, followed by a relaxed morning before your return flight home. VIEW DAY BY DAY DECEMBER 15: ARRIVAL IN PARO – TRANSFER TO THIMPHU Take the flight from Bangkok this morning with the world's highest peaks rising above the clouds, including Mt. Everest. Your flight KB153 departs at 6:00AM from Bangkok and lands in Paro at 08:15AM. After meeting your Bhutanese guide-who will travel with you for the duration of your stay-at the airport, we drive 1.5 hours to the Capital Hotel, located in the commercial heart of the nation's bustling capital, Thimphu, within walking distance of museums and shops. This afternoon, stretch your hiking muscles with a visit to the Takin zoo. Takin is Bhutan's curious national animal that local legends describe as a cross between a goat and a cow. Later, if you're still energetic, we'll continue the walk to a spectacular spot overlooking the capital city, the site of ancient Wangditse Monastery. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 16: THIMPHU CITY HIGHLIGHTS Today we begin with a two-hour hike to the giant Buddha Dordenma through pine forests. Return to the city for lunch followed by visits to the Royal Textile Museum and the school of the 13 crafts. Stop by the Bhutan Foundation offices and continue to the Royal University for speaking engagements at the university on American government and politics and Global Health Economics. This evening, a traditional feast with some invited Bhutanese guests and dignitaries from the government and public life. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 17: 118th NATIONAL DAY FESTIVITIES / THIMPHU TO HAA This morning, join the nation at Bhutan’s widely televised National Day Celebrations at the national stadium, meet the former and current health ministers to discuss global health economics and other Bhutanese dignitaries. Then, take a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass, Bhutan's highest motorable road at 3,988 meters. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and the surrounding Himalayan peaks if weather permits. Descend into Haa Valley through picturesque pine forests and traditional villages. On arrival, settle into the beautifully restored Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, a 150-year-old former governor's home in Haatey village. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge DECEMBER 18: HAA PANORAMIC HIKE / EXPLORATION DAY This morning, after a traditional breakfast at the lodge, we walk the narrow, rock-laid dirt paths of ancient Haatey Village and, crossing a metal suspension bridge, catch the trail that loops around the valley, offering panoramic views of Bhutan’s westernmost district center. The Haa Panoramic Hike weaves through pine forests and exposed ridges with colorful clusters of Buddhist prayer flags left by devout local families. The Panoramic Trail also passes the serene Jungney Dra temple, perched dramatically on a cliffside, and we take a short detour to visit the holy site accessed by a steep set of stairs and two large boulders that visitors have to squeeze through as an act of purification. We arrive back at the lodge in time for evening aperitifs and, if so inclined, the strong, "hair-on-your-chest" local brew Ara , before a relaxing soak in the lodge's traditional hot-stone baths , complemented by refreshing dips in the nearby glacial stream, a well-favored form of healing and relaxation in Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Haa Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge DECEMBER 19: TREK TO TREASURE LAKE Take the less-traveled route to experience the purer aspects of trekking in Bhutan by cutting out the busier trails. We like to think of it as our little secret! Climbing sharply through oak and deciduous forests with vibrant foliage best appreciated in late fall, the route takes us along a high Himalayan ridge-line before descending to the peaceful lake where its mirror surface reflects an ever-changing sky. We camp deep in the Womji valley today. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 20: CAMP AT TREASURE LAKE Today, we make the steep uphill climb through dense forests of pine to summit Tshejey Pass at 13,900 feet before a panoramic descent to Treasure Lake. We descend to camp ringed by a wide amphiteather of distant snowpeaks. The greater Himalayan peaks visible today include the third highest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga. We frequently see wild herds of exotic Blue Sheep that often come to graze very close to camp, a thrilling experience! Several groups of Bhutan's rare and elusive Snow Leopards have been caught on camera in the surrounding high ridges around camp and, in the evenings, our campers have often watched the twinkling lights from the parts of the surrounding mountais which form the natural boundaries of Bhutan. Tibet (China) and India. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 21: TREASURE LAKE EXPLORATION DAY We typically rest or explore today around our base camp above the lake. Keep an eye out for large herds of Blue Sheep on the ridges near camp. Snow Leopards have also been caught in camera traps in the area! Alternately, we may also continue the trek to cover some of the remaining distance of the trek today to break up the trekking distance. We will make those decisions on site for the best trekking experience. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 22: TREK TO CAMP TSHABJO After a spectacular day of hiking that offers, weather cooperating, excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, we camp beside a clear running stream for our final night on the trail. This is an evening when we discover some of the hidden talents of our Bhutanese staff and crew who all love a good camp song. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 23: RETURN HIKE TO HAA / DRIVE TO PARO After a trailside picnic lunch, we end our loop in Haa, from where we continue our drive to Paro after a substantial, well-deserved lunch. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 24: TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY HIKE / DRIVE TO PUNAKHA This morning we rise early to hike up to famous Tiger's Nest monastery. The hike up to Taktsang is a highlight of any trip to Bhutan, with the monastery perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face, high above the valley. Afterwards, we have a final lunch at the local spot Mountain Cafe, over cups of freshly brewed Bhutanese home-grown coffee, before driving to Punakha. We climb to the Dochula pass where the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas stretch across the horizon. Rows of white chortens, 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother, stand gleaming against the sky in the crisp mountain air. We descend to Punakha Valley and stop by the beautiful dzong, accessed by a wooden cantilever bridge, spanning Mo-chhu River. We take an evening walk on Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, part of the Trans Bhutan Trail. We have a cozy get together tonight at the lodge to celebrate Christmas Eve in a Buddhist land, a merging of cultures. Evening at leisure at your Punakha hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable DECEMBER 25: DRIVE TO GANGTEY Setting out from Punakha, the Black Mountains, known locally as Durshingla, rise ahead, shrouded in mist and legend. Past the old town of Wangdue, we cross into the Black Mountain region. Waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, rivers snake through deep gorges, and small villages cling to the hillsides, their prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Descending gently from the Lawa La pass into the Gangtey Valley is a sweeping bowl of emerald fields and marshlands. The remote valley, cradled by the Black Mountains, is a sanctuary for the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate here each winter from the Tibetan plateau. Their haunting calls echo across the valley, adding mystery to the scenic landscape. We enter the ancient Gangtey Goemba monastery perched on a hilltop. Next, we stretch our legs on an optional hike around the valley, watching the elegant cranes flying overhead or roosting in the valley below before checking into our cosy Bhutanese glamping lodge with incredible views of the cranes' flyway through the valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge/Gangtey Tent Resorts or comparable DECEMBER 26: GANGTEY VALLEY HIKING & DRIVE TO TRONGSA This morning, hike the peaceful nature trail to see Black-necked Cranes in the wild, visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre before continuing our drive to Trongsa. Leaving peaceful Gangtey, the drive to Trongsa climbs through forests thick with rhododendrons and towering pines, the temperatures dropping with the higher altitude. We pass the beautiful Chendebji stupa, a replica of Nepal's great stupa at Boudha before arriving in Trongsa to stay opposite the impressive Trongsa Dzong, perched high above the river and commanding the landscape with its centuries-old presence. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 27: TRONGSA FESTIVAL This morning, we visit the magnificent dzong interiors and catch the opening performances of the Trongsa Tshechu , an ancient Buddhist festival at the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Learn more about the festival and the dzong here. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 28: TRONGSA FESTIVAL, AFTERNOON DRIVE TO BUMTHANG After spending another half-day enjoying the spectacular Trongsa Tshechu mask dances, we drive east from Trongsa to Bumthang via Yotong La Pass (3-hour drive). The road climbs up through the mountains with sweeping views of deep valleys and distant peaks. The final stretch brings us into the heart of Bumthang, where the valleys are wide and dotted with traditional villages, fluttering prayer flags, and the occasional yaks grazing on the hillsides. We stop in the weaving village of Chumey to admire the local wool tapestries called Yathra, before continuing on to our family lodge opposite the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace, now renovated as a world-class museum. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DECEMBER 29: BUMTHANG VALLEY EXPLORATION WITH WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine's list of 'World's Greatest Places' to visit (March 2025). Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated during his journey through Bhutan. Visit the Tamshing monastery, the Konchogsum Temple to complete the traditional pilgrim's route around the valley before an evening toast at the Red Panda Brewery to the accompaniment of local Swiss cheese and crackers. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DECEMBER 30: PILGRIMS WALK AROUND JAKAR VALLEY Join local pilgrims on a scenic walk around Jakar Valley, visiting sacred sites and monasteries. Experience the spiritual side of Bumthang with a lovely riverside picnic lunch. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DECEMBER 31: DAY TREK TO TANG VALLEY / OGYEN CHOLING MANOR / NEW YEAR'S EVE Trek over a pass from Jakar to Tang or take a scenic drive to Tang Valley, known for its medieval atmosphere and farming villages. Enjoy lunch at the beautiful Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum and admire its ancient murals and the beautiful shrine to the goddess of compassion. Track down former projects and revisit their progress as we explore this blissful hidden corner of Bhutan's beautiful central highlands. This evening we have a wonderfully intimate New Year's Celebration in the quiet heart of Bhutan! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort JANUARY 1, 2026: MORNING DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO PARO, AFTERNOON CONNECTION TO BANGKOK Take an early domestic flight to Paro past dramatic Himalayan snow peaks. Drukair flight KB 010 departs at 11:10 AM and arrives in Paro at 11:45 AM. Browse the colorful shops of Paro and wander the bustling main street, which served for centuries as a main stop for traders and pilgrims on the ancient route to Tibet. Following lunch, we transfer to Olathang Lodge for your check-in at the front desk, and friendly rounds of archery with your trip staff afterwards. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your international flight to Bangkok. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES December 15, 2025 - January 1, 2026 US$10,521/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$10,321/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$10,121/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements *** *** *** DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$10,521/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$10,321/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$10,121/- per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements *** *** *** DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED 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 trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous. Please See the "About Trekking Expeditions" tab below for further details and notes on trip participation fitness. The cultural portions of this trip are rate 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 TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs. Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. 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. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more. Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges & our Expedition Camps included; International Luxury Chains at additional cost per night GROUP SIZE Small Group Adventure DURATION 18 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Challenging to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE Trekking, Conservation & 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 into a lightly-traveled Snow Leopard preserve, visit a subtropical IUCN biodiversity "hotspot," witness the grand Trongsa festival and explore the pristine central highlands 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 LEARN MORE Perkins International ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges & our Expedition Camps included; International Luxury Chains at additional cost per night GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 21 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Challenging to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE Trekking ● Conservation ● Culture ASK A QUESTION Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details 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. ACCOMMODATIONS HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. PEACE OF MIND December 13, 2025 - January 2, 2026 US$12,275/- per person* (COVERS ALL LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCES AND MONUMENT FEES *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$12,025/- per person* (COVERS ALL LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCES AND MONUMENT FEES *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$11,775/- per person* (COVERS ALL LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCES AND MONUMENT FEES *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$12,275/- per person* (COVERS ALL LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCES AND MONUMENT FEES *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$12,025/- per person* (COVERS ALL LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCES AND MONUMENT FEES *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements US$11,775/- per person* (COVERS ALL LAND COSTS FOR 22 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, ALL TREKKING & EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT SUPPLIES & COMMISSARIES, EXPERIENCED SENIOR GUIDES, AND ENTRANCES AND MONUMENT FEES *** ***PLEASE ADD $2,100 GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $899/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. **** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices DATES & PRICES WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED ITINERARY PRACTICAL DETAILS | RECOMMENDED POSTS TRIP PHOTOGALLERY REQUEST ITINERARY Click map to enlarge Connect from western Bhutan on a private domestic charter flight to attend the royal palace event, its adaptive use reincarnation as a modern museum that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the kingdom. Next, we drive by car to another ancestral region of the royal family, to Trongsa, a lush forested region that encompasses parts of the Black Mountain Range and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Here we stay as guests of Khedrup Rimpoche, spiritual leader of the Riphel Mebar monastery. Next, we trade car seats for inflatable rafts under the care of the River Guides of Panbang. An exhilarating freshwater navigation follows, bringing you to the confluence of the kingdom's two major rivers: the Drangme-Chhu and the Mangde-Chhu. Spend a few days exploring the ecologically rich Panbang region, then take a drive up from the kingdom's tropical southern borders to the capital Thimphu. A day of meetings and a final return to Paro for the flight home completes this comprehensive itinerary that's sure to leave you with many rich memories. SHARE: 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 DECEMBER 13: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU VIEW DAY BY DAY Depending on your flight preferences there are two options for the flight in. If you choose Delhi as your option your flight KB201 departs Delhi at 12:30 p.m. and lands 03:20 p.m. If flying from Bangkok instead, your flight from Bangkok, KB0131, departs at 05:00 a.m. and arrives in Paro at 08:40 a.m. via a brief stop at Bagdogra, India. After pick-up at the airport we drive you to your hotel, the Le Meridien Paro Riverfront, just a few minutes down the road. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Le Meridien Paro Riverfront DECEMBER 14: THIMPHU CITY HIGHLIGHTS Today we take the short (25-minute) flight to Bumthang, in central Bhutan, and check in at the Mountain Resort across the road from Wangduechhoeling Palace. Our domestic chartered flight from Paro lands at Jakar Airport late morning. After pickup, we make the short drive to the lodge, followed by welcome refreshments and lunch. Later, we take a short drive up the valley past imposing Jakar Dzong to hike a central section of the new Trans Bhutan Trail from Lamai Goempa, built in the 1800s as a palace for the first king, now home to the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research (UWICER), a Bhutan Foundation project site that supports environmental education, ecological studies and forestry conservation services in Bhutan. DECEMBER 15: THIMPHU TO HAA 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. DECEMBER 16: HAA PANORAMIC HIKE / EXPLORATION DAY This morning, after a traditional breakfast at the lodge, we walk the narrow, rock-laid dirt paths of ancient Haatey Village and, crossing a metal suspension bridge, catch the trail that loops around the valley, offering panoramic views of Bhutan’s westernmost district center. The Haa Panoramic Hike weaves through pine forests and exposed ridges with colorful clusters of Buddhist prayer flags left by devout local families. The Panoramic Trail also passes the serene Jungney Dra temple, perched dramatically on a cliffside, and we take a short detour to visit the holy site accessed by a steep set of stairs and two large boulders that visitors have to squeeze through as an act of purification. We arrive back at the lodge in time for evening aperitifs and, if so inclined, the strong, "hair-on-your-chest" local brew Ara , before a relaxing soak in the lodge's traditional hot-stone baths , complemented by refreshing dips in the nearby glacial stream, a well-favored form of healing and relaxation in Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge DECEMBER 17: TREK TO TREASURE LAKE This less-traveled route gives us the option to share the purer aspects of trekking in Bhutan by cutting out the busier trails. In fact we like to think of it as our little secret! Climbing sharply through oak and deciduous trees with vibrant leaves that are best in late fall, it takes us along a high Himalayan ridge-line before descending to the peaceful lake where its mirror surface reflects an ever-changing sky. We camp deep in the Womji valley today. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 18: CAMP AT TREASURE LAKE Today, we make the steep uphill climb through dense forests of pine to summit Tshejey Pass at 13,900 feet before a panoramic descent to Treasure Lake. We frequently see wild herds of exotic Blue Sheep that often come to graze very close to camp, a thrilling experience! Several groups of Bhutan's rare and elusive Snow Leopards have been caught on camera in the surrounding high ridges around camp and, in the evenings, our campers have often watched the twinkling lights from the parts of the surrounding mountais which form the natural boundaries of Bhutan. Tibet (China) and India. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 19: CAMP TSHABJO We climb back up to Bjara pass, where we're likely to see herds of the wild Blue Sheep the pass is named for. The maximum altitude for the day is 13, 963 feet. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 20: CAMP TSHOKAM After a spectacular day of hiking that offers, weather cooperating, excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, we camp beside a clear running stream for our final night on the trail. This is an evening when we discover some of the hidden talents of our Bhutanese staff and crew who all love a good camp song. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps DECEMBER 21 : RETURN HIKE TO HAA After a trailside picnic lunch, we end our loop in Haa, from where we continue our drive to the lodge, arriving back in time for a good traditional soak in a hot stone bath back at the Zingkha Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zingkha Heritage Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 22: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU This morning after a leisurely breakfast, we make the return drive to Thimphu for some well-deserved rest and a fun stroll through the capital city's busy and colorful downtown. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 23: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY Setting out from Bhutan’s vibrant capital, Thimphu, we climb to the Dochula pass where the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas stretch across the horizon. Rows of white chortens, 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother, stand gleaming against the sky in the crisp mountain air. The Black Mountains, known locally as Durshingla, rise ahead, shrouded in mist and legend. Past the old town of Wangdue, we cross into the Black Mountain region. Waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, rivers snake through deep gorges, and small villages cling to the hillsides, their prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Descending gently from the Lawa La pass into the Gangtey Valley is a sweeping bowl of emerald fields and marshlands. The remote valley, cradled by the Black Mountains, is a sanctuary for the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate here each winter from the Tibetan plateau. Their haunting calls echo across the valley, adding mystery to the scenic landscape. We enter the ancient Gangtey Goemba monastery perched on a hilltop. Next, we stretch our legs on an optional hike around the valley, watching the elegant cranes flying overhead or roosting in the valley below before checking into our cosy Bhutanese glamping lodge with incredible views of the cranes’ flyway through the valley. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge/Gangtey Tent Resorts or comparable DECEMBER 24: DRIVE TO TRONGSA Leaving peaceful Gangtey, the drive to Trongsa climbs through forests thick with rhododendrons and towering pines, the temperatures dropping with the higher altitude. We pass the beautiful Chendebji stupa, a replica pf Nepal's great stupa at Boudha before arriving in Trongsa to stay opposite the impressive Trongsa Dzong, perched high above the river and commanding the landscape with its centuries-old presence. If there's time and provided we're not too tired from the drive, we visit the magnificent dzong interiors and perhaps catch the monks practicing their mask dances for the upcoming Trongsa Tshechu Festival. We have a cozy get together tonight at the lodge to celebrate Christmas Eve in a Buddhist land, a merging of cultures. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable After flying into Paro, drive to Haa Valley and trek into the high altitude Jigme Khesar Namgyel Strict Nature Reserve. Drive to Thimphu next, before making our way east to Gangtey Valley to see beautiful Black-necked Cranes taking wing. Continue driving to Trongsa and head south toward Royal Manas National Park. Returning to Trongsa, attend the grand Padmasambhava dances at the Trongsa Tshechu Festival before continuing on to Bumthang, where we visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to experience. A final 25-minute domestic flight brings us back to Paro in time to celebrate New Year's Day, followed by a hike to spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery before your return flight home. 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 trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous. Please See the "About Trekking Expeditions" tab below for further details and notes on trip participation fitness. The cultural portions of this trip are rate 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 TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs. Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. 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. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more. Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID See all posts > 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

Rare Black-necked Cranes, Bhutan's oldest wildlife conservation park, and the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Mask Dance Festival 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 LEARN MORE Perkins International ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges included; International Luxury Chains & Partnerships at additional cost per night GROUP SIZE PRIVATE DURATION 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION Trip Photos Accommodations Peace of Mind Dates & Prices What's Included Itinerary Practical Details 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. ACCOMMODATIONS HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY PEACE OF MIND DATE TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION DATE TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION DATES & PRICES WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED ITINERARY PRACTICAL DETAILS | RECOMMENDED POSTS TRIP PHOTOGALLERY REQUEST ITINERARY Click map to enlarge Connect from western Bhutan on a private domestic charter flight to attend the royal palace event, its adaptive use reincarnation as a modern museum that celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the kingdom. Next, we drive by car to another ancestral region of the royal family, to Trongsa, a lush forested region that encompasses parts of the Black Mountain Range and the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Here we stay as guests of Khedrup Rimpoche, spiritual leader of the Riphel Mebar monastery. Next, we trade car seats for inflatable rafts under the care of the River Guides of Panbang. An exhilarating freshwater navigation follows, bringing you to the confluence of the kingdom's two major rivers: the Drangme-Chhu and the Mangde-Chhu. Spend a few days exploring the ecologically rich Panbang region, then take a drive up from the kingdom's tropical southern borders to the capital Thimphu. A day of meetings and a final return to Paro for the flight home completes this comprehensive itinerary that's sure to leave you with many rich memories. SHARE: Rare Black-necked Cranes, Bhutan's oldest wildlife conservation park, and the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Mask Dance Festival DECEMBER 22: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU VIEW DAY BY DAY Depending on your flight preferences there are two options for the flight in. If you choose Delhi as your option your flight KB201 departs Delhi at 12:30 p.m. and lands 03:20 p.m. If flying from Bangkok instead, your flight from Bangkok, KB0131, departs at 05:00 a.m. and arrives in Paro at 08:40 a.m. via a brief stop at Bagdogra, India. After pick-up at the airport we drive you to your hotel, the Le Meridien Paro Riverfront, just a few minutes down the road. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Le Meridien Paro Riverfront DECEMBER 23: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY Today we take the short (25-minute) flight to Bumthang, in central Bhutan, and check in at the Mountain Resort across the road from Wangduechhoeling Palace. Our domestic chartered flight from Paro lands at Jakar Airport late morning. After pickup, we make the short drive to the lodge, followed by welcome refreshments and lunch. Later, we take a short drive up the valley past imposing Jakar Dzong to hike a central section of the new Trans Bhutan Trail from Lamai Goempa, built in the 1800s as a palace for the first king, now home to the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research (UWICER), a Bhutan Foundation project site that supports environmental education, ecological studies and forestry conservation services in Bhutan. DECEMBER 24: DRIVE TO TRONGSA 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. DECEMBER 25: DRIVE TO MANAS Begin your journey from Trongsa, where the majestic dzong stands watch over the river and the hills. As you leave the town behind, the road winds past views of forests, rolling hills, and terraced villages Each bend in the road reveals new shades of green and glimpses of distant valleys. We stop along the way at the Samchhoeling Tea Estate, tucked into the gentle slopes south of Trongsa Dzong. Vibrant tea bushes stretch across the hillsides, creating a patchwork of lush green. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to wander among the rows of tea plants, breathe the earthy scent, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed green tea while looking out over the tranquil valley. The estate is a proud example of Bhutanese care and innovation, with its thriving gardens flourishing in the mountain climate. Farther south we take another break in Zhemgang to walk through the ancient Trong village, whose traditional character has been preserved as a heritage site for future generations. Back on the road, the landscape begins to shift. The cool highlands give way to warmer, subtropical forests alive with the calls of hornbills and cuckoos. The journey becomes a sensory delight as we descend toward Panbang, where the Mangde River valley turns into the Manas River and jungles dense with the promise of wildlife signals our arrival at the edges of the Royal Manas National Park. Upon arrival, settle into the Royal Guest House and enjoy an orientation to Manas’ wildlife conservation efforts and cultural significance. DECEMBER 26: MANAS Today we have the option to choose from a gentle nature walk, local bird watching, a guided jungle trek with local rangers and guides or a river rafting adventure on the meandering Manas River. We meet local people who live in the park and share cultural exchanges to learn about local traditions and lifestyle. DECEMBER 27: MANAS EXPLORATION Explore deeper into Manas National Park with tailored activities for wildlife viewing, a jungle trek or a rafting excursion. We celebrate our memorable visit to royal Manas by hosting a farewell dinner to thank local community elders, park rangers and nature conservators, a lovely event to close our time in Bhutan's oldest national park. DECEMBER 28: DRIVE TO TRONGSA/FESTIVAL We take the return drive to Trongsa, arriving in time to attend the afternoon mask dance performances at the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival. DECEMBER 29: FESTIVAL/DRIVE TO BUMTHANG After spending another half-day taking in the Trongsa Tshechu mask dance performances, we drive east from Trongsa to Bumthang via Yotong La Pass (3-hour drive). The road climbs up through the mountains with sweeping views of deep valleys and distant peaks. The final stretch brings us into the heart of Bumthang, where the valleys are wide and dotted with traditional villages, fluttering prayer flags, and the occasional yaks grazing on the hillsides. We stop in the weaving village of Chumey to admire the local wool tapestries called Yathra , before continuing on to our family lodge opposite the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace , now renovated as a world-class museum. DECEMBER 30: WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE MUSEUM Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit (March 2025). Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated during his journey through Bhutan. Visit the Tamshing monastery, the Konchogsum Temple to complete the traditional pilgrim's route around the valley before an evening toast at the Red Panda Brewery to the accompaniment of local Swiss cheese and crackers. DECEMBER 31: TANG VALLEY EXPLORATION Trek over a pass from Jakar to Tang or take a scenic drive to Tang Valley, known for its medieval atmosphere and farming villages. Enjoy lunch at the beautiful Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum and its admire its ancient murals and the beautiful shrine to the goddess of compassion. Track down former projects and revisit their progress as we explore this blissful hidden corner of Bhutan's beautiful central highlands. This evening we have a wonderfully intimate New Year's Celebration in the quiet heart of Bhutan! JANUARY 1, 2026: NEW YEAR'S DAY/FLIGHT Take an early domestic flight to Paro past dramatic Himalayan snow peaks. Drukair flight KB 010 departs at 11:10 AM and arrives in Paro at 11:45 AM. Browse the colorful shops of Paro and wander the bustling main street, which served for centuries as a main stop for traders and pilgrims on the ancient route to Tibet. Following lunch, we transfer to Olathang Lodge for your check-in at the front desk, and friendly rounds of archery with your trip staff afterwards. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Paro Olathang Lodge JANUARY 2, 2026: TIGER'S NEST/DEPARTURE This morning we rise early to hike up to famous Tiger’s nest monastery. Afterwards, we have a final lunch at the local spot Mountain Cafe, over cups of freshly brewed Bhutanese home-grown coffee, before we bring you to the airport in time for your early evening flight to Bangkok. After flying into Paro, we make our way east to Gangtey, the gateway to central Bhutan, where we see the beautiful Black-necked Cranes wintering in the Gangtey Valley. We continue the drive to Trongsa before heading south on the national highway toward the crown jewel of the Bhutanese national park system. Returning to Trongsa, we attend the grand Padmasambhava dances at the Trongsa Tshechu Festival before continuing on to explore Bumthang, where we visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently featured on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to experience. A final 25-minute domestic flight brings us back to Paro in time to celebrate New Year's, followed by a hike to spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery before the return flight home. See all posts > 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