TAILORMADE FOR YOU BY OUR TEAM I am a title 04 LEARN MORE I am a title 04 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Handpicked from our favorite itineraries We're pleased to share our personalized journeys tailored to your needs, based on everything we have learned on the road, and on the ground, since 1999. We look forward to sharing our insider knowledge, authentic experiences, and our personal connections across the kingdom with you! Your brief to us A milestone celebratory trip for a group of three friends with a trek, festival, hiking and culture with stays at traditional local lodges. Tentative dates from October or early November 2027. Approximately 10 days duration (we recommend a minimum of 12 days if combining with a classic high Himalayan trek). I am a title 04 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content in the connected CMS collection. The CMS can be used to store website content, or to collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. The CMS collection is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, import a CSV file or simply edit this placeholder text from the collection. You can also add more fields, which you can then connect to other page elements to display content on your published site. Previous Item Next Item 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

TAILORMADE FOR YOU BY OUR TEAM I am a title 03 LEARN MORE I am a title 03 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Handpicked from our favorite itineraries We're pleased to share our personalized journeys tailored to your needs, based on everything we have learned on the road, and on the ground, since 1999. We look forward to sharing our insider knowledge, authentic experiences, and our personal connections across the kingdom with you! Your brief to us A milestone celebratory trip for a group of three friends with a trek, festival, hiking and culture with stays at traditional local lodges. Tentative dates from October or early November 2027. Approximately 10 days duration (we recommend a minimum of 12 days if combining with a classic high Himalayan trek). I am a title 03 This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content in the connected CMS collection. The CMS can be used to store website content, or to collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. The CMS collection is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, import a CSV file or simply edit this placeholder text from the collection. You can also add more fields, which you can then connect to other page elements to display content on your published site. Previous Item Next Item 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

TAILORMADE FOR YOU BY OUR TEAM Blessings of Bhutan: A celebration of Eliza's 60th turn around the sun LEARN MORE Blessings of Bhutan: A celebration of Eliza's 60th turn around the sun This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. Handpicked from our favorite itineraries We're pleased to share our personalized journeys tailored to your needs, based on everything we have learned on the road, and on the ground, since 1999. We look forward to sharing our insider knowledge, authentic experiences, and our personal connections across the kingdom with you! Your brief to us A milestone celebratory trip for a group of three friends with a trek, festival, hiking and culture with stays at traditional local lodges. Tentative dates from October or early November 2027. Approximately 10 days duration (we recommend a minimum of 12 days if combining with a classic high Himalayan trek). Blessings of Bhutan: A celebration of Eliza's 60th turn around the sun This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content from the connected collection. This is a paragraph. It is connected to a CMS collection through a dataset. Click “Edit Text” to update content in the connected CMS collection. The CMS can be used to store website content, or to collect data from site visitors when they submit a form. The CMS collection is already set up with some fields and content. To customize it with your own content, import a CSV file or simply edit this placeholder text from the collection. You can also add more fields, which you can then connect to other page elements to display content on your published site. Previous Item Next Item Trek to Treasure Lake with the Bumthang Gesar Dances Hike to the edges of Bhutan, Tibet and India and attend an epic bardic tale performed in plein air 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

Our featured lodges : From understated luxury to local charm The Thimphu Le Meridien Marriott's palatial hotel in the heart of Bhutan's capital Read More Home Tale Laya A boutique home in the heart of Laya Read More The Thimphu Druk Hotel A storied old establishment with a modern facelift at the center of Bhutan’s bustling capital Read More Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Where Bhutan's ancient healing practices take center stage Read More Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge: Striking valley views across the historic Trongsa Dzong Read More andBeyond Punakha AndBeyond River Lodge, Punakha: A luxe riverside retreat in Bhutan's old capital Read More Pemako Punakha The mythologically-inspired Pemako Read More Six Senses Bumthang: A Serene Forest Retreat in Bhutan's Spiritual Heartland The Six Senses Bumthang: A 'Forest within a Forest' Read More Gangtey Tent Resort A new glamping Experience in Bhutan's high alpine region Read More Mendegang Heritage Homestay Mendegang: A Graceful Ancestral Homestay in Bhutan's Ancient Capital Read More Happiness Fields Homestay Gatshothang Homestay: Rustic Charm Beside the River in Punakha Read More Ama Om's Homestay The Endearing Spirit of Bhutanese Hospitality: Ama Om’s Homestay Read More The Happiness Farm The Happiness Farm in Paro: Innovative Agri-tourism Read More Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum History, culture, serenity, and one of the most unique stays in the kingdom Read More The Swiss Guest House A storied reminder of the Swiss Alps in the Bhutan Himalayas Read More Two-Bedroom Villa Six Senses The Two-Bedroom Villas at the Six Senses Bhutan Read More One Bedroom Villa Six Senses The One-Bedroom Villas at the Six Senses Bhutan Read More Upper Lodge Suite Six Senses The Upper Level Suites at the Six Senses Bhutan Read More Ground Suite Six Senses Ground Level Lodge Suites at the Six Senses Bhutan Read More The Pema by Realm A watering hole near the capital's Motithang neighborhood Read More Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camps Sleep in weather-sealed Mountain Hardwear tents and sleeping bags amid Bhutan's majestic mountains Read More The Capital Hotel A smart and stylish new address in the downtown area of Bhutan's capital Read More The Dhumra Farm Resort A lovely agro-tourism property run by a local writer and his family Read More The Zhiwa Ling Heritage The Zhiwa Ling Heritage: Traditional grandeur in Bhutan’s gateway valley Read More Zhingkham Punakha's Zhingkham: "Resort" may be a stretch, but the views are real Read More Norkhil Boutique Hotel Thimphu's Norkhil Boutique Hotel: an affordable cut above the rest Read More Dhensa Punakha's Dhensa Resort: An elegant retreat hidden among pines above the Mo-Chhu river valley Read More The Thimphu Pemako The Pemako, Thimphu: Saffron fortress in the city Read More COMO Uma Paro COMO Uma Paro: Award-winning retreat in a pine forest Read More Gangtey Lodge Gangtey Lodge: an award-winning property in Bhutan's panoramic 'Valley of the Cranes.' Read More Six Senses The Six Senses Lodges, Bhutan: Superlatives "Beyond Sky & Earth" Read More Amankora Bhutan's Amankora Lodges: Stratospheric luxury in understated style Read More COMO Uma Punakha The COMO Uma Punakha: An earthy brown gem set amid a lush, emerald backdrop Read More Zingkha Haa's Zingkha Heritage Lodge: A place that scores high on traditional charm Read More City Hotel Thimphu The City Hotel: A centrally located hotel in the commercial heart of Thimphu Read More Gangtey Dewachen Lodge The Gangtey Dewachen Lodge: A traditional property high on local charm–with panoramic views Read More The Mountain Resort-Bumthang The Mountain Resort: Where family-run hospitality & regional architecture take center stage Read More The Zhiwa Ling Ascent The Zhiwa Ling Ascent: A boutique oasis in the capital with a soothing, zen aesthetic Read More Tiger's Nest Camp Tiger's Nest Camp: High-end glamping arrives in Bhutan Read More Paro Village Lodge The Village Lodge in Paro: a locally-owned property bordered by rice fields Read More Nemjo Heritage Lodge The Nemjo Heritage, Paro: an ancient farmhouse reborn as a modern lodge Read More Olathang The historic cottages at Paro Olathang, Grande dame of Bhutanese lodges Read More At the tail-end of the 1990s when we started introducing a hardy set of travelers to Bhutan, the kingdom was considered something of a "hardship destination," the idea being that one would give up one's creature comforts to experience what is still the enormously transformative power of Bhutan. Not anymore. A new distinctive set of luxury properties seeks to position Bhutan in the upper reaches of the luxury travel market while local mom-and-pop and family-run lodges high on charm, kindness and unpretentious warmth, still provide visitors a taste of the old ways of Bhutan. Here are a few of the ones we use, and some others not listed here, to suit according to taste. If you'd like to remix lodges on on an itinerary because of pricing concerns of just out of personal preference, please browse the list below and let us know which ones you'd like to stay at during your custom trip, or feel free to ask us for recommendations on those not listed here. LOAD MORE LODGES _________ 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

Get to know who we are; meet some of the heartwarming humans who power our trips; the Bhutan Himalaya Difference; and what our travelers say. | About us Opening the doors to Bhutan since 1999 A TEAM OF well-connected guides and trip leaders, with operations in Bhutan and the U.S., we offer in-depth, intimate, and authentic journeys across the transformational landscape of Bhutan, with travel extensions in the region. Read More Our Heartwarming humans AT BHUTAN HIMALAYA Expeditions, we believe the people who power our trips are our most valuable assets. We guarantee you will fall in love with our singular, caring, and thoughtful individuals. Say hello to some of the fabulous, heartwarming people behind our journeys. Read More Our Newest Team Members THIS MONTH WE welcome a former director of the national airline as our Chief Operations Officer, and a Bhutanese birding expert to our broaden our team. Our remarkable people are at the heart of what we do, and we're proud to introduce them to you! Read More The Bhutan Himalaya Difference AS A LONGTIME travel outfitter specializing in journeys to the Kingdom of Bhutan, we offer culturally enriching, physically active and intellectually stimulating private and small group adventures across our beautiful corner of the Himalayas. A few reasons why we think you'll like us: Read More What other travelers say about us “A FEW WORDS from good friends are worth more than gold,” goes an old Bhutanese saying. We could blow our horn, or we could let our guests—many of whom continue to refer us to their friends and family—speak for us. We prefer the latter. So we can focus on what we do best: putting together the top-notch experiences that create sentiments like these: Read More _________ 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

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 TIME MAGAZINE NOTABLE: Central Bhutan's newly restored Wangduechhoeling Palace brings the monarchy's story vividly to life. TIME MAGAZINE NOTABLE: Central Bhutan's newly restored Wangduechhoeling Palace brings the monarchy's story vividly to life. EVENTS Bhutan Honored with Murie Spirit of Conservation Award Bhutan receives the Murie Spirit of Conservation Award, recognition for a small Himalayan kingdom safeguarding a living landscape for the planet’s future Bhutan receives the Murie Spirit of Conservation Award, recognition for a small Himalayan kingdom safeguarding a living landscape for the planet’s future FIELD REPORT Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary: Hidden gem in a hidden land Tucked away in Bhutan’s secluded Neyphu Valley, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary combines stillness, traditional healing, and quiet luxury Tucked away in Bhutan’s secluded Neyphu Valley, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary combines stillness, traditional healing, and quiet luxury IN FOCUS Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park: Crown Jewel of the Eastern Himalayas Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park: Tigers, elephants, and rare birds in one of Earth’s richest biodiversity corridors Bhutan's Royal Manas National Park: Tigers, elephants, and rare birds in one of Earth’s richest biodiversity corridors FIELD NOTES Bhutan’s Wild Wild East: A fascinating temple whose walls preserve a painful history of migration Bhutanese travel blogger and writer Pema Choden Tenzin recounts her visit to a temple in far-eastern Bhutan that memorializes a painful history of exodus and renewal. Bhutanese travel blogger and writer Pema Choden Tenzin recounts her visit to a temple in far-eastern Bhutan that memorializes a painful history of exodus and renewal. REVIEW COMO Metropolitan Bangkok: A modern oasis in Thailand's bustling capital In the heart of frenetic Bangkok, the COMO Metropolitan, a place that feels like an exhale, moments from the city’s glittering chaos In the heart of frenetic Bangkok, the COMO Metropolitan, a place that feels like an exhale, moments from the city’s glittering chaos OUTDOORS Hatching in the Himalaya: How the brown trout, a native of the British Isles, found a home in Bhutan’s lakes and rivers In 1941, before a trout ever flashed in Bhutan’s rivers, a Himalayan relay was underway. The unlikely story of how a Scottish native, routed through Kashmir, became a Bhutanese native In 1941, before a trout ever flashed in Bhutan’s rivers, a Himalayan relay was underway. The unlikely story of how a Scottish native, routed through Kashmir, became a Bhutanese native INSIDE INFO Hiking the Dochula to Lunchutse trail From Dochula’s 108 chortens to Lungchutse’s summit, a hike that threads through misty rhododendron forests to a 360-degree panorama of Bhutan’s highest peaks From Dochula’s 108 chortens to Lungchutse’s summit, a hike that threads through misty rhododendron forests to a 360-degree panorama of Bhutan’s highest peaks INSIDE INFO Hiking to the Punakha Khamsum Yuelley stupa Cross a prayer-flag-draped bridge, weave through rice terraces, and climb to a hilltop stupa for a gentle hike that turns into a quiet spiritual escape Cross a prayer-flag-draped bridge, weave through rice terraces, and climb to a hilltop stupa for a gentle hike that turns into a quiet spiritual escape INSIDE INFO Hot Tub Time Machine: Bhutan's ancient practice of mineral baths offer a new experience for travelers In Bhutanese farmhouses age-old, healing, ritual baths offer new experiences for the curious traveler In Bhutanese farmhouses age-old, healing, ritual baths offer new experiences for the curious traveler FIELD REPORT In the Realm of Mountain Gods: The Trek to Magnificent Mount Gangkhar Puensum On the long, wild approach to Gangkhar Puensum—Earth’s highest unclimbed peak—horses, hermits, cordyceps hunters, and mountain gods share the trail, turning a remote Himalayan trek into a deeply human, quietly mystical odyssey On the long, wild approach to Gangkhar Puensum—Earth’s highest unclimbed peak—horses, hermits, cordyceps hunters, and mountain gods share the trail, turning a remote Himalayan trek into a deeply human, quietly mystical odyssey CULTURE Momos on the mind: an ode to the delicious dumplings of Bhutan In steamy market shacks and family kitchens across Bhutan, plump momos—pleated like tiny yak horns and dragged through fiery ezay—carry nostalgia, comfort, and an entire Himalayan homeland in every juicy bite In steamy market shacks and family kitchens across Bhutan, plump momos—pleated like tiny yak horns and dragged through fiery ezay—carry nostalgia, comfort, and an entire Himalayan homeland in every juicy bite View all stories _________ 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

Bhutan and Beyond: Our travel extensions in the region Bhutan & Beyond: Our travel extensions in the region Laid-back Laos: Where echoes of a French-colonial past lingers in the unhurried east DURATION 09 days Read More Triple gems of Cambodia DURATION 09 days Read More If you’re looking to make the most of your time in the region and venture beyond Bhutan, these regional extensions combine well with a journey to Bhutan. We work with reliable partners vetted and certified by their national tourism boards. We don’t offer every permutation of every regional trip here. Just what we’ve found to be rich in terms of travel experiences in each of these countries. If you’d like us to explore and put together an idea of yours please don't hesitate to contact us with your wishlist or a short description and we’ll put together a private journey for you, backed up by the depth, local insights, and expertise of our local partners. “ _________ 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

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

Our spotlight on all things Bhutanese we're excited to share with you. Swipe left above for more Spotlight on all things Bhutan we're excited to share! Artist at play The COMO Metropolitan in Bangkok Bhutan: Hidden Lands of Happiness 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 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

IN FOCUS The Gelephu Mindfulness City: Bhutan's bold new urban experiment Bhutan Himalaya Editors Bhutan Himalaya Editors Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Balancing the kingdom's past and the future, the chief abbot of the kingdom's monastic institutions consecrates the ground for the project by honoring nature divinities that are integral to Bhutan's Vajrayana Buddhist faith. © The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter IN THE SOUTHERN foothills of Bhutan, an urban project is taking shape. The Gelephu Mindfulness City, or GMC, announced by His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in December 2023 reimagines what a city can be in the 21st century. A conceptual rendering of the future city © The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project A City of Vision and Values The Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) covers 2,500 square kilometers. It aims to create an enlightened economic center arising from Bhutan's age-old Himalayan Buddhist values and traditions. The city's design, by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), reflects Bhutan's commitment to balance progress and preservation. Eleven neighborhoods, inspired by the concept of a Mandala—the sacred Hindu and Buddhist cosmogram—integrate with the region's 35 rivers and streams. This layout connects the urban area to nature, respect for which is foundational to Bhutanese culture, expressed as one of the “four pillars” of the kingdom’s vision of “Gross National Happiness” for its people. Economic Focus The Gelephu Mindfulness City project aims to bring Bhutanese talent home and create opportunities for youth. The city will focus on seven economic clusters: spirituality, health and wellness, education, green energy and tech, finance, agri-tech, and aviation. This economic base is expected to generate jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. The city aims to attract professionals in renewable energy, wellness, agri-tech, and finance. A conceptual rendering of the future city © The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project Sustainability in Design In line with Bhutan's carbon-negative status, sustainability is central to Gelephu's plan. The city will use hydroelectric power, clean mobility solutions, and carbon-neutral building designs. According to various press releases and concept statements, streets in the GMC will use permeable materials for stormwater management, and urban agriculture will be part of the cityscape, an approach that aims to ensure environmental sustainability and preserve Bhutan's agricultural heritage. A conceptual rendering of the future city © The Gelephu Mindfulness City Project A Model of Development As urbanization and climate change present global challenges, the Gelephu Mindfulness City is presented as a potential model for urban development. The project's plans and proposals seek to show how economic growth can align with nature and cultural values. The project has attracted international attention, with endorsements from Nobel laureates and tech leaders at the recent Bhutan Innovation Forum. This interest could lead to investment and partnerships, potentially boosting Bhutan's economy and global position. The project is not without challenges. Its footprint in an eco-sensitive zone requires careful planning to balance development with environmental preservation. But proponents of the project say such challenges provide opportunities for innovation, and that the city could be a testing ground for sustainable technologies and new and dynamic urban planning practices. According to the project's leaders, the Gelephu Mindfulness City is a bold new initiative aimed at shaping the kingdom’s future while honoring its past. It aims to create a space where economic opportunities coexist with spiritual well-being and environmental stewardship. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess Journey to Bhutan's spectacular Royal Highland Festival & Beyond Trek to Treasure Lake, Trongsa Festival & Tiger’s Nest-3 Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Lodge to lodge trekking on the epic Trans Bhutan Trail Western Bhutan Insider 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

When is it best to visit Bhutan? The answer depends on what kind of traveler you are and what you're looking for. Learn more ... When to Go When is the Best Time to Visit Bhutan? The answer is, “it depends”. Bhutan is a superlatively vibrant country with a diverse landscape, incredibly colorful traditions, amazing Himalayan vistas and some of the most remarkable hiking in the world. As a team of native-born trip leaders and guides, we have been sharing Bhutan with wide range of travelers for a long time, curating and guiding our journeys with a deep love and passion for the kingdom. The Bhutan Himalaya is truly a spectacular destination all year and each of its four distinct seasons has something for the discerning traveler. *** LEARN MORE Spring Bhutan's spring goes from March to May, and the kingdom's natural beauty bursts forth during this time of year. The Himalayan mists that can make an ordinary scene magical abounds during this time, with occasional mountain views enlivened by bright splashes of color from the famous rhododendron blooms, magnolia, and other flowering plants and trees. The weather is generally mild, with temperatures topping out around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and although rain-clouds can never be ruled out, this is a wonderful time for both trekking (with opportunities to spot the fabled blue poppy, if you're lucky) and the colorful masked dance festivals of western Bhutan. Summer Summer is Bhutan's wet “green season,” when the fields are lush with grain and the forests are emerald with dense foliage. The heaviest rains occur mainly in July and August — mostly in the late afternoon, evening or overnight — turning the countryside verdant (and so the name.) If you are looking for a quiet, uncrowded time of year, when you feel you have the entire country to yourself, summer can be a magical time! Even though it's considered the wet season, it's not uncommon to have long spells without rain and the breaks in the weather can result in some truly spectacular scenery! We work with various lodges across the country to create some unforgettable experiences during this time of year. Fall Fall, which is end September through November, is Bhutan's golden harvest season. During this time of year you can experience some of Bhutan's most colorful festivals in central Bhutan, clear views of the Himalayan peaks and mostly dry weather. The days are usually clear and the night skies often filled with stars. Highs can be in the 70s Fahrenheit and October and November, in particular, are wonderful times to embark on one of our classic Himalayan treks. Winter From mid-December through February, Bhutan's crisp, clear winters offer some of the best Himalayan views of the entire year and a chance to see the kingdom's rare and beautiful Black Necked Cranes. The mornings sparkle with the cold, getting surprisingly sunnier as it warms throughout the day with temperatures dropping off again by late afternoon and early evening. All the lodges we use have traditional and modern forms of heating to turn the coldest parts of each day into cozy gatherings. A winter visit to Bhutan is another opportunity to have a quiet experience in Bhutan and we may even have a vibrant year-end mask dance festival to help you cap your year in traditional color and style! Learn Blog Search Results test-page Who We Are What our Travelers Say The Bhutan Himalaya Difference Trip Archives (Title) error404 Introductory Trip Form Secondary Trip Form Submit Visa Application How to take a passport page picture How to take a passport photo headshot Storyboards Preview Punakha Festival and Overland Preview Deb and Lisa Private Journey Preview Footsteps of the Hoch Elders Journey to the Royal Highland Festival Passport photo requirements How To Make Your Trip Payments More

IN FOCUS Rediscovering Bhutan’s Ancient Highway on the Trans Bhutan Trail Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator Karma Dorji, Travel Programs Coordinator Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Together, the group working to fulfill the king’s vision rebuilt the ancient interconnected pathways leading through the country’s scenic mountains and valleys, constructed wooden bridges spanning roaring rivers, long forgotten trails descending into and climbing out of wild gorges, the tranquil muletracks entering and exiting deep primeval forests of pine and fir, and country walks passing through idyllic farms and villages that, even today, appear lost to time. Home > Stories > Current Page Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link With thoughtful itineraries honed since 1999, we unveil the depths of Bhutan's happiness philosophy, the daily physical adventures through the beautiful Himalayan landscape complemented by the intimate and in-depth cultural experiences sensitively curated for you every day. Questions? Get in touch with us Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced! Lola W., California Get similar features & travel information straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter BHUTAN LAUNCHED A brand new cross-country trek for adventure travelers in 2022, an old ancestral trail that the kingdom’s then tourism director Dorji Dradhul likened to a “…living, walking museum…filled with stories, myths and legends.” The Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, traveling on a section of the cross-country trail with his royal entourage. Circa 1950s. Historically used by Bhutanese royalty, pilgrims, traders, and the legendary fleet-footed messengers and runners known as Boe Lungi Garp , a name which literally means “windlike men of the royal court,” the ancient pathways fell into ruin with the advent of modern roads in the 1960s. The trail was built during the pandemic by royal command of Bhutan’s current king, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The work was carried out by a team of government and private engineers and contractors, tourism industry workers temporarily unemployed due to the pandemic, and Bhutan’s national volunteer corps, the orange-garbed Desuungs or ‘The Guardians of Peace.’ A Journey Through Time and Space Traversing the trail is like stepping back in time. It winds through lush valleys, dense forests, and high mountain passes connecting remote villages, ancient dzongs or monastery-fortresses and sacred sites. Hikers encounter a diverse array of landscapes, from cloud-choked mountain passes to Jurassic-looking virgin forests draped in old man’s beard lichen – a testament to Bhutan’s ultra-pure air. Mossy trees with old-man's beard lichens on the Trans Bhutan Trail. Sections of the Trail The trail is has 28 sections, allowing travelers to choose their adventure – whether it’s a grueling month-long through-hike, a series of day hikes with overnights at local lodges ranging from the classic to the luxurious or, most popular, the best sections of the trail combined with a themed cultural journey. Some of our favorite sections of the trail include: The traditional “farmer’s harvest” route from Haa to Paro. Used since ancient times by yak herders and barley farmers from Haa who hiked over the 11,450-foot Kalela pass to fulfill their special kinship duties of assisting Paro Valley’s prosperous farmers, to whom they were often linked by marriage, in their annual red rice harvest. This is the western extremity of the trail which stretches all the way from Haa Valley in the very west of the country to Bhutan’s farthest eastern district of Trashigang. This is a steep and challenging all-day hike that takes you from the highland farms of Haa to the apple orchards that skirts Paro's edges. The highest point is the open yak meadow at Kaleyla where the steeply winding forest trail from Haa caps out before droping precipitously into Paro Valley. This section provides a spectacular opportunity to stay at a beautifully restored and maintained former governor’s mansion in Haa, run by the governor's present-day descendent, plus a chance to go hot-tubbing au naturelle in the traditional Bhutanese style, in-between dips in an icy glacial stream. The charming country section of the trail running through Paro's scenic villages and its mustard-golden fields. Expect to see rooftops spread over with drying red chilies, and tidy farmhouses that look like Swiss chalets as you wind through terraced fields of Bhutan’s famous red rice. The hike up from Paro Valley to the 12,000-foot ridgeline where the historic Jele Dzong sits, a tiny gem on a mountaintop, with distant views of Bhutan's snowy peaks. End this section with a steep descent through forests of pine, fir and birch to the small village of Tshaluna. The atmospheric trail to Lungchutse through primeval giant rhododendrons with hanging moss and lichen, leading to a mountaintop shrine with 360-degree views, in fair weather, of the glittering Eastern Himalayan range. The Divine Madman Trail near Punakha, where hikers can learn about the legendary exploits of Drukpa Kunley, Bhutan's revered and prankster saint, and stay at a lovely old country manor belonging to the extended family of a former Bhutanese Prime Minister. The Loma Longtey Trek from the high glacial valley of Gangtey-Phobjikha to Pelela Pass, gateway to Central Bhutan. The day hike from Chendebji, marked by a gorgeous Himalayan stupa with mesmerizing “Buddha eyes” to Tangsibji, a storied village famed for its rice and the great physical strength of its inhabitants. This village has consistently produced the winners for several years in the nationally televised Bhutanese Nyagoe or "strongman" contest. The dramatic descent down a steep and densely forested gorge cut by a roaring river leading across a beautiful traditional wooden cantilever bridge to the historic Trongsa Dzong, the massive fortress with steps worn smooth by centuries of travelers. The descent down the mist wrapped high pass of Yotongla to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, weaving back and forth along the course of a wildly tumbling mountain stream. The royal trek from Bumthang’s regional center, Jakar, to the Tang Valley, stopping by an ancient temple believed to sit atop a subterreanean lake, and ending at a centuries-old royal manor and museum in the heart of Bhutan’s sacred heartland. The half-day retun trek from the Tang Valley that goes over a scenic pass and winds through tall pine forests to end up along the eastern banks of Bumthang’s Chamkharchhu River, with gorgeous views of the valley dominated by its monastery fortress, the aptly named “Castle of the White Crane.” Every section of the trail provides opportunities to savor the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan, such as this valley view from the trail in central Bhutan. Cultural Immersion and Community Connection Visitors can also choose to stay in traditional farmhouses, which may be low on amenities but are high on authentic experiences, offering opportunities to share meals and stories with local families, and gain hard-won insights into Bhutan’s unique folkways and its deep-rooted Buddhist culture. The trail also passes through communities and villages where travelers are likely to meet elderly residents who remember using the trail in their youth, providing a tangible link to the kingdom’s historical past. The Trans Bhutan Trail also passes through many time-forgotten villages with farmhouses where the patterns of traditional life continue to flow uninterrupted by modernity. Bhutan's national policy of Gross National Happiness puts the spotlight on community health, sustainability and the spiritual well-being of its people. Sustainable Tourism in Action The restoration of the Trans Bhutan Trail is more than just a tourism initiative; it’s a social enterprise aimed at preserving Bhutan’s cultural heritage and supporting local communities. All profits from trail-related activities are reinvested into the trail and the communities along it, ensuring that tourism benefits those who call this region home. By walking the trail, visitors can contribute directly to the well-being of local people and the preservation of Bhutan’s unique culture and environment. A Path to Understanding The Trans Bhutan Trail offers more than a hiking experience; it’s a journey into the heart of Bhutan’s culture, history, and natural beauty. As you walk in the footsteps of pilgrims and traders from centuries past, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for this unique kingdom and its people. In the words of one traveler, “My experience was far richer for the people I met, the homes I was welcomed into for lunch or to sleep, and the villages and towns we walked through”. The Trans Bhutan Trail is not just a path through a country; it’s a route to understanding a way of life that has endured for centuries and continues to thrive amid the challenges of the modern world. To receive similar updates in your inbox, please subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Swipe left above for more See our upcoming journeys Trek to Treasure Lake Trans Bhutan Trail: Haa, Punakha & Bumthang Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Marvels & mask dances Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess Journey to Bhutan's spectacular Royal Highland Festival & Beyond Trek to Treasure Lake, Trongsa Festival & Tiger’s Nest-3 Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Lodge to lodge trekking on the epic Trans Bhutan Trail Western Bhutan Insider 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