Explore Bhutan when legendary Himalayan rhododendrons add splashes of color to country hikes and cultural explorations ... VIEW MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Visit Bhutan when the kingdom's wild rhododendrons bloom Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons Visit a magnificent mask dance festival, experience traditional Bhutanese culture and journey to ancient temples and monasteries. Take beautiful hikes through the vibrant Himalayan landscape and discover Bhutan when the kingdom's legendary rhododendrons blossom like the exuberant whirls of a flamenco dancer's dress. Great for nature enthusiasts An ancient mask dance festival Mixed terrain hiking & country walks High-end traditionally authentic lodges & resorts Highlights of West & Central Bhutan Hike to magnificent "Tiger's Nest" Monastery Trip Extensions Available on Request Bhutan's wild and magnificent rhododendron blooms elevate the stunning Bhutanese landscape, transforming the merely beautiful into an experience that is truly unforgettable. Old growth rhododendron forests, such as those found in Bhutan and a few other parts of the Himalayas have long fascinated explorers, botanists, collectors and enthusiasts alike. This journey coincides with the long season of flowering rhododendrons in Bhutan and takes us to a centuries-old religious mask dance festival that provides insight into the rich spiritual traditions of the kingdom. Traveling from west Bhutan to the center of the country and back, we stop along the way to “smell the flowers,” and explore hiking trails redolent with the breath of Himalayan pines. Enter a series of awe-inspiring Buddhist monasteries strung across the country like pearls on a necklace before the final, spectacular, ascent to Tiger's Nest monastery, one of Bhutan's most ancient temples. To learn more about rhododendrons in the spring, please read our In Focus feature The Magnificent Madness of Bhutan's Wild Rhododendron Blooms Share This with a Friend: ITINERARY Route Map - Celebrating Bhutan's Rhododendron Season bhutanhimalaya SEE LARGER MAP “I’m still on a high! Words aren’t coming to express how much the last few weeks traveling with [your group] have meant to me!” ~ Rebecca B . DAY 1 DAY 2-3 DAY 4-6 DAY 7-8 DAY 9-11 DAY 12-13 Admire the massive peaks of the Eastern Himalaya as we fly into Paro ● Wander the colorful streets of Paro, and visit nearby temples set amid bucolic rice fields. Take the dramatic Himalayan flight to Jakar, the geographic and spiritual center of Bhutan ● Take the acclimating walk through the Jakar valley floor, stopping at several interesting temples and monasteries ● Check in at our superlative family lodge Take the beautiful excursion to the Ura valley where we attend the colorful mask dance festival which has been a valley tradition for centuries ● Explore the beautiful Tang Valley and visit the beautiful Pemachholing nunnery ● Hike along the banks of the Chamkhar river to the Ngang Lhakhang, an ancient clustered around a legendary old folk temple. Take the return drive to Trongsa or Gangtey valleys, stopping at the Museum of Royal Antiquities ● Arrive in the Punakha valley and visit the valley's famous Dzong Walk to the lovely Khamsum Yuelley temple with a beautiful view overlooking rice-fields and the Punakha river. ● Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan's bustling capital ● Explore museums and markets of the capital ● Hike to beautiful Tango monastery north of the capital. Hike to the famous cliff-side of Taktshang or “Tiger's Nest” Monastery. Explore downtown Paro for last-minute gifts before a traditional farewell feast ● Transfer back to the airport for your departing flight from Paro. *** REQUEST FULL DETAILS TRAVEL EXTENSIONS TO CAMBODIA & LAOS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you'd like to spend a little more time exploring the magnificent World Heritage sites of Cambodia and Laos before or after Bhutan with arrangements in and out of Bangkok, we can take care of those details as well. Start the Conversation and tie in a visit to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat or explore the quaint streets of Luang Prabang where French Colonial meets a distinctly unique Asian sensibility. START THE CONVERSATION DATES & PRICES Dates 2019: April 15 ~ 27 ; other dates may be available March through May 2019. / 2020: TBD Pricing From $4,600 per person (Custom trips may require additional arrangements, which may add to trip costs.) Single supplement $500 per person *Mountain biking optional add-on $350 per person. CUSTOM JOURNEYS TAILORED JUST FOR YOU Did you know we also arrange custom journeys throughout the year? Just tell us what you need from your trip and we will put it all together for you. REQUEST DETAILS HERE Inclusions: All ground transportation 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 community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff 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. For further details please email us using the contact form on the bottom of this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City & offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. BLOGS TRIP ARCHIVES !

Active hiking adventure showcasing the beautiful valley that is home to Bhutanese queens, the lovely springtime season and mask dances ... NEW DEPARTURE | Spring 2022 Visit the grand Talo Festival of western Bhutan LEARN MORE An active hiking journey to Bhutan’s 2020 springtime festival in the valley of Bhutanese Queens Group | 12 Days | Moderate Touring Dates: March 28 ~ April 08, 2020 READ MORE The bucolic Talo & Nobgang valleys in western Bhutan, surrounded by green rice paddies during sowing season, and overlooking the ancient capital of Punakha, is the ancestral home of Bhutanese Queens. Each year, a Buddhist mask dance festival celebrates the foundations of the monastery established by the illustrious Shabdrung , the "Great Unifier," who codified the religious and administrative laws of Bhutan. This journey takes us to the Grand Talo Festival, named for the famous monastery pictured on this page, combined with a hiking adventure across the main cultural centers of Bhutan. Active country hikes and walks Buddhist mask dances High-end, traditionally authentic lodges & accommodations Highlights of central & western Bhutan Markets, monuments, museums and more SEE DAILY ITINERARY EXPEDITION OVERVIEW REQUEST THIS ITINERARY FROM OUR PHOTOGALLERY ITINERARY Talo is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s queens. Our hiking journey to visit this colorful splash on the kingdom’s springtime festival calendar sidesteps some of the other, more crowded, venues, and brings us to the fertile agricultural valley of Punakha. But first, we begin the journey with a mountain flight to the lovely central highlands where we explore a series of scenic valleys before making the overland road trip back west to attend the festival. A final climb up to fabulous “Tiger’s Nest,” closes this early April 2020 adventure. Frequently asked questions Day 1: BANGKOK - LUANG PRABANG Flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang Arrival in Luang Prabang Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers as well as their contact information and information for local staff, offices and contacts you may need for the duration of your stay. Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (6 kms) Overnight in Luang Prabang https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 2: LUANG PRABANG (DINNER) Morning at leisure A Wat to Wat Insider Walking tour (4 hours) Discover the main sights of Luang Prabang and get an insider's view of the religion and culture from a renowned photographer and author. Acommpanied your own private guide take a tuk tuk to the centre of the city to start your walking tour. Stroll through the winding streets to Wat Visoun, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Luoangphabhang. Visit That Makmo, also known as the "Watermelon Stupa." Continue to Wat Xieng Thong, the city's best-known and most visited monastery. The three tiered roof of the monastery sweeps low to the ground and the walls have been beautifully decorated in black lacquer and gold leaf with beautiful scenes carved in gold-painted bas-relief drawn from Hindu and Buddhist mythology. The back of Wat Xieng Thong features an intricate glass mosaic of the tree of life set on a dark red background. Later, take a walk along the Nam Khan River to Wat Khili. Here, at the temple, you will be introduced to a Luang Prabang native who has produced photography projects about world religions, and participated in art and education projects in Laos. He currently has a permanent exhibition, 'The Floating Buddha', inside the temple. He will take you on a private tour of the exhibition and share his extensive knowledge and expertise on Laos. Our final stop on this walking tour is the National Museum, which once served as the Royal Palace. After a short orientation tour through the Museum we transfer back to the hotel by tuk tuk. Transfer to/from restaurant Restaurant: Tamnak Lao Restaurant Luang Prabang (Dinner) Overnight in Luang Prabang https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 3: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST) Excursion by boat to Tham Pak Ou Caves (5-6 hours) Travel up the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Tham Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. On the way to the Caves, stop at Ban Xang Hai Village (If time permits). The village is open 6.00 am - 15.00 pm and closed every major Buddhist holiday. This traditional Lao village is famous for the production of lao lao, the local alcoholic brew distilled from rice. The village also provides an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Laotian Corn Leaf Paper and Rice Tree Paper. First you learn how the material for corn leaf and rice tree paper are sourced and then prepare the paper from the raw materials provided. Once the paper is dry you will be shown how it can be fashioned into lampshades, a booklet or a postcard. You get to keep what you make as mementos of your visit. Overnight in Luang Prabang https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 4: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST) Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang, the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom, is famous for its historic temples and beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. In 1995 it was designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Visit Talat local market (Tour will start early morning) (30 minutes) Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace) and Wat Mai Visit the National Museum (Royal Palace), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. Then, visit the Hor Phrabang, a royal temple built on the palace grounds especially to house Laos' most sacred Buddha statue. The Buddha, cast in gold, silver and bronze alloy, stands at 83 cm tall and weighs about 50 kgs (more than 110lbs). Continue to Wat Mai, which was built in 1821 during the reign of King Manthatourath, and was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj, the Patriarch of Laos' Buddhist clergy. Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls (3 hours) From Luang Prabang, travel by vehicle to the Kuang Si falls. The waterfalls are in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang. The multi-tiered falls tumble over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Bring your swim suits and sandals if you'd like to dip your toe or part of your body in a relatively gentle pool. Please exercise caution! During certain times of the year, the falls can be dangerous because of strong torrents and the volume of water rushing downstream. Visit the nearby village of Ban Ou or Ban Na Ouane, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle. Overnight in Luang Prabang https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 5: LUANG PRABANG (BREAKFAST - DINNER) Today you have a free morning to enjoy a cozy breakfast for two at an interesting local cafe, relax at the hotel or do some exploring on your own. Later in the afternoon your guide will meet you at the hotel and take you by local tuk tuk to the pier. Board the local boat and then sit back and relax on a short cruise on the mighty Mekong River. Take in the scenes of local life alongside the river and look out to the distant misty mountains. Farther down the river, the boat will bring you to the opposite bank where the temple Wat Had Siew is located. After exploring the temple environs, you will be introduced to your monk teacher who will take you through a short guided meditation (your guide is on hand to help with the translation.) After clearing your mind through meditation amid the spiritual surroundings, travel by boat and tuk tuk to a local yoga school (optional). After a warm welcome by the instructor, you will be taught some basic yoga aimed at improving mental and physical balance. Be sure to wear or bring some comfortable clothes if you plan on doing yoga this afternoon. At the end of the day return to your hotel by vehicle. Restaurant : Dyen Sabai Restaurant and Lounge (Dinner) Overnight in Luang Prabang https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 6: LUANG PRABANG - VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST) Transfer by air conditioned vehicle (6 kms) Flight from Luang Prabang to Vientiane Transfer by air conditioned vehicle Sightseeing in Vientiane The capital city of Laos and the seat of Laotian government sits on a bend of the Mekong River amid the fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced Wieng Chang by the locals) is a laid-back city with lots of history, interesting temples and lively markets. Overnight in Vientiane https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 7: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST) Sightseeing in Vientiane (8 hours) The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, still feels like a sleepy city with a relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, beautiful temples and colorful markets. Tour the many highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa with a vibrantly painted interior (below) that is perhaps the most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculptures; Wat Si Saket, another built in 1818; Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs. Stop by the Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE) for a reckoning with the awful legacy of American bombs, and the progressive work of the organization rehabilitating those injured by unexploded ordnances. See Wat Si Muang, a gold monument built in 1563. End your day at the Talaat Sao, or the "morning market" (actually open all day), the best place to buy traditional Lao fabrics. Overnight in Vientiane https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 8: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST - DINNER) Today you have a chunk of leisure time to explore on your own, try some interesting local restaurants, visit an art gallery or just spend some time reading and relaxing at the hotel. This evening visit the home of a local chef and learn how to cook delicious Lao dishes. Travel to Ban Nong Bone Village, where the Head Chef, Vanpheng, will welcome you to her home and teach your cooking class. Over the next few hours you will learn how to cook three local dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques. Afterwards, relax and enjoy the feast everyone has created together. Traditional sweets and snacks will also be on offer, although the savoury dishes tend to be most popular to prepare. Tropical drinks are also included with the meal. Say farewell to Vanpheng and spend the rest of the evening at leisure (or see recommendation below): Recommended Tour: This evening we recommend a stroll along the banks of the Mekong River through Chao Anou Park and the Night Market, observing locals and taking in the views. Both are situated along the Mekong and this area comes alive after dark. Adventurous foodies can sample a wide range of local snacks along the way. Cap off the night with a bottle of the Beerlao, a tasty local beer brewed from local rice and high-quality malt. Overnight in Vientiane https://static.wixstatic.com/media/undefined DAY 9: VIENTIANE (BREAKFAST) Transfer by air conditioned vehicle Flight from Vientiane to Bangkok ™ REQUEST THIS ITINERARY WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. 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 Mountain Resort - Bumthang, Bhutan Set against a sacred cloud forest a short distance below Bumthang's Jakar Dzong (fortress), our family-run lodge in Central Bhutan features the best elements of traditional architecture, including flagstones of river rock, the beautiful wood-and-stone masonry construction of Central Bhutan, and spacious rooms with wood paneling and post and beams of fragrant pine. Guests can enjoy a healing soak in traditional "hot stone" baths enhanced, in accordance with indigenous practices, by mugwort and other medicinal herbs. It's our perfect base for exploring the ample beauties and blessings of the central highlands of Bhutan. DATES & PRICES 2020 Dates March 28 - April 08, 2020 2021 Dates March 26 - April 06, 2021 2020 Pricing $4,500 Per Person doubles; Single traveler Supplement ($550/-pp) 2021 Pricing $4,500 Per Person doubles; Single traveler Supplement ($550/-pp) Prices are per person based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare to/from your destination or internal flights during the expedition. Single traveler prices are available upon request. Internal flights are $980 per person & $175 per person where a short-duration flight is included on the itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. WHAT'S INCLUDED 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 community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities GUEST COMMENT “ The country is beautiful, and its story is compelling but the special sense of a privileged view into the life of the country that you provided is beyond describing. We are very grateful; thank you!” ~ Laurie H. Z, Denver, Co. 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 using the contact form on our Request Full Details page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City & offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. PRIVATE TRIPS CUSTOM JOURNEYS TAILORED JUST FOR YOU ___ Did you know we also arrange custom journeys throughout the year? Just tell us what you need from your trip and we will put it together for you. REQUEST DETAILS HERE TRAVEL EXTENSIONS TO CAMBODIA & LAOS ___ (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you'd like to spend a little more time exploring the magnificent World Heritage sites of Cambodia and Laos before or after Bhutan with arrangements in and out of Bangkok, we can take care of those details as well. Tie in a visit to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat or explore the quaint streets of Luang Prabang where French Colonial meets a distinctly unique Asian sensibility. START THE CONVERSATION REGIONAL EXTENSIONS | SPOTLIGHT | LONG READS

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

A firsthand account of Bhutan's early springtime "Festival of Warriors," its history and pageantry. | SLIDESHOW | WARRIORS PROCESSION | Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. Swipe left on image for Next Slide; right for Previous Slide; scroll down for caption READ CAPTION 1. "The Palace of Great Bliss" Stone-faced, burly and forbidding, the warriors are suddenly all smiles and grins, showing crimson teeth stained by beetle-juice. The fierce men lined up moments earlier for the group photograph are modern-day descendants of Bhutan's Pazaaps, a centuries-old citizen's militia charged with safeguarding holy relics within the fortified ramparts of western Bhutan's Dechen Punthang Phodrang or "Palace of Great Bliss," which straddles the confluence of two rivers, Mochu and Phochu, like a great white ship at anchor. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 2. A Group Photo Like their ancient forebears before them, the present-day Pazaaps have heavy spiked brass helmets with protective coverlets that run down the sides and backs of their heads. They carry lightweight shields made from woven cane with an outer covering of tough animal hide. Their bright red shoulder-to-knee ghos are made from a dense blend of yak hair and wool. Wrapped around their shoulders and their necks are durable lengths of dull raw silk which, used correctly, can stop a full frontal blow from a long sword. And yes, they are wearing swords; swords well over two-feet long and hanging swashbuckler-fashion from their waists or tucked at rakish angles into their belts. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 3. A Vibrant Festival Leaving me, the warriors disappear quickly into the shadowy passages on either side of the massive stone fortress—known colloquially as a dzong*—they have known all their lives. They are in a hurry because the Pazaaps and their cohorts are the main attraction today at the annual "Procession of Warriors", a grand festival blending religion, history and cultural spectacle in this part of the country we have invited our guests to attend. Each year, when winter gives up its hold on the countryside to an early spring and purple jacarandas start to bloom on the trees outside its walls, the grand halls and courtyards of this monumental monastery-fortress, one of the kingdom's finest, explodes in a riot of colors and sounds, a medieval pageant recounting one of the country's most important legends. *Dzong: A Dzong is one of Bhutan's defining architectural landmarks. These grand monastery-fortresses house religious and administrative offices of provincial governors spiritual leaders. Similar to European castles in function, they serve as state capitol, Buddhist seminary, district court all rolled in one. At various times of the year they also become the venue of large communal celebrations such as the religious festivals that have been held on their grounds for centuries. There are 20 beautiful dzongs in Bhutan; one each in each of the 20 regions of the kingdom. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 4. The Great Unifier The story concerns a certain holy relic—the Rangjung Kharsapani*—a miraculous self-created image of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The holy artifact was brought to Bhutan in the early 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel—master-builder, administrator and, according to the history books, "The Great Unifier of Bhutan"—personified at the festival (above) by a high lama wearing a gold-paint mask. The fact that Shabdrung brought the sacred image to Bhutan among his prized spiritual possessions irked his powerful rivals in Tibet who promptly launched several military campaigns to reclaim it. Enter the Pazaap warriors, who were sworn in as its defenders. After several battles, Shabdrung and the ancestors of today's Pazaaps came up with an idea to put an end to the hostilities. During a lull in fighting, they formed a procession of monks and warriors to the Mochu river next to the dzong and pretended to throw the holy object in water. When the Tibetan forces saw that the Avalokitesvara image was now lost to all, they left, never to return. Unbeknownst to the Tibetans, however, the real relic was securely placed in a protected tower of the dzong, where it remains to this day. *Rangjung Kharsapani: An exceedingly rare statue of the enlightened Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara believed to have appeared from the ashes of Tshangpa Gyari, one of the founders of the Drukpa or "Dragon" school of Buddhism practiced in Bhutan (because of this Bhutanese call themselves Drukpai Meyser, or “People of the Drukpa”). Following his cremation, the founder Tshangpa Gyari’s vertebrae are said to have turned themselves miraculously into 21 such miniature statues of Avalokiteshvara. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 5. A Pageant of Warriors A sudden blast of ceremonial music—drums, long horns, reedy pipes and clashing hand-held cymbals—announces the start of the day's festivities. Following the sounds of the music to the main outer courtyard of the dzong, I see the grand procession of warriors weaving its way from the ample grounds outside the fortress. Colorful swirling religious standards and pennants dominate the view on every side. As the procession moves closer, I can see that in addition to the foot soldiers like the ones I photographed earlier, there are proud commanders with gleaming helmets wearing flashy silks and brocades. They ride brightly festooned horses, led and followed by long lines of monks and monastics. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 6. Pomp and Ceremony Then, a flash of yellow, a quick gleam of reflection from round-rimmed glasses announcing the arrival of one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in the kingdom, His Holiness Je Khenpo, chief arbiter of all things monastic in Bhutan. The courtyards now fill up quickly with vibrantly dressed festival-goers in their best and brightest. Among the residents of the surrounding valleys of Punakha, are state guests, high officials, ministers and members of the kingdom's beloved royal family. The dignitaries take their seats in the elaborate upper viewing galleries of the dzong which includes the ceremonial seat of His Holiness Je Khenpo, who presides. In short order, the festivities begin in earnest. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 7. Dance of the Warriors A sudden explosion of fire-works accompanied by blood-curdling yells, whoops and whistles announces the entrance of our friends, the Pazaaps. Blades slice the air and shields rise to meet them. Faces contort fiercely, bodies twist and twirl. Drums beat, and feet leap in the air, a strenuous if effortless-seeming ballet telling a story about the brave and historic encounters of warriors past. Re-enacting the battles of their forbears, Bhutan's Pazaap warriors preserve a vital aspect of the kingdom's cultural memory. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 8. The Deflection Suddenly, a plaintive cry, followed by more ceremonial music. The yellow-robed figure of the Je Khenpo rises, followed by his retinue of monks and ceremonial standard bearers. The re-enactment of the symbolic procession to the river includes Bhutan's chief abbot, His Holiness Je Khenpo (in yellow robes), modern day representatives of officials and nobility from the surrounding valleys and retinues of monks, musicians and warriors. The procession gradually makes its way out of the courtyard and down the stairs to the banks of the river. Bhutan's spiritual leader ceremonially throws something round and shiny into the river (I'm told it's an orange) symbolizing one of history's most unique peace-inducing deflections as well as an annual offering to the spirits of the river. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 9. Another Year Down by the river, I can see the Pazaaps celebrating, pumping their fists gleefully in the air. I hear their exuberant shouts and cries, and though I can't see their faces from the distance, I imagine them grinning ear to ear with red betel-stained teeth, marking yet another happy year of their lives. Watching the final act of a martial celebration in a country otherwise known for its peace and tranquility I have reached a personal conclusion. Despite the explosions, in spite of the fierce dances, the leaping, jousting and vigorous crossing of swords, this event is really about finding resolution. It is not so much about the pride and prowess of the Pazaap warriors as about defusing conflict, something we need more of in the world today. Slideshow of Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Images from Bhutan's early-springtime festival. Scroll down to read caption details. Feature Article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. | Travel Itinerary at Procession of Warriors. READ CAPTION 10. Endnote Although there is no longer an expectation that the Pazaaps will ever see battle, the young men are still chosen for their ancestry, strength, intelligence, standing in the community and, to a certain extent, for their good looks and their physical stature. These three friends relax after their exertions at the festival with a young monk (at the edge of the frame). While their lives will lead them down very different paths, of householder and renunciation (in the case of the monk), their strong bonds of kinship will endure through the years enabled by the openness of Bhutanese society and the wide-ranging roles that those in the monasteries play in the lives of the average Bhutanese citizen, warriors and laymen. By Karma Dorji The annual festival of warriors ushers Bhutan's springtime festival travel season. The history of the Pazaaps (as the warriors are known) celebrates martial strength, the significance of sacred relics in Bhutan and a clever defusing of cross-border hostilities. To learn more, read the full article at Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival. To see dates and prices for an upcoming journey featuring the festival, see here. Like this? Get similar features & travel information delivered to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter

IN FOCUS Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Karma Dorji Bhutan Himalaya Travel Programs Coordinator SHARE This is the Lead Paragraph This is caption 1 This is the first normal para Fierce protectors of an ancient martial tradition, the Pazaaps of Punakha appear in public in full ceremonial regalia once a year at the end of a great spring festival to commemorate their proud military past and their role safe-guarding the holiest relics in the land. © Karma Dorji/Bhutan Himalaya After leaving me with detailed instructions on where I can find them in their villages (so I can deliver their pictures when they are printed) they rush off, disappearing quickly into the long shadowy passages on either side of the massive stone fortress they have known all their lives. They are in a hurry because the Pazaaps are the main attraction today at the annual "Procession of Warriors", a grand annual festival in this part of the country we have invited some of our guests to attend. Fierce protectors of an ancient martial tradition, the Pazaaps of Punakha appear in public in full ceremonial regalia once a year at the end of a great spring festival to commemorate their proud military past and their role safe-guarding the holiest relics in the land. © Karma Dorji/Bhutan Himalaya This section is connected to article body 3 Connected to caption 5 Article body 5 Connected to caption 4 Article Body 4 Connected to caption 5 Articlebody6 Connected to caption 5 Article Body 7 Connected to caption 8 Article Body 8 Connected to caption 9 Article Body 9 Connected to caption 10 Article Body 10 Like this? Get similar features & travel information sent straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter Footnotes

A longtime travel outfitter specializing in journeys in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, we offer in-depth journeys for the discerning traveler... Opening the doors to Bhutan since 1999 Who we are We are 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. Since 1999, we have arranged in-depth expeditions to Bhutan for New York Times journalists, fine-art photographers, writers, Buddhist teachers, avid trekkers and a wide range of discerning travelers. Learn more about the Bhutan Himalaya Difference. A diverse range of travelers At Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions, we have worked with an incredibly diverse range of travelers including textile enthusiasts, avid outdoor enthusiasts, New York Times journalists, multi-generational families, birders, mountaineers, artists, medical, dental, eye-clinic missions, writers, photographers, artists and more. Over the years their individual traveling styles, interests and needs have made us skilled in responding to the widest range of situations which means that we are just as great at handling complex logistics as at staying flexible enough to seize the spontaneous opportunities that make travel such sparkling, meaningful and, even, life-changing human experiences. (See our Guests Gallery below) Bhutan at your pace Traveling in a group, if not handled properly, can feel impersonal and rushed. When you sign up with us we always see that you have reasonable personalized access to our guides and staff to ensure you never feel as if you are holding up the group. Our journeys have enriched the lives of our many guests, a great number of whom have described their journeys as transformational , and who continue to refer us to new travelers. We are proud of the fact that most of our new guests come to us from word-of-mouth introductions from our past travelers. This , in turn, enables us to continue nurturing our expanding web of cross-cultural friendship and discovery. Expanding Options Our volunteer journeys provide opportunities to give back and do some good in the communities where we travel. Our past “voluntouring” trips have included short-term projects for families with high school teens, retired professionals and travelers with backgrounds in health & medicine. Our culinary journeys, village-to-village ride and camp horseback tours and our winter treks to Southern Bhutan’s recently re-opened Royal Manas National Park are thoughtfully expanding the range of travel options available in the kingdom. Sharing Bhutan is our Passion We believe that we provide travelers with a deeply meaningful window to a way of life that is inherently balanced, sane and compassionate. We proudly continue to share our rich Bhutanese heritage with respect, sensitivity, and in the firm belief that Bhutan has a remarkable perspective to share with the rest of the world. GUESTS GALLERY

Subscribe to our periodic newsletters with interesting features, articles, and travel information about Bhutan. Filled with unique handwritten articles offering insights and cultural information you won't find elsewhere, our newsletters bring delightful aspects of the kingdom to your inbox. Learn about Bhutan before you travel, stay connected after your trip Subscribe to our periodic newsletters with interesting features, articles, and travel information about Bhutan. Filled with unique handwritten articles offering insights and cultural information you won't find elsewhere, our newsletters bring delightful aspects of the kingdom to your inbox. Thank you for subscribing! We look forwarding to sharing Bhutan with you! Subscribe to Bhutan Himalaya travel features and trip announcements. Read our Privacy Policy . Subscribe 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 Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival Karma Dorji Bhutan Himalaya Travel Programs Coordinator SHARE This is the Lead Paragraph This is caption 1 This is the first normal para Fierce protectors of an ancient martial tradition, the Pazaaps of Punakha appear in public in full ceremonial regalia once a year at the end of a great spring festival to commemorate their proud military past and their role safe-guarding the holiest relics in the land. © Karma Dorji/Bhutan Himalaya After leaving me with detailed instructions on where I can find them in their villages (so I can deliver their pictures when they are printed) they rush off, disappearing quickly into the long shadowy passages on either side of the massive stone fortress they have known all their lives. They are in a hurry because the Pazaaps are the main attraction today at the annual "Procession of Warriors", a grand annual festival in this part of the country we have invited some of our guests to attend. Fierce protectors of an ancient martial tradition, the Pazaaps of Punakha appear in public in full ceremonial regalia once a year at the end of a great spring festival to commemorate their proud military past and their role safe-guarding the holiest relics in the land. © Karma Dorji/Bhutan Himalaya This section is connected to article body 3 Connected to caption 5 Article body 5 Connected to caption 4 Article Body 4 Connected to caption 5 Articlebody6 Connected to caption 5 Article Body 7 Connected to caption 8 Article Body 8 Connected to caption 9 Article Body 9 Connected to caption 10 Article Body 10 Like this? Get similar features & travel information sent straight to your inbox with the Bhutan Himalaya Newsletter Footnotes

Get to know who we are; some of the heartwarming humans who power our trips; the Bhutan Himalaya Difference; and what our travelers say. Opening the doors to Bhutan since 1999 LEARN MORE High tea at Tiger's Nest Jomolhari Camp Bauhaus family at Tiger's Nest Guests Raymond and Peggy in Punakha Farm-to-table day with traditional families in central Bhutan Guest Donna makes a friend Guests Sheri and Dayton have a moment Our young hikers Jenny and Alli Guests Nelsons and friends on hike Guests at the top of Dochula mountain Guest Stephanie and family at Punakha Dzong Guest Byron and group hiking in Tang Guest Chuck C shares pictures with village children An encounter on the trail Archery day Guests celebrating a successful afternoon archery session A joyous farewell dinner Learning about the Bhutanese emphasis on universal education Hiking in central Bhutan Barb tries on the national dress Trekking on the Dragon's Path Camping Guests resting under holy Bo tree Rebbecca and mom Becky treasure hunting at the Tibetan market El Salvadorean painter and mixed media artist Camila admiring temple mural | Guests Gallery Since 1999, we have arranged in-depth journeys to Bhutan for culturally curious and open-minded travelers; New York Times correspondents; traveling photography seminar leaders and their groups; artists; architects; writers; yoga teachers (and their students); meditation teachers and their followers; birders; medical, dental, and eye-clinic missions and volunteers; avid trekkers; multi-generational families; honeymoon couples; and other discerning travelers. Learn more about the Bhutan Himalaya Difference . Bhutan Himalaya staff and guests with the chief Buddhist abbot of Trongsa, central Bhutan © Bhutan Himalaya archives What we've learned Through the decades, each individual guest’s traveling style, interests, and needs have made us as diversely expert as our guests. As expected, we’ve seen and handled a wide range of challenges, and in response, cultivated an alert, gracious and sensitive range of travel and trip leading skills, and then some. The result is that we’re as unruffled, overseeing the complex logistics and demands of your trip, as at keeping things flexible enough to seize the unique and unplanned experiences that arise from our longstanding connections across Bhutan. What we’ve learned from our long years of experience is this. The trip information you see on our website and in print is merely the beginning, the structure, ‘the bones of the trip,’ so to speak. It’s our ability to spin magical memories from each spontaneous, in-real-time encounter on those itineraries that make our trips such sparkling, meaningful, and life-changing human experiences. (See our Guests Gallery below). Learn about our wonderful team coordinators and their special connections . Bhutan Himalaya guest Monica shows how it's done, at the base of Mt. Jomolhari © Bhutan Himalaya archives Bhutan, at your pace Traveling in a group, if done improperly, can feel impersonal and rushed. When you journey with us we see that you always have reasonable personalized access to our guides and staff to ensure that you never feel as if you are holding up the group. Our journeys have enriched the lives of our many guests, a great number of whom have described their journeys as transformational, and who continue to refer us to new travelers. We are proud of the fact that most of our new guests come to us by word-of-mouth introductions from past travelers instead of heavy marketing. This, in turn, enables us to continue nurture and widen our expanding network of sensitive cross-cultural friendships. Guests at one of our spontaneous outdoor picnic lunches © Bhutan Himalaya archives Expanding options Our volunteer journeys provide opportunities to give back and do some good in the communities where we travel. Our past “voluntouring” trips have included short-term projects for families with high school teens, retired professionals and travelers with backgrounds in health & medicine. Our culinary journeys, village-to-village ride and camp horseback tours and our winter treks to Southern Bhutan’s recently re-opened Royal Manas National Park are thoughtfully expanding the range of travel options available in the kingdom. Bhutan Himalaya guest working with Buddhist nuns in Bhutan's central highlands region © Bhutan Himalaya archives Sharing Bhutan is our passion We strive to create and share experiences that provide deep and meaningful perspectives into a way of life that is inherently balanced, sane and compassionate. We're proud to share our rich Bhutanese heritage with respect, sensitivity, and the firm belief that Bhutan has a remarkably human, and humane, perspective to share with the rest of the world, especially in these troubled times. 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. | Who we are _________ 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

Dispatches and feature articles highlighting special events and interesting aspects of traveling in Bhutan. THIS MONTH'S In Focus Our field dispatches about special events and highlights of travel in Bhutan LATEST POSTS The Magnificent Madness of Bhutan's Wild Rhododendron Blooms Read Article Waiting for the annual return of Bhutan's 'Birds of Heaven' Read Article The pomp and festivity of Bhutan's warriors pageant Read Article More Suggested Reading TRAVEL SNAPSHOTS GUEST VIGNETTES INSIGHTS LEARN MORE LONG READS GOING DEEPER TRIP ARCHIVES PAST JOURNEYS hike in the kingdom's legendary 'Valley of the Cranes' Tour and photograph the magnificently-restored Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum; 'Pilgrims walk,' visiting temples and monasteries from 7th to 17th centuries; Taste Red Panda Beer, local Swiss cheese, apple juice and fresh homemade stroopwafel for the young & young-at-heart 💛 hike in the kingdom's legendary 'Valley of the Cranes' Tour and photograph the magnificently-restored Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum; 'Pilgrims walk,' visiting temples and monasteries from 7th to 17th centuries; Taste Red Panda Beer, local Swiss cheese, apple juice and fresh homemade stroopwafel for the young & young-at-heart 💛 First stop: Paro, West Bhutan ...a place of serene rice fields and ancient temples Includes all guides and ground services, lodges, meals, visas, permits and all entrances, fees and attractions Fly from Bangkok to Paro, March 9, 2025 Return flight from Paro to Bangkok March 21, 2025 Drive 3 hours to Gangtey Valley and check in at the Gangtey Tented (safari style) Camp; visit the crane center and hike the nature trail. We may see some of the last remaining Black-necked cranes before they fly off to the Tibetan Plateau Buddhist mask dances are a window into Bhutanese spirituality Punakha, ancient Bhutanese capital Journey across Bhutan Drive from Paro to Punakha