Featuring Black-necked Cranes, the Gesar epic, Haa and Bumthang valleys LEARN MORE CONSERVATION & FESTIVAL Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. Traditional Balcony, Zingkha Heritage Lodge Welcome foyer, Zingkha Heritage Lodge Bedroom, Zingkha Heritage Lodge Hallway entrance, Zingkha Heritage Lodge The Olathang, courtyard The Olathang, reception The grande dame of Bhutanese hotels and lodges, this sprawling property dotted with pine trees throughout its well-manicured grounds exudes an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and ceremonious. The Olathang, cottage balcony view The Olathang, cottage interior The Bhutan Mountain Resort front courtyard 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. The Bhutan Mountain Resort, tea service The Bhutan Mountain Resort twin bedroom The Bhutan Mountain Resort spa bath bacony The Bhutan Mountain Resort, staff fluffing pillows The Gantey Tent Resort (Glamping), interior The Gantey Tent Resort (Glamping), twin beds The Gantey Tent Resort (Glamping), view from restaurant The Gantey Tent Resort (Glamping), closet The Thimphu Capital Hotel, staff drawing curtains The Thimphu Capital Hotel, building exterior Featuring Black-necked Cranes, the Gesar epic, Haa and Bumthang valleys SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link This journey includes both of Time Magazine's 'World's Greatest Places' reccomends for Bhutan in 2024 and 2025. The hand-crafted itinerary takes us from the western Haa Valley (Time's first reccomendation) to the central spiritual highlands of Bumthang, following a climb to iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery. We attend a thrilling open-air re-enactment of the greatest bardic tale of Central Asia, the Gesar Epic, before taking in the region's history and culture, and a renovated palace museum (Time Magazine’s second reccommend). Next, embark on a cross-country road-trip on winding mountain roads, passing picturesque villages on the route west, stopping at must-see places and highlights including famous Gantey-Phobjikha to learn about Bhutan's endangered Black-necked Cranes. Finally, explore the ancient capital Punakha, and the modern capital Thimphu and its citified charms. Consider the twin destinations on Time Magazine’s recommended list mere bookends to this experience-filled journey. All the magic happens inbetween! HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY After arriving in Paro we explore the Haa valley, described on Time Magazine’s 2024 list of World’s Greatest Places to experience. Next, climb to iconic Tiger’s Nest before taking a short mountain flight east to the surpassingly lovely valleys of Bumthang to visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, also on Time Magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Places (2025 March) before exploring the cultural treasures of Bhutan’s sacred central highlands. Return east at the start of the Black-necked Crane season in Gangtey, where we learn about the conservation efforts to bring back the elegant wintering cranes. Make informative stops to explore Bhutan’s modern and ancient capitals next, before your return flight home with an armload of special memories. VIEW DAY BY DAY NOVEMBER 06: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO HAA Arrive at Paro International Airport. After clearing immigration and customs, meet your Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Trip Leader and supporting staff. Take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Haa Valley via Chele La Pass, Bhutan’s highest motorable road at 3,988 meters. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and the surrounding Himalayan peaks if weather permits. Descend into Haa Valley through picturesque pine forests and traditional villages. On arrival, settle into the beautifully restored Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge , a 150-year-old former governor’s home in Haatey village. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge NOVEMBER 07: HAA VALLEY EXPLORATION After breakfast, take the Haa Panoramic Hike through pine forests and exposed ridges adorned with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. Visit Katsho Eco Camp for lunch and continue to Jungney Dra temple, perched dramatically on a cliffside. Return to the lodge for evening aperitifs and a relaxing soak in traditional hot-stone baths . Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge NOVEMBER 08: DRIVE TO PARO & HIKE ICONIC TIGER’S NEST Drive to Paro this morning, followed by the hike to iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliffside above Paro Valley. Spend the late afternoon exploring Paro town or with rounds of archery on the greens of the lodge with our team. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Paro Olathang Lodge NOVEMBER 09: FLIGHT TO BUMTHANG Take the short but dramatic flight east into central Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. Upon arrival in Bumthang, check into our family lodge built in the traditional timber-and-stone style, and take the traditional pilgrim’s walk, visiting a string of beautiful temples dating from the seventh to the 17th centuries. We end the evening at the Red Panda brewery, which makes the valley’s popularly fermented wheat beer. At the brewery we sample fresh Swiss Emmenthaler and Gouda cheese made next door, as well as Bhutan’s beloved dumplings, or Momos . Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort NOVEMBER 10: CHUMEY PANG FESTIVAL/GESAR EPIC FOLK OPERA This morning after breakfast we don celebratory clothes and head to the festival where dances illustrate the Gesar epic, one of Central Asia’s greatest tales sung by bards since the early 3rd to 6th centuries of the Christian Era. The Gesar epic is a cultural and religious celebration performed by the monks and the reincarnated chief abbot of the Chumey Monastery, who takes on the titular role of Gesar (see Festival Background: The Legend of Ling Gesar). Join local inhabitants dressed in their festive best for this much-anticipated yearly religious celebration on the monastery’s ancient outdoor arena. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort NOVEMBER 11: EXPLORE JAKAR VALLEY CENTER Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit (March 2025). This afternoon, take a long country ramble visiting villages scattered along the upper Chamkharchhu River. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort NOVEMBER 12: HIKE TO PEACEFUL TANG VALLEY Take an optional hike to Tang Valley, known for its rural atmosphere and farming villages. Visit a remarkable old country manor which has been featured in Dwell Magazine and the New York Times; meet the owner, a descendant of an ancient noble family or ‘Ashi’ Kunzang Roder, a prolific thinker, intellectual and writer. We return to the Bumthang valley center after a delicious meal prepared from organic ingredients grown in the gardens of the historic old manor, one of our favorite experiences to share with guests. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort NOVEMBER 13: DRIVE TO GANGTEY/HIKE THE NATURE TRAIL Drive west back to Trongsa via Yotongla Pass (3-hour drive). Visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan’s largest fortress and ancestral home of its royal family. Continue along winding mountain roads to Gangtey (Phobjikha), a high glacial valley known for its wintering black-necked cranes. Learn about the conservation effort to bring back the cranes at the conservation center, and visit Gangtey Monastery, followed by an easy nature trail walk through the serene valley surrounded by alpine meadows and forests. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Gangtey Tented Lodge NOVEMBER 14: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA/THE DIVINE MADMAN/SUSPENSION BRIDGE Take the winding descent through the lush Black Mountain Range to Punakha valley. Visit Chimi Lhakhang (aka the Temple of the Divine Madman), the massive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, and Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge before continuing to the Mendegang Heritage Homestay for a truly local experience. On our drive today, if we're lucky, we may spot some of Bhutan's rare White Langurs, a native arboreal primate, among the flame-trees, magnolia, birch, rhododendron and Asian Maple in the ecologically-rich Black Mountain Range. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Mendegang Heritage Homestay NOVEMBER 15: DRIVE TO THIMPHU/GIANT BUDDHA DORDENMA/CAPITAL SIGHTS Drive to Dochula Pass (3,140 meters) and, if we’re feeling adventurous, take the 3-hour hike to Lungchutse Monastery through ancient pine forests. Continue to the towering Buddha Dordenma, which houeses two full-scale temples full of relgious icons in the Buddha’s “seat”. Explore Thimphu’s bustling streets and Centenary Market from our centrally located hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Capital Hotel NOVEMBER 16: CAPITAL CITY ACTIVITIES Dive into Bhutanese weaving traditions with a trip to the magnificent Royal Textile Academy, then see how ‘De-sho,’ Bhutanese handmade paper, is made at the capital’s oldest papaermaking shop. Explore Thimphu's colorful city center and learn about Bhutan's 13 sacred arts and crafts. End the day with an evening walk beside Buddhist devotees at the National Memorial Stupa (or strolling around a new people’s park beside the Thimphu (Wangchhu) River). We have a sumptuous Bhutanese feast tonight at a restaurant housed in an old traditional farmhouse. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Capital Hotel NOVEMBER 17: MORNING VISIT TO MARKET/LATE AFTERNOON DEPARTURE This morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last minute shopping in the capital’s centenary markets, a source of some wonmderful local gifts and produce, before lunch at a delicious dumpling house (a favorite local haunt for capital shoppers and farmers) before taking the drive to Paro for your early evening return flight home to Bangkok. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES November 06 - November 17 US$ 10,640/- per person; includes US$1,100 per person Bhutanese government Entry, Visa and Sustainable Development Fees, and US$200 per person monument and entry fees to support ancient Bhutanese heritage sites and monuments SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement of $1,400/- per person will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can arrange it for you.*** ACCOMMODATIONS: ______________ The published pricing above includes all ground costs at the Local Traditional High-end Heritage Lodges as shown on the itinerary page; International Luxury Resorts will be at additional cost. ________ PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok (meaning from Bangkok to Bhutan and return to Bangkok; flights from your home city to Bangkok will be on your own): $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight described in the itinerary * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$ 10,640/- per person; includes US$1,100 per person Bhutanese government Entry, Visa and Sustainable Development Fees, and US$200 per person monument and entry fees to support ancient Bhutanese heritage sites and monuments SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS ___________ ***Please note the prices above are for 2 people sharing a room; if you must have separate single accommodations the Single Supplement of $1,400/- per person will be an additional charge***Please let us know in advance if you require Single Private Accommodations so we can arrange it for you.*** ACCOMMODATIONS: ______________ The published pricing above includes all ground costs at the Local Traditional High-end Heritage Lodges as shown on the itinerary page; International Luxury Resorts will be at additional cost. ________ PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok (meaning from Bangkok to Bhutan and return to Bangkok; flights from your home city to Bangkok will be on your own): $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight described in the itinerary * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements November 06 - November 17 DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices 2026 Dates & Prices 2026 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS NOTE: This journey includes a 2-day trek along the Trans Bhutan Trail which may reach elevations of 13,200-feet or higher. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate for the cultural portion of the journey and challenging for the trekking part of the trip. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or steps and stairs. This is a relatively easy trek compared to most of our average treks which exceed elevations of 14,000 feet. Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price (Unless otherwise noted). For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok and Delhi are the primary Gateway Cities and offer the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “Karma and his team perfectly orchestrated a wonderful series of valuable insights into Bhutan and Bhutanese culture. My particular area of interest was to learn about Bhutan’s challenge of balancing the goals of their Gross National Happiness Policy with the need to grow their economy and promote industry in the kingdom, which Karma addressed by arranging fascinating meetings with Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Ministers and other Bhutanese dignitaries and media personalities. A fantastic trip all-around with great hiking, culture, current affairs, insights into Buddhism and everything in-between.” ~ Heinrich Karl Friedrich Eduard Pierer von Esch, ex CEO, Siemens AG-Germany (front, third from left) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges included. Luxury lodges at extra cost GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

On the Wings of Prayer: The annual return of Bhutan's rare Black-necked Cranes LEARN MORE SIGNATURE JOURNEY Celebrate the annual return of Bhutan’s endangered Black-necked Cranes Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 1/1 The Bhutan Mountain Resort - Wangdicholing, Bumthang, central 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. 2/2 Zhingkham Resort - Punakha, western Bhutan Overlooking the monumental Punakha Dzong, and the fertile agricultural valley cut by the Pho and Mo rivers, this lodge some of the best views in the country from its wide windows and plush, modern rooms. 3/3 The Olathang Hotel - Paro, western Bhutan The grande dame of Bhutanese hotels and lodges, this sprawling property dotted with pine trees throughout its well-manicured grounds exudes an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and ceremonious. 4/4 City Hotel - Thimphu, capital of Bhutan This elegant and tasteful modern tower is located in the heart of the city and steps away from the bustling and colorful Centenary Farmer's Market. On the Wings of Prayer: The annual return of Bhutan's rare Black-necked Cranes SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link See Bhutan's rare and elegant Black-necked Cranes and learn about the ancient yet fragile ties that exist between the people of Phobjikha valley, the endangered cranes and the natural world. On this journey named for a documentary film that first brought wider attention to Bhutan's Black-necked Cranes, we also consider the mythic stories of Vajrayana Buddhism whose influences shape life and culture in the Himalayas to this day. HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY This journey during the end-of-fall migration of Bhutan’s rare and endangered Black-necked Cranes begins in Paro Valley, where we pick you up on arrival. Next, we attend a spectacular, still undiscovered Buddhist festival celebrating one of the mightiest heroes of ancient Himalayan myth, the kind bards sing about. We explore central Bhutan' serene hiking trails and discover a chain of peaceful valleys before turning west. In the Gangtey-Phobjikha valley, luck favoring, we witness the annual return of Bhutan's beautiful Black-necked Cranes from the Tibetan high plateau. We visit a beautiful 14th century monastery and explore a looping nature trail observing the graceful cranes roosting or gliding on thermal currents. Our journey offers opportunities to discover the rich Himalayan Buddhist cosmology, learn about the cranes and their connection to the ancient folklore of the region, and take in the breathtaking Bhutanese landscape as precious as the glimpses of peace and harmony in our troubled times, as rare as the Black-necked Cranes! VIEW DAY BY DAY DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO/THIMPHU 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. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable DAY 02: BUMTHANG, JAKAR/PILGRIM'S ROUTE Take the dramatic mountain flight to central Bhutan. Settle into our cozy family resort, built in the traditional style of the Bhutanese mountain lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable DAY 03: FESTIVAL DANCES This morning after breakfast we dress up and head for the festival with dances celebrating the legendary exploits of a folk hero beloved across the Himalaya. We join local inhabitants of the surrounding valleys dressed in their festive best for this much-anticipated annual religious event. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort DAY 04: EXPLORE TANG VALLEY Spend the day on an excursion to bucolic Tang valley where we eat at a traditional farmhouse featuring ingredients grown on the farm. Cross a suspension bridge and enter a village where time seems to have stopped still before continuing on a hike to Tang Orgyencholing Palace with its surrounding homes and ancient palace complex, now a wonderful repository of Bhutanese history. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable DAY 05: EXPLORE VALLEY HIKES Today we offer some less-tarveled hiking options from moderate to challenging that will take us to scenic spots with exceptional views of the Jakar valley. Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations:Mountain Resort or comparable DAY 06: DRIVE TO TRONGSA - GANGTEY After descending from the high pass of Yotongla, we drive today along the national highway west toward the densely forested valleys of Trongsa and Wangdue valleys. We may have time for a stop at the beautiful Museum of Royal Antiquities, housed in a fascinating medieval watchtower. This evening we rest at our comfortable lodge in Gangtey (with a view of the valley) or, alternately, Trongsa (with a view of the longest fortress in Bhutan). Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations:Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Ecolodge, RKPO Lodge, Yangkhil Resort or comparable DAY 07: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA Today we descend via the steeply forested valleys of the Black Mountains. If we’re lucky, we’ll spot families of Bhutan’s rare White Langur monkeys among the flame-trees, magnolia, birch, rhododendron and Asian Maple in this vegetation-rich zone. In the evening, check into the beautiful lodge overlooking Punakha’s massive dzong. Begin the day with a stop at the beautiful Museum of Royal Antiquities, housed in a fascinating medieval watchtower. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable DAY 08: PUNAKHA HIKE & TOUR - TRANSFER TO THIMPHU Explore the regal valley of Punakha, home to Bhutan’s Queen Mothers and some of Bhutan’s most exquisite temples. Visit monumental Punakha Dzong, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing and walk across the country’s longest suspension bridge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations:The Ariya Resort or comparable DAY 09: EXPLORE MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS OF BHUTAN’S BUSY CAPITAL Take a step back in time with a visit to the spectacular national monument that houses the offices of the king and the government, the national stupa where devout residents do their daily Buddhist prayer rounds, learn about the traditional arts with a trip to the magnificent Royal Textile Academy. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Ariya Resort or comparable DAY 10: THIMPHU’S GIANT BUDDHA; HIKE - TRANSFER TO PARO Today we visit the largest bronze Buddha in the world, followed by a hike on a scenic forest trail with views of the capital. Following a delicious lunch of traditional delicacies, we transfer to Paro in time for an evening stroll or a round of traditional archery using bamboo bows and arrows. An early dinner and rest prepare us for our early morning hike. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Olathang Hotel or comparable DAY 11: TIGER’S NEST HIKE FAREWELL DINNER Cap your journey across Bhutan with an early hike to famous cliffside Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Nest.” Return to the Paro’s colorful downtown for a delicious lunch at a local friend’s popular restaurant before some window-shopping and people-watching. Pick out last-minute gifts and souveneirs of your trip. This evening we have a special farewell feast at a surprise location featuring familiar and new Himalayan delicacies. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations:Olathang Hotel or comparable DAY 12: BANGKOK, THAILAND | DEPARTURE This morning/afternoon we bring you back to the airport in time for you to catch your flight to Bangkok or another gateway city, from where you can connect with your international flight home, or travel to other destinations. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES November 07 - 18, 2024 $6,840 Per Person (US$5,400 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees) $6,640 Per Person (US$5,200 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees) $6,440 Per Person (US$5,000 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees) December 01 - 12, 2024 $8,040 Per Person (US$5,400 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) $7,840 Per Person (US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) $7,640 Per Person (US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION $6,840 Per Person (US$5,400 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees) $6,640 Per Person (US$5,200 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees) $6,440 Per Person (US$5,000 per person + US$1,240 Bhutanese government SDF fees, & US$200 monument and entry fees) $8,040 Per Person (US$5,400 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) $7,840 Per Person (US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) $7,640 Per Person (US$5,200 per person + US$2,640 Bhutanese government SDF, monument and entry fees) December 01 - 12, 2024 November 07 - 18, 2025 DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2024 Dates & Prices 2024 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan, such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “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 (U.S.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges GROUP SIZE 8 ~ 12; 16 MAX DURATION 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

An active adventure exploring the spiritual heart of Bhutan with the ancient Ura festival LEARN MORE FESTIVAL Discover a primal springtime festival and journey overland from central to west Bhutan Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 1/10 The Olathang Hotel - Paro, western Bhutan The grande dame of Bhutanese hotels and lodges, this sprawling property dotted with pine trees throughout its well-manicured grounds exudes an atmosphere that is at once comfortable and ceremonious. 2/10 A standard room in the main wing of the Olathang Hotel 3/10 The Bhutan Mountain Resort - Wangdicholing, Bumthang, central 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. 4/10 A standard twin-bedded room at our family-owned Bhutan Mountain Resort 5/10 The Zhingkham Resort, nestled on the green slopes opposite Punakha Dzong 6/10 Zhingkham Resort - Punakha, western Bhutan Overlooking the monumental Punakha Dzong, and the fertile agricultural valley cut by the Pho and Mo rivers, this lodge some of the best views in the country from its wide windows and plush, modern rooms. 7/10 City Hotel - Thimphu, capital of Bhutan This elegant and tasteful modern tower is located in the heart of the city and steps away from the bustling and colorful Centenary Farmer's Market. 8/10 A standard King room at the Thimphu City Hotel 9/10 Gangtey Dewachen Lodge Front View Gangtey Dewachen Restaurant View An active adventure exploring the spiritual heart of Bhutan with the ancient Ura festival SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link THIS SPRINGTIME JOURNEY at the peak of Bhutan’s colorful rhododendron season brings us to a mask dance festival with hidden symbols and rituals that sustain the culture of the central Bhutanese people, the keepers of the kingdom's ancient traditions and ceremonies. Walk forested trails full of springtime rhododendrons and learn about the progressive ways in which Bhutan balances Buddhism, government, and the happiness of its citizens. In the central highlands, discover Bhutan's close connections to Switzerland--in not just in the breathtaking alpine landscapes but the cultural exchanges between the two alpine nations that are evident in this part of the country. Enter serene valleys, visit ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries; learn about Bhutanese culinary traditions, and experience the scenic Himalayas during one of the loveliest seasons of the Bhutanese year. If you have time and are interested, you can pair this trip with our Nepal extension featuring UNESCO Heritage Durbar Square, historic Pashupatinath, awe-inspiring Boudhanath stupa, ancient Patan, and a tranquil river lodge overlooking the Trisuli, with an excursion to Chitwan National Park. HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY THE JOURNEY BEGINS with a hike to famous clifftop Tiger’s Nest monastery and a short but spectacular cross-country flight into Bhutan’s spiritual and geographical heart, where we attend the ancient springtime festival and explore the region’s hidden valleys and hamlets by foot and car. The return trip overland to western Bhutan takes us through Trongsa, spiritual home of Bhutanese kings; Gangtey, a hidden high valley that sits midway between central and west Bhutan; Punakha, the ancient Bhutanese capital at the confluence of two culturally significant rivers, and, finally, Thimphu, Bhutan's bustling modern capital. Along the way, we stop at each valley’s historically notable temples and Buddhist monastery fortresses known as Dzongs. Through our curated blend of active hiking, cultural experiences, and historical context, we seek to provide a deep, insightful understanding of the kingdom before returning to the western (air) port city of Paro for your return flight home. VIEW DAY BY DAY APRIL 27: BANGKOK TO PARO FLIGHT Your early flight from Bangkok, Drukair KB 153, departs at 07:30 a.m. and lands in Paro at 10:40 a.m. We recommend The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Hotel if you have a short overnight connection. Your journey begins when we pick you up at the airport on arrival from Bangkok and take you on an easy outing around Paro Valley—after a stop for refreshments and bracing cups of Bhutan’s homegrown coffee or tea. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Cottages or comparable APRIL 28: TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY This morning, we step back in time at the eighth century, clifftop Tiger’s Nest monastery and other monuments along the valley floor. A visit to the traditional weekend farmers market, where we see people from all walks of life buying weekly provisions, gives us an idea of the local tastes and culinary preferences. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Cottages or comparable APRIL 29: DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO CENTRAL BHUTAN Drukair KB012 departs at 11:10 from Paro and lands in Bumthang at 11:45 am. The short 35-minute domestic flight with views of the greater Himalayan range drops us into the heart of the kingdom. After checking in at our family-run lodge, the Mountain Resort, we head out on a tour of the beautifully-restored historic Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum across the street, recently featured as one of TIME's top 20 places to visit around the world. After lunch, take a drive up the hill, past the dramatic dzong perched like a white crane on a hill, to one of Bhutan's premier institutions for conservation and the environment, including the kingdom's climate change mitigation efforts the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research (UWICER), housed in a former summer palace. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable APRIL 30: THE URA FESTIVAL MASK DANCES Today, we take an hour's drive in the morning to attend the popular religious celebration in Ura valley, a place that features prominently in the critically acclaimed feature film, The Monk and the Gun, Bhutan's official 2023 Academy Awards nominee . Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable MAY 1: "PILGRIM'S WALK" This morning we take a walking tour of the key temples and monastery along the valley floor, along the traditional "pilgrim's circuit," exploring the religious art and architecture of buildings dating from the 7th to the 17th centuries. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable MAY 02: TRANS BHUTAN TRAIL/TANG VALLEY This morning after breakfast we hike along a stretch of the Trans Bhutan Trail, which takes us from the Jakar to the Tang valley where we enjoy a delicious lunch in an old atmospheric home that's been refurbished as a museum. If time permits, we stop in at a picturesque gorge in the Tang river called the "Flaming Lake," because of a popular local legend. This evening we sample local Red Panda Beer, Juniper Schanpps and Gouda and Emmenthaler cheeses made at the local Swiss Farm. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Mountain Resort or comparable MAY 03: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY Today we descend into the warm Trongsa valley before climbing back up through the rugged Black Mountain Range to the high alpine Gangtey valley. Lunch is at a traditional restaurant set by a spectacular waterfall! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable MAY 04: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA AND TEMPLES TOUR This morning we hike the flanks of beautiful Gangtey valley to the nature center and continue our drive along the east-west highway and arrive in the fertile Lobeysa valley in time for a delicious traditional red rice lunch. In the afternoon, we walk along rice terraces to the famous "Temple of the Divine Madman." This evening, enjoy cocktail hour at the Zhingkham Resort's terrace with spreading views of the river and valley and the beautiful lights of the Punakha Dzong. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort , Dhumra Farmstay or comparable MAY 05: VISIT PUNAKHA DZONG/EXPLORE PUNAKHA This morning, enter majestic Punakha Dzong across a traditional wooden bridge. Visit the magnificent Hall of 100 Pillars before continuing our drive to a lovely riverside picnic. In the afternoon, take a lovely hike through rice-fields to the Khamsum Yuelley Temple upriver of the Punakha Mochu valley. In the late afternoon, we walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, a fun and exhilarating experience! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort , Dhumra Farmstay or comparable MAY 06: EXPLORE THIMPHU After breakfast, we drive the 2.5 hours to Thimphu, with a stop at the 10,000-foot Dochula pass. Take a short hike into the old-growth rhododendron forests above the pass to see any late season blooms, which can be spectacular. Lunch will be back at the cafe with a quick walk around the 108 white stupas. Continue to the Giant Buddha Dordenma, followed by an optional 1.5-2 hour hike through pine forests to the 14th century Changgangkha Monastery with an exquisite statue of the Buddha of Compassion. After checking in at the hotel, we have a free late afternoon or early evening to walk through the colorful city center or visit an interesting local market by the river, or a smiths' workshop for one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery and religious statuary. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel/Thimphu City Hotel or comparable MAY 07: BHUTAN"S NATIONAL ANIMAL/CITY MONUMENTS This morning we visit the Takin zoo, where we come face to face with the curious-looking national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, as well as yaks. Later, we continue on a lovely forest trail to the Wangditse temple with spectacular views of the city and enjoy a scenic packed picnic lunch on the temple grounds. This evening, we enjoy a traditional farewell feast at the city's culinary hotspot, the Folk Heritage Restaurant. We will be joined at our farewell dinner by local Bhutanese friends from private and public life, with whom we share a lively cultural dialogue and an interesting exchange of ideas that broadens our understanding of our experiences in the country. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel/Thimphu City Hotel or comparable MAY 08: DEPARTURE/BANGKOK We bring you to the airport after breakfast, in time for your return flight to Bangkok. Drukair KB 130 Departs at 16:20 in the afternoon and arrives 22:00 hours in Bangkok. Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch served inflight en route to Bangkok Recommended transit hotel in Bangkok: The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Hotel Note: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions will provide Nepal arrangements with our partners Everest Lodges if choosing travel via Kathmandu. Please inquire for details if interested. Guests are responsible for round-trip air arrangements to Kathmandu or Bangkok and the transit hotel (Novotel) in Bangkok. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions takes care of the rest, including domestic flights and the round-trip from Katmandu-Bhutan-Bangkok or Bangkok-Bhutan-Bangkok (airfare is additional). ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES APRIL 27 - May 08, 2026 From $8,300 per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 12 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, EXPEDITION SUPPLIES, GUIDES & TRIP LEADERS, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $1,100/- PER PERSON GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________________ *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $1,200 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy); Via Delhi $1,100 per person (Business Class) or $772 (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $8,200 per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 12 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, EXPEDITION SUPPLIES, GUIDES & TRIP LEADERS, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $1,100/- PER PERSON GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________________ *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $1,200 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy); Via Delhi $1,100 per person (Business Class) or $772 (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $8,100 per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 12 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, EXPEDITION SUPPLIES, GUIDES & TRIP LEADERS, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $1,100/- PER PERSON GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________________ *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $1,200 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy); Via Delhi $1,100 per person (Business Class) or $772 (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION From $8,300 per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 12 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, EXPEDITION SUPPLIES, GUIDES & TRIP LEADERS, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $1,100/- PER PERSON GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________________ *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $1,200 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy); Via Delhi $1,100 per person (Business Class) or $772 (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $8,200 per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 12 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, EXPEDITION SUPPLIES, GUIDES & TRIP LEADERS, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $1,100/- PER PERSON GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________________ *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $1,200 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy); Via Delhi $1,100 per person (Business Class) or $772 (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements From $8,100 per person* (COVERS ALL BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS LAND COSTS FOR 12 DAYS, INCLUDING MEALS, ACCOMMODATIONS, TRANSPORTATION, EXPEDITION SUPPLIES, GUIDES & TRIP LEADERS, AND ENTRANCE AND MONUMENT FEES) *** ***PLEASE ADD $1,100/- PER PERSON GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** ***Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles the following flight bookings as a courtesy service for our guests. ___________________ *Please note: prices per person are for couples or friends on a twin-sharing basis. Single Supplement Fee is $1,200 per person additional if single accommodations are required. PLEASE ADD AIRFARES: ___________ *REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Bangkok: $1,300 per person (Business Class) or US$980 per person (Economy); Via Delhi $1,100 per person (Business Class) or $772 (Economy) ___________ **DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one-way domestic mountain flight * ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements May 08 - May 19, 2027 DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2026 Dates & Prices 2026 Dates & Prices 2027 Dates & Prices 2027 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan, such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “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 (U.S.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges Small Group Adventure DURATION 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

A special journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Bhutan Foundation LEARN MORE WESTERN REGION Celebrating 40 years of Bhutan Foundation at the spectacular Royal Highland Festival Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The Five Nectars Bar Pemako Punakha.jpg Druk Hotel Thimphu Lobby.jpeg Grey Suite Druk Hotel.jpeg rice-terraces-punakha.jpg como uma paro foyer.JPG uma paro back terrace .JPG uma paro swimming-pool.jpg Bath andBeyond Punakha.jpg Outdoor showwer andBeyond Punakha.jpg And Beyond Punakha.jpg Pemako-bar.jpg The Pemako Punakha dining space.jpg Pemako Punakha exterior birds-eye view.jpg AmanKBedToBath_1400x600.jpg Camping under the stars at the base of Bhutan's second highest peak, Mt. Jomolhari.JPG Dusk at camp - Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions.JPG Morning routine at camp - Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions.jpg Our early line of mountain Hardwear tents, 2007 - Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions.jpg A-prosperous-Laya-home.jpg A-local-Laya-host-family.jpg A special journey commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Bhutan Foundation SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link In celebration of the Bhutan Foundation’s 40th Anniversary , this exclusive expedition brings together board members, partners, and friends to honor four decades of collaboration, vision, and enduring friendship. Tracing a route from the heart of the capital through emerald valleys to the high mountain realms of Laya, this journey intertwines moments of reflection, cultural discovery, and shared purpose. From the monasteries of Thimphu and the rice terraces of Punakha to the highland festivities of Laya, this anniversary journey celebrates Bhutan’s living heritage—and the remarkable partnership that has helped nurture it since 1986. This is more than a journey through the mountains; it is a tribute to connection, community, and the spirit of Gross National Happiness. HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY 40th Anniversary Highlights Celebrate the Bhutan Foundation’s 40th year of impact through field visits, reflections, and milestone gatherings with local partners. Experience the Royal Highland Festival in Laya , a vivid celebration of nomadic heritage amid snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Explore the essence of the kingdom —from the trails, temples and monasteries to the traditional medicine and education centers of Thimphu. Connect and reflect with Bhutanese leaders, partners, and communities who have shaped the Foundation’s story over four decades. VIEW DAY BY DAY OCTOBER 18, SUNDAY: ARRIVE IN BHUTAN (THIMPHU) Arrive in Paro on one of the world’s most scenic flights, threading between Himalayan peaks before descending into the emerald valley. After a warm Bhutanese welcome, continue by road to Thimphu , Bhutan’s dynamic capital and the heart of the Foundation’s work. The remainder of the day is for rest and gentle acclimatization, followed by an informal evening reception marking the beginning of this commemorative journey. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Druk Hotel OCTOBER 19, MONDAY: HERITAGE OF HEALING & INCLUSIVE LEARNING Begin your Bhutan experience with a morning visit to the National Institute of Traditional Medicine , where ancient Himalayan healing arts and modern research meet in harmony. Later, visit the Special Education School , one of the Foundation’s earliest partner institutions, where inclusivity and compassion shape young lives. Meet students and teachers who embody Bhutan’s enduring values of empathy and resilience. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Druk Hotel OCTOBER 20, TUESDAY: BOARD MEETING & ANNIVERSARY DINNER Morning and early afternoon are devoted to the 40th Anniversary Board Meeting , reflecting on milestones, achievements, and the Foundation’s evolving mission. In the evening, gather with Bhutanese partners for a Celebratory Dinner , a joyful occasion honoring four decades of friendship and shared endeavor, accompanied by traditional music and storytelling. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Thimphu Druk Hotel OCTOBER 21, WEDNESDAY: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA & SGP FIELD VISIT Depart Thimphu for Punakha , crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass (10,300 ft) with its 108 memorial chortens and sweeping Himalayan views. Descend into the subtropical valley, where terraced rice fields line the riverbanks. Visit a Small Grants Programme (SGP) field project , meeting community leaders whose work reflects the Foundation’s grassroots partnerships and the living principles of Gross National Happiness. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Uma Punakha , Amankora Punakha , Pemako , or &Beyond Punakha River Lodge OCTOBER 22, THURSDAY: DRIVE TO LAYA (3 HOURS) & SHORT HIKE (2-3 HOURS) Travel north along turquoise rivers and forested slopes toward Gasa , then continue by foot along a scenic mountain trail to Laya , Bhutan’s highest permanent settlement. The two-to-three-hour hike brings you to this story book realm of stone, earth and wood homes connected by ancient stone paths, the dwellings set against a steeply rising mountain slope surrounded by snow-capped peaks. On arriva, expect a warm welcome from the Layap community, and settle into your expedition camp or authentic local family homestay. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps or stay in local homes OCTOBER 23, FRIDAY: ROYAL HIGHLAND FESTIVAL, LAYA Immerse yourself in the extraordinary Royal Highland Festival. Witness color‑saturated dances, traditional Layap songs, and an extraordinary yak pageant, where animals adorned with finery parade through the village. Sample highlander cuisine, sit with families in their homes, and marvel at a festival that bridges ancient customs with modern Bhutanese pride. Each night, return to our expedition camp or village lodging, the valley echoing with the sounds of singing and laughter. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps or stay in local homes OCTOBER 24, SATURDAY: ROYAL HIGHLAND FESTIVAL CONTINUES Spend another day amid the festival’s vibrant rhythms. Share in traditional highlander meals, meet community elders, and join in toasts with local families celebrating both their culture and the visiting guests who have long stood beside them. As night falls, music and laughter fill the crisp mountain air—an alpine celebration of friendship and forty years of shared progress. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps or stay in local homes OCTOBER 25, SUNDAY: RETURN TO PUNAKHA Descend early from the highlands on foot to the roadhead, then continue by vehicle back to Punakha . The warmer valley air and green fields bring a soothing change after the alpine heights. Rest at your riverside lodge and enjoy the peaceful setting. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Uma Punakha , Amankora Punakha , Pemako , or &Beyond Punakha River Lodge OCTOBER 26, MONDAY: DRIVE TO PARO/TIGER'S NEST HIKE Today, we drive back west over the Dochula Pass to Paro, arriving in time for an early lunch, following which we make the climb up to iconic Tiger's Nest monastery. The hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched on the cliff, suspended between earth and sky, is alway worth the effort and a wonderful way to close the trip. Tonight we have a traditional Himalayan farewell at a friend's centuries-old farmhouse in the middle of a village in Paro, or enjoy a relaxed farewell evening at the distinctive Bukhari Restaurant at Uma Paro Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lodge: COMO Uma Paro OCTOBER 27, TUESDAY: MORNING & AFTERNOON DEPARTURE If your return flight home is via Bangkok, there will be time in the morning to drive up the valley and visit the beautifully restored Drukgyel Dzong, or walk through the galleries of the National Museum, or shop and people-watch along the main street of Paro. In the afternoon, following lunch, your 4:20 pm flight departs and brings you back to Bangkok, where you can connect onward to your flight home or to other destinations. Alternately, if you're taking one of the earlier flights to destination cities other than Bangkok, enjoy a relaxed breakfast, before transferring to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. As your flight ascends above the Himalayas, carry with you the warmth of Bhutanese friendship and the memory of a journey marking four decades of the Bhutan Foundation’s legacy of compassion, partnership, and purpose . ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES October 18 ~ 27, 2026 US$7,650/- per person for all Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Land Costs for 10 days, including Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps, The Bumthang Mountain Resort and local village homestays (in Laya and/or Gasa). ***If you wish to stay at luxury lodges the additional costs per person will range from $800 per person PER NIGHT DOUBLES to $1,400 per person PER NIGHT (SINGLES) for the total number of nights shown for lodges in the Luxe category: UMA, PEMAKO, AMAN, &BEYOND etc. The cost per night at the Druk Hotel in Thimphu is US$118 per person per night (DOUBLES) and US$235 per person per night Singles ***PLEASE NOTE that this is IN ADDITION TO THE TRIP PRICE shown above*** _____________ OTHER ADDITIONAL COSTS: GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & VISA $0: Please let us know if gratis SDF and visa exemption is being extended by the royal government, otherwise this cost will be $900 per person. REGIONAL (INTERNATIONAL) ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT TO BHUTAN * Business Class $1,400 per person FROM BANGKOK; $1,070 per person if flying VIA DELHI. Please let us know if you'd like to fly in from other gateway cities. DOMESTIC FLIGHT BUMTHANG TO PARO* ONE-WAY 250 per person PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTER FROM LAYA TO BUMTHANG* From $1,700 per person _____________________ *BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS WILL BOOK & MAKE THESE ARRANGEMENTS DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$7,650/- per person for all Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Land Costs for 10 days, including Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps, The Bumthang Mountain Resort and local village homestays (in Laya and/or Gasa). ***If you wish to stay at luxury lodges the additional costs per person will range from $800 per person PER NIGHT DOUBLES to $1,400 per person PER NIGHT (SINGLES) for the total number of nights shown for lodges in the Luxe category: UMA, PEMAKO, AMAN, &BEYOND etc. The cost per night at the Druk Hotel in Thimphu is US$118 per person per night (DOUBLES) and US$235 per person per night Singles ***PLEASE NOTE that this is IN ADDITION TO THE TRIP PRICE shown above*** _____________ OTHER ADDITIONAL COSTS: GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & VISA $0: Please let us know if gratis SDF and visa exemption is being extended by the royal government, otherwise this cost will be $900 per person. REGIONAL (INTERNATIONAL) ROUNDTRIP FLIGHT TO BHUTAN * Business Class $1,400 per person FROM BANGKOK; $1,070 per person if flying VIA DELHI. Please let us know if you'd like to fly in from other gateway cities. DOMESTIC FLIGHT BUMTHANG TO PARO* ONE-WAY 250 per person PRIVATE HELICOPTER CHARTER FROM LAYA TO BUMTHANG* From $1,700 per person _____________________ *BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS WILL BOOK & MAKE THESE ARRANGEMENTS DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2026 Dates & Prices 2026 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan, such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The 3-4-hour trek from Tashimaka Army Outpost to Laya is a steep uphill hike that requires about 1,900 feet of elevation gain. While the day trek is short, it is all uphill, starting from approximately 10,600 feet and going up to 12,533 feet, an elevation gain of about 1,900 feet. The next three nights of overnight stay in Laya are at 12,533 feet. Please contact us if you have concerns about this portion of the journey. The remaining cultural portions of this trip are rated moderate to easy and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate on the cultural portion of the trip to challenging for the day hike to Laya. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs. Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more. Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS Luxe lodges & local village homestays or Bhutan Himalaya's Expedition Camps PRIVATE DURATION 10 Days ACTIVITY LEVEL Moderate with 3 days of steep hiking and descent at altitude RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Join us on Bhutan's most popular trek, visit a secret high valley, take amazing day hikes and see beautiful Himalayan peaks up close ... SIGNATURE JOURNEY Hiking Bhutan’s Mt. Jomolhari basin: Trek where Snow Leopards & Blue Sheep roam VIEW MORE Hike in the Lap of Bhutan’s Mount Jomolhari, “Mother Goddess Mountain of the World” Group | 17 Days | Difficult to Challenging Trek Dates: October 03 ~ 19, 2020 READ MORE This journey is an opportunity to learn about snow leopard conservation and, if you are lucky, perhaps even spot one! Meet Bhutan’s nomadic yak herding communities and attend the annual Snow Leopard festival, proceeds from which go to preserve local nomadic culture and endangered snow leopard habitat. Learn more about the Jomolhari region at The people and the landscape of Bhutan's Mountain Goddess, A Photo Essay Trek into Snow Leopard habitat with possible chance sightings See herds of beautiful Himalayan Blue Sheep Experience the grandeur of Bhutan’s second highest peak Fully supported Himalayan expedition Join a celebration of nomadic mountain culture Witness how preserving indigenous culture goes hand-in-hand with wildlife protection and ecological conservation SEE DAILY ITINERARY REQUEST THIS ITINERARY Share This with a Friend: EXPEDITION OVERVIEW ITINERARY Trek into the lap of Bhutan’s mountain goddess, Mount Jomolhari, the kingdom's second highest peak. During this journey, we learn about snow leopard conservation, meet Bhutan’s nomadic yak herding communities and attend the annual Snow Leopard festival, proceeds from which go to preserve local nomadic culture and snow leopard habitat. But first, a cross-country cultural exploration with day hikes help us to acclimate for the trek. We cover the highlights of western and central Bhutan, bringing us back to the Paro valley where we begin the trek. In the high valley of Soe, we work with a respected elder to complete a holy Buddhist stupa to bless and protect all travelers on the high passes, giving us a first-hand insight into an important spiritual custom of Bhutan's hardy highland people. — To see photographs and read more about the Jomolhari region, please see: The people and the landscape of Bhutan's Mountain Goddess, A Photo Essay REQUEST THIS ITINERARY WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO The activities on this trip are rated as difficult-challenging, and a high level of physical fitness and comfort at high altitude is a must. Trip members should be fit and able to walk 6 to 8 hours daily, 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 strenuous trekking conditions once the expedition begins. The general elevations in the valleys will range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, on the cultural portion while the featured trek/expedition on this journey will traverse terrain from 7,000 ft approximately to 13,000 ft at basecamp and up to 16,200 ft at the highest pass. Some of the optional ridge hikes around the basecamp of Jomolhari may take us even higher but those are optional. An easier option on the trek will include a return from 13,000 ft-14,000 ft at basecamp back down the trail to lower elevations, and will not require climbing the high pass at 16,100 ft (estimated). 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. DATES & PRICES 2020 Dates October 03 - 19, 2020 2021 Dates October 03 - 19, 2021 2020 Pricing $11,950 Per Person doubles; Single traveler Supplement ($2,550/-pp) 2021 Pricing $11,950 Per Person doubles; Single traveler Supplement ($2,550/-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 “ ...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horseman, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making this a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID 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 LAOS , MYANMAR & CAMBODIA ___ Before or after your Bhutan adventure (with optional Bangkok hotel and transit arrangements) ___ Extend your travel arrangements from Bangkok to the World Heritage sites of Cambodia and Laos, or arrange a journey across Myanmar’ s Colonial Yangon to Magical Mandalay. Whether you choose the awe-the inspiring temples of the Angkor civilization in Cambodia; the quaint streets and towns of laid-back Laos, where French Colonial meets a distinctly Asian sensibility; or the classic charms that inspired Rudyard Kipling in Myanmar, we have specially designed itineraries that complement your Bhutan journey. Learn more at: Magical Myanmar Laid-back Laos , or The Triple Gems of Cambodia START THE CONVERSATION | SPOTLIGHT | LONG READS

A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions LEARN MORE LUXURY & WELLNESS A luxe spiritual sojourn in Bhutan Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 1/8 Sanctuary entrance doors; courtyard 2/8 Rooms: sitting-area 3/8 The spa entrance 4/8 Restaurant: mushroom-surprise 5/8 Terrace rooms 6/8 Restaurant: outdoor-terrace 7/8 Bathrooms 8/8 Restaurant overview A peaceful sanctuary to rejuvenate body & mind, based on Bhutan's ancient wellness traditions SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Embark on a transformative journey from a serene retreat near an ancient monastery overlooking the lush Paro river valley. Our itinerary weaves a tapestry of spiritual renewal, guided by a qualified lama's "spiritual cleansing," insights from a traditional Dungtsho healer, and life-enhancing wisdom from a real-life astrologer. Delve into Bhutan's Vajrayana Buddhist traditions, visit sacred temples, and explore the pristine Haa valley. Each day unfolds with flexible activities, including yoga and meditation, allowing you to set the pace for your personal rejuvenation. We've carefully chosen every experience, unlocking the essence of Bhutan's hidden spiritual treasures. Welcome to a journey of self-discovery! HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY Following your arrival at the Paro airport and reception, you are whisked away to a spritual retreat that blends highlights of the ancient and the modern in Bhutan. From this serene base, you get to choose how you structure each day with our proposed itinerary as a back-up. This way, you experience the best of Bhutanese wellness traditions from a restful space before your flight to central Bhutan and our overland signature rhododendron season journey from central to western Bhutan. VIEW DAY BY DAY DAY 1: ARRIVAL Arrive in Paro to a warm welcome from our Wellness Guest Experience team. A unique journey begins with a Buddhist transformation ritual, followed by a tasteful 4-course lunch. Dive into Bhutanese wellness amid the sanctuary's gardens, and learn about its history over herbal tea. Unwind before dinner, a healthy farm-to-table six-course delight on the terrace. DAY 2: ACCLIMATIZATION Start your day with a personalized wellness program after a healthy morning shot. Relax with options like exploring the sanctuary library, a guided valley hike, a refreshing swim, or an "herbal walk" in the garden. Lunch and dinner, served at your chosen time, cater to your schedule. DAY 3: TIGER´S NEST Begin with tea, a fruit shot, and insights into the "Tiger's Nest" monastery. Embark on a 2-4 hour hike, pausing for breakfast at a scenic, well chosen spot. Return for a hot stone bath and a traditional Bhutanese dinner on the grounds. DAY 4: CHELE LA & HAA VALLEY Kickstart the day with yoga or meditation. Explore Chele La pass, hang prayer flags, and hike for breathtaking views. Continue to Haa for a homemade picnic, visiting a Bhutanese fortune teller on the way back. Dinner awaits at the sanctuary. DAY 5: THIMPHU Morning yoga or meditation, followed by a day trip to Thimphu. Explore key sites, savor a local restaurant lunch, and discover the Cordyceps tasting house. Return for a six-course dinner at the sanctuary. DAY 6: EUTOK GOENPA MONASTERY Enjoy a guided hike to Eutok Goenpa monastery, followed by spa facilities, traditional sports, or a cooking class in the afternoon. End the day with a six-course dinner on the terrace. DAY 7: SOCIAL IMPACT Start with yoga or meditation, followed by a visit to a local village. Experience a traditional Bhutanese lunch and explore social impact projects. Dress in traditional Bhutanese attire for a festive dinner with Bhutanese-inspired entertainment. DAY 8: PARO Begin with yoga or meditation, followed by a day exploring Paro's cultural gems. Discover Bhutanese local fare at lunch, and indulge in spa treatments or forest bathing in the afternoon. Visit Namgay artisanal beer brewery and enjoy a farewell dinner in the garden. DAY 9: FAREWELL After a healthy breakfast, indulge in a final mind and body treatment before embarking on a mountain flight to central Bhutan. This marks a fitting end to your immersive stay at the sanctuary, and the beginning of your exciting rhododendron season journey! ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY All aspects of this itinerary can be modified according to your wishes. FLIGHTS Flights connecting to this journey are available from Delhi and Bangkok. PROGRAM ACCURACY Please note that while we strive to maintain the highest level of program accuracy, actual program may vary reasonably depending on late-breaking changes on the ground, weather, and or last-minute changes or modifications that may result from forces beyond our control. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES Flexible Dates Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Please inquire about our latest updated pricing Flexible Dates DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2024 Dates & Prices 2024 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “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 (U.S.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS Spiritual Wellness Center PRIVATE DURATION 09 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE WELLNESS ● SPIRITUAL ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

A private journey from the ancient capital of Bhutan to the royal heart of the kingdom LEARN MORE PRIVATE TAILORMADE JOURNEY 2025 Punakha Festival and Overland to Bumthang Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. Dining - Pemako Pemako Punakha Bedroom - Pemako Punakha Bedroom Glamping (Tented) Resort Gangtey Glamping in Gangtey Gangtey Tented Resort dining Staff at Gangtey Tented Resort Lobby at the Gangtey Tented Resort Amankora Bumthang bedroom view Amankora Bumthang courtyard Amankora Bumthang Outdoor space Amankora Thimphu Amankora Thimphu, outdoor dining Amankora Thimphu, courtyard prayer wheels COMO Uma paro Shambhala spa Paro Uma by COMO front entrance Paro Uma by COMO lounge Paro Uma by COMO evening view Paro Uma by COMO outdoor view A private journey from the ancient capital of Bhutan to the royal heart of the kingdom SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link We take you on an in-depth guided journey across the country at the start of Bhutan's spring travel season, starting with an ancient festival in the old capital of Bhutan. Along the way we stay at some of the most remarkable luxury lodges in the country, a wonderfully-situated glamping property in the Gangtey Valley, and the Bumthang Amankora Lodge. Discover a string of atmospheric Buddhist temples and monasteries in the kingdom, and some of the loveliest trails in Bhutan before returning west to explore the exciting museums, markets and social life of the modern capital. Finally, a climb to famous Tiger's Nest monastery, before continuing your travels home with an armload of special memories. HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY Arriving on an early morning flight from Bangkok, we continue to Punakha, where we attend one of the biggest religious mask dance festivals of the year. We visit the fascinating historic temples and monasteries of Punakha, and meet with a nationally-renowned artist at his open-air studio , as well as the young monks of Chorten Nyingbo. Next we continue to the lovely Gangtey Valley where we hike a serene nature trail, and maybe catch the last of the departing winter cranes as they begin their annual migration to Tibet. Then, drive through the spectacular woods and valleys of the Black Mountain Range to Jakar, the spiritual heart of Bumthang. There, explore a royal palace that’s being lovingly restored as a museum for the future , preserving the royal culture and spiritual treasures of the kingdom. Visit the inspiring nuns of Pemacholing at their remote monastery in Tang, hidden among the quiet folds of the mountains, before stopping by a series of atmospheric temples and monasteries from the seventh to the 17th centuries. Learn about local traditions, such as the colorful yak-and-wool weavings for which the region is famous. Stay at an authentic old manor house with an on-site museum that's reccomended as a notable experience in well-known architectural and travel magazines , and meet our host, a famous local children's book author and descendent of an ancient noble family. A short but scenic flight brings us back to the modern capital, Thimphu, where we explore museums, markets, the sights and sounds, and meet interesting and notable capital society members. Close your journey back in Paro with a visit to the Tiger's Nest monastery and a farewell evening before your return to the airport in time for your return flight to Bangkok. VIEW DAY BY DAY MARCH 09: BANGKOK / PARO / PUNAKHA Your early morning flight from Bangkok on Drukair KB 153 departs at 6 AM and arrives in Paro at 8:15 AM; after quick refreshments and Bhutanese grown and brewed organic coffee at the Mountain Café, we drive 1.5 hours to Dochula pass with spectacular views of the Himalayas in fair weather. Continue two more hours along looping scenic mountain roads to descend to the farming community of Lobeysa, where we visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the fascinating fertility temple of the ‘Divine Madman,’ celebrating the legend of the colorful prankster saint Drukpa Kunley. Continue driving upriver along the banks of the serenely flowing Mochu River until we cross a suspension bridge strewn with prayer flags and arrive at the spectacular Pemako, a lodge that was inspired by the ancient Himalayan legend of a perfect hidden land. MARCH 10: PUNAKHA FESTIVAL Get festive with the local people of Punakha and join them at their biggest religious mask dance festival of the year, the Punakha Tshechu, and take in the spectacular performances and the colorful sights and sounds and scenes that are a photographer’s delight. In the afternoon, we walk a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail to cross the longest suspension bridge In Bhutan, and take a short walk on the opposite side of the valley before returning to the lodge for some rest and relaxation. MARCH 11: FESTIVAL / POTOLO ART CAMP / YOUNG MONKS Today we rise early and return to the Punakha Dzong to witness the annual showing of the giant Thongdroel, a religious embroidered appliqué brocade scroll that takes scores of monks to unfurl down a tower that’s at least four stories high. In the afternoon, we take the drive upriver to meet the young monks of Chorten Nyingbo, an ancient monastery, and stop by the nearby hilltop outdoor art camp of our dear friend Asha Kama, a nationally celebrated artist whose gentle, sparkling demeanor belies the fact that many consider him a national treasure. In the evening, we return to the lodge in time to rest for our drive to Gangtey in the morning. MARCH 12: DRIVE TO GANGTEY / CRANES / HIKE This morning, after breakfast, we drive three hours to Gangtey Valley and check in at one of the valley’s newest tented (safari style) camps for a different experience. Visit the crane center, learn about local conservation efforts to protect the endangered cranes and, later, hike the scenic nature trail where we may see the last remaining Black-necked Cranes taking flight or roosting in the valley before their seasonal return back to the high plateau of Tibet. MARCH 13: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG / WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE GOLDEN HOUR TOUR This morning after breakfast we take the five-hour drive to Bumthang. We stop at the Chumey weaving co-op to admire the local handicrafts and vibrant wool and yak-hair weavings which originated in the region. This evening we arrive in Bumthang in time for the golden hour tour and photoshoot of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum MARCH 14: MUSEUM TOUR & INTERIOR PHOTOSHOOT / LOCAL SIGHTSEEING We return to Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum in the morning for a comprehensive tour and photoshoot of the interiors—the old cobblestone courtyards, the delicately painted walls and interiors (using natural mineral pigments), the time-worn wooden stairways and ladders, and the various display rooms, chambers and floors of the museum. Afterwards we take the “pilgrim‘s walk,“ visiting temples and monasteries from the seventh to the 17th centuries. We take a lovely picnic lunch beside the river, before crossing the modern steel-span bridge to the other side of the valley to continue our walk and visit the Tamshing Monastery where the faded mud walls with ancient paintings leaves one with a deep sense of taking a step back in time. The end of the walk brings us to a beloved local brewery, the Red Panda, where we stop to try local handmade tasties, fermented Red Panda beer (if dietary restrictions allow), fresh local apple cider and apple juice, Himalayan (wheat) dumplings, or locally grown potato, and local Emmemthaler Swiss cheese made on site at the next door dairy collective. MARCH 15: CHAMKHAR RIVER COUNTRY WALK Today we have all day to take a leisurely country ramble through the scenic villages upriver on both sides of the aquamarine Chamkhar River. We stop at local heritage sites like Thangbi and Ngang Lhakhang, or the ‘Swan Temple,’ with a picnic lunch or meal at the ancient monastery. Return to the lodge in Jakar after a tour of the sacred images inside the temple, and after learning about the monastery’s interesting origins. MARCH 16: TANG VALLEY / VILLAGE TREK / OGYEN CHOLING MUSEUM Today, take the leisurely two-hour drive from Jakar to Ogyen Choling bridge, and hike uphill through frozen-in-time villages to the Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum, featured in Dwell magazine, and the New York Times. We take a tour the museum and enjoy delicious meals prepared on site using organic ingredients grown on the property’s gardens lovingly tended by the hosts, the noble lady Ashi Kunzang, and her Swiss husband, the (retired) forestry advisor Walter Roder. Both are a wealth of local information and lore. The lodge also provides the incredible opportunity to discover and meditate in the manor’s exquisite Tara Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Compassion. MARCH 17: VILLAGE TREK TO JAKAR / BUDDHIST BLESSINGS After a lovely, sumptuous breakfast with our gracious hosts, we continue the drive to the Tang Pemacholing Nunnery to meet with the inspiring resident nuns before walking along a pine forested trail to the high pass over Jakar, followed by a descent into the valley with spectacular views of the valley on both sides as we descend into Jakar. MARCH 18: FLIGHT TO PARO / THIMPHU / CAPITAL SIGHTS Your day begins with a short but dramatic early morning flight past snowy Himalayan peaks, the deeply forested valleys and gorges of Bhutan cut through with glacial rivers running down from the high mountains. Drukair KB013 departs Bumthang 6:30 AM and arrives in Paro at 7:05 AM, following which we drive 1.5 hours to Thimphu to check in at your secluded lodge hidden among pine trees above the capital. A morning visit to the Bhutan Foundation offices, to meet country director Norbu Dema to learn about the foundation’s wide ranging activities to support Gross National Happiness and socially progressive programs in Bhutan kicks off another full day of exploration. Stop by the city’s markets, art galleries, shops, the textile museum, and the school of traditional arts and crafts. In the late afternoon, walk to the Takin Zoo, and see Bhutan‘s curiously formed national animal. Take the ancient Takin trail to the hilltop Wind Horse art installations left there by our old friend, the artist Kama Wangdi, as lessons in ecological awareness. MARCH 19: LAMP LIGHTING CEREMONY / HIKE / CENTENARY MARKET This morning after breakfast we visit the 17th century Changangkha Temple to light butter lamps for world peace, followed by the two hour uphill hike to the giant 169-feet brass statue of the sitting Buddha Dordenma. Lunch is at the Chuniding Organic Café or the Ambient, one of the city’s most popular and busiest lunch spots, followed by a late afternoon stroll through the capital’s vibrant centenary farmers market. MARCH 20: DRIVE TO PARO /TIGER’S NEST HIKE / FAREWELL This morning we drive 1.5 hours to the trailhead in Paro, and hike up to famous Tiger’s nest monastery. In the afternoon, we have a final opportunity to browse the market and buy local gifts and souvenirs, or stay at the lodge for a round of archery with your Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. MARCH 21: DEPARTURE FOR BANGKOK Your return flight to Bangkok Drukair KB 152 leaves at 11 AM and lands at 3:10 PM in Bangkok ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES March 09 - 21, 2025 $65,260/- ________ INCLUDED IN PRICE (All ground costs) SDF Government Taxes and Fees: $4,800 total Visas: $160 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x2 suites = $3,000 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x2 suites = $3,000 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x2 suites = $3,000 Amankora Bumthang: $2,400 x 2 Suites x4 = $1,9200 Pemako Thimphu: $1,200x 2 Suites x2 nights =$4,800 Uma Paro: $1,300 x2 Suites/1 Family Villa= $2,600 ADDITIONAL (Air) Roundtrip flights BUSINESS from BANGKOK: $1,314/- per person One-way flight from Bumthang to Paro: $204 x 4 =$816 *** GRAND TOTAL (GROUND & AIR): $71,332/- $48,760/- ________ INCLUDED IN PRICE (All ground costs) SDF Government Taxes and Fees: $4,800 Visas: $160 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x 1 = $1,500 Pemako Punakha: 1,500 x 1 = $1,500 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x 1 = $1,500 Amankora Bumthang: $2,400 x 1 room x4 = $9,600 Pemako Thimphu: $1,200x2nights = $2,400 Uma Paro: $1,300 x 2rooms/1 Family Villa = $2,600 ADDITIONAL Roundtrip flights BUSINESS from BANGKOK: $1,314/- per person One-way flight from Bumthang to Paro: $204 x 4 =$816 *** GRAND TOTAL (GROUND & AIR): $54,832 $41,960/- ________ INCLUDED IN PRICE (All ground costs) SDF Government Taxes and Fees: $4,800 Visas: $160 Pemako: $1,500 x2 $3,000 Pemako: $1,500 x2 $3,000 Pemako: $1,500 x2 $3000 Uma Paro: $1,300 x2rooms/1 Family Villa $2,600 Zhiwa Ling Ascent x2 n $700 ADDITIONAL Roundtrip flights BUSINESS from BANGKOK: $1,314/- per person One-way flight from Bumthang to Paro: $204 x 4 =$816 *** GRAND TOTAL (GROUND & AIR): $48,032 DATE LUXURY LODGES (2 SUITES) LUXURY LODGES (1 FAMILY SUITE)* MIXED LUXURY & HERITAGE LODGES (2 SUITES) *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. PLEASE ADD: $1,400 per person (business class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for the One-Way internal domestic PRIVATE CHARTERED flight requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for chartered flights. Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. We will all arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION $65,260/- ________ INCLUDED IN PRICE (All ground costs) SDF Government Taxes and Fees: $4,800 total Visas: $160 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x2 suites = $3,000 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x2 suites = $3,000 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x2 suites = $3,000 Amankora Bumthang: $2,400 x 2 Suites x4 = $1,9200 Pemako Thimphu: $1,200x 2 Suites x2 nights =$4,800 Uma Paro: $1,300 x2 Suites/1 Family Villa= $2,600 ADDITIONAL (Air) Roundtrip flights BUSINESS from BANGKOK: $1,314/- per person One-way flight from Bumthang to Paro: $204 x 4 =$816 *** GRAND TOTAL (GROUND & AIR): $71,332/- $48,760/- ________ INCLUDED IN PRICE (All ground costs) SDF Government Taxes and Fees: $4,800 Visas: $160 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x 1 = $1,500 Pemako Punakha: 1,500 x 1 = $1,500 Pemako Punakha: $1,500 x 1 = $1,500 Amankora Bumthang: $2,400 x 1 room x4 = $9,600 Pemako Thimphu: $1,200x2nights = $2,400 Uma Paro: $1,300 x 2rooms/1 Family Villa = $2,600 ADDITIONAL Roundtrip flights BUSINESS from BANGKOK: $1,314/- per person One-way flight from Bumthang to Paro: $204 x 4 =$816 *** GRAND TOTAL (GROUND & AIR): $54,832 $41,960/- ________ INCLUDED IN PRICE (All ground costs) SDF Government Taxes and Fees: $4,800 Visas: $160 Pemako: $1,500 x2 $3,000 Pemako: $1,500 x2 $3,000 Pemako: $1,500 x2 $3000 Uma Paro: $1,300 x2rooms/1 Family Villa $2,600 Zhiwa Ling Ascent x2 n $700 ADDITIONAL Roundtrip flights BUSINESS from BANGKOK: $1,314/- per person One-way flight from Bumthang to Paro: $204 x 4 =$816 *** GRAND TOTAL (GROUND & AIR): $48,032 DATE LUXURY LODGES (2 SUITES) LUXURY LODGES (1 FAMILY SUITE)* MIXED LUXURY & HERITAGE LODGES (2 SUITES) *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. PLEASE ADD: $1,400 per person (business class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for the One-Way internal domestic PRIVATE CHARTERED flight requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for chartered flights. Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. We will all arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “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 (U.S.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS Luxury & Heritage Lodges PRIVATE DURATION 13 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

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A private journey to Bumthang, Punakha, Paro and Beyond LEARN MORE PRIVATE TAILORMADE JOURNEY Treasures and Textiles of Bhutan Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. Six Senses Bumthang Dining Six Senses Bumthang Cottage Six Senses Bumthang Bedroom AndBeyond Punakha Room & Bath AndBeyond Punakha, Outdoor Verandah AndBeyond Punakha, al fresco dining Amankora Thimphu Amankora Thimphu outdoor space Amankora Thimphu, courtyard prayer wheels Amankora Thimphu, outdoor dining Amankora Thimphu, Staff walking stairs A private journey to Bumthang, Punakha, Paro and Beyond SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link We take you on an in-depth guided journey across Bhutan, stopping at some of the most atmospheric Buddhist temples and nunneries in the kingdom. Next, a heli-flight to a remote village known for its weavers who live in the eastern interiors of the country, for a peek into its vibrant textile traditions. Then, a scenically spectacular flight over the kingdom’s dramatic Himalayan terrain to attend an ancient festival in the old capital of Bhutan, followed by the exciting museums, markets and social life of the modern capital. And, finally, a one-on-one opportunity to receive a personal instruction in Himalayan meditation techniques from a well-known reincarnated Buddhist teacher, before continuing your travels home with an armload of special memories. HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY Arriving from an early flight in Delhi, we connect directly via a short but spectacular mountain flight to Jakar, the spiritual heart of Bumthang. There, visit a royal palace that’s being lovingly restored as a museum for the future , preserving the royal culture and spiritual treasures of the kingdom. Visit the inspiring nuns of Pemacholing at their remote monastery in Tang, hidden among the quiet folds of the mountains, before stopping by a series of atmospheric temples and monasteries from the seventh to the 17th centuries. Learn about local traditions, like the colorful yak-and-wool weavings for which the region is famous. Next, take the Heli flight to Khoma, where the famed royal weavers of bhutan live, and spend the morning there, learning about their fascinating traditions and techniques before a spectacular return over the deep valleys and gorges, and high alpine ridges where prayer flags murmur benedictions to the wind, finally arriving in Punakha, the ancient Bhutanese capital. Here, attend the first major annual religious mask dance festival of the year, the Punakha Drubchhen, sometimes also known as the Punakha Procession of Warriors . Toward the end, we transfer to the modern capital, Thimphu, where we explore museums, markets, the sights and sounds, and meet interesting and notable capital society members, and attend any royal audiences you may be invited to attend. Close out your journey back in Paro with a personal meditation instruction from Chung Rimpoche, a reincarnated Buddhist abbot of the Longchen Nyingthik or “The Great Heart Essence“ discipline. VIEW DAY BY DAY MARCH 03 : ARRIVAL/PARO, BHUTAN Your flight to Paro, Drukair KB203, departs Delhi at 6 AM and lands in Paro at 8 AM. After we greet you on arrival, we stop by the mountain Café for organic Bhutanese-grown coffee and light snacks while your bags are being transferred to the domestic flight to Jakar, Drukair KB012, departing at 11 AM and arriving at 11:35 AM. Following arrival in Bumthang, enjoy a refreshing lunch at the Six Senses lodge prepared with local organic ingredients. In the afternoon, we take you on a walkabout to stretch your legs and see the lay of the land, a lovely valley set on both sides of the aquamarine Chamkhar River, full of wood and stone homes in the traditional style, dominated by a dramatic fortress on the hill, the Jakar Dzong or “Castle of the White Crane.“ You may like us to schedule a private add-on spa treatment at the lodge before dinner to help you ease out of any remaining jet lag. (Please let us know ahead of time if this is what you’d like.) Meals included: Lunch, Dinner. Accommodations: the Six Senses Forest within a Forest, Bumthang MARCH 04 : BUMTHANG EXCURSIONS & EXPERIENCES Lace up your walking boots today for an exciting excursion into the surpassingly lovely (and peaceful!) interiors of Bhutan’s central highlands. We enter a mythical landscape of saints and “burning“ lakes, and hidden valleys as we stop by the holy gorge in the river where the 15th-century mystic, Pema Lingpa, discovered hidden religious relics and treasures; a mountaintop nunnery, where nuns of all ages from across Bhutan spend their days in work, prayer and contemplation; a sacred cliff whose craggy face still bears the marks of a holy tiger’s “scratches”; and, finally, the lovely palace of Ogyen Choling, a museum and lovingly-restored heritage home, where we have a lovely organic lunch and spend some time in deep contemplation inside the atmospheric Tara temple, a shrine dedicated to the feminine Bodhisattva of Compassion. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: the Six Senses Forest within a Forest, Bumthang MARCH 05 : PALACE MUSEUM & JAKAR Today, after breakfast, take the short drive to the exquisitely-restored palace-museum of Wangduechhoeling , a royal seat of the Bhutanese kings. After exploring the galleries of the museum, which takes us on a journey through the culture and history of Bhutan using state-of-the-art multi-media presentations, we continue our walk or drive further down the valley, stopping at the home of a famous local weaver. Later, following a picnic lunch by the river, we cross the new steel bridge over the Chamkhar river to continue up the hill to the Dorjibi (women's co-op) Weaving Center, a storehouse of local, handmade textiles. In the late afternoon, or early evening, we end back at the Six Senses, or continue further down the hill to sample the Swiss-Bhutanese-inspired offerings at the Red Panda Cafe. The two countries have a long and friendly history, and this cafe (or the guest house up the hill) run by a Swiss-Bhutanese family is the best place to experience the culinary crossroads where the two countries meet in their love of heavy, hearty, cheesy food. On tap, the locally famous Red Panda beer, brewed with special, gut-health-promoting fermentation processes. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: the Six Senses Forest within a Forest, Bumthang MARCH 06 : HELI-FLIGHT TO KHOMA/PUNAKHA This morning, after breakfast, take the dramatic heli-flight east to the Lhuentse district and the famed village of Khoma, where the best weavers of Bhutan are born and trained. Khoma has a long and storied history of producing the best artisans of the weaving trade. Most, in the past, went on to become weavers for the royal households. Stopping in Lhuentse, take the short walk up to Khoma village for a tour to meet some of the well-known local weavers and learn more about their skills and techniques, before returning via the deep gorges and valleys of central Bhutan to Punakha, the ancient capital, set amid the abundant rice fields of West Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: AndBeyond River Lodge Punakha MARCH 07 : THE PUNAKHA FESTIVAL This morning, join the residents of Punakha, dressed in their season's best silks and brocades, headed to one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Crossing the ancient cantilever bridge, enter the grand fortress of Punakha, surrounded by scented jacaranda trees, and accessed by an impressive set of medieval stone steps and wooden ladders. Experience a feast of sights and sounds as the clash of cymbals and drums announce the start of the festival, attended by some of the highest-ranking monks and royalty, as well as government dignitaries. (You can read our report on the festival here: The Pomp & Circumstance of Bhutan's Punakha Warriors Festival ). Later this afternoon, return to the lodge for a relaxed picnic beside the river, or join us on a set of available excursions to a local nunnery, to meet a famous national artist at his hilltop open studio , or to hike to a famous pagoda in the valley . Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: AndBeyond River Lodge Punakha MARCH 08 : PUNAKHA TO THIMPHU Today, we take the three-hour drive back to the modern capital, Thimphu. If you're feeling adventurous, we can take you on a guided trek to a beautiful, mountain-top shrine with 360-degree views of the high Himalayan peaks. Alternately, continue on to the capital, arriving at the Amankora Thimphu lodge in time for a sumptuous lunch, followed by an excursion to the city to meet the Royal Textile Academy's director, Rinzi Dorji. In the late afternoon, we wander the city and its markets or proceed to the Bhutan Foundation offices to learn about their wide-ranging projects targeting programs that aim to ehance services and growth in education, health, culture, the environment, happiness, and rural upliftment among others. We will also be on call for any royal audiences you may receive invitations for. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Amankora Thimphu Lodge MARCH 09 : CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS Today we make space in the day for capital city highlights such as a visit to the giant Buddha Dordenma, which watches over the capital; a visit to 14th-century Changangkha Temple, which has one ofthe most beautiful Avalokiteshvara images in the kingdom, or a short walk to the Wangditse temple, which offers some of the best views of Bhutan's rapidly urbanizing capital. We also keep room for potential meetings with any interesting local personalities as well as visits to local art galleries, and crafts markets, or to meet and visit the famous silversmiths who create much of the new temple art—besides personalized gold and silver jewelry—in the country. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Amankora Thimphu Lodge MARCH 10 : VISIT NUNNERY/MEDITATION Today we drive one-hour to the Paro Valley and meet with the Chung Trulku Rimpoche, a renowned abbot of the Longchen Nyingthik tradition. We visit his nunnery and learn about his efforts to support the education and training of the nuns, and receive a one-on-one instruction in Vajrayana meditation from him. Later in the evening, make a quick run into the bustling center of Paro to pick up last minute gifts, or spend a relaxed evening trying your hand at the national sport of archery on the pine-forested grounds of the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Paro Uma Resort by COMO MARCH 11 : DEPARTURE/DELHI This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, take the drive to the Paro airport in time for your departing flight Drukair KB202, with take-off at 11:55 a.m. and arrival in Delhi at 1:45 p.m. Indian Standard Time. NOTES ON INDIAN VISAS INDIAN E-VISA You can apply for an e-Visa before traveling via a simple online form. This is the Indian government e-visa issuer, although there are private ones also this is most reliable. Link: Online Indian E-Visa You’ll want to choose the Tourist e-Visa for 30 days, not the other kinds. The 30-day visa allows two entries into India, which is handy since they consider each transit a single trip. All e-Visas take at least 72 hours to process, so be sure to do it well ahead of time! YOUR FEATURED LODGES Please visit the following links to learn more about the featured lodges on this trip. Bumthang: The Six Senses Forest within a Forest Punakha: AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge Thimphu: The Amankora Thimphu Lodge Paro: The Paro Uma Resort by COMO SPECIAL NOTES & DISCLAIMERS ITINERARY Please note that all trip and itinerary descriptions are accurate at the time of publication. While we strive to keep the actual running of the trips as close to our original description as possible we cannot rule out changes or modifications and, or, variations on the ground as a result of factors that may be beyond our control. If such circumstances occur, we always strive to do better, or at minimum match the trip described but this may not always be possible. ACCOMMODATIONS Infrequently, we may also have to swap out the lodges and accommodations listed on your trip as a result of seasonal overbooking; in such instances we will always find a comparable hotel of the same category and amenities as replacement/s. AIRFARE COSTS Please note that while we make every endeavor to accurately price our trips, airfares subject to change by the airline are outside our control . As a result, current charter flight costs currently included the trip trip may change and we may be forced to generate a final additional invoice to make up any such potential differences in cost. While we don't expect this to happen in this case, a reduced number of travelers may result in a per-individual fare increase for which we will send out an addendum invoice if the occasion arises, within reason, to cover any such potential shortfalls. Guests will be notified of any such changes well before trip departure. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES March 03 - 11, 2025 $24,800/- Per Person All ground costs inclusive at Luxury Lodges category (please see more information about the lodges by visiting the lodges linked under the itinerary inclusions) ________ ADDITIONAL COSTS 1. Government SDF Taxes and Fees: $800 per person 2. Government Monuments and Entry Fees: $200 per person 3. Roundtrip flights from Delhi Business Class: $1,122 per person 4. Heli-flight from Bumthang to Khoma to Punakha: From $10,938++ with each additional hour of wait in Khoma beyond one free hour at $2,188/- per hour (Please note: ***Heli fees are estimated and subject to change by heli operator***) *** DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. PLEASE ADD: $1,400 per person (business class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for the One-Way internal domestic PRIVATE CHARTERED flight requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for chartered flights. Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. We will all arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION $24,800/- Per Person All ground costs inclusive at Luxury Lodges category (please see more information about the lodges by visiting the lodges linked under the itinerary inclusions) ________ ADDITIONAL COSTS 1. Government SDF Taxes and Fees: $800 per person 2. Government Monuments and Entry Fees: $200 per person 3. Roundtrip flights from Delhi Business Class: $1,122 per person 4. Heli-flight from Bumthang to Khoma to Punakha: From $10,938++ with each additional hour of wait in Khoma beyond one free hour at $2,188/- per hour (Please note: ***Heli fees are estimated and subject to change by heli operator***) *** DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. PLEASE ADD: $1,400 per person (business class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for the One-Way internal domestic PRIVATE CHARTERED flight requiring a minimum of 12 passengers for chartered flights. Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. We will all arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS Our cultural expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with distinguished accommodations featuring a traditional ambience. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers who think nothing of a single guide leading an entire busload of travelers, we maintain a maximum of 4 guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions guide, not counting support staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventure with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “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 (U.S.) See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end Luxe Lodges PRIVATE DURATION 09 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE ACTIVE ● CULTURE ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Observations and images from two decades trekking along Bhutan's famous Jomolhari trail. | SLIDESHOW | BHUTAN'S GODDESS MOUNTAIN | Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. Swipe left on image for Next Slide; right for Previous Slide; scroll down for caption READ CAPTION 1. Kado, 26, Mountain Man. Over the nearly two decades that I have been guiding the trails to Mount Jomolhari (24,038ft), I have fallen in love with the people as much as the landscape. To breathe the rarefied air of these mountains one must pay a price. International trekkers and recreational hikers have to train for months (and save a lot) to get here. The people who are born in these mountains must deal with the extreme cold of the winters, and the lack of creature comforts most people take for granted. The landscape has a way of chiseling out the inessentials. Each time I walk these mountains among my proud Drokpa cousins who live here year-round, like 26-year old Kado, I am reminded of all the things we should let go to live life right: things like pride, vanity, the illusion of “control,” and the worst habit of modern conditioning—the tendency to move on to the next thing without showing up for the present, the precious here and now. Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 2. Unveiling the Goddess Each year, our annual trek into the lap of Mount Jomolhari—Bhutan's second highest peak—feels more like a pilgrimage. Streaked by waterfalls and fingers of perennial snow, the massive exposed rock face of Bhutan's mountain goddess gives no sense of the sheer magnitude of the peak. No camera can capture the scope and grandeur of the holy mountain. Black cliffs disappear into a sea of towering mist that extends to the sky that, when the “goddess smiles,” reveals the immensity of her snowy crown. According to the Drokpa people who have always lived under her gaze, Ama Jomo or “Mother Goddess” watches over them, and over the world. “Chomolhari (alternate spelling) gives a greater impression of sheer height and inaccessibility than any other mountain I know”, wrote the well-known English explorer F. Spencer Chapman in 1939. “It drops in a series of almost vertical rock precipices to the foothills beneath. It is thought by many to be the most beautiful mountain in the whole length of the Himalaya.” Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 3. Beauty & Respect The powerful landscape of the Jomolhari region quiets the mental chatter of our days and brings an awed silence in its place. No room here for ego-driven exploits, no place too for the closing of doors on one another. The immensity of the mountains and the landscape makes specks of us all and the stark vagaries of mountain weather means we always tread respectfully. As native-born Himalayan guides to trekkers and mountain enthusiasts, it is our great responsibility and privilege to care for the safety of everyone who travels with us. We constantly train ourselves to watch and learn from local mountain weather patterns, we are always respectful of the indigenous knowledge the Drokpa nomads and herders share so generously with us. We listen and learn from local lore, the advice of local elders, the experiences of other guides, park officials, local authorities and conservationists, always putting the safety of the group first. It is a fine balance, this enjoyment of the abundant beauty of the Mountain Goddess and her people, and doing it in ways that are safe, respectful and non-exploitative. Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 4. Entreaty from the Mountains Our longtime friend Ap Dawa, pictured here in front of Mount Jomolhari, and his sons provide and handle our trekking mules through the Jomolhari region. Although pushing 70, Ap Dawa is nimble and surefooted. Each year he leads us on a merry chase up and down the high slopes that provide some of the best views around Basecamp Jomolhari. As a respected local elder, he also performs an ancient ritual that has now become a regular part of our treks. From a simple open-air stone altar on the spreading yak meadow below Bhutan’s second highest peak (24,038ft), Ap Dawa offers our prayers to the entity his people call “the Mother Goddess Mountain.” Ap Dawa’s ancestors have lived in the shadow of Mount Jomolhari since time immemorial. As Mangi Ap or designated village elder of the settlements around Jomolhari Basecamp for many years, he advocated for the needs of nomadic communities in the region. His standing in the valleys surrounding Jomolhari ensures our smooth passage through the region. Speaking about the effects of climate change Ap Dawa says he has noticed receding glaciers in his lifetime. “When I was young our precious goddess was covered head to toe in a gown of pure-white snow. Not so much anymore," he says. “If all the wise and powerful people in the advanced nations of the world work together [to reduce the effects of climate change] I am sure they can help us save our way of life.” Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 5. Elemental Things Crossing the Nyile La pass, in excess of 16,000-feet, you come upon this view. The first glimpse of the Lingshi Dzong after cresting the high ridge always makes me think of two things. That we are, in the overall scheme of things, really quite puny. Yet, something about the way the snow-clouds drift over the muscled slopes and ridges of the mountains, the occasional roar of a waterfall, a calving glacier in the distance, the audible shifting of great banks of snow—which can sound like a jet airplane—and the way one can truly kiss the clouds in this high region of the Bhutan Himalaya, also reminds me that we can be one with the grand, inexplicable movements of nature. The superfluous melts away, replaced by vital elemental things: Gratitude. Breath. Beauty. And, of course, Weather! Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 6. Rich or Poor One time, we set up camp near a yak-herder's tent, at an altitude of about 12,300 feet. There we met Drokpa matriarch Keza Om (62, right), head of a family numbering three daughters—one of whom, Zom (30), is pictured here—a niece, two grandchildren and two sons-in-law. From her seasonal stone-enclosure "roofed" by nothing more than a sheet of fraying tarpaulin, she manages a herd of some 80 yaks. Keza Om weathers snowstorms, freezing rains and high winds with unwavering equanimity, only pausing in her chores to stoke the small smoky fireplace that warms the tiny space. There's not much here but everything is essential: the little plastic containers of cooking oil that have been cut away at the neck to be re-purposed as water buckets, the aluminum pots and pans for cooking meals and boiling milk, the churns for making butter and cheese, the prayer beads around her neck for remembering her daily rounds of Buddhist chanting; even the incongruous rubber tire carried up the mountain by a son-in-law now reincarnated in the meadow as a feeding trough for her yaks! Sitting amid such meager cobbled possessions Keza Om's life seems hard and penurious. But the depth of her smile, and the largess of her welcome, says otherwise. Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 7. Blue Sheep At the source of rivers, near the lairs of snow leopards, we see a stampeding herd of rare Himalayan Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur ). [Watch Video Clip ] These elegant ungulates were perhaps made most famous by the detailed studies of the celebrated biologist George B. Schaller, who wrote “Since blue sheep are the snow leopard’s principal prey…the two species are ecologically bound to each other.” In Bhutan, local conservationist friends of the snow leopards take heart from the sightings of such healthy herds of blue sheep. Depending on size, maturity and season, their coats (“pelage” is the proper scientific term) range from brown to slate blue. The strong numbers of blue sheep, combined with recent photographs of snow leopards captured using camera “traps”, and the frequent sightings of the beautiful cats by local yak herders in the Jomolhari region, provide encouraging circumstantial evidence. There are indications that the extremely endangered cat, sometimes called the “ghost of the mountains” because of its elusive nature, continues to survive—perhaps even thrive—in Bhutan where strong environmental policies protect their habitats. Traveling through this incredible landscape I am always reminded of the words of Peter Mathiessen, author of The Snow Leopard : “All is moving, full of power, full of light.” Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. READ CAPTION 8. Jewel of the Mountains No narrative of Jomolhari would be complete without mentioning yaks. In the high, arid region where agriculture is impossible, many locals say they probably would not survive without their herds. "Our yaks give us life," Apa Penjor an elder of Jomolhari (now deceased) told me nearly 20 years ago, when I first visited the region to write about a livestock disease affecting the region's herds. "They are our most precious possession." Cheese, milk and butter from the yaks are bartered for grains, fresh produce, spices and other provisions that are in short supply in these high valleys. Yak hair is spun into blankets, ropes and yurts, and yak dung provides fuel for fires. When we hike the spectacular slopes and valleys around Jomolhari, we often meet men, women, children and elders herding their yaks—sometimes called Norbu Rinpoche or "Inexhaustible Precious Jewel"—following traditional grazing patterns that have remained unchanged for centuries. READ CAPTION 9. The March of Progress And yet, despite the immense beauty of the landscape, the steady march of "progress," is also creeping into the formerly pristine Jomolhari region. While it would be easy to bemoan the visual dissonance of electrical poles and lines in these beautiful surroundings, we can no longer deny the aspirations of local people for what they deem to be better lives. For one, electricity means children can study longer and do better at school. These men carrying the metal poles up into the mountains are paid by business contractors who have the mandate to supply electricity to the settlements around Jomolhari. I recently spoke to a young man who was working the route to support his parents who are farmers in another part of the country. Norbu (26), was carrying 55lbs to 60lbs daily, the weight of the metal poles on which will eventually be strung wires carrying an as yet indiscernible number of modern impulses into the heart of Jomolhari. Wearing cheap rubber flip-flops, he was weaving a little and stopped to rest when I talked to him. "I sometimes make about Nu. 2000 a day (about US $30) doing this work," he said, catching his breath. "I am saving the money so I can help my parents put a new roof on our house in my village." More recently, a helicopter service took to delivering these heavy poles and frequently creates a stir in a place where such intrusions were previously unknown. READ CAPTION 10. Protecting the Magic Yet, despite encroaching modernity, Jomolhari remains one of the most magical places in the world. We routinely enjoy such incredible experiences with our guests as this starry night at our camp in front of the snow-covered peak. The challenges cannot be ignored but Bhutan has some of the most stringent environmental policies protecting its untouched places. We take hope from the fact that—as a country that sets aside more than 42 percent of its land mass in a system of protected areas—there are strong measures to mitigate tourism impacts: campsites are designated to reduce potential environmental conflicts, everything brought in is packed out, and special fees pay for environmental cleanups. Nationwide, regulations concerning land use, the use of natural resources, and environmental protection laws have made Bhutan a carbon-negative country. Places like Jomolhari have a sacredness that should be preserved for all time, an endeavor in which we all have a role to play: those of us who seek to share the life-transforming beauties of the region with our guests, the visitors who are fortunate enough to walk the hallowed valleys beneath the gaze of the mountain goddess, and the local governments and environmental agencies who seek to balance the needs of the people with the imperative to "leave nothing but footprints." Slideshow: Bhutan's Goddess Mountain Although the growing impact of tourism and creeping modernity can no longer be denied, Bhutan's Jomolhari, or "Goddess Mountain," remains one of the world's great treks. By Karma Dorji Our Travel Programs Coordinator has been trekking into the lap of Mount Jomolhari for over two decades. Here he shares his insights about the region alongside images he shot during our recent journeys there. Inspired? See dates and prices for our upcoming Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Like this? 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An intimate adventure for the Pacher family & friends, connecting with nature and the deep heart of Bhutan LEARN MORE TREK & CULTURE Timeless Bhutan: In the Footsteps of Monica & Fritz von Schulthess Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. Infinity pool at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro Staff, carrying lamp by prayer wheels, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Terrace room bedroom suite, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Paro Restaurant and gallery, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary Paro Traditional terrace at the Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge Indoor murals at the Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge Lawn side profile of main ancestral building at the Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge Foyer and waiting room, Haa Zingkha Heritage Lodge Twin bedded guestroom at the Mendegang Heritage Lodge Cooking green beans from the garden, the Mendegang Heritage Lodge Bougainvillea draped entryway, the Mendegang Heritage Lodge Farmer threshing rice in front of the Mendegang Heritage Lodge Valley view veranda, the Gangtey Tented Lodge View of the valley from Gangtey Tented Lodge Interior view of rooms at the Gangtey Tented Lodge Easter eggs and fresh baked traditional Swiss bread at the Kharsumphe Swiss Guest House Walkway to buildings at the Kharsumphe Swiss Guest House The legendary annual spring blossoms at the Kharsumphe Swiss Guest House Side view of the main building, the Kharsumphe Swiss Guest House Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions trekking camp Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions trekking camp Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions trekking camp Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions trekking camp Guest entrance, Paro Uma Lodge by Como Guest lounge, Paro Uma Lodge by Como An intimate adventure for the Pacher family & friends, connecting with nature and the deep heart of Bhutan SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link This journey traces Bhutan’s great valleys during the beautiful rhododendron flowering season. From the quiet fields of Haa to the monasteries and museums of Bumthang, and back again to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest in Paro, we cross high passes draped in prayer flags, we descend into the river-fed terraces of Punakha, where the golden spires of its fortress rise at the confluence of two rivers. We meet Buddhist nuns at their mountaintop retreat, an award-winning artist at his hillside studio, and stay with farming families who provide us warm hospitality that reveals the living traditions that anchor Bhutan’s culture. The journey leads on to Gangtey, winter home of the Black-necked Crane, and into Bumthang, the spiritual heart of the kingdom. Here, weaving centers, ancient monasteries, and the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum offer insight into Bhutan’s history, while alpine treks and high ridges open to sweeping views. Evenings bring the taste of valley harvests, Swiss-inspired cheese, and locally brewed beer shared with the multi-faceted Swiss-born man who introduced the widespread dairy-and-agriculture-based ventures that have made the Bumthang region famous. The journey closes back in Paro with rest and renewal at a forest retreat before the final climb to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most iconic monastery. From sacred caves to royal palaces, from hot stone baths to a ridge-top trek, this is a passage through Bhutan’s landscapes, legends, and living culture — a journey both timeless and deeply personal, covering some of the ground that the family elders walked in earlier times. HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY After arriving in Paro, the journey kicks off in Haa , in a quiet corner of western Bhutan steeped in traditional life. From there, we wind east over the high Chelela Pass , to Dochula Pass , before descending to the warmer climate of Punakha , where the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers meet below Punakha Dzong. Our journey then climbs to the highlands of Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) , a glacial bowl that is winter home to the endangered Black-necked Cranes. Next we continue east to the historic stronghold of Trongsa , and onward over Yotongla Pass to the spiritual heart of Bumthang . In Jakar, Bhutan's modern history intertwines with Swiss friendship. We also take the Kitiphu Ridge and Tharpaling trek , camping at alpine meadows and descending to Tharpaling Monastery, a center of Buddhist learning. The circle closes with a flight back to Paro , where spa treatments and archery sessions provide rest and fun after the trek. Finally, take the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery , Bhutan’s most iconic temple on Paro's holy cliff before your return flight home. VIEW DAY BY DAY APRIL 11, 2026: ARRIVE PARO (BHUTAN SPIRIT SANCTUARY) Flight: Drukair KB081, Dubai → Paro Depart at 04:10 AM, arrive 10:40 AM Elevation: Paro ~2,200 m Plan: Private transfer up into the hills. Check in at your unique luxury lodge, slow acclimatization, herbal tea and rest. Afternoon consultation with the in-house Drungtsho (traditional physician) to tailor your spa and wellness plan. Evening hot stone bath or steam therapy. Learn more... Arrive at the lodge to a warm welcome from the resident lama, who performs a traditional lhabsang blessing to ensure a good stay. In the evening, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner while gazing at the surrounding mountains, farm houses, and the distant monastery on the opposite hill. Weather & Climate (typical April in Paro): Day 12–18 °C; night 0–5 °C. Mostly dry to partly cloudy; brief spring showers possible. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary (Paro) APRIL 12, 2026: PARO WELLNESS DAY Plan: A full day to rest and reset. Optional: breathwork, Ku Nye massage, herbal compress, gentle hillside walk (1–2 hrs, ±150 m). Finish with a simple pranayama session pre-dinner. All these wellness treatments can be booked closer to arrival (or following arrival). Learn more... If you feel more adventurous, we’ll spend the morning visiting Paro’s beautiful temples and monasteries dting from the 7th to 17th centuries, or opt for a light warm-up hike on a lower segment of the Trans Bhutan Trail. This introduction walk takes you along farm tracks and suspension bridges once traversed by monks and traders. In the afternoon, rest and relax back at the lodge, readying yourself for the journey over the pass to Haa. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary (Paro) APRIL 13, 2026: PARO → HAA (TREK ON TBT OR DRIVE) Two ways to reach Haa: - Trek on the western end of the Trans Bhutan Trail: 18–22 km, 7–9 hrs, gain ~+1,200–1,400 m; stunning views. - Drive: 2.5–3.5 hrs via Chele La, plus optional evening village stroll. Weather & Climate: Haa (~2,700 m): Day 8–14 °C; night −3–2 °C. Learn more... Begin early, climbing steeply out of Paro valley onto the centuries-old Trans Bhutan Trail. This full-day trek follows ancestral paths over ridges through temperate forests rich with ferns, moss, and wildflowers. As prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, you crest the Kaley La Pass at over 3,500 meters / 11,450 feet, rewarded with sweeping views of snow-clad peaks. The steep descent into Haa brings you past rustic farmhouses and quiet village paths until you reach your accommodation — a local governor’s home, restored as a heritage lodge where warm buckwheat dumplings and herbal tea await. The trek takes 6 to 8 hours during which we gain more than 1000 m/3500 feet. We hike through pristine forests, cross traditional wooden bridges, panoramic vistas of Mount Jomolhari (Bhutan’s second highest peak) on clear days. Or, whoever doesn't want to trek can take a 2.5-hour drive up the serpentine road to Chele La. Stop at the pass to hang prayer flags and take in the views before descending into the tranquil Haa Valley. Arrive with time for an afternoon village walk and perhaps a hot stone bath to ease your journey. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Zingkha Heritage Lodge (Haa) APRIL 14, 2026: ANCIENT HAATOE VILLAGE, PANORAMIC HIKES & TRADITIONAL BATHS Morning panoramic ridge hike (2.5–4 hrs, +300–500 m), evening hot stone bath and optional icy stream dips. Learn more… Wake to the crisp mountain air and take a morning hike along the Haa Panorama Trail , crossing suspension bridges and wandering through timeless villages. Visit the cliffside Jungney Temple , where a local lama shares stories of the valley’s protective deities and shows us the beautiful wall paintings of the three goddesses of wisdom, compassion and long life. In the afternoon, join a cooking class to make Haa-bi Hoentey , the valley’s signature buckwheat dumplings, followed by an optional traditional hot stone bath in the lodge bathhouse beside the ice-cold mountain stream. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Zingkha Heritage Lodge (Haa) APRIL 15, 2026: HAA → MENDEGANG Elevation: Haa ~2,700 m; Chelela Pass 3,988 m; Thimphu ~2,300 m; Dochula Pass 3,116 m; Mendegang ~1,600 m Drive time: ~5–7 hours total (with sightseeing stops) Learn more... Depart the quiet folds of the Haa Valley in the morning, the road threading through alpine meadows and stands of blue pine before climbing to Chelela Pass (3,988 m) . Here the wind carries the rustle of thousands of prayer flags, and clear skies reveal the glaciated peaks of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake shimmering to the north. Stretch your legs on a short ridge walk or simply pause for tea and mountain air. Descending into Paro Valley (~2,200 m) , we continue on the national highway toward the capital, Thimphu (~2,300 m) . From Thimphu, the road climbs again to Dochula Pass (3,116 m) , ringed by 108 white chortens. On clear days, the entire wall of the eastern Himalaya seems to float above the horizon. Here there is the option to hike to Lungchutse Lhakhang (~3,600 m) , a forest trail beginning at the pass. The path winds through rhododendron and moss-draped fir before opening onto ridges with wide mountain views. The small shrine of Lungchutse, perched high above the clouds, offers one of the most panoramic outlooks in Bhutan. Descending from Dochula, the scenery shifts as temperate conifers give way to warmer forests with orchids and wild banana groves. By late afternoon, arrive at Mendegang Heritage Home (~1,600 m) , a restored ancestral farmhouse overlooking the terraces of Thinleygang, just before the Punakha Valley. After the long drive, settle into the heritage home’s hospitality. Relax in the garden courtyard, or take a short stroll into the village, followed by dinner, which is served in the timbered hall—simple, hearty fare from the family’s own fields, shared with stories of the house’s lineage, which includes a former Prime Minister of Bhutan. Weather & Climate (typical April in Mendegang/Punakha): Day 18–26 °C; night 10–15 °C. Mild evenings, often clear skies; valley fields bright with spring crops. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Mendegang Heritage (Punakha) APRIL 16, 2026: PUNAKHA DZONG, LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE & ARTIST’S HILL VILLAGE Visits to the nunnery, Punakha Dzong, and the suspension bridge; afternoon with artist Asha Kama Wangdi and optional lake hike. Learn more... Plan: We have a full and exciting day today to try and fit in everything that Punakha offers. Start by driving down from Mendegang into the heart of the fertile Punakha Valley (~1,200 m) . The valley is warmer and known for its rice fields and the two main rivers, Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. Start at the Punakha Dzong , one of Bhutan’s most important fortresses. It sits at the meeting point of the two rivers and has played a central role in the country’s history. Walk across its traditional wooden bridge and explore the courtyards and temples inside. Next, cross the Pho Chhu suspension bridge , the longest in Bhutan, with broad views of the river and hillsides. Continue uphill to the Sangay Lhuendrup Nunnery , where you can meet the young nuns and hear them chanting prayers. After this, drive up the hill and enjoy a traditional lunch at Nobgang village , known for its local culinary experience. Here you will be served a range of home-style Bhutanese dishes, prepared from fresh valley ingredients and linked to old recipes passed down through generations in the royal village of Bhutanese queens. In the afternoon, drive to Potolo village (~1,500 m) to visit our friend Asha Kama Wangdi , founder of VAST Bhutan. His studio sits on a hill with open views toward the mountains of Gasa. There is also the option to hike to a sacred lake (~2,400 m) from here if there is time . The trail leads uphill through beautiful forests and winding trails, with butterflies and birdlife along the way. According to local legend, a holy bull lives in the lake and brings prosperity to the valley. Return in the evening to Ama Om’s Homestay , a farmhouse surrounded by rice fields and a small stream. A traditional hot stone bath is prepared outside, next to the mountain stream surrounded by terraced ricefields, followed by a home-cooked dinner and clear local Ara. Weather & Climate (typical April in Punakha): Day 20–27 °C; night 10–15 °C. Warm and mild. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Ama Om’s Homestay (Punakha) APRIL 17, 2026: PUNAKHA → GANGTEY (PHOBJIKHA) Drive to Phobjikha Valley (2.5–3.5 hrs), visit the Black-necked Crane Center, and enjoy nature trails (1.5–2.5 hrs). Elevation: Punakha ~1,200 m; Pelela Pass 3,390 m; Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley ~2,900 m Drive time: ~3–4 hours with stops Learn more... This morning, after breakfast, we drive three hours from Punakha to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) , traveling along winding mountain roads that rise steadily toward Lawala Pass (3,000 m) . From the stupa at the pass, the road descends into the wide glacial valley of Phobjikha, winter home of the rare black-necked cranes. After arrival, visit the Black-necked Crane Center , which provides insight into the ecology of the valley and the conservation efforts to protect these endangered birds. From here, we set out on one of the valley’s nature trails , an easy walk across open meadows and through pine groves with sweeping views of the valley floor and surrounding ridges. By late afternoon, we check in at the Gangtey Tent Resort , set on a ridge overlooking the valley. The glamping lodge blends comfort with a close connection to nature, offering warm hospitality and stunning views of the fields and forests below. Weather & Climate (typical April in Gangtey): Day 8–15 °C; night –3 to 3 °C. Cool, crisp air; possible light showers, but often clear skies in the mornings and evenings. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Gangtey Tent Resort APRIL 18, 2026: GANGTEY → BUMTHANG 5–7 hr scenic drive to Bumthang, reconnect with family friends. Learn more... The road winds east out of Phobjikha Valley, climbing steadily to Pele La Pass (3,390 meters), where the air thins and cools, prayer flags flash in the wind, and the forest deepens into dark green jungles of blue pine and fir. On clear days, the snowy wall of the greater Himalayan peaks line the horizon. The road hugs mountain walls, curling toward Trongsa. At a sharp bend in the road, Trongsa Dzong comes into view. For centuries, this was Bhutan’s political hinge; whoever controlled Trongsa controlled the kingdom. Its whitewashed walls, red‑banded roofs, and inward‑sloping windows cascade down the ridge dropping down to the rushing Mangde River. From here drive up to Yotong La (3,425 meters), the second great pass of the day, where rhododendron groves are colorful in April. Descending from here, the valley widens, meadows give way to clusters of farmhouses, and buckwheat terraces and apple orchards fringe the landscape. In Chumey, we stop at the small yathra weaving village where women work their looms and the shops are full of their beautiful work. The drive today carries you not only across ridges and valleys, but deeper into Bhutan’s layered history, crossing geology, ecology, and the beautiful springtime mountain scenery. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Swiss Guest House APRIL 19, 2026: WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE & PILGRIM’S WALK Morning at the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum; afternoon pilgrimage walk (3–4.5 hrs). Learn more... This full day in Jakar Valley begins at Wangduechhoeling Palace, the former royal residence built in 1857 by the Trongsa Penlop, Jigme Namgyel, father of Bhutan’s first king. It was the first palace in Bhutan not designed as a fortress and today serves as a museum where rooms are preserved with royal artifacts, cultural treasures, photographs, and personal belongings that bring the early monarchy to life. From the palace, set out on foot across the valley floor following the traditional Pilgrim’s Walk. The path links the major monasteries and temples that have shaped the valley’s identity for centuries. Jakar Dzong, known as the Castle of the White Bird, stands high on a ridge above the valley and has been both an administrative and monastic center since the 16th century. Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan and remains an important site for festivals. Continuing along the trail, the walk leads to Kurjey Lhakhang, a complex of temples built around a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body in the rock. This site is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in the country. A little further lies Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by the great Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa. Its murals, some painted by the master himself, are considered among Bhutan’s most important treasures. After Tamshing, continue to Konchogsum Lhakhang, a temple dating to the 7th century, also linked to King Songtsen Gampo. Recently renovated after fire damage, it houses a revered statue of the Buddha that locals believe has the power to speak. As the walk concludes, return to Jakar town for a visit to the Red Panda Brewery. Here you can taste the locally brewed beer and enjoy Swiss-style cheese made in the valley. If his health and schedule permits we meet Fritz Maurer , the Swiss pioneer who introduced cheese making to Bumthang and later founded the brewery. Over a glass of his craft beer and a plate of cheese, he shares stories of Swiss-Bhutanese friendship and his lifelong work blending the two cultures in food and drink. It is a relaxed and memorable way to close a day spent walking in the footsteps of Bhutan’s oldest royal friends and wellwishers, “Apa” Fritz and Monica von Schulthess. Meals: all meals included Lodge: Swiss Guest House APRIL 20–22, 2026: KITIPHU RIDGE & THARPALING TREK (3 DAYS) - April 20: Menchugang → Dhur → Schonath (3450 m camp); 10–12 km; 5–6 hrs; +700–900 m. - April 21: Schonath → Drangela Pass → Kitiphu Ridge (3870 m camp); 9–12 km; 5–7 hrs; +500–600 m. - April 22: Kitiphu Ridge → Zambhalha → Tharpaling → Jakar; 12–16 km; 6–7 hrs; descent ~−1,200 m. Learn more... Trekking information: April 20: Menchugang → Dhur → Schonath (3,450 m camp) Distance: 10–12 km | Time: 5–6 hours | Ascent: +700–900 m Begin from Menchugang , a small settlement outside Jakar, and drive to the trailhead at Dhur village , the largest highland community in Bumthang. The trek begins through mixed forests of blue pine and hardwoods before climbing steadily into hemlock and spruce. By afternoon, reach the meadow of Schonath (3,450 m) , where the campsite is set among old-growth hemlock trees. The forest here is home to the rare musk deer and Himalayan black bear. Evening at camp with wide valley views. Overnight: Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camp April 21: Schonath → Drangela Pass → Kitiphu Ridge (3,870 m camp) Distance: 9–12 km | Time: 5–7 hours | Ascent: +500–600 m From Schonath, the trail ascends steadily to Drangela Pass , crossing rhododendron forests that burst with color in spring. Views open toward the Chamkhar Valley and surrounding ridgelines. Continue climbing to the high meadow campsite on Kitiphu Ridge (3,870 m) . From here, on a clear day, the panorama stretches south to Trongsa and north toward the snow peaks along the Tibetan frontier. The ridge is one of Bumthang’s most spectacular campsites, with far horizons and star-filled skies. Overnight: Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camp April 22: Kitiphu Ridge → Zambhalha → Tharpaling → Jakar Distance: 12–16 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Descent: –1,200 m The final day follows the ridge with sweeping views, then descends toward Zambhalha Lhakhang , a small temple linked to local protective deities. Continue on to Tharpaling Monastery , an important 14th-century Buddhist center founded by Longchenpa, the great Nyingma master. Pilgrims still come here for meditation and retreat. After exploring the monastery complex, descend on foot or by vehicle back into the valley, returning to Jakar (~2,600 m) by evening. Return to the Swiss Guest House for the night. Weather & Climate (typical April in Bumthang highlands): Daytime 8–15 °C; night –3 to 3 °C at camp. Crisp mountain air; rhododendrons in bloom; occasional light showers. Meals: all meals included Trekking overnights: Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps Lodge: Swiss Guest House APRIL 23, 2026: FLY BUMTHANG → PARO Domestic flight (~40 min), spa time, and possible farewell dinner. Learn more... This morning take the short domestic flight from Bumthang (~2,600 m) west across the spine of the Himalaya to Paro (~2,200 m) , a journey of less than an hour that offers dramatic aerial views of the valleys and peaks. On arrival, transfer to Uma Como Paro , a secluded retreat set among pine forests overlooking the valley. The afternoon is left open for rest and renewal . Enjoy a tailored spa treatment at the lodge, drawing on Bhutanese healing traditions to ease the body after the trek. Later, gather with the Bhutan Himalaya team for a friendly round of archery , the national sport, played in the lodge gardens with the laughter and encouragement that always accompany the game. The evening is relaxed, with dinner served in the Uma Como dining room featuring fresh Bhutanese and international dishes. Weather & Climate (typical April in Paro): Day 12–18 °C; night 0–5 °C. Mostly dry, crisp mountain air, and occasional spring showers. Meals: all meals included Lodge: COMO Uma Paro APRIL 24, 2026: TIGER’S NEST & PARO FAREWELL Hike to Tiger’s Nest (6–7 km, +500–600 m, 4–6 hrs); afternoon market visit or archery. Farewell Dinner and formal trip closing. Learn more... This morning set out for the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) , Bhutan’s most famous pilgrimage site, clinging to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor. The hike is 6–7 km roundtrip, gaining about 500–600 m, and takes 4–6 hours at a steady pace. Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the Paro Valley and the monastery itself, which seems to defy gravity as it clings to the mountainside. Inside, explore shrines linked to Guru Rinpoche, who is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress to subdue local demons. Return to Paro in the afternoon. There is time for a visit to the local market to browse handicrafts and souvenirs, or a final round of archery with your Bhutan Himalaya team. In the evening gather for a Farewell Dinner and formal trip closing at the lodge, celebrating the journey across Bhutan and the friendships formed along the way. If her schedule permits, Her Serene Highness Ashi Kesang Choeden, royal granddaughter , will be invited to join the group, lending a special note of Bhutanese grace to the closing evening. Weather & Climate (typical April in Paro): Day 12–18 °C; night 0–5 °C. Clear mornings, cool evenings, occasional spring showers. Meals: all meals included Lodge: COMO Uma Paro APRIL 25, 2026: DEPARTURE TO DELHI → CONNECT TO ZURICH This morning we bring you back to the airport in time for your flight to Delhi Drukair KB202 from Paro (PBH) to Delhi (DEL) departing at 11:55 AM and arriving at 1:45 PM. ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES ~ April 11 - 25 US$14,445/- per person* (15 days) ______ INCLUDES $1,440/- PER PERSON (15 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: ***PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL COST FOR AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** Via Dubai & Delhi + Domestic Flight: DXB PBH Dubai Paro Business $1,249 Per Person PBH DEL Paro Delhi Business $616 Per Person BUTPBH Bumthang Paro $250 Per Person _____________ Total $2,115 *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 15 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$14,445/- per person* (15 days) ______ INCLUDES $1,440/- PER PERSON (15 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: ***PLEASE ADD ADDITIONAL COST FOR AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW*** Via Dubai & Delhi + Domestic Flight: DXB PBH Dubai Paro Business $1,249 Per Person PBH DEL Paro Delhi Business $616 Per Person BUTPBH Bumthang Paro $250 Per Person _____________ Total $2,115 *** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 15 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. DATE *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2026 Dates & Prices 2026 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities Single Traveler Supplements All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags, community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (we reccomend you bring your own fitted hiking poles and personal sleeping bag liners ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous. Please See the "About Trekking Expeditions" tab below for further details and notes on trip participation fitness. The cultural portions of this trip are rate moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs. Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more. Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS Mix of luxury lodges & authentic local lodges GROUP SIZE Private DURATION 15 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Easy to Challenging RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE Culture ● Trek ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US

Trek to Bhutan's pristine Snow Leopard territory, witness the grand Trongsa festival, and explore the kingdom's central highlands LEARN MORE TREK & CULTURE Trek to Treasure Lake, Trongsa Festival & Tiger’s Nest-3 Trip Photos Itinerary Accommodations Peace of Mind Practical Details Dates & Prices What's Included Trip Overview Ask A Question Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN RESERVE TRIP The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. Accommodations The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. Expedition Staff Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. The Capital Hotel Exterior view Room concierge at The Capital Hotel drawing curtains A deluxe room at The Capital Hotel Zingkha Heritage balcony Zingkha Heritage murals Zingkha common lounge Zingkha bedroom Bhutan Himlaya Expeditions Camp at Soe Stars over Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Camp at Jomolhari Sunny campsite, Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions, circa 2007 Gangtey Dewachen back view Gangtey Dewachen front view Gangtey Dewachen standard room Gangtey Dewachen outer corridor Dewachen, restaurant Mountain Resort Courtyard Bhutan Mountain Resort twin bed room Mountain Resort tea service Tea alcove, Mountain Resort Traditional hot baths at Mountain Resort Fluffing pillows, Mountain Resort Balcony view from one of the Olathang Hotel cottages A standard twin room at the Olathang Hotel's cottages Lobby at the Olathang Hotel, Grande Dame of Bhutanese lodges A room at the Olathang Hotel, main building wing Trek to Bhutan's pristine Snow Leopard territory, witness the grand Trongsa festival, and explore the kingdom's central highlands SHARE: Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Arrive in Paro and drive to bustling Thimphu for speaking engagements at the Royal University of Bhutan. Meet interesting thought leaders and policy makers in the capital, and take in cultural highlights such as the National Textile Museum, the giant Buddha Dordenma, and encounters with local artisans. Next, take a flight from Paro to the sacred valleys of Bumthang, where we seek an opportunity for a private meditation and blessing at a renowned monastery. After hiking and exploring the region, we drive to Trongsa to enjoy the year's biggest regional event, the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival . Next, it's on to Gangtey to see rare Black-necked Cranes and hike the scenic nature trail, followed by a return to Paro for a climb to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The 12-day trip ends, and after seeing the boys off at the airport, we continue the drive to pristine Haa Valley and trek into the high alpine reaches of a sacred lake where rare Blue Sheep and elusive Snow Leopards roam. Finally, return to Paro for the departing flight to Bangkok for this culturally enriching end to one year and the beginning of another one. HEALTH & SAFETY HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more. UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request. REQUEST ITINERARY ITINERARY After flying to Paro, drive to Thimphu to speak at the royal university and connect with local officials. Return to Paro and take the flight to central Bumthang for some art, culture, hiking, and interesting insights into Himalayan spirituality. We visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’. From the central highlands, drive to Trongsa to experience the grand Padmasambhava dances at the year-end Tshechu Festival before continuing on to Gangtey Valley to see beautiful Black-necked Cranes take wing. Return to Paro and hike to magnificent Tiger's Nest monastery before transferring to Haa. Finally, trek into the high altitude Jigme Khesar Namgyel Strict Nature Reserve before a final night of rest (and a traditional soak ) before your return flight to Bangkok. VIEW DAY BY DAY DECEMBER 22: ARRIVAL IN PARO – TRANSFER TO THIMPHU Take the flight from Bangkok this morning with the world's highest peaks rising above the clouds, including Mt. Everest. Your flight KB123 departs at 10:05AM from Bangkok and lands in Paro at 02:05PM. After meeting your Bhutanese guide who will travel with you for the duration of your stay at the airport, we drive 1.5 hours to the Capital Hotel, located in the commercial heart of the nation's bustling capital, Thimphu, within walking distance of museums and shops. This afternoon, stretch your hiking muscles with a visit to the Takin zoo. Takin is Bhutan's curious national animal that local legends describe as a cross between a goat and a cow. Later, if you're still energetic, we'll continue the walk to a spectacular spot overlooking the capital city, the site of ancient Wangditse Monastery. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 23: THIMPHU CITY HIGHLIGHTS Today we begin with a two-hour hike to the giant Buddha Dordenma through pine forests. Return to the city for lunch followed by visits to the Royal Textile Museum and the school of the 13 crafts. Stop by the Bhutan Foundation offices and continue to the Royal University for speaking engagements at the university on American government and politics and Global Health Economics. This evening, a traditional feast with some invited Bhutanese guests and dignitaries from government and public life. Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 24: COURTESY CALLS AND CONNECTIONS This morning, we meet the former and current health ministers to discuss global health economics and meet other Bhutanese dignitaries (as per their schedule and availability). Then, we take in the remaining highlights of the city, stopping by a new river walk, built by the king's project; a Tibetan market accessed by an ancient wooden cantilever bridge; and our secret spot for the tastiest Momos on the planet! This evening, a relaxed, low-key Himalayan Christmas Eve experience! Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable DECEMBER 25: DRIVE TO PARO/DOMESTIC FLIGHT TO BUMTHANG This morning, we take the one-hour drive to Paro to catch the flight to Bumthang. On arrival in Bumthang, check in at our family lodge across the street from Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum. In the afternoon, begin a valley floor exploration on foot, stopping by cheerfully painted shops and enjoying the crisp mountain air, before a pit stop to taste some local produce, including the valley's famous Swiss cheese, schnapps and Red Panda beer . Tonight, enjoy a cozy dinner in the traditionally heated restaurant and lounge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort DECEMBER 26: BUMTHANG VALLEY EXPLORATION Start your day with a tour of the Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum, recently on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to visit (March 2025). Visit Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated during his journey through Bhutan. Visit the Tamshing monastery, the Konchogsum Temple to complete the traditional pilgrim's route around the valley before another evening toast at the brewery. Today, we also meet a celebrated local textile weaver to admire her collection of handwoven textiles representing the styles and designs from the various regions of Bhutan. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort DECEMBER 27: TANG VALLEY EXPLORATION Trek over a pass from Jakar to Tang or take a scenic drive to Tang Valley, known for its medieval atmosphere and farming villages. Enjoy lunch at the beautiful Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum and its admire its ancient murals and the beautiful shrine to Tara, the Goddess of Compassion. A lovely meeting with the royal descendant who oversees the museum provides further depth as we explore this blissful hidden corner of Bhutan's beautiful central highlands. This is also good training for your upcoming trek! Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort DECEMBER 28: CHAMKHAR VALLEY EXPLORATION Today, explore the valleys upriver along the tumbling Chamkhar Chhu, stopping at places like Thangbi where we visit ancient temples such as the one founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche, a revered religious figure. The Thangbi Goemba is a significant monastery in the upper reaches of Bumthang Valley. Its main chapel houses statues of the past, present, and future Buddhas, and the temple grounds come alive in October during an annual fire festival. In the afternoon, return to Jakar Valley center for a meditation appointment with a senior Lama from an important local monastery, and a private Buddhist blessing for the family. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort DECEMBER 29: DRIVE TO TRONGSA/AFTERNOON FESTIVAL PERFORMANCES This morning, after breakfast, we drive over 11,000-foot Yotong La pass to Trongsa, arriving in time to attend the exciting afternoon mask dance performances at the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 30: SECOND DAY OF TSHECHU FESTIVAL We enjoy a full day at the Grand Trongsa Tshechu festival, taking in the major performances of the day and taking a break to explore the Museum of Royal Antiquities in the afternoon, before catching the closing dances before our return to the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable DECEMBER 31: MORNING THONGDROEL CEREMONY / DRIVE TO GANGTEY This morning we rise early to catch the festival's closing, a final unfurling of the sacred Thongdroel scroll, a word that means "the sight of that which liberates." This giant applique scroll, which is several floors high, is brought out once a year to bless festival-goers. After that we continue the drive over the 10,000-foot high Pele La pass to Gangtey, 'Valley of the Cranes,' descending gently from the Lawa La pass into a sweeping bowl of emerald yak meadows and marshlands. The remote valley, cradled by the Black Mountains, is a sanctuary for the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate here each winter from the Tibetan plateau. Their haunting calls echo across the valley, adding mystery to the scenic landscape. We enter the ancient Gangtey Goemba monastery perched on a hilltop. Next, we stretch our legs on an optional hike around the valley, watching the elegant cranes flying overhead or roosting in the valley below before checking into our cozy Bhutanese glamping lodge with incredible views of the cranes' flyway through the valley. Enjoy a cozy evening celebration tonight at the lodge to usher in the new year in a Buddhist land, a merging of cultures. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge / Gangtey Tent Resorts or comparable JANUARY 01, 2026: DRIVE TO PARO Setting out from Gangtey, descend from the Lawa La pass into the Black Mountains Range, known locally as Durshingla, a series of dense mountains and valleys shrouded in mist and legend. Past the old town of Wangdue, we cross into the Punakha Valley where we stop for lunch at a traditional Bhutanese restaurant overlooking the famous 'red' rice fields of Lobeysa and the famous "Temple of the Divine Madman," worth an interesting stop. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable JANUARY 02: HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST/DRIVE TO HAA This morning we rise early to hike up to famous Tiger’s nest monastery as a family. Afterwards, we have a final lunch together at local spot Mountain Cafe, or at our old friend's excellent restaurant over cups of fresh brewed Bhutanese home-grown coffee. We bring the boys to the airport in time for their early evening flight to Bangkok, and continue our drive to Haa for the Trek. The scenic 2.5-hour drive to Haa Valley goes over the Chele La Pass, Bhutan's highest motorable road at 3,988 meters (13,083 feet). Enjoy stunning views of Mount Jomolhari and the surrounding Himalayan peaks if weather permits. Descend into Haa Valley through picturesque pine forests and traditional villages. On arrival, settle into the beautifully restored Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge, a 150-year-old former governor's home in Haatey village. Meals: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge JANUARY 03: TREK TO WOMJI CAMP Take the less-traveled route to experience the purer aspects of trekking in Bhutan by cutting out the busier trails. We like to think of it as our little secret! Climbing sharply through oak and deciduous forests with vibrant foliage best appreciated in late fall, the route takes us along a high Himalayan ridge-line before descending to the peaceful lake where its mirror surface reflects an ever-changing sky. We camp deep in the Womji valley today. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps JANUARY 04: CAMP AT TREASURE LAKE Today, we make the steep uphill climb through dense forests of pine to summit Tshejey Pass at 13,900 feet before a panoramic descent to Treasure Lake. We descend to camp ringed by a wide amphiteather of distant snowpeaks. The greater Himalayan peaks visible today include the third highest peak in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga. We frequently see wild herds of exotic Blue Sheep that often come to graze very close to camp, a thrilling experience! Several groups of Bhutan's rare and elusive Snow Leopards have been caught on camera in the surrounding high ridges around camp. During relaxed evenings at camp, guests have often noticed twinkling lights on the far and distant mountains marking the borders of Bhutan, China (formerly Tibet) and India, the sky (in clear weather) a vast expanse of awe-inspiring stars. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps JANUARY 05: TREASURE LAKE EXPLORATION DAY We typically rest or explore today around our base camp above the lake. Keep an eye out for large herds of Blue Sheep on the ridges near camp. Snow Leopards have also been caught in camera traps in the area! Alternately, we may also continue the trek to cover some of the remaining distance of the trek today to break up the trekking distance. We will make those decisions on site for the best trekking experience. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps JANUARY 06: TREK TO CAMP TSHABJO After a spectacular day of hiking that offers, weather cooperating, excellent views of Mount Jomolhari, we camp beside a clear running stream for our final night on the trail. This is an evening when we discover some of the hidden talents of our Bhutanese staff and crew who all love a good camp song. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Fully supported Bhutan Himalaya Expedition Camps JANUARY 07: RETURN HIKE TO HAA After a trailside picnic lunch, we end our loop in Haa, from where we continue our drive to the lodge for a welcome and final celebratory soak in the medicinal 'hot-stone' baths fed by the beautiful glacial stream that runs past the lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: The Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge JANUARY 08: MORNING DRIVE TO PARO, AFTERNOON CONNECTION TO BANGKOK Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the lodge and take a village hike to the trail head to stretch your legs and get some excercise before the flight. Drive to Paro over Chele La Pass, arriving in time at the airport for your international return flight to Bangkok. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch ACCOMMODATIONS PEACE OF MIND PRACTICAL DETAILS DATES & PRICES ~ December 22, 2025 - January 08, 2026 (18 days) ~ December 22, 2025 - January 02, 2026 (12 days) US$10,521/- per person* (18 days) US$8,100/- per person* (12 days) ______ PLEASE ADD $1,700/- PER PERSON (18 DAYS) & $1,100 PER PERSON (12 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $950/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ++DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 18 days/12 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. US$10,321/- per person* (18 days) US$7,900/- per person* (12 days) ______ PLEASE ADD $1,700/- PER PERSON (18 DAYS) & $1,100 PER PERSON (12 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $950/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ++DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 18 days/12 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. US$10,121/- per person* (18 days) US$7,700/- per person* (12 days) ______ PLEASE ADD $1,700/- PER PERSON (18 DAYS) & $1,100 PER PERSON (12 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $950/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ++DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 18 days/12 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. *** *** *** DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION US$10,521/- per person* (18 days) US$8,100/- per person* (12 days) ______ PLEASE ADD $1,700/- PER PERSON (18 DAYS) & $1,100 PER PERSON (12 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $950/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ++DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 18 days/12 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. US$10,321/- per person* (18 days) US$7,900/- per person* (12 days) ______ PLEASE ADD $1,700/- PER PERSON (18 DAYS) & $1,100 PER PERSON (12 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $950/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ++DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 18 days/12 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. US$10,121/- per person* (18 days) US$7,700/- per person* (12 days) ______ PLEASE ADD $1,700/- PER PERSON (18 DAYS) & $1,100 PER PERSON (12 DAYS) IN GOVERNMENT SDF TAXES & FEES & AIRFARES AS SHOWN BELOW ___________ ++REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Via Delhi: $699/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,100 per person (Business Class) Via Bangkok: $950/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight (Economy) Or $1,300 per person (Business Class) ++DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $275/- per person for one one-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang or Bumthang to Paro. Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements as a courtesy service for our guests. ________ *This includes all Bhutan Himalaya expedition land costs for 18 days/12 days, including meals, accommodations, transportation, all trekking and expedition equipment and supplies, commissaries, experienced senior guides, as well as temple entrance and monument preservation fees. *** *** *** DATE 2 PEOPLE* 4 PEOPLE* 6 PEOPLE* *When signing up together as part of the same group Prices are per person based on double occupancy and DO NOT include international airfare to/from your destination or regional flights to Bhutan from Gateway Cities such as Bangkok or Delhi, and internal flights in the country during the expedition. We will arrange such regional flights for our guests and fares will be quoted at airline cost as a courtesy to our guests with no extra booking or reservation fees. Regional flights from Bangkok start from $980 per person & from $175 per person for internal domestic flights where a short-duration flight is included on your itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. Single Traveler supplements will be assessed in addition to our published trip price, and are available on request. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. If you'd like to travel with your own special group of friends or family on dates different from the ones shown above, this expedition can be arranged March through May & October through February. TRAVEL SEASONS REQUEST RESERVATION 2025 Dates & Prices 2025 Dates & Prices WHAT'S INCLUDED Government Daily SDF Taxes & Fees Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), such as your international flights to a regional Gateway City (e.g., Bangkok or Delhi); roundtrip flights to Bhutan from the regional gateway cities (which will be arranged by us at cost) and internal airfare where applicable for domestic flights in the country (which will also be arranged by us at cost) Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance Alcoholic beverages Gratuities Single Traveler Supplements All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan and airport transfers All Accommodations All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional). Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits, and entry fees All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including expedition-grade high altitude, sub-zero sleeping bags , community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff (our sleeping bags are routinely cleaned and aired out in the sun after each trek but you may like to bring your personal sleeping bag liners if your particular. We also reccomend that you bring your own fitted hiking poles ) WHAT'S INCLUDED WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED TRIP PHOTOGALLERY | RECOMMENDED POSTS CUSTOM TRIPS If this trip or schedule doesn't meet your needs, we also arrange private journeys throughout the year with flexible dates. WHAT TO EXPECT The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous. Please See the "About Trekking Expeditions" tab below for further details and notes on trip participation fitness. The cultural portions of this trip are rate moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. ACCOMMODATIONS The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. EXPEDITION STAFF Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. ABOUT TREKKING EXPEDITIONS The trekking activities on this trip are rated as strenuous and challenging. Trip members should be in good health and confident hiking mixed and steep terrain at increasingly higher altitudes that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions, potential rain, snow, icy conditions and, or steps and stairs. Physical activities include city walking tours, steep hiking to monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous hiking/trekking during the trek. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. This will help acclimate us for our trek which, following the cultural journey, will take us to much higher elevations, exceeding elevations of 4,937 m/16,200 feet or more. Our trekking expeditions are bespoke itineraries designed for active travelers that combine guided excursions, cultural insights, art and customs, with camping, sleeping bags, trekking tents and and three meals plus daily hot beverages and refreshements included. Personal sleeping bag liners, trekking poles, adequate thermal layers, warm clothing, and other personal gear reccommended. Our journeys are small group adventures of usually 8 to 12 travelers, with a maximum of 16 guests per group. Unlike most tour providers we seek to maintain the idustry's lowest ratio of guests per Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions staff. This ensures that our journeys feel more like a shared adventures with local friends than a tourist's jaunt through the countryside. GETTING THERE Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata, or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)* Overnight Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan. IMPORTANT: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included in trip price. For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page. *Bangkok is the primary Gateway City and offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan. OUR TRAVEL EXTENSIONS (with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements) If you're thinking of traveling to some of the other interesting destinations in the region before or after Bhutan you may like to consider our travel extensions. That way you can spend less time juggling and coordinating multiple bookings and more time experiencing the magnificent World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a peaceful Laotian sojourn, discovering Vietnam or experiencing India. For further details, and to see past travel extensions, please visit our Regional Extensions page. WHAT TRAVELERS ARE SAYING “...a challenging and rewarding experience. Many thanks to Karma and his team of guides, horsemen, and camp chefs, and to my wonderful trekking companions for making it a trip of a lifetime.” ~ Mark Pearson, Boise, ID See all posts > ACCOMMODATIONS High-end traditional lodges & our Expedition Camps included; International Luxury Chains at additional cost per night GROUP SIZE Small Group Adventure DURATION 18 & 12 days ACTIVITY LEVEL Challenging to Moderate RESERVE TRIP Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826) TRIP TYPE Trekking, Conservation & Culture ASK A QUESTION _________ Travel Logistics Organizer for CBS 60 Minutes 2024 special report on Bhutan “First, thank you for making my trip to Bhutan run smoothly. Second, for explaining your culture and customs to me and our team in a way that helped our 60 MINS story come alive. Third, for making the visit seriously fun!” ~ Lesley Stahl, Correspondent, CBS 60 Minutes, September 2024 EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions Thanks for subscribing! Yes I want to receive travel updates, announcements and offers from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. By signing up, I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Bhutan Himalaya Privacy Policy . Sign Up Search Travel Bhutan Abundance: A summer journey DEPARTURES Blessings of Bhutan Bhutan's Jomolhari Trek Heart of Happiness Trek to Treasure Lake On the Wings of Prayer Punakha's Pageant of Warriors Bhutan in the Time of Rhododendrons SEE ALL JOURNEYS Stories Hidden Lands of Happiness SPOTLIGHT Wild Wild East: How an ancient matriarch led her people to Bhutan Our top 10 reasons why you should visit Bhutan in 2023 How the brown trout came to Bhutan's lakes and rivers The top 10 mask dances to see in Bhutan Pomp & circumstance at Bhutan's warriors festival A journey to learn about Gross National Happiness SEE ALL STORIES Us The Bhutan Himalaya Difference ABOUT US Who we are The Bhutan Himalaya Difference What our travelers say Our Team Meet our latest hires CONTACT US