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SIGNATURE JOURNEY

Bhutan Abundance

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. 

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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. 

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Expedition Staff

Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 

​

The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. 

​

Accommodations

The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. 

​

Expedition Staff

Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 

​

The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. 

​

Accommodations

The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. 

​

Expedition Staff

Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 

​

The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft. 

​

Accommodations

The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised. 

​

Expedition Staff

Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan. 

​

This journey covers the kingdom's scenic valleys of Paro, Haa, Gangtey-Phobjikha, and the twin capitals of Punakha and Thimphu. Arriving in the agricultural Paro valley during the wet, planting season, we trek over a high pass into the Haa valley, the old gateway to Bhutan before roads and modern transportation opened other points of access. We discover the bucolic village life and traditions in Haa's Haatoe village after attending a summer festival showcasing the region's nomadic culture. We take vigorous hikes, sample the hearty regional cuisine and volunteer at a beautiful nunnery that seems suspended in the lap of mist-wreathed mountains. As we succumb to the ample charms of the countryside and the Bhutanese people, we work our way through a Bhutan 'abundance' list that includes laughter, humility, respect, caring, mutuality and happiness.

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Discovering the superlative charms of Bhutan's countryside during the kingdom's lush, green season

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.

ITINERARY

This journey coinciding with the lush, onset-of-summer season in Bhutan is an immersive experience of Bhutanese culture, coupled with the intentions set out for this journey of discovery, understanding and service, and local Bhutanese people we meet along the way illuminate our understanding of a world-view that is important now more than ever. A most-culturally sensitive way to see the country that many associate with wellbeing, happiness and balance.

VIEW DAY BY DAY

DAY 1: BANGKOK/PARO

Take the magnificent flight from Bangkok to Paro, past snow-capped Himalayan peaks whose summits pierce the clouds. Meet your Bhutan Himalaya trip staff and guides at the airport, before transferring to a series of peaceful wood and mud cottages overlooking the rice fields and Paro town. After orientation, we take a late afternoon hike to limber up after the flight and get the circulation going. This evening we have an informal discussion on Bhutanese Buddhism to provide a cultural context for the journey.


Meals included: Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable

DAY 02: HIKE TO FAMED TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY

We take the early hike to magnificent cliff-hanging Tiger’s Nest monastery with a return to the lodge in time for lunch. An early afternoon rest and relaxation in preparation for tomorrow's big trek along an ancestral farming route to Haa valley.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable

DAY 03: TREK/TRANSFER TO HAA VALLEY

We have an optional full day trek today along the old ancestral trail from Paro to Haa, walked by generations of farmers traveling between the two valleys for seasonal rice-planting and harvest, the labor for which was traditionally shared by the two communities. For those looking for an easier option, a 2.5 hour van shuttle brings you into Haa with a stop at spectacular, prayer-flag strewn Chele La pass (13,000 feet). We check in this evening at the thoughtfully refurbished country manor of a former governor of the valley, complete with its own temple in the main building, an authentic taste of local life with modern amenities.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge

DAY 04: HAA SUMMER FESTIVAL

Today we attend the Haa summer festival, celebrating the nomadic culture of the regional yakherders as well as other mountain cultures from the region. This is a colorful opportunity to learn about the region's unique foods, culture and folkways.  


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge

DAY 05: HIKING TOUR OF PRISTINE HAA VALLEY

We have a hiking tour of the valley which begins from our lodge in the center of ancient Haatoe village, steeped in the timeless rhythms of agriculture and seasonal (yak) herding. A breathtaking, little-known cliffside temple off the beaten-path is our treat for the day!


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge

DAY 06: CULTURE OF HAATOE/COOKING CLASS & DEMO

After breakfast, we'll visit the ancient local temple in the village for a short blessing. Then it's on to a local family home to learn how to make the valley’s hearty buckwheat-and-turnip dumpling, hoentey. This evening try Bhutan‘s version of a Japanese Onsen bath beside a rushing mountain stream.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge

DAY 07: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY

Today we descend into the warm Punakha valley before climbing back up through the rugged Black Mountain Range to the high alpine Gangtey valley.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable

DAY 08: MORNING HIKE, VOLUNTEER WITH CENTRAL BHUTANESE NUNS

After a morning hike along the nature trail today, we meet the nuns at a local nunnery to work alongside them at their monastery. We stay tonight in main part of the valley but spend some time getting to know these amazing nuns of central Bhutan.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable

DAY 9: SERVICE WORK/ VOLUNTEER DAY

This morning after breakfast with the nuns, we spend the remainder of the day working alongside the nuns. In the late afternoon, we return to the lodge in time for a brief introduction to Vajrayana meditation, followed by a contemplative valley walk, aperitifs and, or, happy hour before dinner.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Dewachen Lodge, the Gangtey Eco Lodge or comparable

DAY 10: DRIVE TO THIMPHU

We drive to the nation's bustling capital Thimphu today, via Punakha, the old capital of the kingdom.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Thimphu City Hotel or comparable

DAY 11: EXPLORE THIMPHU MUSEUMS & MONUMENTS

We explore the capital today, stopping at the world-class textile museum, the giant brass Buddha on a hill overlooking the capital and a brisk hike through pine forests with bird's eye view of Bhutan's largest city. This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner prepared by a respected Bhutanese food personality.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: The Thimphu City Hotel or comparable

DAY 12: BANGKOK, THAILAND I DEPARTURE

We drive you back early this morning to Paro in time for your return flight home to Bangkok or other destinations.