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.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
The activities on this trip are rated as moderate and suits a wide range of interests and physical fitness levels. The hikes on this trip can range from moderate to challenging, depending on your abilities. Trip members should be in good health and comfortable standing or walking for extended periods of time and confident navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and easy to moderate hiking with some strenuous options where possible. The general elevations in the valleys will mostly range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, with drives that will take us over higher passes before descending to the average elevations mentioned above. The final hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is 10,000 ft.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
ACCOMMODATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
HEALTH & SAFETY We are following strict national and international safety guidelines and protocols (Royal Government of Bhutan, WHO, and CDC (US) recommendations) to keep you, our staff, and the Bhutanese people safe. This includes new measures for maintaining personal health and hygiene, social distancing best practices, face covering requirements, cleaning, handwashing and more.
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY
UPDATED BOOKING & CANCELLATION POLICY With global travel resuming, we have changed our booking and cancellation policies back to normal. Normal cancellation policies are now in effect and final trip payment is due (4 months/120 days before trip start date, whichever is earlier). Trip cancellation policies are outlined in our trip confirmation emails and available by request.
PEACE OF MIND
July 7 - 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)
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
$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)
not available
not available
not available
TBD
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
2024 Dates & Prices
2024 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
2025 Dates & Prices
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
ITINERARY
PRACTICAL DETAILS
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TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
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.
SHARE:
Discovering the superlative charms of Bhutan's countryside during the kingdom's lush, green season
DAY 1: BANGKOK/PARO
VIEW DAY BY DAY
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.
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.
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.)
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end traditional lodges
GROUP SIZE
8-12; 16 people maximum
DURATION
12 days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to Challenging
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE ● VOLUNTEER
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