Bhutan conservation, culture, mythology & overland from western to central highlands
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.
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!
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Featuring Black-necked Cranes, the Gesar epic, Haa and Bumthang valleys
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
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.
