Conservation, culture and the grand Trongsa Festival
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.
​
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.
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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 exclusive journey takes us from western Bhutan to the kingdom’s heartland, Trongsa, before taking a sharp turn onto less-traveled roads to the southern crown jewel of Bhutan’s wildlife conservation. We arrive during the perfect seasonal window to see rare Black-necked Cranes thriving in the Gangtey Valley, during the perfect time to enjoy balmy weather in the Royal Manas National Park, before attending one of the year's biggest religious mask dance festivals in Trongsa. Finally, we explore the lovely central highlands of Bumthang before a return to Paro by domestic flight. A lovely New Year's celebration and a climb to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery leaves us all with a lifetime of special memories.
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Rare Black-necked Cranes, Bhutan's oldest wildlife conservation park, and the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Mask Dance Festival
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.
ITINERARY
After flying into Paro, we make our way east to Gangtey, the gateway to central Bhutan, where we see the beautiful Black-necked Cranes wintering in the Gangtey Valley. We continue the drive to Trongsa before heading south on the national highway toward the crown jewel of the Bhutanese national park system. Returning to Trongsa, we attend the grand Padmasambhava dances at the Trongsa Tshechu Festival before continuing on to explore Bumthang, where we visit the Bhutan Foundation-supported Wangduechhoeling Palace and Museum, recently featured on Time Magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ to experience. A final 25-minute domestic flight brings us back to Paro in time to celebrate New Year's, followed by a hike to spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery before the return flight home.
VIEW DAY BY DAY
DECEMBER 22: ARRIVAL IN PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. En route, stop at Tamchog Lhakhang and its traditional iron chain bridge. After checking into your hotel, visit the National Memorial Chorten and take an evening stroll along Norzin Lam, Thimphu’s bustling downtown street.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Thimphu Capital Hotel
DECEMBER 23: THIMPHU TO GANGTEY
Setting out from Bhutan’s vibrant capital, Thimphu, we climb to the Dochula pass where the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas stretch across the horizon. Rows of white chortens, 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother, stand gleaming against the sky in the crisp mountain air.
The Black Mountains, known locally as Durshingla, rise ahead, shrouded in mist and legend.
Past the old town of Wangdue, we cross into the Black Mountain region. Waterfalls tumble down sheer cliffs, rivers snake through deep gorges, and small villages cling to the hillsides, their prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
Descending gently from the Lawa La pass into the Gangtey Valley is a sweeping bowl of emerald fields 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 cosy Bhutanese glamping lodge, or the more traditional Dewachen Lodge with incredible views of the cranes’ flyway through the valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Gangtey Dewachen Lodge / The Gangtey Tent Resort or comparable
DECEMBER 24: DRIVE TO TRONGSA
Leaving peaceful Gangtey, the drive to Trongsa climbs through forests thick with rhododendrons and towering pines, the temperatures dropping with the higher altitude. We pass the beautiful Chendebji stupa, a replica pf Nepal's great stupa at Boudha before arriving in Trongsa to stay opposite the impressive Trongsa Dzong, perched high above the river and commanding the landscape with its centuries-old presence. If there's time and provided we're not too tired from the drive, we visit the magnificent dzong interiors and perhaps catch the monks practicing their mask dances for the upcoming Trongsa Tshechu Festival. We have a cozy get together tonight at the lodge to celebrate Christmas Eve in a Buddhist land, a merging of cultures.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable
DECEMBER 25: DRIVE TO MANAS
Begin your journey from Trongsa, where the majestic dzong stands watch over the river and the hills. As you leave the town behind, the road winds past views of forests, rolling hills, and terraced villages Each bend in the road reveals new shades of green and glimpses of distant valleys.
We stop along the way at the Samchhoeling Tea Estate, tucked into the gentle slopes south of Trongsa Dzong. Vibrant tea bushes stretch across the hillsides, creating a patchwork of lush green. The peaceful atmosphere invites you to wander among the rows of tea plants, breathe the earthy scent, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed green tea while looking out over the tranquil valley. The estate is a proud example of Bhutanese care and innovation, with its thriving gardens flourishing in the mountain climate.
Farther south we take another break in Zhemgang to walk through the ancient Trong village, whose traditional character has been preserved as a heritage site for future generations. Back on the road, the landscape begins to shift. The cool highlands give way to warmer, subtropical forests alive with the calls of hornbills and cuckoos. The journey becomes a sensory delight as we descend toward Panbang, where the Mangde River valley turns into the Manas River and jungles dense with the promise of wildlife signals our arrival at the edges of the Royal Manas National Park.
Upon arrival, settle into the Royal Guest House and enjoy an orientation to Manas’ wildlife conservation efforts and cultural significance.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Royal Guest House, RMNP
DECEMBER 26: MANAS
Today we have the option to choose from a gentle nature walk, local bird watching, a guided jungle trek with local rangers and guides or a river rafting adventure on the meandering Manas River. We meet local people who live in the park and share cultural exchanges to learn about local traditions and lifestyle.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Royal Guest House, RMNP
DECEMBER 27: MANAS EXPLORATION
Explore deeper into Manas National Park with tailored activities for wildlife viewing, a jungle trek or a rafting excursion. We celebrate our memorable visit to royal Manas by hosting a farewell dinner to thank local community elders, park rangers and nature conservators, a lovely event to close our time in Bhutan's oldest national park.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Royal Guest House, RMNP
DECEMBER 28: DRIVE TO TRONGSA/FESTIVAL
We take the return drive to Trongsa, arriving in time to attend the afternoon mask dance performances at the Grand Trongsa Tshechu Festival.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Trongsa Yangkhil Lodge or comparable
DECEMBER 29: FESTIVAL/DRIVE TO BUMTHANG
After spending another half-day taking in the Trongsa Tshechu mask dance performances, we drive east from Trongsa to Bumthang via Yotong La Pass (3-hour drive). The road climbs up through the mountains with sweeping views of deep valleys and distant peaks. The final stretch brings us into the heart of Bumthang, where the valleys are wide and dotted with traditional villages, fluttering prayer flags, and the occasional yaks grazing on the hillsides. We stop in the weaving village of Chumey to admire the local wool tapestries called Yathra, before continuing on to our family lodge opposite the historic Wangduechhoeling Palace, now renovated as a world-class museum.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort or comparable
DECEMBER 30: WANGDUECHHOELING PALACE MUSEUM
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 an evening toast at the Red Panda Brewery to the accompaniment of local Swiss cheese and crackers.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort or comparable
DECEMBER 31: 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 the goddess of compassion. Track down former projects and revisit their progress as we explore this blissful hidden corner of Bhutan's beautiful central highlands. This evening we have a wonderfully intimate New Year's Celebration in the quiet heart of Bhutan!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Bumthang Mountain Resort or comparable
JANUARY 1, 2026: NEW YEAR'S DAY/FLIGHT
Take an early domestic flight to Paro past dramatic Himalayan snow peaks. Drukair flight KB 010 departs at 11:10 AM and arrives in Paro at 11:45 AM. Browse the colorful shops of Paro and wander the bustling main street, which served for centuries as a main stop for traders and pilgrims on the ancient route to Tibet. Following lunch, we transfer to Olathang Lodge for your check-in at the front desk, and friendly rounds of archery with your trip staff afterwards.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Paro Olathang Lodge
JANUARY 2, 2026: TIGER'S NEST/DEPARTURE
This morning we rise early to hike up to famous Tiger’s nest monastery. Afterwards, we have a final lunch at the local spot Mountain Cafe, over cups of freshly brewed Bhutanese home-grown coffee, before we bring you to the airport in time for your early evening flight to Bangkok.