SIGNATURE JOURNEY
Discover Bhutan’s vibrant Warriors Pageant
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.
Get a jump on Bhutan’s exciting 2024 travel season with an early March departure to experience the “Pageant of Warriors.” This unique mask dance festival celebrates the handpicked ceremonial guards of Shabdrung, the "Great Unifier of Bhutan," a tradition that has survived since the 1600s. From the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, our active adventure takes you cross-country to the beautiful central regions of Bumthang where we explore a network of hidden valleys. We close our journey with a scenic mountain flight back to Paro and a final hike up to spectacular Tiger's Nest!
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Travel to Bhutan's first annual mask dance celebration; welcome the magnificent Himalayan springtime
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
In Punakha, western Bhutan, a select group of Bhutanese warriors called Paazaaps were celebrated for protecting Bhutan’s holiest Buddhist relics since the 1600s. This early springtime festival recounts their important contributions to Bhutanese society, providing us with the perfect excuse to range across the Bhutanese countryside during the quieter, earlier cusp of spring. We start with the western cultural centers before traveling overland to the surpassingly lovely valleys of central Bhutan. Along the way we visit unforgettable monasteries and take serene hikes. A short flight over the highest peaks and valleys of Bhutan, and a final climb to fabulous “Tiger’s Nest” closes this remarkable early 2024 adventure.
VIEW DAY BY DAY
DAY 1: BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO/THIMPHU
Take the breathtaking flight to Bhutan from Bangkok this morning with some of the highest peaks in the world rearing their heads above the clouds, including Mt. Everest. After meeting your Bhutanese guide—who will travel with you for the duration of your stay—at the airport, we transfer to Bhutan's bustling capital where we check in at your hotel. Later, this afternoon, take an orientation walk in the busy city center before returning to your hotel for dinner.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Ariya Resort or comparable
DAY 02: EXPLORE MARKETS & MONUMENTS OF BHUTAN’S CAPITAL
Thimphu has some of the most interesting markets in the country as well as many colorful temples and monasteries scattered colorfully around the valley. We explore some of the best options in our itinerary today. Later, dive into Bhutanese culture with a trip to the magnificent Royal Textile Academy and learn about Bhutan's 13 sacred arts and crafts. End the day with an evening walk with Buddhist devotees at the National Memorial Stupa, built in memory of Bhutan's third king.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Ariya Resort or comparable
DAY 03: GIANT BUDDHA, HIKE & LUNCH; PUNAKHA
Today, start the day with a walk around the giant Buddha Dordenma, the world's largest bronze Buddha. Follow this with a hike through the prayer-flags-strewn forests above the capital, arriving in town for lunch. Enjoy a healthy organic meal including Bhutanese cassava noodles and dumplings and soup and salad before continuing to Punakha, Bhutan's old capital in the early afternoon. Check in to your lovely lodge overlooking the valley's monumental 17th century dzong!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort or comparable
DAY 04: FESTIVAL DAY IN PUNAKHA
Enjoy the grand spectacle of the Punakha Pageant of Warriors, celebrating Bhutan's ancient martial tradition and history. To see a full description of the festival visit: Bhutan's Procession of Warriors Festival.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zhingkham Resort
DAY 05: TRANSFER TO GANGTEY/TRONGSA
We drive today along the national highway east through the spectacular Black Mountain Range. If we're lucky, we may spot some of Bhutan's rare White Langur monkeys among the flame-trees, magnolia, birch, rhododendron and Asian Maple in this vegetation-rich zone. 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: Gangtey Eco Lodge, Dewachen Lodge, RKPO Lodge, or Yangkhil Resort
DAY 06: TRANSFER TO JAKAR, CHUMEY WEAVING CENTER
Transfer to the central valleys of Bumthang this morning, stopping at the Chumey Weaving Center before continuing on to our beautiful family-run lodge.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 07: PILGRIM’S WALK, JAKAR
Follow the ancient pilgrim’s route around the Jakar Valley on foot with optional van support. The loop around the valley takes us past some of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the premier central Bhutanese valley and provides glimpses of daily local life, including the popular pastime of weaving.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 08: EXPLORE BUMTHANG
We make an indepth exploration of the central Bumthang region today: among the several options are visits to more temples and monasteries, traditional village life and hiking on surrounding forested trails with a stop to sample the local brews and Bumthang’s famed “Swiss” Cheese.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 09: 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 10: FLIGHT TO PARO / PARO MARKET
A dramatic mountain flight past Bhutan’s Himalayan peaks brings us to Paro in the morning. Later, we have time to explore the colorful market center and maybe even the fabulous 7th century Kyichu Temple where we can light votive butter lamps for World Peace.
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 the famous cliffside monastery at Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Nest.” Complete the strenuous hike to the monastery, perched on a steep rock face more than 2,000ft above the valley floor, or rest at the halfway viewpoint to admire the beauty of the surrounding mountains, the magnificent temple, and meditation retreats that sit above the famous site. Return to Paro’s downtown for a delicious lunch at a special friend’s busy restaurant before walking along the shops and windows to people-watch or pick up last-minute gifts and reminders of your trip. This evening we have a special farewell feast at a surprise location featuring some familiar and some new Himalayan delicacies.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 12: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | 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.