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SIGNATURE JOURNEY

In-depth cultural exploration 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. 

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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. 

​

Active cultural adventure in 'the Last Himalayan Kingdom'

Embark on this in-depth exploration of the vanishing Himalayan Buddhist way of life. Hike into, and explore, the cultures of western and central Bhutan Himalaya from the comfort of a lovely series of Bhutanese lodges. Starting from the western "rice bowl" of Paro, a lush valley in the western part of the kingdom, we journey overland to central Bhutan's Bumthang, home to the gracious Bumthap people, in the mist-draped highlands of the kingdom. A final return west, with a climb to famous Tiger's Nest monastery completes this insightful tour of the kingdom known for its "happiness" model of government. 

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 covers the kingdom's scenic valleys of Paro, Gangtey-Phobjikha, and the twin capitals of Punakha and Thimphu as well as the breathtaking and relaxed Bumthang region. Arriving in the agricultural Paro valley at the cusp of the harvest season, we travel gradually into the spiritual heart of the kingdom. We take vigorous hikes, sample the hearty regional cuisines and visit temples and monasteries that seem suspended in the lap of mist-wreathed mountains. As we succumb to the ample charms of the countryside and the Bhutanese way of life, we celebrate the cherished Himalayan values of laughter, humility, respect, caring, mutuality and contentment.

VIEW DAY BY DAY

DAY 01: FLIGHT FROM BANGKOK, THAILAND, TO PARO, BHUTAN

Stroll into Paro town, visit the national museum and 7th century Kyichu Temple. Settle into your comfortable, well-appointed lodge. 


Meals included: Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable

DAY 02: EXPLORE BHUTAN’S CAPITAL | HIKE TO TANGO MONASTERY

Dive into Bhutanese culture with a hike to 17th century Tango Buddhist College, followed by a trip to the magnificent Royal Textile Academy, and an exploration of Thimphu’s colorful city center. End the day with a late afternoon-early evening walk alongside Buddhist devotees at the National Memorial Stupa, built in memory of Bhutan's third king. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations:Mountain Resort or comparable

DAY 03: LEARN TO COOK A BHUTANESE MEAL | TRANSFER TO PUNAKHA VALLEY, BHUTAN’S ANCIENT CAPITAL

Meet a surprise Bhutanese food personality this morning and learn about traditional Bhutanese cuisine at her home. After helping prepare a Bhutanese feast, enjoy the furits of your labor and, following the repast, contunue east to Bhutan’s old capital. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable

DAY 04: EXPLORE REGAL PUNAKHA

Explore the regal valley of Punakha, home to Bhutan’s Queen Mothers and some of Bhutan’s most exquisite temples. Visit the magnificent and historic Punakha Dzong, walk the length of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge and hike to panoramic Khamsum pagoda while exploring villages surrounded by ancient rice-terraces. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: Zhingkham Resort or comparable

DAY 05: DRIVE TO GANGTEY VALLEY | NATURE HIKE | BLACK-NECKED CRANES

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. We arrive in time to take an afternoon hike along the beautiful Phobjikha Nature Trail, and rest this evening at our charming eco lodge set in a small village on the valley floor. If you're taking this trip in November, you're in luck! Keep an eye out for the beautiful and endangered black-necked cranes that make the valley their winter home from November until March. 


Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations:Ecolodge or comparable

DAY 06: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG

We start the drive early this morning stopping at an interesting museum of royal antiquities housed in an ancient military watchtower. This evening we descend the high pass of Yotong-la to arrive in the surpassingly lovely region of Bumthang, before checking into our large, family-run mountain lodge. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Mountain Resort

DAYS 07-09: TEMPLES & MONASTERIES

Over the next couple of days, we stop at a series of exquisite Buddhist temples and monasteries dating between the 8th and 17th centuries, simultaneously learning about the religious art and symbolism of Himalayan Buddhism and how it affects daily life and government policy in Bhutan. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Moutain Resort

DAY 10: EXPLORE CHAMKHAR VALLEY

Today we take a guided picnic hike along the glacial Chamkhar river to a series of quaint and little-visited villages in the interior of Bumthang, including some old interesting homes and temples before returning in time for local brew, Red Panda beer with slices of Bumthang's famous Swiss Cheese.


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Mountain Resort

DAY 11: TANG VALLEY

This morning we take the dramatic hike over a pine forested ridge into the ancient Tang valley, where we visit an old mansion refurbished as a museum. We return to the lodge in time for happy hour and a sumptuous dinner of regional specialties such as 'puta' or buckwheat noodles. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Mountain Resort

DAY 12: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT

This morning a dramatic mountain flight brings us back to Paro, where we settle in for a cozy evening after an afternoon exploring the colorful market and shops of Paro.  


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable

DAY 13: HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY

We rise early in the morning to complete the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery followed by a farewell dinner at a secret location. 


Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Hotel Olathang or comparable

DAY 14: BANGKOK, THAILAND/DELHI, INDIA | DEPARTURE

We drive you back to the airport after breakfast for your return flight home to Bangkok or other destinations.

ACCOMMODATIONS

PEACE OF MIND

PRACTICAL DETAILS