PHILANTHROPHY JOURNEY
Opening Your Heart to 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.
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
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.
PEACE OF MIND
March 22 - April 4, 2024
$5,840 per person/- covers SDF fees; all Land Costs; Doubles accommodations
(The price above includes $200 per day government SDF fees and all land costs
EXCLUDING AIR:
___________
*REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Please add: $770/- per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok Or $990/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok
___________
**DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $375/- per person for two one way domestic flights from Paro & Bumthang.
* ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements
PLEASE ADD AIR COSTS:
*REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Please add: $770/- per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok Or $990/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok
___________
**DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $375/- per person for two one way domestic flights from Paro & Bumthang.
* ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements
DATE
*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.
PLEASE ADD: $990 per person (ECONOMY class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for TWO One-Way internal domestic flights *** Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. ***
We will all 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. 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
$5,840 per person/- covers SDF fees; all Land Costs; Doubles accommodations
(The price above includes $200 per day government SDF fees and all land costs
EXCLUDING AIR:
___________
*REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Please add: $770/- per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok Or $990/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok
___________
**DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $375/- per person for two one way domestic flights from Paro & Bumthang.
* ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements
PLEASE ADD AIR COSTS:
*REGIONAL FLIGHTS: Please add: $770/- per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok Or $990/-per person Royal Bhutan Airlines Flight from Bangkok
___________
**DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Please add $375/- per person for two one way domestic flights from Paro & Bumthang.
* ** Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions handles these flight bookings, ticketing & arrangements
DATE
*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.
PLEASE ADD: $990 per person (ECONOMY class) roundtrip airfare from Bangkok for this travel program & $375 per person for TWO One-Way internal domestic flights *** Airfares are subject to change by airline, and surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. ***
We will all 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. 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
DATES & PRICES
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Flight and airfare costs to and from Bhutan (UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED ON YOUR TRIP INFORMATION), 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
| RECOMMENDED POSTS
TRIP PHOTOGALLERY
Following your arrival in Bhutan, attend the majestic Paro Tshechu Festival, a much-anticipated highlight of the Bhutanese year. After a couple of days to adjust, take a short breathtaking flight to the eastern end of the country where the grassroots UK-based charity Opening Your Heart to Bhutan is making a tremendous difference in the lives of those in need (to learn more about this amazing organization and it's inspiring and life-affirming story, please visit: Emmaslade.com & Opening Your Heart to Bhutan).
Here, in the mostly rural underserved end of the kingdom, we visit local schools and meet people and organizations who have benefited from Opening Your Heart's many impactful projects.
Next, we bring you to explore a chain of sacred temples and monasteries in Bumthang Valley, the cultural heart of Bhutan, before taking a return flight west. Finally, in the capital, Thimphu, we explore a selection of must-see places while keeping a flexible schedule for a short retreat with OYHTB's founder, Ani Pema Deki, a.k.a. Emma Slade. We learn about other current and upcoming OYHTB projects in the capital and meet with other non-profits and organizations working in partnership with Opening Your Heart. The final leg of the journey brings us back to Paro, where a climb to the famed “Tiger’s Nest” temple closes out this deeply meaningful journey full of good memories.
This in-depth celebratory journey to Bhutan weaves events, meetings, site visits, and activities in partnership with Opening Your Heart to Bhutan. A part of the proceeds from your travel will be donated to Opening Your Heart to benefit their many ongoing endeavors in the country.
Meditate, refocus, and learn about Bhutan's vibrant Himalayan Buddhist culture while making a difference
DAY 1: DELHI/BANGKOK/BHUTAN, PARO
VIEW DAY BY DAY
Depart from Bangkok or another gateway city and arrive in Paro Valley. Stroll into Paro town, visit the national museum and 7th century Kyichu Temple. Settle into your comfortable, well-appointed cottage overlooking the valley floor.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 02: PARO TSHECHU FESTIVAL
Join the people of Paro, and Bhutan's western valleys, at their annual mask dance festival. The spectacular religious pageantry, performances and deep spiritual symbolism of the proceedings provide a unique window into the vibrant local culture and Bhutan's ancient Buddhist traditions.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 03: PARO TSHECHU/PARO EXPLORATION/KILA NUNNERY
Today, we return for a second day at the sacred dances of the festival, or opt for a cultural exploration of the valley, which includes a museum in a 16th-century watchtower, a 7th century monastery, and the colorful market center. A third option is to drive to 13,000-foot Chele-La Pass with bird's-eye views of Paro valley and hike to the spectacular ridgetop Buddhist nunnery, Kila Goemba.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodations: Olathang Hotel or comparable
DAY 04: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT TO YONPHULA, EASTERN BHUTAN
We take the mountain flight to Yonphula this morning and enroute to the Lingkhar lodge in the calley center, stop by the Draktsho East School where Opening Your Heart has helped the school with electric stoves with healthier cooking, improved sanitation and a dedicated dining area.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Lingkhar Lodge or comparable
DAY 05: VISIT THE BLIND MUSIC TRAINING CENTER
We drive to the the Khaling Muenseling School for the Blind today to learn first-hand about the impacts of the Opening Your Heart-supported Blind Music Training Centre project helping visually impaired students in the region. The objective of the centre is to benefit disabled young people who may have difficulty accessing education and employment, by providing musical training providing access to employment in the music industry for its graduates.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Lingkhar Lodge or comparable
DAY 06: MEET OYHTB BENEFICIARIES & LEARN HOW THE PROJECT HELPS
Vocational training can help transform lives in the indigent parts of rural eastern Bhutan. The two vocational training centres for special needs children have a curriculum built around teaching vocational skills and life skills. Vocational training includes weaving, embroidery, painting and wood carving, among others. These skills provide the students with a pathway to gainful employment and financial independence. They also require a steady flow of materials. Opening Your Heart is currently looking to hit their target of £1,000 per school so they can support around 70 children at two schools for one year!
DAY 07: DRIVE TO MONGAR
We drive today from the kingdom's easternmost district to the regional center of Mongar, a five hour journey up and down dramatic mountain roads and narrow, winding river valleys.
We stay at the Wangchuk Hotel this evening and take a pre-dinner stroll through the frontiers-like town of Mongar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Wangchuk Hotel or comparable
DAY 08: DRIVE TO JAKAR
The spectacular drive today takes us into valleys where lush subtropical forests abound. Thundering waterfalls cascade down to the road from unseen sources and deep green mountains and valleys line the horizon everywhere you turn.
We check this evening into our family lodge, the Mountain Resort.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 9: PILGRIM’S WALK, JAKAR/KHARCHU MONASTERY
Explore the surpassingly lovely Jakar Valley by foot and car, stopping at a string of Buddhist temples dating from the seventh to the 17th centuries, and closing the day at the Kharchu monastery, where we may have a private meeting with the Lopen (head teacher) or the Abbot, His Eminence the seventh Namkhai Nyingpo Rimpoche.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 10: EXCURSION TO TIGER CLIFF AND ORGYENCHHOELING FOLK MUSEUM
Take an excursion to the Tang valley, stopping at Buddhist pilgrimage sites such as the Mebar Tsho or “burning lake,“ and the Tang Rimochen or “Tiger Cliff,“ associated with the life of Guru Padmasambhava, who brought Buddhism to the Himalayas with the first wave of the scholarly translators from India. Lunch is a delicious meal from locally grown ingredients at the Orgyenchhoeling Palace Museum run by the Bhutanese author, Ashi Kunzang Choden Roder.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Mountain Resort or comparable
DAY 11: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT TO PARO/TRANSFER TO THIMPHU CITY
A short, spectacular flight today brings us back to paro, from where we take the one-hour drive to Thimphu, the bustling Bhutanese capital. This evening we have a preliminary sitting meditation with our Buddhist teacher and Founder of Opening Your Heart to Bhutan, Lopen Ani Pema Deki.
DAYS 12-14: RETREAT AND BUDDHIST STUDY/TIGER'S NEST/DEPARTURE
Retreat
We begin our stay in the capital with a day-long Buddhist retreat with Lopen Ani Pema Deki. There may be time left in the schedule to visit some of Opening Your Heart’s project sites in the capital, or meet some beneficiaries, as well as time to take in the best local sights before a short drive to Paro.
Tiger's Nest
We take an early hike to the famous 'Tiger's Nest.' After visiting the spectacular temple on a cliff 2,000-feet above the valley floor, return to Paro in time for a visit to the 7th century Paro Kyichu temple, one of the oldest in the country, to see its exquisite statue of the 11-headed, thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In traditional fashion, we light votive butter lamps in the temple's inner shrine for the peace of all sentient beings. A final farewell dinner in a two-hundred-year-old farmhouse makes a fitting close to your exceptional journey through Bhutan.
Departure
We bring you back to the airport in time for your early morning flight back to Delhi, arriving in the afternoon, or your late morning flight to Bangkok arriving in the evening. From either city, you can connect to your return international flights home.
Attend one of the country's biggest religious festivals before a domestic flight to rural eastern Bhutan to see the difference, firsthand, that Opening Your Heart's projects are making. Next, drive by car to Bumthang, and explore the ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family, a supassingly lovely valley surrounded by pine forests.
Finally, take a second mountain flight back west to Paro for a Buddhist retreat in the nation's capital, Thimphu before a climb to the spectacular Tiger's Nest before returning home, a travel experience sure to leave you with many rich memories.
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 (Unless otherwise noted).
For further details please email us contact us using the Reserve Online button on this page.
*Bangkok and Delhi are the primary Gateway Cities and offer 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
“Karma and his team perfectly orchestrated a wonderful series of valuable insights into Bhutan and Bhutanese culture. My particular area of interest was to learn about Bhutan’s challenge of balancing the goals of their Gross National Happiness Policy with the need to grow their economy and promote industry in the kingdom, which Karma addressed by arranging fascinating meetings with Bhutan’s Economic Affairs Ministers and other Bhutanese dignitaries and media personalities. A fantastic trip all-around with great hiking, culture, current affairs, insights into Buddhism and everything in-between.”
~ Heinrich Karl Friedrich Eduard Pierer von Esch, ex CEO, Siemens AG-Germany (front, third from left)
ACCOMMODATIONS
High-end traditional lodges
Small Group Travel
DURATION 14 days
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy to Moderate
Or call 1-855-4-BHUTAN (248826)
TRIP TYPE
ACTIVE ● CULTURE ● PHILANTHROPHY ● ALTRUISM
ASK A QUESTION
EXPLORE OUR STUNNING LANDSCAPE WITH BHUTAN HIMALAYA EXPEDITIONS
Sign up to receive travel updates and offers, tips & insights from Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions
