PRIVATE TAILORMADE JOURNEY
Western Bhutan Insider
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.
Fly into Paro, Bhutan’s gateway, from where you’ll be taken straight into the heart of Thimphu, the Bhutanese capital, to catch the valley’s sightseeing highlights and meet with interesting Bhutanese thought leaders. Next, transfer to majestic Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital, and visit a famous temple in the village that was once the stomping grounds of Bhutan’s prankster saint, the Kokopelli-like Drukpa Kunley or “Divine Madman.” Return to Paro for a quiet stay at Olathang, a quiet lodge set among pine trees above the town, before a hike to the famous 8th-century Tiger’s Nest monastery. Finally, head over to Haa to experience the culture of Bhutan’s westernmost valley and return for a final night’s rest before your return flight. These four key cultural valleys offer valuable insights into the Buddhist culture that still shapes life in Bhutan today, and an understanding of this fragile corner of the Himalayas as it enters the global 21st century.
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In-depth, eight-day exploration of the four key valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Haa
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 greeting you at the Paro airport we bring you to Thimphu, where you check into The Capital Hotel ((Please see the “Your Featured Lodges” tab below). We take you on a selection of cultural highlights in the capital, followed by a drive over the 10,000-foot high Dochu-La pass to lush Punakha valley.
Return to Paro for a spectacular hike up to famous cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery. Finally, visit untouched Haa valley, the kingdom's westernmost district, which nudges up against south Tibet and north India. Return to Paro with time for a final run into town for gifts before returning to the Olathang for a farewell dinner and rest before your morning flight.
VIEW DAY BY DAY
FEB 01: ARRIVAL/PARO, BHUTAN
Following your arrival, we take you to Thimphu. The drive is 1.5 hours with a couple of stops along the way. After checking in at the hotel, we help you orient yourself around the city and take you on a short acclimatization hike to the Takin Zoo or Wangditse temple with a spectacular view of the city.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable
FEB 02: THIMPHU/ TEXTILE MUSEUM/MARKET/MEMORIAL STUPA
Today, it's on to our top five things to do in the capital: admiring the intricate weaving arts of Bhutan on display at the impressive Royal Textile Museum; rubbing elbows with capital residents at the interesting Centenary Farmer's Market; marveling at the iconic giant Buddha looking over the capital; visiting the massive four-cornered Tashichhodzong capitol, which houses the offices of the king; and, finally, the picturesque National Memorial Stupa, where we join devout Buddhists circling the monument in a devotional act known as the 'kora'.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Capital Hotel or comparable
FEB 03: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA/PUNAKHA DZONG
This morning, drive up to the 10,000-foot Dochu-La pass and take a short walk into the forest to see some of the area's wild rhododendron blooms before descending into lush and warm Punakha, Bhutan's ancient capital. Lunch is at a restaurant overlooking terraced fields of Bhutan's famous red rice. Later, stroll through the village and visit the fertility temple celebrating the local legend of Bhutan's "Divine Madman." In the afternoon, visit the massive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, before checking into the lodge with a spectacular view of the dzong and valley. If you're feeling energetic, end the day with a late afternoon climb to a towering Buddhist pagoda with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the meandering river, and storybook villages.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Punakha Zhingkham Resort
FEB 04: MORNING HIKE/RETURN DRIVE TO PARO
Take a morning hike above rice fields to the beautiful Khamsum pagoda-style temple. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before driving to Paro. Enjoy Bhutanese-grown and roasted organic coffee beans at a local Paro cafe then turn in for an early night to rest up for the (early morning) iconic Tiger's Nest monastery hike.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel
FEB 05: HIKE TO TIGER'S NEST/DRIVE TO HAA/ZINGKHA LODGE/
Rise early this morning to beat the crowds on the hike to famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, Bhutan's most iconic landmark. Return to Paro in time for a delicious lunch at a friend’s busy restaurant before continuing the 2.5-hour drive to Haa with a stop at the spectacular, prayer-flag strewn Chele La pass (13,000 feet). We check in at the carefully restored country manor of a former governor of the valley; the lodge comes with an in-house temple and a charming dining area handpainted by local artisans, offering an authentic taste of the regional cuisine.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zingkha Lodge
FEB 06: MORNING HIKE TO JUNGNEY CLIFF TEMPLE/TRADITIONAL BATH
This morning take a walk from the lodge along a village track that brings you to a swinging suspension bridge strung over the river. On the other side, you'll take the short vehicle shuttle, and walk up to clifftop Jungney temple, a well-kept local secret. Squeezing our way through two large boulders with barely enough room for an adult to push through, we meet the local lama for a tour of the temple and its history. Of particular note is the rare depiction—on the exquisite wall-to-wall mural—of the three goddesses of Longevity, Wisdom, and Protection. Afterwards, if you're still energetic, take a guided hike along a stretch of the new Haa Panorama Hiking Trail.
In the late afternoon return to the lodge for a cooking class. You'll learn how to make Haa valley’s traditional specialty, the delicious celebratory buckwheat dumplings called “Haa-bi Hoentey,” filled with tangy preserved turnip greens, rich oilseeds such as poppy and zhimtsi (local name), and the buttery goodness of local hand-churned dairy. Following the hearty meal, we visit our COO Karma Phuntsho’s family temple in the center of this close-knit village. There, you're welcomed by the resident lama who'll conduct a short prayer and traditional blessing for good luck.
This evening back at the lodge, you may like to take a traditional "hot stone" bath in the bathhouse next to a rushing glacial stream.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Zingkha Heritage Lodge
FEB 07: DRIVE TO PARO/FAREWELL
Spend a relaxed morning exploring a little more around the lodge, taking pictures of the timeless-seeming Haatoe village before being driven comfortably back over the pass back down to Paro with ample time to relax at the hotel or make a last-minute run into town for gifts and souvenirs.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: The Olathang Hotel
FEB 08: RETURN FLIGHT TO DELHI/BANGKOK
Depending on your routing choice, we drive you to Paro in time to catch your return flight after breakfast:
If you're connecting that same day or night, please leave a minumum 3.5 hours between flights. If you need an overnight place to stay in Bangkok, the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is a good option for rest between connecting flights. There's a basement walkway connecting to the hotel or, alternately, the complimentary shuttle leaves from Arrival Exit Door 4 every quarter hour.
YOUR FEATURED LODGES
Please visit the following links to learn more about the featured lodges on this trip. The lodges in the Heritage category below are included in the price of the trip. The Luxe hotels will be at the nighly additional costs shown below.
Heritage Lodges - Heritage (Included in Trip Price):
Thimphu:
Punakha:
Paro:
Haa:
Luxe Lodges - (Additional):
Thimphu
Zhiwa Ling Ascent ($300 per night)
Punakha:
Paro:
Tiger's Nest Camp (+$80)/Paro Uma ($800)
Haa (no Luxe hotels in Haa):
NOTES ON INDIAN VISAS
INDIAN E-VISA
You can apply for an e-Visa before traveling via a simple online form. This is the Indian government e-visa issuer, although there are private ones also this is most reliable.
Link: Online Indian E-Visa
You’ll want to choose the Tourist e-Visa for 30 days, not the other kinds. The 30-day visa allows two entries into India, which is handy since they consider each transit a single trip. All e-Visas take at least 72 hours to process, so be sure to do it well ahead of time!
YOUR FEATURED LODGES
Please visit the following links to learn more about the featured lodges on this trip. The lodges in the Heritage category below are included in the price of the trip. The Luxe hotels will be at the nighly additional costs shown below.
Heritage Lodges - Heritage (Included in Trip Price):
Thimphu:
Punakha:
Paro:
Haa:
Luxe Lodges - (Additional):
Thimphu
Zhiwa Ling Ascent ($300 per night)
Punakha:
Paro:
Tiger's Nest Camp (+$80)/Paro Uma ($800)
Haa (no Luxe hotels in Haa):
SPECIAL NOTES & DISCLAIMERS
ITINERARY
Please note that all trip and itinerary descriptions are accurate at the time of publication. While we strive to keep the actual running of the trips as close to our original description as possible we cannot rule out changes or modifications and, or, variations on the ground as a result of factors that may be beyond our control. If such circumstances occur, we always strive to do better, or at minimum match the trip described but this may not always be possible.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Infrequently, we may also have to swap out the lodges and accommodations listed on your trip as a result of seasonal overbooking; in such instances we will always find a comparable hotel of the same category and amenities as replacement/s.
AIRFARE COSTS
Please note that while we make every endeavor to accurately price our trips, airfares subject to change by the airline are outside our control. As a result, current charter flight costs currently included the trip trip may change and we may be forced to generate a final additional invoice to make up any such potential differences in cost. While we don't expect this to happen in this case, a reduced number of travelers may result in a per-individual fare increase for which we will send out an addendum invoice if the occasion arises, within reason, to cover any such potential shortfalls. Guests will be notified of any such changes well before trip departure.