A striking place of magic and myth, the lush Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan brims with a wealth of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring spiritual and historical attractions. Perched high in the Himalayan Mountains, it is the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdom, and has earned the nickname the Last Shangri-La. In addition to the stunning landscapes dotted with golden-roofed temples and fortress-like monasteries, travelers to this country will also experience the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom. Unique in today’s world, Bhutan practices a “high value, low impact” approach to tourism and has developed the philosophy of Gross National Happiness; where economic prosperity is measured using a holistic approach of well-being, instead of gross domestic product. With over 70% of the country covered by forest, Bhutan is also the only carbon negative county in the world.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Savor the majestic mountains and emerald green valleys as you hike to the sacred Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest) which clings to a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level in the upper Paro Valley.
Walk through the architectural marvels of one of Bhutan’s most magnificent structures — the Punakha Dzong. Known as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” this dzong is the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan.
Join local children, farmers, and monks in the Phobjikha Valley for the annual, black-necked crane festival. Considered a sacred bird in Bhutan, the black-necked crane is the only alpine crane species in the world whose presence is believed to bring about bountiful harvests, prosperity, and longevity.
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DAY 1
Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok and check in to the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight. This evening, gather with your expedition leaders and fellow travelers for welcome cocktails followed by dinner.
DAY 2
Bangkok / Paro, Bhutan / Thimphu
After breakfast, board our flight to Bhutan. Upon arrival enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and check in to the Druk Hotel. After some time to rest, tour Bhutan’s capital this afternoon with a chance to browse the crafts bazaar where we will find a variety of locally made masks, paintings, fabrics, and more.
DAY 3
Thimphu
Spend the day exploring Thimphu, the main residence of the king. Highlights include the National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, and Institute of Traditional Medicine. See the world’s largest seated Buddha statue perched on a hill overlooking Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma, Changangkha Lhakhang, and the Zilukha nunnery — one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Later, visit the Takin Nature Preserve to view the intriguing national animal before continuing to Wangdi-tse Monastery for impressive views over the valley.
DAY 4
Thimphu / Phobjikha Valley
This morning drive to the glacial-carved Phobjikha Valley with stops en route to appreciate the stunning mountain vistas. At nearly 11,000 feet, Dochula Pass offers breathtaking views of forested mountain slopes surrounding verdant Phobjikha Valley. In the afternoon, visit the Crane Information Center to learn about the black-necked cranes that migrate to the valley from Tibet every winter before checking in to Hotel Phobjikha.
DAY 5
Phobjikha Valley
Spend the day exploring magical Phobjikha Valley. A special highlight of our time here is the opportunity to witness the annual, Black-necked Crane Festival held in the courtyard of Gangtey Goemba, an impressive Buddhist monastery with spectacular views of the valley below. The festival includes folk songs with environmental themes, as well as masked dances performed by the monks, local people, and children. Then take a walk on the Gangtey Nature Trail, a popular downhill hike, keeping an eye out for birds and wildlife.
DAY 6
Phobjikha / Bumthang
A 5-hour drive takes us to Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to many of the country’s oldest and most sacred monasteries. This is also an important agricultural area with many farms and orchards scattered across the wide, fertile valley. Learn about the production of Yathra, a colorful hand-woven woolen cloth, at the Yathra Weaving Center in Chumey Valley. After this, sample local delicacies while touring a brewery and cheese factory before checking in to the Swiss Guest House.
DAYS 7 & 8
Bumthang
Spend two full days exploring the lovely valleys of Bumthang. First, we’ll visit the Jambay Lhakhang temple, built by a Tibetan emperor to ward off a demoness during the 7th century. Stroll to the nearby Kurje Lhakang where it is believed that those who crawl through the rock passage at Sangay Lhakhang will leave their sins behind. After lunch, continue to Jakar Dzong, or “Castle of the White Bird” built in 1549. This was the seat of the first king of Bhutan and is located on a picturesque ridge overlooking the Cheokhor Valley.
The next day, drive through lush farmland to the Tang Valley, visiting small rural villages and farmhouses along the way for intimate one-on-one experiences with locals. Visit the 16th-century Ugyen Choling Palace, which houses a small museum that offers insight into the lifestyle of a noble Bhutanese family and Mebar Tsho “Burning Lake” one of Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. After lunch take a hike along the Bushman Trail for magnificent views of surrounding countryside, as well as the Pema Cholling Nunnery and Zangdopelri Monastery.
DAY 9
Bumthang / Trongsa
Today, drive to Trongsa via Yotongla Pass, making frequent stops for photography along the way. After lunch in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong, the country’s largest fortress and ancestral home of the royal family, and Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses a museum with displays of royal memorabilia. Check in to Yangkhil Resort.
DAY 10
Trongsa / Punakha Valley
Enjoy a scenic drive into the Punakha Valley, the former capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955. Located at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level, this agriculturally rich part of Bhutan produces rice, fruits, and various vegetables. Two of Bhutan's precious rivers converge here, the Mo Chu and Pho Chu, and at their confluence stands the majestic Punakha Dzong. The riverbanks of Pho Chu are home to the last surviving populations of the critically endangered, white-bellied herons. Upon arrival, check in to the Meri Puensum Hotel.
DAY 11
Punakha Valley
Depart early this morning for a visit to the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” a perfect example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. Later, take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, dramatically set on a ridge overlooking the countryside. Then take a short downhill hike through pine forest and rice fields. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY 12
Punakha Valley / Paro
After breakfast, depart for Paro. Stop at Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to fertility built by Lama Drupka Kunley, one of Bhutan’s favorite saints, nicknamed “The Divine Madman.” Continue over Dochula Pass into Paro. In the afternoon we’ll tour Paro Dzong, built in 1644. This ancient fortress is a perfect example of Bhutanese architecture, consisting of a complex of courtyards, temples, and government offices. The next stop is Ta Dzong, a watchtower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Today, Ta Dzong serves as the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Attend an archery demonstration to witness the national sport of Bhutan in action before checking in to Hotel TenzenLing.
DAY 13
Paro
Today is dedicated to Bhutan’s most famous and most photographed monastery: Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff above the Paro Valley, this is the site where Guru Padmasambhava, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan, meditated in a cave for three months in the 8th century. A wonderful hike, coupled with dramatic scenery and the melodic murmur of chanting monks. This is sure to be a trip highlight. After lunch, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore on your own. This evening, gather at the hotel for a festive farewell dinner.
DAY 14
Paro / Bangkok, Thailand
Board our flight to Bangkok. Check in to the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 15
Bangkok / Depart
Board your independent homeward flight.
trip dates
November 7 – 21 2024
Departure
The trip starts and ends in Bangkok, Thailand
“Bhutan is one of those mysterious countries, often hidden behind veils of upper atmospheric vapors. The ancestors of the people who have made their homes in the deep valleys and high peaks of this land have had to make many material and economic sacrifices and in so doing have developed a rich tapestry of spiritual connection to the land and to each other. The particular kind of Buddhism practiced here, in both ritual and scripture, reflects these choices. I am looking forward to pulling back the veil to expose some of the traditions that sustain a hardy people.”
— Shirley campbell
More Detail
PRICING
Per person price
$12,980
For a single room, add
$2,490
Deposit
$2,000 per person
Group Size
16 travelers
What’s Included
14 nights accommodations
All meals including tea and soft drinks
All excursions, transportation, and local guides
Park fees, taxes, and permits
Gratuities
Round trip airfare between Bangkok and Paro
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
Save your spot on our expedition by booking now.
NOVEMBER 7–21, 2024
