Expedition Details
Within the folds of Bhutan's mountains lie sacred temples, dazzling rice fields, and villages unchanged by time. On this magical journey, experience the wonders of the last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom of the Himalaya. Hike to ancient dzongs, meet local families, wander through serene monasteries, discover unique artistic traditions, and witness one of Bhutan’s spectacular local festivals.Trip Highlights
- Hike to Bhutan's most famous pilgrimage site, Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest Temple).
- Mingle with community leaders and government dignitaries at a banquet dinner and gain insight into modern Bhutan.
- Witness colorful parades and magnificent processions at spectacular local festivals.
- Explore Gangtey Gonpa, one of the oldest private monasteries in Bhutan, that has been recently restored by Bhutan's finest artisans.
Itinerary - 12 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Bangkok, Thailand
Depart the U.S., cross the international date line, and arrive the next night.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel
Day 3 — Paro, Bhutan
From Bangkok, fly to the Paro Valley (7,300 feet) in Bhutan. Transfer to our hotel and enjoy time to relax, or visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Punakha
This morning, journey to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital. Travel over the Dochu La pass (10,000 feet) and stop for tea and a view of 200 miles of Himalayan summits (weather permitting). Settle into our hotel in the golden Punakha Valley and enjoy dinner together.
Meri Puensum Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Punakha
After an invigorating hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a spectacularly situated temple, be rewarded for your efforts with incredible views of the valley below. Then visit the Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress guarding the southern end of the valley at the confluence of the Pho (male) and Mo (female) Rivers.
Meri Puensum Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Phobjika
Travel to the alpine valley of Phobjika (10,000 feet), considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. It is also the largest wintering site of the endangered black-necked crane, which arrives in November and stays through March. Along the way, the environment changes from semi tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine environment—home to several species of rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and Grey Langur monkeys.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Phobjika
Against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains, the Gangtey Gonpa temple complex rises dramatically from a cluster of hilltop cottages. One of the oldest private monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Gonpa has recently been renovated, allowing us to examine the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters. Then set off on a half-day hike, stopping to meet a family at a local farmhouse along the way.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Thimphu
Travel to Thimphu (7,900 feet), the capital of Bhutan and home to the royal family. Visit the National Textile Museum and browse its exhibitions. Bhutan’s weavings and brocades are considered spiritual expressions and are admired for their diversity and sophistication
Terma Linca (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Paro
Today, attend the dramatic Paro Tsechu festival. Perched majestically above the town of Paro, the Paro Dzong is one of the oldest dzongs, or fortress-monasteries, in Bhutan, and still serves as the administrative and religious center of the valley. Visit the dzong and enjoy a full day of festivities. Bhutan’s festivals are joyous expressions of its Buddhist culture. People travel from distant valleys and towns to socialize, celebrate their thriving Buddhist heritage, and enjoy one of the most important events on the Bhutanese calendar. Tonight, get a behind-the-scenes perspective on contemporary Bhutan during a lively Bhutanese banquet with members of the government, local dignitaries, and respected professionals.
Terma Linca (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Paro
Our journey in the kingdom culminates with a hike to the most famous pilgrimage site in Bhutan: Taktsang Lhakhang, or the Tiger’s Nest Temple (9,300 feet). Visible from afar, this stunning monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. This evening, celebrate your Bhutanese adventure at a festive farewell dinner.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (B,L,D)
Days 11 & 12 — Paro/Bangkok, Thailand/U.S.
Fly to Bangkok and check into our hotel. The following morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight via Bangkok, arriving home the same day.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel (B, L; B)
Optional Extension
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Bill Jones
A popular National Geographic Expert, Bill Jones has led more than 100 groups across Asia and Europe to destinations as far-flung as Madagascar and Kazakhstan, but his greatest expertise is in Southeast Asia and the Himalayan Region. He has traveled regularly to Bhutan for more than 25 years and has experienced first-hand the country’s progress and challenges. Widely respected in Bhutan, Bill has been consulted by the government on the training of local travel operators, and he even has an honorific Bhutanese name given to him by the Oracle of Minji. A great raconteur, he shares his profound insights into Bhutan’s Buddhist beliefs—which form the cornerstone of the country’s culture, art, and architecture—in an informal way.
Bill will join the following departures:
Sep 18 - 29, 2012 • Nov 05 - 16, 2012
Expedition Dates 
2012
- Sep 18 - 29, 2012
- Oct 12 - 23, 2012
- Nov 05 - 16, 2012
indicates a departure that has a slightly different itinerary than the one shown on this page. Click the icon to see the day-to-day itinerary.
All departures feature a similar itinerary but include different celebrations. Please see the alternate itineraries above for specific details on each departure.
Expedition Costs
Please Note: Following a recent decision by the Bhutanese government in June of 2011, all travelers to Bhutan in 2012 will be subject to a new Bhutan tourism tariff. The increase in the tariff, which equals $400 per person and only applies to trips in 2012, will show up as a surcharge on your invoice.
What To Expect
This is an active exploration with optional hikes that range from one to five miles and excursions that involve stairs and uneven footing. The average elevation in Bhutan is 8,000 feet above sea level. This trip is not suitable for those who suffer from cardiac, respiratory, or circulatory disorders or a disability that limits mobility. Participants should be physically fit.
We will stay at first-class hotels in Bangkok, Paro, and Thimphu; at a simple Bhutanese-style hotel in the Punakha Valley; and at a rustic lodge in Phobjika.
