Expedition Details
Within the folds of Bhutan’s mountains lie sacred dzongs, dazzling rice fields, and villages unchanged by time. On this magical journey, experience the wonders of the last Mahayana Buddhist kingdom of the Himalaya. Explore serene temples, meet local families, 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.
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 — Bangkok/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 — Paro/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.
Punatsangchhu 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.
Punatsangchhu Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Punakha/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 for the endangered black-necked crane, which arrives here in November and stays through March.
Dewachen Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Phobjika
Against a backdrop of forest-clad mountains, the Gangtey Gonpa temple complex rises dramatically froma cluster of hilltop cottages. One of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan, the Gangtey Gonpa has recently been renovated, allowing us to examine the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters during our visit. 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 — Phobjika/Thimphu
Travel to Thimphu (7,900 feet), the capital of Bhutan. Stop in at the Traditional School of Painting and the Arts to watch students practicing the ancient arts of Bhutanese thangka painting, mask making, and wood carving. Then browse the exhibition at the new National Textile Museum. Bhutan’s weavings and brocades are considered spiritual expressions and are admired for their diversity and sophistication. 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.
Namgay Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Thimphu/Paro
Return to Paro this morning to 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 then enjoy a full day of festivities. Bhutan’s festivals are joyous expressions of its Buddhist culture and, depending on the decisions of the high lamas, we may witness some of the colorful mask dances performed by monks from the region. After lunch, return to the festival or enjoy some time for wandering through the bazaar.
Zhiwa Ling Hotel (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 magical 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, arriving home the same day.
Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel (B)
Optional Extension
- Bangkok, Thailand - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
Related Trip
View LargerNational Geographic Expert
Carroll Dunham
Medical anthropologist Carroll Dunham has resided in the Himalaya for the past 25 years and is currently based in Nepal. Carroll is the director of Wild Earth, an organization that works with rural Nepalese women who create handcrafted products to generate income. An expert in Himalayan cultures, she is passionate about sacred geography, pilgrimage, and indigenous medicinal plants. She has written four books and produced films for National Geographic, PBS, and the BBC.
Carroll will join the following departures:
Nov 06 - 18, 2009 • Mar 19 - 30, 2010Nov 06 - 17, 2010
Expedition Dates 
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.
Each itinerary features a different festival. The November 2009 departure includes the celebration of the former King's birthday on Day 6; the February 2010 departure includes the Punakha Tsechu on Day 5; the March 2010 departure includes the Paro Tsechu festival on Day 9; and the November 2010 departure includes the celebration of the former King's birthday and the Crane Festival on Days 6 and 7.
Expedition Costs
The November 2010 departure may be subject to an additional Bhutan tourism tariff of up to $400 per person, currently being considered by the Bhutanese government. Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare from Los Angeles to Bangkok is $1,390; round-trip economy group airfare from Bangkok to Paro is $825 (subject to change).
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 rustic lodge (without electricity) in Phobjika; and at a comfortable but basic hotel in the Punakha Valley.
