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• Experience the most unique areas of Bhutan on a fully tailored journey
• Choose your companions and enjoy exclusive access to some of Bhutan’s most significant sights, guided by a local for the duration of your stay
• There are no set dates—the best times of the year to travel are October to April
• This itinerary can be customized to your interests, specifications and group
• Pricing is per person, based on double occupancy
Upon arrival you will meet your guide, who will accompany you throughout your stay. Thimphu, located in a wide valley surrounded by high peaks, is the perfect place to start your Bhutan journey. The juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modern living make Thimphu the ideal place to immerse yourself in the contemporary Bhutanese lifestyle.
Visit the home of Bhutan’s government and the site of the Throne Room, a beautiful medieval fortress originally built in 1216. Since its construction, the building has been relocated, damaged and expanded many times. You could get lost in the twists and turns of this magnificent fortress.
Visit a Bhutanese home for a traditional, home-cooked meal. You will be joined by a special guest during your meal. Indulge in the rich flavors of Bhutanese cuisine while engaging in conversation about the history and significance of Buddhism in Bhutan with an expert.
Drive to an overlook near Thimphu for stunning views of the city and visit a 169-foot tall golden Buddha. Gilded and made of bronze, this statue holds a secret – there are 125,000 miniature Buddhas hidden inside.
Rise early and take a scenic drive from Thimphu to Gangtey, a beautiful glacial valley bordering a national park. Enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Himalayas en route. Stop for lunch at a local café and continue onwards to Gangtey, a peaceful place of flourishing wildlife and culinary secrets to discover.
Founded in 1613, this monastery is perched atop a hill, providing lovely views of the valley below. As you walk around the immense grounds, observe the monks living and meditating. Speak with senior faculty to better understand the traditions of this magical place.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely hike along the Khewa Chu stream which winds through the valley. Walking through open meadows and small villages, you will come upon the Khewa Lhakhang temple, built in the 13th century. Along the way, explore traditional farmhouses and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Black-necked cranes are revered in Bhutanese culture and folklore. On arrival and departure each season, these cranes circle in the air three times – it is believed to be a form of gratitude for food and shelter during their stay. View this reclusive species’ nesting and breeding grounds and learn about their significance.
Vibrant and colorful prayer flags framed by tall mountains, terrace farms, and classic Bhutanese architecture mark your arrival in Punakha. This city was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. Evidence of this can be seen in the Punakha Dzong, a stunning monastery where all of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned.
As you drive into Punakha, stop at this well-known shrine. It’s founder Lama Drukpa Kinley subdued a demon when he built the monastery, trapping it in a nearby rock. The shrine is also revered by women for its powers of fertility.
Explore this medieval monastery, built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers in Punakha. Although it is no longer the official location of the government’s offices, it is still used by the Head Abbott as a winter residence.
Paro manages to retain its peaceful, pastoral nature despite many modern developments. Planted fields cover the valley floor while isolated farms and shrines dot the landscape. There are over 150 shrines in the area. Hiking to one of the most well-known, Tiger’s Nest, is an achievement for any adventurous soul.
Take a spectacular hike to Taktsang Palphug Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched 10,200 feet above sea level, it is one of the country’s most revered sites, named for the flying tigress that is said to have carried the Guru Rinpoche here in the eighth century. This is a strenuous hike.
Visit “the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” the administrative seat of Paro that also houses the most beautiful galleries in Bhutan. The classical paintings represent the universe as seen by two different philosophical streams. Cross the traditional wooden bridge that was removed in times of war to protect the Dzong.
For dinner, you will be joined by the Director of the Paro Museum and foremost scholar in the kingdom – Khenpo Tashi. You will discuss the unique aspects of Bhutan’s GNP or ‘Gross National Happiness’ and learn much about the distinct nation.
This trip is completely customizable and the itinerary can be modified in any way to create a one-of-a-kind journey just for you. The price quoted below is based on the accommodations and activities listed.
based on two guests traveling together. Prices vary based on group size, dates and other customizations.
Contact us for applicable terms and conditions of the operator-participant contract.
Fill out this contact form, call us at 1-888-723-4480 or contact your Travel Advisor.
Business Hours: Monday through Friday,
8am – 5pm PT.
