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.
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
Today is the first day of the fourth king's birthday, which is celebrated with small ceremonies throughout the country. We will have the opportunity to witness the festivities during this three-day national celebration. 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 from a cluster of hilltop cottages. One of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan, Gangtey Gonpa has recently been restored, allowing us to examine the fine workmanship of Bhutan’s best woodcarvers, sculptors, and painters. Our visit coincides with the annual Crane Festival, a charming mix of traditional masked and folk dances. Held in the courtyard of the Gonpa, this festival was created by the community to raise awareness for the rare cranes that winter in the valley. 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. 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
After a morning exploring the country’s more modern side in Thimphu, delve into the colorful bustle of the weekend market. Return to the Paro Valley in the late afternoon.
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, L; B)
Optional Extension
- Angkor Wat, Cambodia - 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 focusing on indigenous healing traditions. She and her family have spent the last ten summers living with nomads in central Mongolia. Carroll is the founder of Wild Earth, working with rural Asian women, creating community income opportunities through development of indigenous healing therapies and herbal handcrafted bodycare products. Local producer for National Geographic's "People of the Windhorse", a documentary exploring the relationship of nomads and the horse, she has explored the revitilization of Buddhist and shamanic practices in Mongolia. Passionate about sacred geography, pilgrimage, conservation and sustainability of indigenous medicinal plants, she has authored four books and produced films for National Geographic, PBS, and the BBC.
Carroll will join the following departures:
Nov 06 - 17, 2010 • Mar 15 - 26, 2011Nov 06 - 17, 2011
Expedition Dates 
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Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Round-trip economy airfare between Los Angeles and Bangkok is $1,390; round-trip economy group airfare between Bangkok and Paro is $840 (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 simple Bhutanese-style hotel in the Punakha Valley; and at a rustic lodge (with limited electricity) in Phobjika..
