Chorten , Bhutan

Prayer flags wave beside a chorten at Ugen Guru Monastery, near Paro. Our Bhutan Private Journey explores this mystical Buddhist kingdom and its deeply traditional culture on day hikes and village visits.

Photo by Thinley Namgyel

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Bhutan Private Journey route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3995   see pricing
Length: 10 days
Arrive: Paro, Bhutan
Depart: Paro, Bhutan
Lodging: 9 nights in lodges describe
Meals: All meals included
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: Moderate to steep trails, 3 hours a day, altitudes averaging 7,000-10,000 feet
3 explain

Highlights

  • Experience a mystical Himalayan kingdom
  • Magical Taktsang, Bhutan’s legendary cliff-perched monastery
  • Meet Bhutanese villagers, explore colorful markets


One of the best trips we have done. It was such an amazing experience to see so few other tourists, particularly while we were in the Haa Valley.Wesley and Yvette P.—Carbondale, CO

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

In the heart of the Himalaya, mystical Bhutan is one of the world’s last strongholds of thriving Buddhist culture, and a place few outsiders are privileged to explore. Our lodge-based journey features wonderful hikes to traditional villages and a treasured experience of a sacred land and its people.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Thimphu Valley

Bhutan possesses a vibrant traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and a stunning Himalayan setting. Spirituality permeates every aspect of daily life, time-honored festivals are living manifestations of a national faith, and the king decrees “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth. In this magical and mountainous land of demons and deities, explore the serene retreat of Tango Monastery, with views of the valley and a beautiful inner courtyard, and enjoy an afternoon hike through riverside villages of traditional architecture, with a picnic lunch. Overnights in the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu (7,600’), so small it doesn’t have a traffic light!

Days 3-5
Punakha and Wangdi

A spectacular road journey across the Dochu La Pass, with its summit shrines festooned with prayer flags and astounding views of the Bhutanese Himalaya (weather permitting), brings you to the subtropical Punakha Valley. Hike forested riverside trails and explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, 17th century seat of Bhutan’s kings, set at the confluence of two rushing rivers. Walk across rice fields to the fascinating Chimi Lhakhang, a small and charming temple dedicated to Bhutan’s renegade saint, Lama Drupka Kinley, and visit the town of Wangdi, with its ancient fortress-dzong perched dramatically on a bluff above a river.

Days 6-7
Haa Valley

The pristine Haa Valley, ancestral home of Bhutan’s Queen Mother and long closed to outsiders, is surrounded by forested hillsides full of ancient shrines, while the narrow valley floor is dotted with fields of millet, barley, and potatoes. Its farmhouses are adorned with intricately painted wooden cornices and ornately carved window frames. Your hikes lead to serene hamlets and remote monasteries below mountain peaks, including Chundu Gompa, dedicated to the chief protector-deity of the valley.

Days 8-10
Paro and Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest

From the Chelila Pass (13,200’), enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari (23,997’), Bhutan’s divine mountain, and majestic Jichu Drake (22,700’) as you descend by road to Paro. In Paro, explore the National Museum, whose collection includes ancient artifacts, weapons, and Bhutan’s beautiful stamps. Your fitting grand finale hike brings you up through forests draped in Spanish moss to the striking monastic retreat of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest,” built in the 17th century into a sheer cliff face about 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley. Taktsang is the most famous temple in Bhutan, with one of the most spectacular settings in the world.Depart on Day 10.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Optional Extensions

  • Thailand: Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Bangkok
  • Angkor, Cambodia: Glorious monuments of the Khmer civilization

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3. Accommodations in Bhutan are somewhat rustic but very charming. As tourism is still relatively new to Bhutan, the dining is typically buffet-style at the lodges. The hikes are moderate and suitable for people in good shape who enjoy mountain hiking. The longest hike is about three hours. Although you carry only a daypack, there are some steep ascents and descents, and the hikes are at moderate altitude, which can make them feel strenuous. Although Bhutan is a Himalayan country, it is on the same latitude as Florida so it can get very hot in the sun. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition for the journey. Please note that travel times vary depending upon local conditions, and the itinerary may change while you are in Bhutan due to government regulations and local climate conditions.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

When to go

Late September to mid-May

For our Private Journey trips, you choose your own group and your preferred dates—there are no set departure dates. Private Journeys are available to groups as few as two people or as large as you like. Contact us for availability, questions, or to book your adventure!

Tour Costs

Prices valid through June 2011
$3995 per person double occupancy
Single supplement: $410
Internal airfare: $895 (subject to change)

Festival Departures Surcharge: Call for details
Uma Paro Resort Upgrade (2 nights): from $425 per person
Zhiwa-Ling Hotel Upgrade (2 nights): from $325 per person
Tashi Hotel Upgrade (3 nights): from $780 per person

Includes all land transportation and private guides throughout
Discount for groups of 5 or more.


more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Accommodations
  • All meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10
  • Services of a local guide and driver
  • Hikes and excursions as noted in the Full Trip Brochure with English-speaking guide
  • Mineral water during all meals and also during transfers
  • Transport by private car or mini-bus
  • Entry fees for activities as described
  • Airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure, alcoholic or soft drinks, any activities described as optional, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities for guide, driver, restaurant services, porterage and baggage handling, room service; optional sightseeing staff; additional hotel nights made necessary by airline schedule changes or other factors, pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: $250
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Druk Hotel or River View Hotel

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Thimphu,
Day 5 (1 night), Thimphu, Bhutan

The Druk and River View offer a similar level of accommodation, basic but comfortable, yet in quite different settings. The Druk, one of ...
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Taj Tashi Hotel (Optional Upgrade)

Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Thimphu, Bhutan

Part of the venerable Taj group of hotels in India, this 66-room hotel has all the conveniences of a luxury hotel, while at the same time reflects ...
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Zangtho Pelri or Meri Puensum

Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Punakha Valley, Bhutan

Based on availability, you will stay in either the Zangtho Pelri, pictured at left, or the Meri Puensum (see photo). Both are basic lodges. The Zangtho Pelri enjoys a scenic location on a hillside overlooking the lush rice paddies of the Punakha Valley. Simple twin-bedded cottages with basic en suite bathrooms and hot-water showers are spread out in a garden setting, and buffet-style meals—a blend of Indian and Bhutanese dishes—are served in a central building.

Rigsum Lodge

Days 6 to 7 (2 nights), Haa Valley, Bhutan

Rigsum Lodge, the only hotel in Haa, Bhutan’s westernmost valley, is a small, simple hotel on the outskirts of a tiny village. The twin-bedded rooms at the Rigsum have en suite bathrooms with hot-water showers. Meals are served buffet-style in a large central dining room.

Dechen Hill Resort

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Paro Valley, Bhutan

In a secluded part of the gorgeous Paro Valley, the Dechen Hill offers clean, comfortable twin rooms with en suite bathrooms.

Uma Paro (Optional Upgrade)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Paro, Bhutan

This handsome spa-retreat perched on a hilltop outside Paro is known for its understated luxury and aesthetic appeal. The standard rooms, while not ...
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Zhiwa Ling Hotel (Optional Upgrade)

Days 8 to 9 (2 nights), Paro, Bhutan

Located on 10 acres in a serene setting in the green Paro Valley, the deluxe Zhiwa Ling is a wonderful example of traditional Bhutanese ...
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Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Client Comments

One of the best trips we have done. It was such an amazing experience to see so few other tourists, particularly while we were in the Haa Valley. Wesley and Yvette P., Carbondale, CO
Bhutan was a wonderful experience, and our guide was one of the best we’ve had. Robert V., Virginia Beach, VA It was the experience of a lifetime. David and Kersten S., Idaho Springs, CO