Overview
With gold-spired temples, exuberant festivals to honor the guardian deities, and a guiding philosophy of “Gross National Happiness,” Bhutan is truly one of the world’s last Shangri-Las. With our great combination of hiking and cultural exploration, we transport you into this rare world, hiking the trails and taking time to experience local life as we make a private visit to a nunnery, dine with a family in their 500-year-old-home, and attend a tsechu—a colorful Tibetan Buddhist celebration with elaborate dance-dramas. Our journey includes three days in the ethereal Bumthang region, spiritual center of the kingdom.
Bhutan is a very special place and our itinerary gave us the chance to really experience the culture, the environment and the people in-depth. Loved the trip and would highly recommend it to our friends.
— Celes E., Seattle, WA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-5
Paro / Thimphu / Punakha and Phobjikha Valleys
From Bhutan’s Paro Valley, we head across the countryside to Thimphu, the tiny capital. We’ll drive over the Dochu La (10,000'), hike to the isolated Lungchuzekha Monastery (11,800'), then continue to the Punakha Valley to explore the breathtaking Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637. A hike through riverside villages brings us to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Tibetan Buddhist saint known as “the Divine Madman” for his unconventional ways. We’ll explore the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, with its grazing yaks and alpine setting on the western slope of the Black Mountains.
Days 6-12
Bumthang / Paro
The Bumthang region, where Buddhism was introduced to the country in the 7th century, has an extraordinary concentration of sacred monasteries. In a setting of tidy farmhouses, orchards, and fields, we hike to some of the region’s holiest sites, including 17th century Kurjey Lhakhang, whose temples are the resting place of Bhutan’s first three kings. We’ll watch monks perform their morning prayers, meet villagers in their homes, and enjoy a special welcome at a fascinating nunnery not usually open to visitors. Back in Paro, our final hike is to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest, one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. Depart on Day 12 or join one of our extensions.
Hiker's Journey to Bhutan
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The World’s Last Shangri La
On this lodge-based journey with your own private guide, hike to tiny villages and mountainside temples, meet red-robed monks, explore colorful markets, and discover a unique Shangri La kingdom in the Himalayas.
