Bhutan

The matchless beauty and tranquility of Bhutan make this country a treasure in the Himalayas and in the world. Fervent storms in these dramatic mountains gave Bhutan its name which means “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Closed to the outside world until 1974, the government enforces maximum tourist numbers to ensure preservation of a lifestyle that is famously measured as “Gross National Happiness.” This intriguing country immerses travelers in Himalayan culture and unique, millennia-long traditions.

Below are some sample itineraries for journeys in Bhutan. You can book the trip as is or have our expert destination specialist build a customized trip for you.

Treks and Tours

Enchanted Journey of the Thunder Dragon

Explore life in Bhutan in the three major towns, Paro, Thimpu and Punakha, which lie  in peaceful Himalayan valleys. See handicrafts, costumes and ancient weapons in the National Museum. Hike to the Taktsang Monastery on a trail through pine trees festooned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. The journey is 12 days/11 nights. Departures are March through June, and September through December.

 


Essence of Bhutan

The matchless beauty and tranquility of Bhutan make this country a treasure in the Himalayas and in the world. Fervent storms in these dramatic mountains gave Bhutan its name which means, “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” The journey is 7 days/6 nights. Departures are March through June, and September through December.



The Jhomolhari Trek

This is a great trek through shepherd's trails to Jangothang (13,400ft.) for excellent views of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake, two of the many stunning Himalayan peaks in Bhutan. Besides the trek, you will also visit the many cultural sites of Paro, Thimpu and Punakha. The journeys is 14 days/13 nights. Best months for trekking are April through June and September through November.

Himalayan Trilogy Adventure

The Himalayan Trilogy Adventure allows you to experience three countries nestled in the lap of the Himalayas - Tibet (China), Nepal and Bhutan. Seemingly similar in culture, landscape and religion, it is only after you travel to these countries and experience first-hand, the contrasts become apparent. The journey is 16 days/15 nights. Departures are April through May, and September through December.

Splendor of the Eastern Himalayas

On the Splendor of the Eastern Himalayas, as the name suggests, you will be mesmerized by the splendor of the Eastern Himalayas in Nepal, India (Sikkim and Darjeeling) and Bhutan. Seemingly similar in culture, landscape and religion, it is only after you travel to these countries and experience first-hand, the contrasts become apparent. The journey is 14 days/13 nights. Departures are March through May, and September through December.

Eastern Himalayan Kingdoms: Sikkim and Bhutan

Trek to Goechala in Sikkim for up close views of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. (Sikkim until 1976 was an independent Buddhist kingdom.) After the trek, continue to Bhutan, the last bastion of Buddhism, for a five day cultural immersion. The journey is 23 days/22 nights. Departures are March through May, and October through December.

Bhutan Backroads and Homestay

If you are dreaming of experiencing Bhutan’s unique culture as an insider, then this is the trip for you. Enjoy the unique opportunity to live with a local farm family for a few days, all the while helping them with farming duties and the tasks of daily life. Perhaps you’ll help milk the yaks, make cheese, or tend the garden. Explore the neighborhood, take a short hike, perhaps visit a school.  Get to know the children, and practice English with them. Departures March through June and September through December.

Fibers of Bhutan: Culture, Heritage and Arts

This journey delves into the cultural and artistic heart of Bhutan. Traveling from west to east, you will experience remote, local villages via homestays as well as life in bustling towns. If you are dreaming of experiencing Bhutan’s unique culture as an insider, then this is the trip for you. Enjoy the unique opportunity to live with a local farm family for a few days, all the while helping them with farming duties and the tasks of daily life. Perhaps you’ll help milk the yaks, make cheese, or tend the garden. Explore the neighborhood, take a short hike, perhaps visit a school.  Get to know the children, and practice English with them. Scheduled departure in May. Group departure: May 15 - 26, 2012. Private departures available.

Magical Bhutan (with multiple day hikes)

This trip has been designed for those who like to hike but without sacrficing the comfort of sleeping in a bed or a shower. Bhutan is a hiker's paradise and there are multiple day-hike options from Paro, Thimpu, Punakha and Gangtey. The journey is 12 days/11 nights. Departures are March through June, and September through December.