10 Days from $4,999
National Geographic Journeys
Explore this mystical Himalayan country on a Wonders of Bhutan, escorted tour. This unique and wondrous adventure includes visits to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Haa. Visit monasteries, learn about national happiness, enjoy delicious food, hike through forests and see the national sport in practice.
Read moreDelve right into this South Asian gem and let happiness rub off on you. On a clear day, take in the views of the world’s highest peaks, the Himalayas as you fly in. Highlights are many and include a hike to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman." Built in 1499, it is known as the temple of fertility. View the stunning Punakha Dzong, a fortress and continue on to a serene meditation and training center for Buddhist nuns. An exhilarating suspension bridge crossing awaits en route to a beautiful stupa. During migration season for black-necked cranes, stop at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature’s Black-Necked Crane Centre. Join a family for dinner in their farmhouse complete with a cooking lesson. Marvel at the ancient artifacts in Gangtey Goempa Monastery. Visit Buddha Point and see the breathtaking golden Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu. Learn about the Gross National Happiness index used measure the nation’s progress. See locals practicing the national sport, archery. Take an exhilarating hike up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Read less9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
Thimphu, Bhutan
Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where you'll be met by your local CEO who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.
Time permitting, take a guided walk around town. The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.
Dinner
Namgay Heritage Hotel
Thimphu, Bhutan
This morning, meet a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and ways of life in Bhutan. Then drive to scenic Punakha, crossing the lofty Dochu La pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Settle into your hotel and drive to Lobesa after lunch.
Punakha, Bhutan
From here, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery dedicated to the Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Learn about his colorful, eccentric life, and witness women devotees who visit the monastery to receive blessings of fertility.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Lobesa
Punakha, Bhutan
Enjoy a full day of exploration in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, or fortress, situated at the confluence of two important rivers. Hike to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, a meditation and training center for Buddhist nuns.
Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang to discover the town’s dzong. In the afternoon, weave your way through rice terraces and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a cheerful temple perched on a picturesque mountain ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Lobesa
Gangtey, Bhutan
Travel to the Gangtey Valley—also called Phobjikha Valley—the winter habitat of rare black-necked cranes. If your trip falls between October and February, you’ll have a chance to visit the information center of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) to learn about these graceful, vulnerable birds, which migrate from Tibet to Bhutan every year.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Dewachen
Gangtey, Bhutan
Set out to discover the stunning Gangtey Goempa, one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. This 17th-century temple recently underwent an elaborate renovation. Afterward, we’ll walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley, stopping at an old temple on the way to make an offering.
This evening, explore Khewa village and enjoy a cooking demonstration and delicious home-cooked dinner at a family farmhouse.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Dewachen
Thimphu, Bhutan
Return to Thimpu and take in the golden splendor of the Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue that graces a hill overlooking the city.
Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and crafts school where you can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Later, enjoy a talk on Gross National Happiness, an index used by the Bhutanese to measure the nation’s progress.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Namgay Heritage Hotel
Thimphu, Bhutan
This morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s most recognizable landmarks and a focal point of daily spiritual life. Then venture off the beaten path towards the remote Haa Valley, stopping for a night in charming Haa town.
Haa, Bhutan
Explore Lhakhang Nagpo, the “black temple,” and Lhakhang Karpo, the “white temple”—two ancient Buddhist shrines which are said to be among the 108 temples built in one day by the seventh century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rigsum Resort
Haa, Bhutan
Drive into picturesque Haa Valley by way of the dramatic Chele La pass, one of the highest mountain roads in Bhutan. Hike through thick pine forests to the Kila nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff.
Paro, Bhutan
Later, return to Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful temples. Then head to a local archery ground to watch locals practice Bhutan’s national sport.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Olathang
Paro, Bhutan
Today, you'll embark on a vigorous hike to Bhutan’s most iconic and revered site: the Taktsang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high above the Paro Valley. Visible from afar, this architectural masterpiece straddles a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Later, drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, a ruined fortress that once defended Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotel Olathang
Paro, Bhutan
Depart at any time. Airport transfer is included.
Breakfast
All rates listed are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change without notice. Your land package pricing will be confirmed and guaranteed once your deposit is received and applied to the booking, except where price increases may result from increases in government taxes or fees. Room configurations are subject to availability. Guests added to your party after the booking are priced at the prevailing rate at the time they are added.
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