Explore Bhutan's incredible scenery and culture in comfort. Enjoy gentle hikes through the wilderness, relax in the finest accommodations along the way, and gain a profound understanding of one of the happiest countries in the world. It’s more than a journey through the Himalayas; it’s a chance to experience a way of life shaped by peace, balance, and joy.
Start - End: Kathmandu - Kathmandu
Total trip: 9 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 2
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If the Kingdom of Bhutan is a must on your adventure bucket list, our 9-day Bhutan Adventure is a perfect fit. On this trip, you'll enjoy gentle hikes through the wilderness of Bhutan, take advantage of the finest accommodations along the way and gain a profound appreciation of one of the happiest countries in the world.
Starting in Kathmandu, you'll anticipate the adventures ahead as you take a scenic flight above the Himalayas to Paro. From here, you'll explore the most beautiful hikes in Bhutan. Some are well-known such as the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, and some less so, like the Gangte Nature Trail in the Phobjikha Valley. You'll be looked after by two guides who will teach you about the warm Buddhism influences and unique Bhutanese songs and folklore along the way. This adventure through Bhutan will stick with you for years to come.
From the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, to the tranquil trails of Bhutan, discover what to expect on your Bhutan Adventure.
Click map to explore.
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Your trip starts in the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu. If you arrive early, you can head out to explore the city’s labyrinth of back street courtyards, colorful market stalls and ancient temples on your own for your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people. Your guide will meet you around 5pm today, and run your group through what to expect from the days ahead. Tonight we’ll take you out for dinner at a local restaurant - Nepal dining is a culinary crossroad between the influences of China, India and Europe which makes for some really delicious flavor combinations.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 kilometers)
Prepare to shift gears as we leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and fly east to the Kingdom of Bhutan. This is a country, situated on the silk road, that has endured independence for centuries and has never been colonized! Bhutan is the least populous nation in South Asia, ranking first in economic freedom, ease of doing business and peace. After driving from Paro to Thimphu, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city. Next, it’s onto the Tarkin wildlife reserve, and we’ll have lunch at Simply Bhutan, an interactive living Museum where we’ll experience an introduction into traditional life in Bhutan. Dinner this evening is at the hotel, and you’ll have a chance to soak in your first culturally-immersive day in Bhutan.
Accommodation: Hotel Damisa or similar, Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Thimphu - 7,657 feet (2,334 meters)
Hiking: Up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)
Making the most of our day, we’ll take an early breakfast before departing for Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu valley. This statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world, and we’ll visit the temple the Buddha sits on. Afterwards, we’ll hike a forest trail from Buddha Dordenma, down through the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. After lunch, we’ll journey to the lush district of Punakha, known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Our journey to Punakha will take us over the Dochula pass. When the weather is nice, this pass, sitting at 10,300 feet (3,100 meters), offers tremendous views of the eastern Himalayan ranges and along the pass there are an astonishing 108 memorial chortens. We’ll take some time to explore this majestic fortress, which is the administrative center of Punakha District.
Accommodation: Dharma Suddhi or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Punakha - 4,075 feet (1,242 meters)
Hiking: Up to 3 miles (5 kilometers)
We’ll stretch our legs after breakfast with a hike up the trail leading to the Klamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The stupa was built to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world. Your ascent will be rewarded with incredible views overlooking the Punakha Valley. Afterwards we’ll explore the Punakha Dzong, taking a short hike from the Dzong across a swing bridge towards a local farmhouse, where we’ll enjoy lunch.
We’ll then drive to Chimi Lakhang, the Fertility Temple. This Buddhist temple is renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility inducing magnet - thousands make the pilgrimage each year in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a blessing from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’.
Accommodation: Dharma Suddhi or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Punakha - 4,075 feet (1,242 meters)
Hiking: Up to 1.9 miles (3 kilometers)
This morning we’ll journey east to Phobjikha. The walk we’ll take here, along the Gangte Nature Trail, is spectacular! We’ll pass through flowering meadows, lush forest and a small village. At the end of our hike, we’ll arrive at Khewang Lhakhang, a 15th-century Buddhist Temple with statues of the past, present and future Buddhas. This area has some wonderful valley viewpoints, where there are opportunities to see Black-necked cranes, or ‘Thrung Thrung Karmo’, the subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. Our hotel tonight offers another fine example of the local hospitality you’ll experience on this trip, with outstanding service and exotic food... And did we mention the views!?
Accommodation: ABC Lodge or similar, Phobjikha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Phobjikha - 9,842 feet (3,000 meters)
Hiking: 4.6 miles (7.5 kilometers)
After breakfast we’ll depart for the journey back to Paro, taking lunch along the way. In Paro we’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, and you’ll also have views of this Buddhist monastery from your hotel, as it’s lit up in the evening.
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Paro - 7,218 feet (2,200 meters)
Hiking: Up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)
A trip to Bhutan is not complete until you’ve visited Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest. We’ll take an early breakfast so that we can begin hiking whilst the trail is quiet - the trek is challenging - and thankfully this is what protects this extraordinary attraction from overcrowding. Once you’ve cleared the trees you’ll get your first glimpse of the Tiger’s Nest, somehow perched on the cliff high above the valley floor. Once at the monastery you’ll take a fascinating tour of the buildings, with plenty of time to find a quiet spot and soak it all in. You’ll be in awe, wondering how the Buddhists established this area, first as a meditation cave in the 8th century and later as a monastery in the 17th century. Amazing!
Tonights dinner will take place at the ‘Farmhouse’ for a Bhutanese Cultural performance and wait for it... Some hot stone baths!
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Paro - 7,218 feet (2,200 meters)
Hiking: Up to 4 miles (6 kilometers)
We’ll take a morning flight back to Nepal, so with any luck, we’ll be treated to more spectacular Himalayan views out of the right-hand side of the plane. For those who are keen after lunch, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu, and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.
Tonight we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)
Today is the final day of your Bhutan cultural exploration. If you have extra time after your trip, we’re happy to give suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great hiking and adventures you’ve had with us!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
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Do I need a visa? What are the essentials to pack for Bhutan? Read on to find answers to these questions and more...
On the first day of the trip you'll meet your guide in the lobby of Kathmandu Marriott Hotel at 5pm.
You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Kathmandu, though you must make your own way to Kathmandu Marriott Hotel in time to meet for the start of your trip at 5pm on the first day for dinner with your fellow adventurers. Please bring along your passport, or a copy of your passport.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Kathmandu Airport in time for flights departing any time or anywhere in the Central Kathmandu downtown area after breakfast.
Arrival: If you're flying into Kathmandu on the first day of your trip, we recommend arriving in Kathmandu before 2pm.
Departure: On the last day of the trip, you can fly out at any time that suits.
We’ve selected the accommodation for the unique character and adventuresome feel – this trip isn’t designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in Nepal & Bhutan. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s and lodges, all with private, ensuite bathrooms.
The best time to do laundry will be during our two night stay in Punakha or in Paro on your free afternoon. While there may be other opportunities to do laundry elsewhere if need be they won’t be as convenient. Self-service laundries are rare, so you’ll probably need to use on-site hotel laundry services or off-site lavanderias, though we recommend hand-washing technical fabrics yourself.
Our passion for exploration is rooted in a strong connection to the natural beauty of our home, New Zealand, and the drive to venture beyond its shores to discover a world different to our own.
We believe the best journeys don’t just take you places, they inspire you and ignite your spirit. Our unique and thoughtfully designed itineraries ensure you'll experience the very best of each destination.
Feel the heart and soul of each place you visit with our local people on the ground and knowledgeable guides, who take great care to ensure a truly authentic and immersive experience. This is the real deal.
We take the time to get to know you to ensure you have the very best experience on our trips. Our small group adventures are big on flexibility. No matter what your version of "active" is, we have options on each trip to suit every individual.
Traveling solo, as a pair, or as part of a group? No worries, you'll be comfortable on our trips. Every trip is personalized with care by our team so everyone feels supported and free to enjoy their unforgettable adventure.
Imagine a vacation that's fully guided, and everything is taken care of and included in the trip price — all accommodations, activities, transport on-trip, most meals, and more! Effortless and value-packed.
