Bhutan Adventure

  • 9 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2

    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Kathmandu
  • Trip End: Kathmandu

  • Price (Includes taxes and fees)

  • from USD 7199/per adult

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Bhutan Discovery Thunder Dragon

Take time to experience breathtaking hikes, temples and traditions on our Bhutan Adventure.

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 well-known - think 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, one local and one native English speaker, 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.

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Trip Highlights

Experience the Himalayas

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Tiger’s Nest

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National Museum & Rinpung Dzong

Plus...

Bhutan Flight

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Explore temples

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Gangte Nature Trail

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Village trekking

HikingHiking

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

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Bhutan Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Kathmandu Trip End: Kathmandu

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive Kathmandu

  • Day 2Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Visit Tashichho Dzong

  • Day 3Journey to Buddha Dordenma, hike to Changangkha Lhakhang Temple

  • Day 4Hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple

  • Day 5Hike the Gangte Nature Trail

  • Day 6Journey to Thimphu, visit the National Museum, onto Paro

  • Day 7Hike to Tiger's Nest

  • Day 8Fly to Kathmandu, free afternoon

  • Day 9Depart

  • Day 1

    Arrive Kathmandu

    #46264

    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: Hotel Thamel Eco Resort, Kathmandu
    Meals: Dinner

    Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 kilometers)

  • Day 2

    Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Visit Tashichho Dzong

    #46265

    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)

  • Day 3

    Journey to Buddha Dordenma, hike to Changangkha Lhakhang Temple

    #46266

    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)

  • Day 4

    Hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple

    #46267

    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)

  • Day 5

    Hike the Gangte Nature Trail

    #46268

    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)

  • Day 6

    Journey to Thimphu, visit the National Museum, onto Paro

    #46269

    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)

  • Day 7

    Hike to Tiger's Nest

    #46270

    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)

  • Day 8

    Fly to Kathmandu, free afternoon

    #46271

    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: Hotel Thamel Eco Resort, Kathmandu
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)

  • Day 9

    Depart

    #46272

    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

Bhutan Adventure Departure Dates

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Included

  • Our own highly experienced trip leader, with you from start to finish
  • A team of specialist local guides and porters for the duration of the Nepal treks
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary 
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Down jacket, sleeping bag, and hiking poles for the duration of the Nepal treks
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All hiking and park entry fees and permits 
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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4.85/5 Rating | 6,500+ Reviews

What people say about the trip

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Bhutan Adventure

Jason W

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Interactive Trip Map: Click on the map icons to read details for each day

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We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here. Use promo code SUPERSAVER15 at time of booking.

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first day of the trip, our two pick-up locations are Kathmandu airport (KTM), whenever you fly in on Day 1, or we'll meet you at the Hotel Thamel Eco Resort at 5pm. For the Airport location, a representative from Active Adventures will show you to our hotel taxi van. They will be holding an Active Adventures Himalayas sign so they are easily recognized.

You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at Hotel Thamel Eco Resort with our partner, Earthbound Expeditions, please contact our team in Nepal on earthboundnpl@gmail.com and they will assist you with arranging your requests, as well as airport transfers and additional pre or post trip services. You’re also welcome to book your pre-stay at any other hotel in Kathmandu, though you must make your own way to one of the two pick-up points at the pre-designated times.

Where does the trip end?

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.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: If you're flying into Kathmandu on the first day or your trip then we recommend arriving in Kathmandu before 4pm.

Departure: On the last day of the trip, you can fly out at any time that suits.

What do I need to bring to the first night trip briefing?

Please meet us in the lobby of the Marriott Hotel at 5pm for a pre-trip briefing and our first dinner together! The Marriott Hotel is a 15 minute drive from the Tribhuvan International Airport, and is located at Manakamana Marg, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal, ph +977 1-4443040.
Please bring along your passport, a photo copy of your passport and a copy of your travel insurance document.

How fit do I need to be for this trip?

As an Activity Level 1-2 trip, you’ll need a good level of fitness for this trip. While you don’t have to be extremely fit, you should be in the habit of doing regular aerobic exercise, ideally involving some up hills, down hills and steps. Advance preparation means you’ll enjoy the active and outdoor nature of your trip all the more.

Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!

This trip begins at an altitude of 1,400 metres (4,600 feet) in Kathmandu and will take you up to 3,120 metres (10,240 feet) at Tiger’s Nest. Unless you’ve travelled to and slept around this altitude in the past there is no reliable way to predict how well you’re going to cope. While most people experience some mild symptoms, these are usually limited to a few days while your body adjusts and acclimatises.

What accommodations do we stay at on this trip?

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.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You’ll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

While we assist in taking care of your visa for Bhutan, it is your responsibility stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Please use the CIBT entry tracker on our website as a guideline or visit the relevant immigration webpage for more information regarding this.

The Bhutan visas are processed through an online system by Active Adventures so you need to supply us with a clear image of the photo page of your passport as soon as possible, and you can upload this in your Travel Wallet. The visa cost of US$40 and Sustainable Development Fee of US$200 per day is included in your trip cost. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, which your guide will supply to you and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

What is not included?

Flights to and from trip start/end points
Pre/Post accommodation
Travel insurance
Gratuities for your guides and porter(s)

Is tipping expected in Bhutan?

Tipping is accepted in Bhutan (and appreciated!), most people also choose to tip their Active Adventures guides. We recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, for your Active Adventures trip leader, your local Nepali guide and local Bhutan guide; US$5 per day, per guest, per City Guide and US$5 per day, per person, per Driver. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Bhutan. Your loose change (or 5%) is fine in cheaper places; around 10% in more expensive restaurants. Tips are gratefully accepted in either their local currency or US dollars.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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Our Local Guides

Arjun
Shree
Amrit
Gokul
Melissa

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