Arrive: Paro, Bhutan
Depart: Paro, Bhutan
Please Note: Due to the timing of our group flights to and from Bhutan, all participants must arrive in Bangkok, Thailand, at least one day before Day 1. Trip members will also need to spend the night in Bangkok on Day 12, the last day of the trip. All overnight(s) in Bangkok are on your own (at additional cost).
The itinerary above is our planned schedule. Please note that hiking times are general estimates and vary depending on local weather, daily trail conditions, and festival schedules. Internal flights are also subject to change.
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition for the journey by hiking, running, swimming, bicycling, or engaging in other forms of aerobic exercise well beyond your normal routine. Walking up and down flights of stairs is also an effective way to train for the steep ascents and descents in the Himalaya. Weekend hikes that involve long sections of uphill and downhill walking are great for conditioning your legs.
Our accommodations in Bhutan range from rustic to very comfortable. The hotels in Paro and Thimphu offer a great deal of comfort, while the lodges in Punakha, the Phobjikha Valley, and Bumthang are rustic, but well-situated and cozy. Most rooms are twin-bedded.
At most guesthouses, simple buffets are provided at lunch and dinner. Bhutan's cuisine is generally based on basic rice with stir-fry and stew options.
"Loved this trip. It was a great combination of hiking and cultural activities, with the comfort of staying in hotels and lodges."
Andy C.
Carrboro, NC
"Hiking to a local farm and meeting the family was a lovely experience, and attending the Paro festival was magical in its own way, adding to the sense of connecting more deeply with this country. The King happened to be there on our second day and mingling with the people, which was a learning experience in its own right."
Barbara C.
Tempe, AZ
"This was an excellent trip. It was my first experience with a group tour and I will definitely join another in the future. I enjoyed the mix of hiking and cultural education. Throughout the trip, food and rooms were beautiful, and the staff at hotels were exceptional."
Beth B.
Seattle, WA
"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
"Best trip I've ever taken! Our Trip Leader was absolutely a treasure and so knowledgeable about everything."
Ellen K.
Boulder, CO
"WOW! I want to go back. Superb planning and execution at every step of the process."
Jack G.
New York, NY
"Loved the trip—it was such a rich cultural experience."
Jan S.
Boise, ID
"Absolutely one of the best trips I've ever taken—an amazing experience. How can one improve upon perfection?"
Kathryn H.
Seattle, WA
"Our trip leader was one reason we loved the trip so much. He introduced us to his culture, country, and religion and we appreciated every climb, every monastery, every van ride, and every experience. He was extremely knowledgable and interesting."
Peggy and Michael W.
Hingham, MA
"A very valuable trip for people who want to experience Bhutan with feet-on-the-ground."
Peter R.
Santa Clara, CA
"A spectacular trip!"
Susan H.
Boulder, CO
"Going to Bhutan was a longtime dream, and the trip more than met my expectations."
Susan M.
Minden, NV
"This trip was fabulous. Having an amazing guide like Kipchu makes such a huge difference. Bhutan is a very spiritual place and Kipchu's spirituality really allowed us to experience that."
Vicki V.
Baltimore, MD
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.