Our active adventure through the isolated Kingdom of Bhutan offers glimpses of a sacred heritage and distinctive identity that for centuries has remained shrouded by high peaks.

PLEASE NOTE:
This tour is a guaranteed departure regardless of group size, and is also available as a private trip year-round.

Along the lofty ridges of the Himalayas lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, a place that has remained blissfully untouched by the rest of the world. With very few visitors entering the country, Bhutan's landscape has remained pristine, its rivers pure, and its mountains magical. Bhutan's people are gracious, the culture is rich, and spirituality is prevalent. On our active tour into this last remaining Shangri-La, we meet welcoming local people, red-robed lamas, and nomadic yak herders as we learn about the Bhutanese way of life. We hike to remote gold-roofed temples and monasteries, and through peaceful villages in emerald valleys surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery.

Days 1-3: Our adventure begins as we fly from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan. Explore the Paro Valley and hike to Kila Gompa and Tiger's Nest monastery. Visit the national museum, the Paro Dzong (fortress-monastery), and the craft shops of Paro. Savor Bhutanese cuisine and sample arra, the distinctive local spirit.

Days 4-5: Make an early departure for our travel to Punakha, viewing 20,000-foot mountains along the way. Visit the Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's most impressive fortress. Our local guide spins tales of the unorthodox teachings of the legendary Divine Madman. Spend time hiking to remote villages and learn about the traditional shamanism that villagers still practice.

Days 6-8: Travel a winding route to Trongsa. Visit the sprawling Trongsa Dzong. Continue to the town of Jakar, our base for the coming days. Discover the sites of the Bumthang Valley as we hike through villages to hidden temples. Enjoy local culinary delicacies and take part in an evening of traditional song and dance.

Days 9-11: Retrace our route to the capital city of Thimphu. Explore the many interesting sights in Thimphu, and perhaps watch an archery tournament, enjoying Bhutan's national sport. We hike to a remote hillside temple, and visit a craft school providing free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to Bhutanese children.

Day 12: Our adventure ends with an early morning with a transfer to Paro and our return flight to Bangkok.

EARLY BOOKING RECOMMENDED

It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Bhutanese national airline has a new ticketing policy and will only accept reservations with the full payment of the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold group seats in advance of reservations.

With many choices in the world of travel today, we are very happy that National Geographic Traveler recently named our Bhutan: A Journey Into The Peaceful Kingdom trip as one of their "50 Tours of a Lifetime." Please join us and you will learn why.

THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS ADVANTAGE

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly.
   

Most Convenient Airport:
Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand (airport code BKK)

Meeting Place and Time:
Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Paro, Bhutan airport upon the arrival of your flight from Bangkok.

Departure Place and Time:
Paro, Bhutan; in time for the departure of your flight to Bangkok. 

What to Expect

Trip Rating
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. A Journey into the Peaceful Kingdom is rated 2+, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walks and hikes on this trip are easy to moderate day hikes. Hikes generally are from 2-5 hours in length with minimal vehicle support. A few days involve some long drives on narrow, winding roads.

Preparing for this Trip
It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more you will enjoy yourself! Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program.

The Altitude
Our trip begins and ends in Paro, which is situated at 7,300 feet, in the foothills of the Himalayas. After our first three nights here we move to the Punakha Valley which offers a relatively low elevation of approximately 4,300 feet. Our third hotel, in Jakar in the Bhumthang Valley, is located at about 8,500 feet, and our fourth hotel in Thimphu is at approximately 7,500 feet. Our walks and hikes will take place at elevations from 4,300 feet to 9,000 feet. There is time to move at a comfortable pace, allowing ourselves to adjust to the mountain air. Keeping well hydrated, avoiding excessive alcohol, eating frequent, light meals, and getting plenty of rest will help with any effects of altitude that you may feel.

Weather
The mountainous areas of Bhutan have pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from October through May. Days tend to be warm with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly. Any time of year, dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add clothes as the day heats and cools.

The following are average temperatures in Paro:

                          high    low

March:                 58°F   33°F
April:                   64°F   40°F
May:                   74°F   51°F
September:          74°F   53°F
October:              66°F   45°F
November:           57°F   34°F

When to Go
Bhutan is generally delightful for hiking in the spring and fall. The driest weather and clearest skies are typically in late September, October and November. In the months of March, April and May, beautiful flowers are in bloom, and you will encounter fewer travelers.

When to Reserve
It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Bhutanese national airline has a new ticketing policy and will only accept reservations with the full payment of the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold group seats in advance of reservations. At this time, seats are available for all of our departures, but they can only be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit, as well as the payment of $900 for these flights. Please contact our office with any questions regarding these important new policies.

Traveler’s Responsibility
Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers.

Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience.

Overview:  Accommodations in Bhutan are somewhat rustic but charming, and we’ve chosen some of the country’s most comfortable and beautifully situated hotels for this journey. All with private bath.

Nights 1, 2 & 3:  Janka Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Nights 4 & 5:  Hotel Punatsangchu
Wangduephodrang, Bhutan

Nights 6, 7 & 8:  Karma Tobden Mountain Lodge
Jakar, Bhutan

Nights 9, 10 & 11:  Hotel Druk
Thimphu, Bhutan

DAY 1
Arrival in Paro, Bhutan. Visit to Bhutan’s National Museum, the Paro Dzong, and Drukgyel Dzong

Walking – easy to moderate, 1-3 hours.

Our flight from Bangkok, Thailand into Bhutan provides spectacular views of the Bhutan landscape as we approach the airport in the Paro Valley. The valley is a green bowl surrounded by jagged Himalayan Mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers, and dotted with medieval fortresses. The first thing that we notice as we disembark in Bhutan is the absence of noise and a feeling of peacefulness that is rare in most other Asian cities. The Paro Valley has kept its bucolic nature and is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. The houses are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country, and Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism.

We are greeted with a warm Bhutanese reception and transferred to our first hotel where we enjoy a light lunch and afternoon tea. This afternoon we will visit the National Museum, housed in the round multi-storied Ta Dzong, built in 1775. The Ta Dzong was once the watch tower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The museum’s collection includes ancient artifacts, weapons, a collection of antique thangkha (painted or embroidered religious pictures), textiles, and stamps. We walk from the museum to the Paro Dzong, the religious and secular center of Paro, and certainly the most dominant feature in the valley. The dzong was first conceived in the 15th-century, and finally consecrated in 1646.

Next we complete a short walk to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. This dzong was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders, and sits at the point where the trail from Tibet enters the Paro valley. Bhutan’s dzongs are perhaps the most visibly striking aspect of the kingdom and these huge citadels dominate the landscape of the major towns and act as the administrative headquarters for their respective regions. If we are lucky and the weather is clear, we may have the opportunity to view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (23,977 ft), which lies along the border of Tibet and Bhutan.

We return to our lodge and relax with an orientation meeting and welcome dinner of Bhutanese cuisine.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAY 2
Cheli La Pass to Kila Gompa

Hiking – moderate, 2-3 hours on hiking trails and dirt roads; approximate elevation loss of 1,300 feet.

The day’s adventure starts early as we set out on a road that climbs almost 5,000’ above Paro’s valley floor to Cheli La (12,500’). Towards the end of our scenic hour and a half journey, we emerge from the blue pine and rhododendron forest into windswept highlands favored by yaks and dotted with azaleas, edelweiss and perhaps even the famous blue poppy at certain times of the year. We enjoy tantalizing glimpses of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks along the route if the weather is clear. Upon reaching the summit of the pass, western Bhutan is laid before us, with the unspoiled Haa valley and the mountains of Sikkim to the west, Mt. Chomolhari and Tibet to the north, and the patchwork fields of the Paro Valley to the east.

Leaving the prayer-flag-swathed col and our vehicle behind, we strike off along the ridge, passing through meadows, before re-entering forests of larch, spruce, hemlock, fir and rhododendron. After a little under two hours we see the Kila Gompa, seemingly suspended in rock crags. Home to approximately 30 nuns, this place has served as a retreat for mediation since the 9th century. Kila means “spiritual dagger,” and is known to tame the negative emotions of anger, ignorance and greed.

Following a picnic lunch and our visit to the temple, we walk downhill on a dirt road that winds its way through conifers and rhododendrons and provides us with occasional glimpses of Cheli La, where we came from. After about 45 minutes, we arrive at our private vehicle that awaits us for our return to Paro. Along the way, if time allows, we break our journey with a short walking detour to Dzongdrakha Gompa and its fine stupa. This rocky aerie is the site of the annual and more intimate local Paro dromoche, the precursor to the grander Paro Tsechu or festival. Here we may have the opportunity to see the Grey Langur monkey, and we are afforded excellent views over the sweeping Paro Valley.

The late afternoon we have time to relax or explore the Paro market before our dinner at local restaurant.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAY 3
Taktsang (Tigers Nest) Monastery

Hiking – moderate, 4-5 hours on hiking trails; approximate elevation gain of 1,650 feet.

This morning we enjoy a hike to the famous cliffside-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist Saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Entry into the monastery is now permitted, and we may be allowed to visit this sacred site. We enjoy a trailside lunch and the views of the valley below before descending to the valley floor.

Refreshing ourselves after our hike, we visit a local farmhouse and relax our muscles while enjoying a traditional hot stone bath therapy. Mineral-laden stones are fired and then immersed in a tub of water. As it cools down another heated stone is added to maintain a comfortable temperature. This is an incredibly relaxing Bhutanese therapy, and a fit ending to our day of activity. We are served a traditional Bhutanese meal prepared by a local family at their farmhouse.
Janka Resort, Paro

DAY 4
Transfer to Punakha (approximately 5 hours*); Temple of the Divine Madman

Walking – easy, 1-2 hours on local paths.

This morning, after an early breakfast, we say goodbye to Paro and transfer to Punakha, our home for the next two nights. The road to Punakha crosses the Dochula Pass (10,230 ft), offering a great view of the eastern Himalayan mountains. From the pass our road descends through magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and wanders through some of the most picturesque countryside in Bhutan.

On our road to Punakha we stop in a small village where a short walk brings us to Chime Lhakang, a temple dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drukpa Kunley is one of Bhutan’s favorite saints, and is more commonly known as the Divine Madman. He traveled throughout Bhutan and Tibet using songs, humor and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings, believing that the stiffness of the clergy and social conventions were keeping people from learning the true Buddhist teachings. This site is still believed to hold fertility powers for women wanting to conceive.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Punakha, Bhutan

DAY 5
Khamsung Yuely Namgyel temple to Punakha Dzong

Hiking – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

Following breakfast and a drive through the Punakha Valley, we begin our walk by first ascending a series of switchbacks to the Namgyel Khamsum Yuely Temple. From the viewpoint at this modern temple we are afforded grand views of the Mo Chu River Valley below. We descend from the temple and follow a well-worn path down the valley through rice fields and small villages. Along the way we are rewarded with stunning views, the terraced rice paddies providing an exotic backdrop to the river below. After enjoying a picnic lunch alongside the river, we continue our walk to the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, the Punakha Dzong was the second of Bhutan’s dzongs and for many years it served as the seat of the government. Today it is the home to Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the chief abbot Je Khempo, who resides here with 1,000 monks during the winter months due to Punakha’s relatively low altitude by Himalayan standards (4,000 feet). From this spectacular dzong we can look back to see the Namgyel Khamsum Yuely Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.

A short walk from the dzong takes us to our vans, waiting to shuttle us back to our hotel for the evening.
Hotel Punatsangchu, Punakha, Bhutan

DAY 6
Transfer to Jakar (approximately 7 hours*); Visit to the Trongsa Dzong and Yathra weaving studios

Our road to the east, and the district of Bumthang, is an incredible feat of engineering which follows Himalayan ridges and valleys towards the cultural heartland of Bhutan. A winding and twisting route via the Pele La brings us to Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s current royal dynasty, the Wangchuks. We visit the sprawling Trongsa Dzong, perhaps the most impressive Dzong in the kingdom. It is one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. Given its strategic location high above the Mande Chhu, it is often described as being perched so high on a mountain that clouds float below it.

After lunch and our visit to the dzong, we continue along the road to the Bumthang Dzongkag (district) and the town of Jakar, our base for the coming days. Along the way we visit yathra weaving studios where hand-spun, hand-woven wool strips with patterns specific to the Bumthang region are created. These strips were once used as shawls and raincoats to protect against the winter cold of Bumthang, but today they are more often fashioned into short jackets that women wear. The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. The dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Choskhor valley, commonly referred to as the Bumthang Valley. Different from most other valleys in Bhutan, Bumthang is spacious and open and ideal for walkers and hikers. There are numerous Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites to explore, making it the cultural and historic center of Bhutan. It would be difficult to find as many important temples and monasteries in such a small area anywhere else in Bhutan, and almost every little valley or hill has a background of interesting myths and legends about kings, Buddhist masters, and serpents.
Mountain Lodge, Jakar, Bhutan

DAYS 7 & 8
Bumthang Valley sites

Easy walking.

While in Bumthang we visit many of the valley’s significant sites. We visit Jampa Lhakhang, where according to legend it was one of 108 temples built in a day by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo to pin down an evil ogress (Jampa holds down the left knee.) In keeping with Bhutan’s significant historical figures, we also visit the Kurjey Lakhang where Guru Rimpoche came in the 8th century to settle issues with feuding local rulers. With a flash of his magic, the guru resolved the conflict and converted everyone to Buddhism, leaving his body imprint on a rock for which Kurjey Lhakhang is named. The Kurjey Lhakhang temple complex is made up of three buildings and the body imprint of the guru can be seen in the first and oldest of the temples which was built in 1652.

In the evenings we sample local specialties such as buckwheat noodles and pancakes, local Swiss cheese, fresh apple juice, and a delicious local wheat beer; and take part in local song and dance.
Mountain Lodge, Jakar, Bhutan

DAY 9
Transfer to Thimphu (approximately 10 hours*).

Today we retrace our route to the capital city of Thimpu and home to Bhutan’s royal family, the Wangchuks. Before becoming Bhutan’s official national capitol in 1961, Thimphu was simply a rural farming valley. Small and secluded, Thimphu is unlike any other world capital. The city is quiet and there are still only a few streets, no traffic lights, and none of the traffic problems common to other Asian capitols.

Dinner this evening will be Asian-Bhutanese cuisine at one of the finer restaurants in Thimphu.
Hotel Druk, Thimphu, Bhutan

DAY 10
Thimphu sites

Walking – easy, 2-4 hours.

Thimphu is a city ideally explored on foot, and our walk today takes us to many interesting sights. Before the day is through, we may visit the newly built National Textile Museum, the Thimphu Dzong (seat of the government and main monk body), the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, and the Handicrafts Emporium, displaying the rich traditional crafts of the kingdom.

This afternoon you are free to spend as you like. There is time for walking, relaxing, or searching for the perfect traditional weaving in a Thimphu handicraft shop. Beautiful weavings in wool, silk and cotton, basketwork, silver jewelry, thangkas, and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various shops.

Early this evening we enjoy a talk about shamanism in Bhutan by Sangay Wangchuk, a published author and veteran Boundless Journeys guide from Punakha, who wrote “Seeing with the Third Eye: Growing up with Angay in rural Bhutan.” We conclude our day with a dinner at another favorite restaurant in Thimpu.
Hotel Druk, Thimphu, Bhutan

DAY 11
Cheri Goemba and the Choki School of Arts

Hiking – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours on dirt roads and trails.

This morning a short drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu brings us to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, and the Himalayan black bear. More than 300 species of birds have been cataloged within the park.

Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena. Our trail starts by crossing a covered bridge over the Wang Chhu and we climb steadily to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620, and this is where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. The monastery is consider very sacred as it contains the ashes of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints.

After our visit to the monastery, we descend back the way we came, keeping our eyes open for the goral (wild goat) that are often spotted on the cliffs nearby. Back at the village of Dodena we follow a riverside trail via Begana to Cabesa, home to the Choki School of Arts. The Choki School is private and provides free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to Bhutanese children who are unable to attend or complete their formal education. After visiting the school we continue along the riverside trail and pass through small rural villages before returning to Thimphu.

Tonight we share one last dinner together as we celebrate our journey through this magical kingdom and the kind welcome that we have received from the generous people of Bhutan.
Hotel Druk, Thimphu, Bhutan

DAY 12  
Transfer to Paro (approximately 1 hour) for departure

After an early morning transfer to Paro, our flight returns us to Bangkok where we say farewell and journey home, or continue on to other exciting destinations.

*A note about driving times: these are estimated times based on actual driving. The total transfer time is longer when taking into account rest stops.*

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
 

$5,195 per person, No Single Supplement*

• All accommodations
• All meals
• All transportation during the tour
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• Bhutanese visa fees and departure taxes