Find out what lights up the faces of the residents of Bhutan, the only country in the world that measures its well-being in GNH—Gross National Happiness. On a 10-day adventure across this bastion of Buddhist culture, explore remote mountain villages and shrines and climb magnificent heights to the cliff-side Taktsang Monastery, 900 meters (2,953 feet) above the valley floor. Amid the soaring peaks and cultural delights of this ancient place, discover your own capacity for happiness.
On a clear day, your flight to Bhutan offers extraordinary views of the Himalayan range’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Upon landing in Paro, travel to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, home to the Royal Family, and the best place to witness the country’s newly embraced modernity. Meet your Bhutanese guide and driver, who will travel with you throughout your stay in the kingdom. Then in the afternoon pay a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, an enormous golden statue perched on a mountaintop at the edge of the city. In the evening stroll through the city at leisure, browsing its handicraft shops, exploring neighborhoods where the old vies with the new, or mingling with locals at a karaoke bar. Overnight in hotel.
Drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital, crossing the Dochu La pass (10,000 feet) and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Stop for a short hike to the Chimi Lhakhang temple, also know as the fertility temple, where childless hopefuls go to get blessed by the temple’s main relic- a sacred wooden phallus. Overnight in hotel.
The next day, explore the working Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and Punakha Dzong, an elaborate fortress guarding the southern end of the valley at the confluence of the Pho (male) and Mo (female) Rivers. From the town of Wangdue, hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a spectacularly situated temple with sweeping views of the valley. Overnight in hotel.
Journey to Phobjikha, a beautiful alpine valley (10,000 feet) which happens to be the largest wintering site for the endangered black-necked crane. Along the way, the environment changes from semi-tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine zone that is home to several species of rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and Grey Langur monkeys. Enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayas and the lovely sights of the rolling meadows. Overnight in hotel in Phobjikha.
In the Phobjikha Valley, learn about the endangered cranes that winter here at the Black-necked Crane Information Center. The next day, visit Gangtey Goemba, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan, perched atop a hill amid a cluster of cottages. Explore the restored temple complex and examine some of the finest craftsmanship in Bhutan. Then take a scenic walk through the valley to an age-old temple and make an offering. Travel to the village of Khewa and visit the farm of a local family for a home-cooked dinner. Overnight in hotel.
Return to Thimpu and head to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts-and-crafts school where we can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Visit the National Textile Museum, where Bhutan’s finest weavings and brocades are on display. Visit the Bhutan Postal Museum where Bhutan’s finest stamps are showcased. Take a stroll through the capital arts & craft bazaar and shop for souvenirs. Overnight in hotel.
Observe pilgrims circling the beautiful National Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed stupa topped by a golden spire. Drive to the Haa Valley, one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan, via the Chele La pass (12,500 feet). Visit the sacred and the ancient Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple). Overnight in hotel.
Return to Paro and hike to the Kila Goemba nunnery and take in spectacular views from the temple complex, which was built on a steep cliff face. Visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and walk the archery grounds. Explore the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong fortress, which once defended this valley from invasions. Overnight in hotel.
Your journey through Bhutan culminates at the kingdom’s most iconic site: Taktsang Lhakhang, famously called the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This majestic structure is poised high above the Paro valley, built dramatically on the ledge of a granite cliff face, nearly 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that the eight century Buddhist Tantric master, Guru Padmasambhava, came to this place riding on a flaming tigress to subdue the demons wreaking havoc on the valley below. Make the steep, strenuous trek to the temple or hike to a nearby viewpoint, taking in a landscape dotted with pine trees, prayer flags, and ancient shrines. Enjoy lunch at the home of a local farmer before returning to Paro for the evening. Overnight in hotel.
Your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport and on behalf of Bhutan Spicy Shangri-La will bid you farewell with a fervent prayer that your life may be filled happiness and success!
This trip has an activity rating of moderate. Travelers should be physically fit and prepared for multiple hours of hiking over several days on high mountains. Excursions may include navigating uneven terrain, climbing stairs without handrails, and walking on paths with steep ascents and descents.
Throughout the trip, we stay in 3-star hotels with many amenities. With additional fee, arrangements to stay in high-end 5-star hotels can be made. Stay in traditional farm-houses come free with the tariff. Let us know what you like.
A Bhutan Spicy Shangri-La guide will accompany you for the entire journey.
| MONTHS | PAX | PRICING |
|---|---|---|
| March-May/September-November | ONE PERSON TRAVELLER | Contact us for pricing |
| TWO-THREE PERSON TRAVELLER | Contact us for pricing | |
| GROUP OF 16 (MAX) | From USD 2,250 per person |
Prices are per person based. There is 50% discount for kids below 12 years and 20% discount for students below 25 years. From the total price a chunk goes as Royalty to the Bhutanese government which is used for providing free education and health care, build roads and bridges, and as tourism development fee. If you want to close your trip with a night stay in a high end resort, the price will be a little higher. Let us know.
