You have been invited to

Bhutan Culture and Adventure Tour + Kathmandu

View Profile
Paro, Bhutan 10 DAYS Starting at $3,500
MARCH-MAY AND SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER

Overview

Bhutan is a place of virgin forests, crystal rivers, snow capped peaks, and tropical environs. This Buddhist Monarchy is one of the least traveled destinations in the world, yet it hosts some of the best opportunities for hiking, biking, rafting, and cultural immersion in the Himalayas. This base-length itinerary combines aspects of Bhutanese history, culture and food paired with activities tailored to fit your thirst for adventure. Bhutan is often best accessed through Kathmandu, so this itinerary includes an intentional use of time in Kathmandu to bring greater depth to an immersive experience in the Tibetan world nestled in on the south side of the Himalayas. 

Travel to Kathmandu

DAY 1 - 3
Depart from your country of origin and make your way to Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by one of our local guides who will serve as your host for the time in Kathmandu. A private transfer will take you to your hotel in the Boudha district, home to many Tibetans in Kathmandu. It is a neighborhood with more signs of Buddhism than Hinduism, with Boudhanath Stupa being the cultural center of this area. Check-in, grab a meal and explore the nearby streets on your own before gathering with your host for an evening meal together to hear their story of growing up in Nepal and what daily life in Kathmandu is like. 

Enter the Dragon Kingdom

DAY 4
Location : Thimphu, Bhutan

Approaching Bhutan is like nothing else. The Himalayas fill the horizon. You encounter your first Bhutanese hosts on the plane because their national airlines are the only ones who fly in and out of the country. The snow-capped peaks disappear as you descend into the Paro Valley and arrive at the only international airport in the nation. Paro is 7,200 feet (2200m) above sea level and is home to Paro Airport, several famous Dzongs, the national museum, and the famous Tiger's Nest but it only serves as the port of entry and a brief stop for a quick meal before we head to Thimphu, the nation's capital. Don't worry! You will experience the best of Paro on the back end of this journey. 

Between Paro and Thimphu your guide will take you to visit one of Bhutan's Dzongs as a way of introducing Bhutan's culture and national identity. After the Dzong, we will proceed to check in at your hotel. We will allow a bit of time to get some rest and take it easy to acclimatize to the capital's elevation of 7,656 feet (2320m). Bhutan has some of the most unique cuisine in the Himalayas so join the group for an evening meal together along with an in depth orientation from your guides.

A Day in the Capital

DAY 5
Location : Thimphu, Bhutan
As the civic and cultural heart of Bhutan, a day in the capital allows for an introduction to many important aspects of Bhutan's national identity. We will visit one of the temple complexes, a cultural museum, and the Takin Preserve. These three places allow the guide to foster an understanding of Bhutan's Buddhist culture, rich history, and extensive biodiversity. It will be an active day of walking but at a pace that still allows for acclimatization. 

Punakha via Dochula Pass

DAY 6
Location : Punakha, Bhutan

Punakha is an adventurer's dream: hiking, biking, rafting, fishing, and fortresses to be explored or myths to be entertained. Reaching Punakha via the Dochula pass is a treasured experience in itself, with views of Bhutan's great peaks from the top of the pass. With options to choose from, this is one place where your itinerary may be extended to accommodate for a tailored adventure selection. Choose from multiple activities or go further with more time on one selection. 

Punakha's riverside temple and government complex is one of the most impressive in the country. Built in 1637, it was host to the coronation of the current monarchy's first king in 1907 and served as the capital until 1955. Take a wanderers approach to this architectural marvel and learn from your guide as he explains the multifunctional importance of Punakha Dzong. 

Paro and the Tiger's Nest

DAY 7 - 8
Location : Paro, Bhutan

We will make our way back to where it began, Paro. On arrival, stretch your legs on the streets of Paro, try a local coffee shop to experience Bhutan's home grown coffee, and shop for that special item to serve as a connection to your memories in Bhutan.

Local farmhouses in the region can date back 7 or more generations and one of these will be our residence for our time in Paro. The homegrown ingredients will fill your plates and the hospitality of the family will entice you to return. Additionally, the Bhutanese hot stone baths that are common in these homesteads are a highlight for any trip to Bhutan. 

The Tiger's Nest is one of the most iconic destinations in Bhutan and the only way to get there is on foot. A day hike to the Tiger's Nest is the best way to conclude any trip to Bhutan. It combines activity, culture, and the nature of Bhutan's mountainside environment. And did we mention the hot stone baths? Reward yourself after the hike with another one of those!