BHUTAN
Bhutan Explorer
Nestled high in the Himalaya, Bhutan is a small kingdom that boasts pristine natural beauty and undiluted culture.
Visiting with Nomadic Expeditions, you can experience the country’s lush forests, view snow-capped peaks, explore ancient monasteries, and savor local cuisine.
Despite being the size of Switzerland and having a population of less than 800,000, Bhutan’s vibrant Buddhist culture—deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions—is one of its greatest attractions. Their unique approach to measuring national progress through Gross National Happiness has also brought it worldwide recognition.
For the Bhutanese, their country is Druk Yul, “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” and they proudly identify themselves as Drukpa.
Join us on this seamless and sustainable journey through enchanting Bhutan to connect with the full richness of this magical land.

DATES: | Fall, 2021 (7 Days) |
2 TRAVELERS: | $4,945 Per Person |
INTERNAL AIRFARE: | $580 Per Person |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: | $1,150 Per Person |
Inclusions & Exclusions
LAND PRICE INCLUDES:
- Ground transportation in Mongolia as described in the itinerary
- Transfers upon arrival and departure
- All accommodations based on double or twin occupancy (hotel rooms and gers)
All meals in Mongolia including a camp cook while tenting
- Bottled/filtered water throughout the trip and soft drinks at meals
- All excursions, entrance fees, and visits as described in itinerary
- Extensive pre-departure Travel Guide, reading list, important information about your trip, and luggage tags
- Bilingual Nomadic Expeditions guide throughout your stay.
LAND PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- International airfare; internal airfare is quoted separately and subject to change by airlines
- Passport and visa fees
- Comprehensive medical and trip insurance
- Airport taxes
- Excess baggage charges
- Photography and video fees
- Tips to guides and drivers
- Food and beverages not included in the group meals
- Items of personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry, and telephone calls
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included
DATES: | September thru April |
2 TRAVELERS: | $8,445 per person |
INTERNAL AIRFARE: | $1,140 per person (Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok) |
GOVT. OF BHUTAN (SDF): | $1,200 per person (Sustainable Development Fee) |
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUDED IN LAND COST:
- All accommodations as listed in the above itinerary based on double occupancy and inclusive of all taxes
- Ground transportation in Bhutan as described in the itinerary;
- Transfers on arrival and departure;
- All meals in Bhutan as noted in the itinerary;
- All excursions, entrance fees, and visits to monasteries, Dzongs, museums as described in itinerary;
- Extensive pre-departure notes, reading list, and travel tips;
- Bilingual guide throughout your stay in Bhutan.
NOT INCLUDED IN LAND COST:
- International airfare;
- of Bhutan mandatory SDF fees (listed above)
- Gratuities to tour guide, drivers, bell boys etc.;
- Comprehensive medical and trip insurance;
- Excess baggage charges;
- Photography and video fees;
- Food and beverages not included in the group meals;
- Items of a personal nature, including alcoholic beverages, laundry and telephone calls;
- Other items not specifically mentioned as included.
Tour Grading: Easy to Moderate Touring
This is an easy to moderate touring trip, staying in the best available hotels and mountain lodges. Please note that road conditions in Bhutan leave a lot to be desired and the traffic can appear to be unregulated and horns are used more often than brakes. Sightseeing excursion can be exhausting and long (5-6 hours) thus giving the tour a “moderate” rating. Bathroom facilities during sight-seeing excursions are limited to the facilities at a local restaurant, which could be just an “out-house.”
Bhutanese cuisine is spicy non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes. If you prefer not to eat spicy food every day, you can ask that they be prepared with “mild spices.” All hotels featured in this itinerary have restaurants that also offer “western/continental” dishes. Food on trek will be nutritious, safe but not necessarily a wide variety of choice.
Flexibility, a good sense of humor and an adventurous spirit are essential on this tour.
***Important Note***
Nomadic Expeditions and its representatives in Bhutan will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as far as possible. Because of the nature of adventure travel it may be necessary to make changes due to weather, road conditions, any new government restrictions/requirements imposed due to Covid-19, or other variables beyond our control. Nomadic Expeditions and its representatives in Nepal reserve the right to alter this itinerary as necessary for the safety of travelers. We will attempt to inform all participants of changes as far in advance as possible. No refund will be given for changes in the field due to the above conditions. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participant. Please review all Terms of Booking and Details in our current application packet.
DATES: | Spring & Fall, 2022 (7 Days) |
2 TRAVELERS: | $4,945 Per Person |
INTERNAL AIRFARE: | $580 Per Person |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: | $1,150 Per Person |
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bhutan
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has placed eight sites on the tentative list for the small Himalayan nation of Bhutan. UNESCO designates places as unique and...
READ MOREBhutan Through the Eyes of One of Our Own
Bhutan Through the Eyes of One of Our Own Nikhita Ambre is the Expeditions Manager at Nomadic Expeditions. She spends her days planning spectacular and memorable trips for clients, but when it’s...
READ MOREItinerary
Download ItineraryThe flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest mountain peaks. As you enter the Paro Valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our Bhutanese guide - who will be with us for the full trip - will meet us at Paro airport, and after completion of arrival formalities we will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
After checking into our hotel in Thimphu, we visit the Trashichhodzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Walking back through the bazaar, we return to our hotel.
(Zhiwaling Ascent, L, D)

Today starts off with a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, and later continue on to the Textile and Folk Heritage Museums. These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
From there, we head to the National Memorial Chorten. The construction of this chorten was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (the “Father of Modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
(Zhiwaling Ascent; B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, you drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft), stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road (see view below).
If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and, finally, Gangkar Puensum (7,497m), the highest peak in Bhutan.
You will arrive in Punakha in the afternoon, and will visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of October 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of the Buddha.
(Uma Punakha; B, L, D)

We have the day to explore the lovely Punakha Valley. After breakfast embark on a walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th Century used humor, songs, and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings. Due to this, he is also known as the “Divine Madman.” This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children are usually blessed with a child soon after praying at the temple. It is a 30-minute walk from the road to the temple.
The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, which translates as “field.” The trail then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
In the afternoon you take a beautiful hike to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
(Densa Resort; B, L, D)

After breakfast we return over Doucha La Pass and continue to Paro. On arrival visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Walking down the trail, we will come to Rinpung Dzong (“Fortress of the Heap of Jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.
(Zhiwa Ling Heritage; B, L, D)

This morning we take an excursion to Taktsang, the most famous of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence its moniker of the “Tiger’s Nest.” The hiking excursion to the monastery’s viewpoint, a 2,000-ft climb, takes about four hours round trip. We will have ponies to ride if you feel the hike is too strenuous.
During our exploration of this “idyll” valley, we will experience the wonders of the Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, the “mountain goddess,’’ can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Along the way we will see the 7th-Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marked the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.
In the late afternoon, meet a Zhiwa Ling Heritage staff and learn about their sustainable initiatives, including conservation of Bhutanese culture and heritage, waste reduction and management, water conservation, local sourcing of food, and community engagement.
(Zhiwa Ling Heritage; B, L, D)

After an early breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your outbound flight to Bangkok or Delhi.
B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner
