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Activity Level: M-C
Start / Finish: Bangkok / Bangkok
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Happiness Reigns
Gross National Happiness is an official development goal in Bhutan. We haven’t seen the numbers, but we’re pretty confident they’ve hit their annual targets. Set against the backdrop of sacred mountains, this isolated kingdom offers an entirely unique travel experience. Granted permission to be among the mere 14,000 visitors permitted each year, we make the most of it. Life-altering moment #523: en route to Punakha, we can stop in at the remote Tashigang monastery overlooking the Thimphu Valley, where the lamas and monks greet us, sip tea with us, and then bless our journey in an elaborate (not to mention highly musical) prayer ceremony. There’s more where that came from, but sadly, we’ve hit our space limit. Fortunately, Bhutan’s wonders know none.
Here's a sample of what you can expect on your custom-designed Bepoke Bhutan adventure. Intrigued? Contact a Bespoke Trip Designer for further details.
Day 1 Walk to the Dzongdrakha, a village of eight farmhouses and four temples, and a meditation place of Guru Rimpoche
Day 2 Hike to the Tashigang monastery, a working 17thC temple complex, to meet the lamas and their students
Day 3 Hike the Punakha Valley to the Punakha dzong
Day 4 Experience a fertility blessing from a red-robed lama in the Phobjika Valley
Day 5 Take in an informal archery contest—the national sport of Bhutan—with the locals
Day 6 Take a breathtaking hike through the Sha Valley, visiting small villages rarely seen by outsiders
Day 7 Sip tea in the clouds atop the Dochu La Pass (bring a sweater)
Day 8 Climb up to the Taktshang monastery (the “Tiger’s Nest”), set into a cliff face 800 m (2,624 ft.) above the Paro Valley floor
Day 9 Take a stroll up to the 4,000 m (13,100 ft.) viewing platform of the majestic Cheli La Pass for a stunning glimpse of Bhutan’s snow-capped holy mountain, Chomolhari
Day 10 Breakfast in Paro, then laso lok le ge in Bangkok
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Zhiwa Ling, Paro
Located in a quiet setting below Tiger's Nest, outside of Paro town, this is the first local Bhutanese luxury hotel. Though newly built, it was constructed in the traditional style of architecture; hundreds of carpenters crafted the intricate wood carvings that adorn the beams.
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Amankora Punakha, Punakha
Situated north of the grand Punakha Dzong and across a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu, the Amankora Punakha has eight suites in three rammed-earth buildings, with wood-panelled interiors, traditional wood-burning bukhari stoves, and king-sized beds. The surrounding citrus orchard has views across the nearby rice paddies and up the Punakha Valley.
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Amankora Gangtey, Phobjika Valley
Set on a forested hill, the Amankora Gangtey has sweeping views of the Phobjika Valley, fields of dwarf bamboo and the surrounding mountains. The hotel features a comfortable combined living and dining room, with cozy chairs and family-style dining tables, and an intimate yoga and meditation room.
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Kichu River Resort, Wangdi
This simple but picturesque and comfortable resort hotel overlooks the Dang Chhu (chhu means river) and offers the perfect atmosphere for relaxing.
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Taj Tashi Thimphu, Thimphu
After a long delay, the Taj Tashi Thimphu has recently opened and is a very welcome addition to our lineup. Situated right on the main shopping street, this 66-room establishment is Bhutan's premier full-service hotel.
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Alan & Helen Weinstein
Bhutan Walking 2008
“You have a gem in Tyler. His enthusiasm and knowledge are top-notch. He’s caring, capable and a truly unique and wonderful person. We’d love to travel with him again.”
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Moderate to Challenging
This trip is rated Moderate to Challenging. We are in the foothills of the Himalayas, so some hilly terrain is unavoidable, and this should be taken into account when preparing for the trip. We reach a maximum altitude of 4,000 metres (13,100 feet), so some people will be affected by the altitude. Some of the walking is over rough ground and primitive trails.
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