Small Group
Bhutan Hiking
The world's last Shangri-La
11 Days, 10 Nights
Maximum Group Size
16
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Priced per person from
$19,995 USD
Single Supplement: $7,000 USD
Jan
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Carbon Neutral Trip
In Bhutan, hiking isn’t just an activity—it’s meditation in motion. Follow Himalayan trails through serene forests and past cascading waterfalls on a journey that culminates at the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. Balance invigorating treks with restorative stays at eco-conscious spa retreats, and experience a spirituality as rich as the landscapes. A hidden kingdom, timeless yet perfectly present.
Bhutan is a paradise for hikers, with pristine landscapes, soaring mountains and scenic passes around every corner.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Day 1
Welcome to Bangkok. We’ve arranged a seamless stay for you at the Novotel Airport Hotel. This will offer easy access for your flight to Paro tomorrow morning.
Day 2
Board a quick mountain flight to Bumthang, admiring views of the Himalayas to the north. Upon arrival, we’ll head out for a hike in the surrounding mountains. After being driven back to the hotel, we’ll have time to unwind at the spa before regrouping for our first dinner.
Activity:
8-9 km (5-6 mi.) gentle hike in surrounding mountains of Bumthang
Day 3
Visit a nunnery, the first Buddhist University for nuns, where we’ll participate in a powerful drum ceremony. Later, embark on a 4-hour hike, ascending to the Baetely La Pass and ending at the famous Kharchu Dratsand. Indulge in local brews on our visit Bumthang’s local beer factory.
Activity:
7 km (4 mi.) Bushman Trail hike | Elevation gain: 341 m (1,125 ft.)
Day 4
Our hike follows the tranquil Chamkhar Chu River as we make our way to Ngang Lhakhang village. Here, we’ll visit the 15th. Swan Temple. Choose to continue your hike further, or catch a ride back to the Aman. Tonight, we’ll dine at the Aman.
Activity:
7-8 km (4-5 mi.) hike to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple)
Day 5
After an early breakfast, we’ll be driven to the Monarchy Museum, which overlooks the Trongsa Dzong. After lunch, challenge yourself to a 4-hour Longtey hike over the 3,230 m (10,587 ft), or hop in the van to drive to Gangtey.
Activity:
6 km (4 mi.) Longtey Nature Trail hike | Elevation gain: 409 m (1,349 ft.) | Altitude: 2,799 m (9,185 ft.)
Day 6
Hike through a forest of juniper and pine trees, eventually reaching the Black Necked Crane Conservation Centre. After lunch, we’ll learn about the endangered birds and their fascinating migration patterns, then continue our hike back to the hotel.
Activity:
6 km (4 mi.) hike to Conservation Centre | Elevation gain: 540 m (1,780 ft.)
Day 7
We’ll be driven to the Sha Valley for one of the most idyllic walks of our trip. Cross a suspension bridge, then hike to quaint villages that have been untouched by time. Continue to Punakha, then later we’ll head back to the hotel for time to relax.
Activity:
10 km (6 mi.) Sha Valley and Samtengang Village hike (2.5-3 hours) | Elevation gain: 370 m (1,213 ft.)
Day 8
Embark on a beautiful hike that offers jaw-dropping views overlooking the Punakha Valley. Witness birds, butterfields, meadows and charming villages that paint the landscape. Pause for a picnic by the river in Punakha, before we visit the Punakha Dzong. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Activity:
8 km (5 mi.) Punakha Ridge hike
Day 9
After a scenic drive, we’ll reach the village of Isuna to embark on a hike to the village of Phangpisa. After our serene hike, we’ll be driven back to the hotel, with time to spend in Thimpu or visit the Traditional Medicine Institute or the Textile Museum before dinner.
Activity:
3 km (2 mi.) challenging hike to Isuna Temple | Elevation gain: 180m (590 ft.)
Day 10
Today, we’ll embark on a challenging, yet rewarding hike to the Taktsang Monastery- the most iconic Buddhist monuments in the Himalayas. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel for a final dinner to celebrate this magical nation and our time together.
Activity:
9 km (6 mi.) hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery | Elevation gain: 700 m (2,300 ft.)
Day 11
After one final breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Paro Airport for onward travels.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Bangkok
Trip Start: Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Time: 3:45am
Farewell
Airport City: Bangkok
Trip End: Bangkok International Airport
Time: 10:00am
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Trip Start and Trip End locations upon booking.
Featured stays
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Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Amankora Bumthang
Location: Bumthang, Bhutan
Gangtey Lodge Bhutan
Location: Gangtey, Bhutan
Amankora Punakha
Location: Punakha, Bhutan
Zhiwa Ling Heritage Paro Bhutan
Location: Paro District, Bhutan
Dates & availability
Dates
Price
per person, double occupancy
+$NaN USD single supplement
Join
Join a group of up to 16 like-minded travellers.
Privatize
8+ people
Pricing depends on group size
Detailed Itinerary
Uniquely tailored for each date
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to Privatize.
What's included
Accommodation & dining
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Active essentials
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Guided services & gratuities
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation & logistics
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Round trip flights from Bangkok to Paro and private charter from Paro to Bumthang.
Visas to Bhutan.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Experience Designer
Good to know
Money
While there are ATMs available in major towns around Bhutan, they are limited, and the fees are high. We recommend bringing cash with you for smaller purchases outside of your trip (e.g. shopping).
Elevation
While elevation sickness is uncommon, Bhutan does sit at 2,500 - 3,500 meters above sea level.
Terrain
Some hikes have challenging uphills and uneven terrain. We recommend familiarity with hiking in these conditions.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it’s an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
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Photography credit: Novotel Bangkok, Six Senses Thimphu, Six Senses Punakha, Gangtey Lodge Bhutan, Amankora Bumthang, Zhiwa Ling Heritage