Bhutan Trek & Cultural Discovery Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Namgay Dorji

Namgay Dorji is a senior trip leader for MT Sobek in Bhutan and has been leading treks and tours for well over two decades. He is very knowledgeable about Bhutan's history, culture, and religion and speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Nepalese, and Urdu. Namgay is a graduate of Bissau College, Meghalaya, India and received his diploma in tourism from the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria. His many personal interests include bird watching, rock climbing, trekking, and archery. He looks forward to sharing his experience and the wonders of Bhutan with you.

Tandin Nidup

Tandin is a graduate of Bangkok University, Thailand, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He has been leading treks and cultural tours in Bhutan since 2000, and is extremely knowledgeable about the cultures, religions, and traditions of his home country, Tandin enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with guests-immersing them in the wonders of Bhutan every step of the way. Tandin speaks English, Nepali, Hindi and passable Thai in addition to his native Bhutanese.

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Welcome to Bangkok! Transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus. Note that most airlines arrive late at night into Bangkok, and your flight from Bangkok to Paro departs very early the next morning.
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                    [Headline] => Enter the Kingdom of Bhutan
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Board an early-morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Vie for a seat on the left side of the plane: Weather permitting, you\'ll have spectacular views of the eastern Himalaya, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga - five of the highest peaks in the world! - and peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsering Kang. After clearing customs, drive into Paro for lunch, then on to Thimphu (7,725\'), the capital of Bhutan, set in the Wang Chu Valley. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax.
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Cheri Monastery
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After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and then to our trailhead where we set out on our hike: a steep, hour-long climb to Cheri Goemba, constructed in the 17th century. The monastery houses the relic stupas (ashes of the father of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan) and is also considered one of the earliest monasteries of Bhutan. We have lunch, then drive back to Thimphu and up to Wangdi Tse for a peaceful one hour loop hike where we can enjoy wonderful views of Thimphu, but see few others on the trail. Return to Thimphu for dinner and overnight.
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                    [Headline] => Explore Thimphu & Paro
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Begin the day at the School of Arts and Crafts (or "painting school"), where Bhutanese children follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. Also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, drive back to Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum\'s collections include spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, and Bhutan\'s beautiful stamps. Time permitting, also visit the Paro Dzong itself, built in 1644.
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Taktsang Monastery
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Today it\'s a steep hike to a traditional teahouse for a great view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Taktsang, meaning "tiger\'s nest," is Bhutan\'s most spiritual place and a major pilgrimage spot. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, Taktsang has been completely rebuilt. After a tea break, you can sit outside and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Enjoy free afternoon time to explore Paro on your own.
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                    [Headline] => Go Deep in the Unspoiled Haa Valley
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Take a morning drive to the wooded Haa Valley, lying along the western border of Bhutan. Haa was closed to visitors until 2001, so to behold it is still a rare gift. Tonight\'s lodge is in a beautiful setting at the edge of a blue pine forest overlooking Haa La, and you may even be able to visit a local family today. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Lhakhang Karpo (Temple of the White Dove), a famous monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.
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Lace up your boots! Begin your trek on a gradual uphill through a blue pine forest and farmland. The terrain steepens as you climb, and you\'ll walk along streams past rhododendron, juniper, spruce, and birch trees. Lunch in a grassy meadow at about 11,200 feet, then continue to camp at 11,800 feet, about 45 minutes below Saga La (pass). Weather permitting, take an afternoon hike up to Saga La for views of sacred Chomolhari (24,035\'), several other peaks, and panoramic views of the Haa Valley.
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                    [Headline] => Over Saga La to Ningula
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In the morning, hike up to Saga La and follow the ridge up and down to 13,200 feet, from where you may be able to catch a glimpse of Taktsang Monastery. Continue steeply up through dwarf rhododendron to 13,700 feet and down through narrow grazing paths. Camp is set up for you at Ningula, in a rhododendron forest from where you have a beautiful view of the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake (21,857\').
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                    [Headline] => Surround Yourself with Himalayan Peaks
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This morning climb steeply back up to the ridge and cross Kale La (12,900\'), with views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Weather permitting, you\'ll also have a terrific view of the Paro Dzong and surrounding peaks including Kanchenjunga (28,208\'), the third-highest peak in the world! Ascend up to Kung Karpo (13,500\') for more stellar views, then descend and traverse toward Chele La (13,080\'). All day, enjoy clear views of the mountains, and the Paro and Haa Valleys (again, weather permitting). Once at Chele La, meet your bus and drive to Paro where you\'ll be treated to a festive farewell dinner.
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Bid a fond farewell to the "happiest country in the world" as you take an early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure to Bangkok. Upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, sightsee, and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.
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Take the hotel shuttle to the international terminal and depart on your homeward-bound flight.
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Accommodations

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Warm Bhutanese guesthouses and inns combined with two nights of camping in the beautiful Haa Valley.

Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

Luxury Hotel

The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a four-star hotel located a short walk from Bangkok's international airport. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers two bars and four restaurants, a beautiful pool, a fitness room, and a spa! With a 24-hour airport shuttle running every 10 minutes, accommodations here couldn't be more convenient.

Druk Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Experience the legendary hospitality of the Bhutanese people at this fine Himalayan hotel. Located in the heart of the capital city, the Druk Hotel is close to shopping, culture, and the bubbling Thimphu River. Pleasant rooms are outfitted with comfortable beds, tiled bathrooms, soaking tubs and modern amenities, while the spa rounds out the offering.

The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan

Luxury Hotel

The Zhiwa Ling is a luxurious retreat that combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of modern comforts. The exquisite architecture and manicured gardens create an authentic, inviting atmosphere. Guest rooms, spread out on 10 acres of pristine land, feature modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. Enjoy a traditional outdoor hot-stone bath, a teahouse, a meditation house, and two restaurants.

Lechuna Heritage Lodge-Haa Valley, Bhutan

Rustic Lodging

A beautiful farmhouse converted into a lovely accommodation in the heart of one of Bhutan's least visited regions, the Lechuna Heritage Lodge is trulya unique getaway. Its seven rooms are simply but comfortably appointed, and the on-site restaurant features Himalayan cuisine from Tibet, Nepal, and, naturally, Bhutan.

MT Sobek Camp-Haa Valley

Deluxe Camping

Enjoy the wonders of the Haa Valley from your beautiful camp at 12,700-feet elevation. High in this idyllic setting you may come across cattle and herders and be rewarded with great views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and the Haa and Paro Valleys. Enjoy the comfort of roomy 2+ person Mountain Hardwear tents and thick sleeping pads — custom-made in Nepal! At the end of the day, dine on hearty camp food cooked up by your trekking team.

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