Bhutan Trek & Cultural Discovery Tour

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.

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! — Additionally, spot beautiful Bhutanese peaks 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.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and then to the trailhead where you set out on your first 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. Have lunch, then drive back to Thimphu and up to Wangdi Tse for a peaceful one hour loop hike where you can enjoy wonderful views of Thimphu, but see few others on the trail. Return to Thimphu for dinner and overnight.

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.

Today it's a steep but rewarding hike to iconic Taktsang Monastery, dramatically perched 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley. Bhutan's most sacred site, Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's Nest," is a major pilgrimage destination and home to roughly a dozen monks. The monastery was completely rebuilt after a 1998 fire. Near the halfway mark you'll stop for tea and a spectacular view of the cliffside monastery. Chose to soak in the surroundings from here or continue up the trail and visit the monastery. After the hike, enjoy a free afternoon to explore Paro at your leisure.

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 excursion to Lhakhang Karpo (Temple of the White Dove), a famous monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.

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.

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').

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 farewell dinner.

Bid a fond farewell to the "happiest country in the world" as you transfer to the Paro airport for departure to Bangkok. Flight time will depend on the size of your group and availability and is TBD. Upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, sight-see, and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.

Take the hotel shuttle to the international terminal and depart on your homeward-bound flight.