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Inside Bhutan's Hidden Kingdom
Bhutan - 3,150m
From
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Esential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
8 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- The royal cities of Trongsa and Bumthang
- Hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Immersion in Bhutan’s unique culture and communities
- Buddha Dordenma Statue
- Valley of Phobjikha - winter location of the black-necked cranes
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Chimmi Lhakang (the temple of Fertility)
- Mebertsho Lake
Immerse yourself in the timeless Bhutanese way of life on this small group tour
This nine-day odyssey takes you through a land where time-honoured traditions and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the moment you touch down in Paro Valley, the snowcapped Himalayas and warm Bhutanese welcome set the tone for an unforgettable journey.
First stop, the capital Thimphu, offers vibrant culture, and visits to grand statues and sacred chortens. Then a journey to Punakha, home to an astonishing ancient fortress, followed by the Phobjikha Valley to see the majestic black-necked cranes and for hiking through some serene, wildlife-filled nature trails.
Next, you travel deeper into the country to the Bumthang Valley, the spiritual centre of Bhutan, rich with monasteries, local craftsmanship and Buddhist legends - it's apparently where Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan by the great Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Finally, you end in Paro for the unmissable hike up to the iconic Taktsang Monastery or 'Tiger's Nest', nested within a craggy cliff 2,600 feet above the valley floor.
It's a full immersion into Bhutan's timeless landscapes and uniquely rich culture, as you're enveloped by the warmth and authenticity of the ever-friendly Bhutanese people.
This adventure is available as a small group or tailor-made tour. If you would like to learn more about Bhutan, you can read our journal post here.
Bhutan's incredible cultural festivals
Bhutan's festivals, or Tshechus, are vibrant, deeply spiritual events celebrated across the country. These festivals honour Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan, and showcase traditional mask dances, music, and rituals performed by monks and laypeople. The Tshechus are not only visually stunning, with performers in elaborate costumes and masks, but they also hold profound cultural and religious significance, believed to bring blessings and merit to attendees.
Such an opportunity to experience Bhutan's rich heritage, unique customs, and the joyous, communal spirit of its people - is not to be missed, which is why we've aligned our itinerary to coincide with some of Bhutan's best festivals, as follows:
2024
- 13th - 15th September: Thimphu Tshechu, Thimphu*
- 16th - 18th October: Gangtey Tshechu, Gangtey*
- 11th November: Black Necked Crane Festival, Gangtey
2025
- 22nd - 24th April: Rhododendron Festival, Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu
- 2nd - 4th October: Thimphu Tshechu, Thimphu*
- 5th - 7th October: Gangtey Tshechu, Gangtey*
- 11th November: Black Necked Crane Festival, Gangtey
*For both Thimphu and Gangtey Tshechu Festival we have carefully created a very special itinerary that encompasses both festivals, the itinerary can be found here.
If you'd like to attend one that's not listed here, speak to our team about creating a bespoke itinerary for you.
Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee
All international visitors to Bhutan must pay a 'Sustainable Development Fee' (SDF) of $100 per night of their stay to the Bhutanese Government. For our 8-night tour, this means a fee of $800 which has been incorporated into our tour cost accordingly.
If you purchase any additional nights with us, the additional SDF charges of $100 are included into the add-on costs. We need to know exactly how long you plan to stay in Bhutan so we can pay the government the correct SDF charge on your behalf and arrange your time-sensitive tourist visa.
Day 1: Arrival at Paro – Thimphu (55km, 1hour drive)
Transfer
Lunch
Dinner
Fly into the only international airport of the country at Paro International Airport in the beautiful Paro Valley. As the plane takes a dramatic sweep into the valley, you will see the inner Himalayan mountainsides with traditional Bhutanese house perched in the mountains and snowcapped peaks of the Northern Himalayas towards the Tibetan border.
You will be met in Paro (elevation of 2,280 meters) by your guide at the airport with a traditional sign of welcome, a white silk scarf with the eight lucky & auspicious signs embossed in it. Bhutanese culture revers symbolisms, so we believe that you must start your journey in Bhutan with an auspicious beginning.
You will then drive towards Thimphu, where you will visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest seated Buddha statue in the world with a height of 51.5 meters, made of bronze and gilded in gold. You will then proceed to visit the Memorial Chorten (Stupa) at the center of the capital, dedicated in memory of His Majesty the Third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
The stupa attracts many elderly Bhutanese daily for prayers, and is a window into the daily lives of Buddhist Bhutanese.
After this visit, you will head towards the Takin Zoo where the national animals habitat. In the evening, you will visit the Tashichhodzong (the Fortress of Auspicious Doctrine). The fortress has been the seat of the Royal Government of Bhutan since 1952, and houses the Throne Room as well as the offices of the King and other government offices, it is also the summer residence of the Monk Body.
Overnight in Thimphu Kisa Villa Resort
Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha (105km, 2.5 hour drive)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast at your hotel, you will visit the Zorig Chusum, the National Institute for Arts & Crafts, that showcases the 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan.
You can then walk towards the Folk Heritage Museum. The tour of this living museum will also give you a glimpse into how many rural folk of the country live today following the ancient Bhutanese ways.
After lunch, you will drive towards Punakha. On the way, and 40 minutes drive up into the mountains, you will stop at the Dochu la Pass (3150 meters) to see the Himalayan Mountain Range. On a clear day, you will see the Northern Himalayas bordering China with the Jumolhari, Kula Gangri and Jichu Drakey peaks. You will also see the 108 stupas named the Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens offered as a tribute to his Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan Jigme Singye Wangchuck for his selfless service to the nation and its people.
You will then be escorted to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight in Punakha Gasothang Farmhouse
Day 3: Punakha
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast, you will continue your journey in the beautiful valley of Punakha towards the Puna Dewa Chen Gi Phodrang (The Palace of Great Bliss) constructed in 1637.
The fortress, located at the confluence of two rivers (the male pho and female mo rivers), is the winter home to the clergy of Bhutan. It is also in this fortress that all Kings of Bhutan have been crowned and will be crowned, as per tradition.
After lunch, you will take a short walk of 20 minutes through the village towards Chimmi Lhakang (the temple of Fertility) built in 1499 by the saint Drukpa Kinley, known as the Divine Madman. The tradition of the temple is to bless pilgrims with a wooden phallus, a symbol to drive away the evil eye and also for those seeking to be blessed with children.
In the evening, you will have time to visit the town of Punakha.
Dinner and overnight in Punakha Gasothang Farmhouse
Day 4: Punakha – Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) (73km, 2 hour drive)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After early breakfast at your hotel, you will drive towards the isolated valley of Phobjikha.
The valley is protected for the endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every winter (early Nov to End of February) and is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The drive is very picturesque.
On arrival, we will enjoy the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail. The hike itself is a moderately challenging, yet rewarding experience. We will follow a scenic trail that winds through forests of blue pine, juniper, and rhododendrons, offering stunning views of the valley below. We will also visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest Ningmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight in Gangtay Hotel Dewachen
Day 5: Gangtey – Bumthang (154km, 4 hour drive)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast, you will begin your drive to Bumthang valley in central Bhutan, stopping en route to visit Trongsa Dzong before crossing the Yotung La pass.
The drive is very picturesque - cutting past charming hamlets, serene farmlands, hours and hours of deep forests and valleys, and hills filled with Rhododendrons of every hue.
Tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. You will view Jakar Dzong, "The Castle of White Bird".
A stop will be made on the way in the Chumey Valley where one can see girls weaving Yatha the traditional woollen material used.
Overnight in Bumthang Jakar Village Lodge
Day 6: Bumthang
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
You will begin with a morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing Dzong and the surrounding village, and then drive to Jakar following the Tang chu river until you arrive at the main road junction.
On the way, you will visit the Mebertsho Lake, where Terton Pemalingpa, the reincarnation of guru Padmasambava is supposed to have discovered religious treasure in the 12th century.
This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps.
Overnight in Bumthang Jakar Village Lodge
Day 7: Bumthang – Paro (300km, 9.5 hour drive)
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today is a long drive from Bumthang to Paro (9-10 hours). The drive will be via Wangdue valley at 4,000 feet and then over Dochula pass at 10,000 feet.
Overnight in Paro Dewachen Resort and Spa
Day 8: Paro
Transfer
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
After breakfast, you will drive to the base of the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the sacred and famous temple built in 1693.
Legend has it that, in the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the caves around which the monastery was built after flying on a tigress’s back. The trek is very scenic, surrounded by pine trees.
The Trek will be about 5 hours round trip and lunch will be served at the cafeteria on the way. In the evening, you will have time to visit Paro town.
Overnight in Paro Dewachen Resort and Spa
Day 9: Paro - Departure Day
Transfer
Breakfast
After breakfast today, you will be transferred to Paro airport for your international departure flight, rejuvenated by the Bhutanese way of life.
Adventure Optional Extras
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International Flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips
- Souvenir items
- Travel insurance
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice, Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. The accommodation on this adventure is comfortable and welcoming hotel accommodation offering rooms with ensuite facilities. We put time and effort into building our relationship with accommodation suppliers to ensure you have a great trip.
We choose accommodation based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel) and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Wherever we can we will choose smaller, more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, or in remote areas (like the mountains), we may not have a wide range of options. An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things with are exciting and memorable and reflects the countries we are visiting.
Facilities
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels, guest houses or camps. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be a local, English-speaking, qualified guide who knows the area like the back of their hand, as well as the history & heritage of the area!
We work jointly with our Bhutanese Tour Operator partners both before and during your adventure to ensure that they understand your needs and the standard that YellowWood Adventures expects. We believe that it is a very important positive aspect of Responsible Tourism, to employ the expertise of reliable and suitably qualified local suppliers, as well as offering you a much more informative and authentic experience.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 fellow travellers. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you. Our links with in-country travel experts often mean that we can assist you in developing a personalised itinerary.
Am I fit enough?
You are visiting the Himalayas, walking at altitude between 3000 and 5000m.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you therefore need to be a regular walker and in good physical condition. You do not need to be experienced in trekking, however. Any hiking is undertaken at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops.
You will be carrying just a day pack, with water, layers and other basics.
Training
As with all active holidays, the fitter you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the stunning route, and the better you can cope with challenges such as the outside elements.
Clients are advised to get into a regular walking pattern before the trip as convenient.
If you have bought new hiking boots for this adventure, this is the right time to wear them in, not on the trip itself.
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport where you will be met and taken to your hotel either by your guide, or a driver.
We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be very daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible, to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you.
We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Airport & Arrival Info
On arrival at the airport you will go through passport control to baggage reclaim and onwards to Arrivals where you will be met by a driver / guide with a YellowWood Adventures sign.
All group specific, final details on where to meet your guide will be sent to you prior to the start of your adventure.
Visas
You will need a passport and visa to enter and exit Bhutan. Your visa is included in your adventure cost and we take care of all necessary arrangements for you before your adventure begins.
We kindly request that you provide us with your insurance documents, with your name clearly stated, along with a scanned copy of your passport. Once your application is processed, you will receive a convenient PDF copy of your visa. Simply print it out or display it on your tablet or phone upon arrival and departure in Bhutan.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all Yellow Wood Adventures. Unfortunately, anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend arranging your insurance cover when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered.
YellowWood partners with battleface as a travel insurance provider. Click here for a quote.
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hour emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
You must ensure the travel insurance you purchase provides you with suitable cover for the entirety of your trip. Your travel insurance must include cover in the event that you have to cancel for a reason outside your control prior to departure, for any medical expenses you may incur whilst away (including repatriation in the case of medical need) and for the activities which you may participate in during your trip.
Included
- Government Sustainable Development Fee
- Standard accommodation
- Full board basis
- 24/7 Guides & Attendants
- All sight seeing & entrance fees
- Visa fees
Reviews
CHB
YellowWood tour in Bhutan
Just back from a YellowWood tour in Bhutan- everything was fabulous- the organisation before we went and then the local Bhutan partners and cannot more highly recommend our guide and driver- they were knowledgeable and caring and responsive to our wishes and interests.
A great trip to a fascinating country and cannot recommend it more highly
Trekking the Trans Bhutan Trail October 2023
Please take into consideration the time of year when you are travelling before making your final packing decisions.
Please bring a full first aid kit and any prescription medication with you. Consult your doctor regarding advice around inoculations and the prevention of disease contraction.
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- Passport & insurance documents
- US$ or £GB to exchange for local currency
- Credit / Debit card for ATMs in town
- Phone & charging cables / plugs / adaptors
- Day bag to carry extra layers, water and other essentials
- Money belt
- Antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer & blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape). anti-diarrhoea tables - we recommend getting hold of some Ciprofloxacin (a quinolone antibiotic) ahead of the trip. It’s great for traveller's diarrhoea
- Washbag & usual contents
- If applicable, feminine hygiene products
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Hand gel
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket (GoreTex or similar quality)
- Warm jacket & fleece - even in the summer temperatures can be low in the evenings. Down or synthetic insulated jacket & light fleece recommended - they pack small too!
- Walking trousers for trekking. Soft shell fabric is ideal.
- Shorts for warmer days
- Sandals or trainers - worn in please!
- General socks / underwear
- Suitable clothes/pjs for sleeping in
- Some “smarter” outfits / evening wear
- Warm hat & gloves
Items for Hiking
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops. Technical fabrics dry quickly in hot or wet weather when hiking.
- Thermal base layers are ideal when camping & also useful if you get cold weather
- 20-30L rucksack with waist (& ideally chest) strap for hiking
- Walking boots - already broken in!
- Waterproof stuff sacks & liners for both day sack and kit bag) to keep kit dry
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
- Standard large rucksack or large duffel style bag are all suitable for your baggage
Optional
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection
- For women: Light scarf useful for covering neck & shoulders in respect of religious spaces
- Flask, if you enjoy hot drinks on the go
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Purification tablets as alternative to Water Purification Bottle
- Spare ziplock bags for dirty clothes, waterproofing phones, rubbish & general organising
- Walking poles
- Lightweight waterproof trousers
- Waterproof socks
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates: Choose the dates for your adventure and consider adding any extra adventures or add-ons to enhance your experience.
Check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Make Booking: Click on "Make Booking." If you're booking more than 56 days before your adventure, you'll be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit. If it's 56 days or less before your adventure, you'll need to make full payment. Rest assured, your money is held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Confirmation: We'll be in touch as soon as possible to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Please refrain from booking transport or flights until we've emailed you to confirm your booking. (Note: Receipt of your booking form is not confirmation.)
Making payment: Once your booking is confirmed, we'll change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding,' indicating that it's ready for payment online.
You will receive a reminder email for your final payment 56 days before the departure date.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking, we're here to help!
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Get in touch
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