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9-Nights Wonders of Bhutan - National Geographic Journeys

Bhutan
9-Nights Wonders of Bhutan - National Geographic Journeys
Bhutan
G Adventures
Vacation Offer ID 1533204
Reference this number when contacting our travel specialist.
Overview

G Adventures

Journeys: Wonders of Bhutan
Set out on an adventure through the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, the only country in the world that measures its progress in terms of happiness. Explore timeless mountain villages, spectacular fortresses, and ornate shrines as you travel across this bastion of Buddhist culture, and meet local people from different walks of life to gain insights into the secrets of Bhutan’s wellbeing.

Highlights
Visit one of the most remote countries in the world, enjoy a meeting and lecture with a monk about Buddhist culture in Bhutan, learn how to cook ema datshi (chili cheese) with a local farm family, hike along peaceful nature trails and thrilling cliffs, experience the pristine and peaceful nature of the "Dragon Kingdom"

Accommodation
Hotel/lodges (9 nts).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Group Size Notes
Max 15, Avg 10.

Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Buddhist Monk, Thimphu Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Farm Meal, Gangtey Gonpa Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture on Gross National Happiness, Thimphu. Arrival and departure transfer. Sustainable Development Fees. Visit the Rimpung Dzong. Hike to Punakha Dzong monastery and fertility shrine. Visit the town of Wangdue and walk to Khamsum Yueley Chorten shrine. Visit the village of Khewa. Black-Necked Crane Centre visit. Hike to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa. Walk across Phobjikha and Khewa valleys. Visit the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (arts and crafts) and the Thimphu Chorten. Hike to Kila Goempa nunnery. Explore shrines and temples of the Haa Valley. Visit the fortress of Drukgyal Dzong and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Featured Destinations

Haa Dzongkhag
Thimphu

Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, is located in the west of the country and testifies to the nation's struggle to modernize while maintaining its venerated traditions. New buildings are still based on traditional designs, with elaborately painted, trefoil-shaped windows and wooden frames built without nails. Regulations restrict new buildings to fewer than six stories, and there are no traffic lights in town; still, satellite dishes are everywhere, and internet cafes are easily found.
Destination Guide
Gangtey

Gangtey

Colorful Gangtey, located in the central region, isn't often visited by foreigners because it's somewhat remote and difficult to get to. For those who venture there, at least a one-night stay is suggested, although the opening of the luxury property Gangtey Lodge is leading more travelers to spend two to three nights in the area to enjoy the resort's views. The best time to visit Gangtey is November-March, when the black-neck cranes are in residence and roads are not blocked by monsoon-created landslides, but you may come across snow. There is a visitors center where people can learn about the cranes and even meet one bird that was injured at a young age and now lives at the center. You can also visit Gangtey Gompa, a monastery from the 1600s, which is close to Gangtey Lodge. The lodge also organizes farmhouse visits and meditation sessions at the monk university just up the hill.
Destination Guide
Punakha

Punakha

Bhutan's former capital, Punakha is often seen on a long day trip from Thimphu. It offers superlative views of the Himalayas and can be used as a base to visit the nearby Wangdiphodrang Dzong and Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is the winter home of the largest group of monks in the country (some 500) and the Je Khempo (Buddhist religious leader). It is considered to be the most elaborate temple in the country and is still used today as government offices for the district.

The drive over the Dochula Pass to Punakha is breathtaking. The Punakha Suspension Bridge, said to be one of the longest in the region, is a fun place to stop since it is close to the Punakha Dzong.

The Punakha Domche festival is in late February-March.

Don't be surprised by the numerous phallic symbols that are painted on many buildings in the region because of the Chimi Lhakhang Temple (known as the fertility temple); these represent new life and fertility. Phallic statues are also widely sold in markets and stores, and it may come as a surprise to many Western visitors. They are visible across the country, but there are noticeably more near the fertility temple. Many people come to this temple in hopes of getting pregnant. Many of these symbols are painted on building doors as a matter of protection.

Destination Guide
Paro

Paro

The scenic, terraced town of Paro sits in the shadow of 24,000-ft/7,320-m Mount Chomolhari (divine mountain). Paro has Bhutan's only airport, so most travelers arrive there. Though it's really only a large village, three nights are recommended to get used to the altitude, as well as to see the many sights related to Paro's days as capital of the western region.

Among those sights are the 350-year-old Ta Dzong (now the National Museum), the Rinchen Pung or Paro Dzong (sacred scrolls, icons, and the like), where scenes from Bertolucci's Little Buddha were shot, the restored seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang (holy temple) and the Dungtse Lhakhang (temple). Also worth seeing is the Drugyel Dzong, named after a famous victory of the Bhutanese over Tibetan invaders (about 9 mi/14 km northwest of town).

If you're in Paro on a Sunday morning, be sure to visit the colorful market, where grains, chilies, oranges, bananas and a host of other items are sold. The Paro Tsechu festival is held late March-April.

On a full-day trip, it's possible to visit the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), built on a rock ledge overlooking a sheer 2,600 ft/800 m drop to the Paro Valley. It is accessible only on foot or by pony as far as the viewpoint. According to legend, the monastery was founded by Guru Rimpoche, who landed there on the back of a flying tiger.

Destination Guide

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Valid Date Ranges

December 2024
12/14/2024 12/23/2024 $4,999 per person
January 2025
01/18/2025 01/27/2025 $4,999 per person
February 2025
02/15/2025 02/24/2025 $4,999 per person
March 2025
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03/22/2025 03/31/2025 $5,299 per person
03/29/2025 04/07/2025 $5,299 per person
April 2025
04/05/2025 04/14/2025 $5,299 per person
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May 2025
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June 2025
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August 2025
08/02/2025 08/11/2025 $4,999 per person
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September 2025
09/13/2025 09/22/2025 $5,299 per person
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October 2025
10/11/2025 10/20/2025 $5,299 per person
10/25/2025 11/03/2025 $5,299 per person
November 2025
11/08/2025 11/17/2025 $4,999 per person
December 2025
12/06/2025 12/15/2025 $4,999 per person
January 2026
01/17/2026 01/26/2026 $4,999 per person
February 2026
02/14/2026 02/23/2026 $4,999 per person
March 2026
03/07/2026 03/16/2026 $4,999 per person
03/14/2026 03/23/2026 $4,999 per person
03/21/2026 03/30/2026 $4,999 per person
03/28/2026 04/06/2026 $4,999 per person
April 2026
04/04/2026 04/13/2026 $4,999 per person
04/11/2026 04/20/2026 $4,999 per person
04/18/2026 04/27/2026 $4,999 per person
04/25/2026 05/04/2026 $4,999 per person
May 2026
05/02/2026 05/11/2026 $4,999 per person
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June 2026
06/06/2026 06/15/2026 $4,999 per person
July 2026
07/04/2026 07/13/2026 $4,999 per person
August 2026
08/01/2026 08/10/2026 $4,999 per person
08/29/2026 09/07/2026 $4,999 per person
September 2026
09/12/2026 09/21/2026 $4,999 per person
09/26/2026 10/05/2026 $4,999 per person
October 2026
10/03/2026 10/12/2026 $4,999 per person
10/10/2026 10/19/2026 $4,999 per person
10/17/2026 10/26/2026 $4,999 per person
10/24/2026 11/02/2026 $4,999 per person
10/31/2026 11/09/2026 $4,999 per person
November 2026
11/07/2026 11/16/2026 $4,999 per person
December 2026
12/05/2026 12/14/2026 $4,999 per person
Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change.  Please click here for a description of the travel style options provided by G Adventures. 

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
 

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.