BHUTAN: THE LAST GREAT HIMALAYAN KINGDOM
Led By Rich Campbell, Kristin Wornson, Shirley Campbell
April 21 – May 04, 2026
Overview:
Explore the sites of Thimphu (Bhutan’s capital), which is a stronghold of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture and culture. Admire the prayer flags and small stupas of Dochul-a Pass (elevation 10,130 feet), with the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas as a backdrop. Search for birdlife (including the iconic ibisbill) along the Punakha Valley’s beautiful Mo Chu River, which is also home to Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. Participate in a meditation class at Shedra, an institute where monks learn about Buddhist philosophy, poetry, and debate. Witness a blessing and Butter lamp lighting ceremony (a sacred and deeply spiritual practice) in the wild Gangtey Valley. Learn about Bumthang’s renowned wool weaving tradition, as well as some local recipes at a cooking class. Hike amongst dramatic scenery to Tiger’s Nest, a cliffside monastery rich in history and tradition, and a trip highlight!
Interested in more information? Please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team with any questions or interest.
Bhutan: The Last Great Himalayan Kingdom
April 21 – May 04, 2026
Day-By-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 | Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand. Meet Kristin, Shirley and Rich for Welcome Cocktails and dinner at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel.
Day 2 | Bangkok / Thimphu
Fly from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport, from where we will transfer overland to Thimphu. There we will visit National Memorial Chorten, the enormous Buddha Dordenma just outside the city, and the city’s bustling market center. Check into Hotel Druk for 2 Nights.
Day 3 | Thimphu
Embark on a Nature Walk to Cheri Monastery, established in 1620, and now an important center for meditational retreats. In the afternoon visit the Takin Preserve, to see Bhutan’s unique national animal. Then we head to a small paper-making business, for a demonstration in making traditional handmade paper. This evening, visit Trashichhoedzong, the remarkable edifice that serves as the heart of both government and religion in Bhutan, and listen to a presentation by a scholar about the country’s development of Gross National Happiness. Overnight at Hotel Druk.
Day 4 | Thimphu / Punakha
This morning, stop at Dochula Pass for stunning views of the Himalayas with 108 stupas in the foreground. Then explore the Royal Botanical Park on foot amongst magnolia, oak and rhododendron trees. Arrive to Punakha , and then meet the monks at the renowned Nalanda Buddhist Institute. Check into Dhensa Boutique Hotel (or similar) for 2 Nights.
Day 5 | Punakha
Set out in the early morning to search for birds in the Tashithang Valley . We will explore along a broad track that follows the Mo Chu River through delightful tracts of broad-leaved forest. After lunch, explore the Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness; and stroll across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel suspended over the rushing waters of the Mo Chhu River. In the evening, enjoy a brief excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility. Overnight at Dhensa Boutique Hotel (or similar).
Day 6 | Punakha / Gangtey
After breakfast, travel on to Gangtey, stopping at Wangduephodrang Dzong, offering fantastic views of the valley, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, enjoying the wonderful amenities of our home for the next two nights, Gangtey Lodge. This evening, participate in a meditation class at Shedra, the institute where monks learn about Buddhist philosophy, poetry, logic, mediation and debate. Overnight at Gangtey Lodge.
Day 7 | Gangtey
After lunch, we will visit the Gangtey monastery, and then walk the Gangtey Nature Trail downhill through flower meadows through beautiful forests and into an open valley. Our hike ends up at the Khewang Lakhang monastery , where we will participate in a butter lamp ceremony , a sacred and deeply spiritual practice that holds significant importance in the country’s Buddhist culture. After lunch, we visit the Black Neck Crane Information Center to learn about the endangered cranes that winter in the Phobjika Valley, arriving from their nesting grounds on the Tibetan Plateau (We will have the chance to see several captive birds). Overnight at Gangtey Lodge.
Day 8 | Gangtey / Trongsa
After breakfast, our journey takes us through captivating landscapes to Trongsa. En route, we traverse the picturesque Pelela pass, historically serving as the traditional demarcation between the eastern and western regions of Bhutan. Continuing our journey, we arrive at the town of Trongsa, nestled on steep slopes overlooking a breathtaking river gorge. Visit to the majestic Trongsa Dzong, one of the most impressive fortresses in all of Bhutan, as well as Ta Dzong, which now exists as a modern museum. Check into Willing Resort for 1 Night.
Day 9 | Trongsa-Bumthang
After breakfast, we embark on the journey towards Bumth ang (Approx.2 ½ hrs drive), traversing the breathtaking Yutong-la pass at an elevation of 11,155 feet). The road ascends steeply from Trongsa before descending through lush coniferous forests into the expansive Chumey valley, renowned for its fertile lands and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, we will stop for birding opportunities in bamboo & coniferous forests. Enjoy an afternoon visit of Jambey Lhakhang, the ancient temple built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples. We also visit Kurje Lhakhang, constructed on the rock where Guru Rinpoche meditated. This evening, participate in a traditional Bhutanese Cooking Class. Check into Bhutan Mountain Resort (or similar) for 2 Nights.
Day 10 | Bumthang
Early morning drive to Tharpaling Monastery in Chumey Valley. Here we may have an opporunity to see many bird species, including the mesmerizing Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan. Dorbji Weaving Centre is a women’s cooperative, with weavers producing some exquisite weaves like the gho (male dress), kira (female dress), and kabney (scarf) and others. Later, we will pay a visit to the Bumthang Brewery . This state-of-the-art microbrewery produces Swiss-style unfiltered Weiss beer locally famous as ‘Red Panda Beer’. At the Brewery, one can see the entire process of making unfiltered Weiss beer. Also get an insight into the cheese-making process, at an adjacent Swiss Farm. Overnight at Bhutan Mountain Resort (or similar).
Day 11 | Bumthang / Paro
This morning, we transfer to airport for flight to Paro, in a beautiful valley that encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. The landing into Paro airport is a spectacular experience! This afternoon, we visit a traditional farmhouse, adorned with intricate woodwork and painted in vibrant colors, a true testament to Bhutan’s architectural heritage. Here we have the opportunity to experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality, savor authentic local cuisine, witness traditional farming practices, and participate in Bhutan’s national sport, archery. Check into Uma by COMO for 2 Nights.
Day 12 | Paro
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery, known as Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 – 6 hours round trip walk). This is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence giving it the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Later in the afternoon, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang temple, and have some time at leisure in the afternoon to explore the town of Paro. Overnight at Uma by COMO.
Day 13 | Paro / Bangkok
Transfer to the airport for our return to Bangkok, where we will settle into our hotel & relax with an afternoon at leisure. Enjoy our final dinner together at the hotel, as we bid farewell to our fellow travelers!
Day 14 | Fly Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Bhutan: The Last Great Himalayan Kingdom
April 21 – May 04, 2026
Rates:
– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking
Trip Package Rate Per Person Sharing (based on double occupancy): Approx. $17,495.00
Included:
- Airport Transfers
- Internal flights listed in the above itinerary
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages
- 13 nights accommodations
- Transportation throughout
- All gratuities, entrance fees, and Bhutan visa and fees
- Local private Bhutanese guide
- Guiding by Rich, Kristin, and Shirley
Not Included:
- International Air
- Cancellation & Emergency Evacuation Insurance
- Alcoholic Beverages
International Airfare:
Africa Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.
General Information:
– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Expedition Easy and proof of purchase is required. Expedition Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation / interruption coverage.
Deposit & Payments:
A completed & signed Expedition Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.
Reservations:
This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Expedition Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.
To reserve space on a trip on the Expedition Easy website, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
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Operated by Inside Expeditions
21 April - 04 May, 2026
