BEST OF Bhutan
BHUTAN - THE HIDDEN SHANGRI-LA KINGDOM &
EASTERN BHUTAN - GOMPHU KORA FESTIVAL & MOUNTAIN TRIBES
MAR 2019 ● 18 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Join us on an unforgettable journey into the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” Bhutan, a Shangri-La Kingdom perched on top of the world, shrouded in mystery and magic. Long shut off from the rest of the world, Bhutan has retained a culture and lifestyle that revolves around the sacred. Monks live out their reverence in glorious monasteries and nuns devote their lives to charity. Traveling through the mountains reveals mystical views of holy peaks and passes. It’s no wonder these mountain ranges are said to house deities within. Be swept away by the energy, spirit and beauty of Bhutan.
On this adventure, you will witness a land of great beauty; with wild untouched landscapes, hamlets and monasteries clinging to the sides of rugged mountains and raging rivers deep down in the valleys. Walk amongst the red-robed monks as we journey between lush valleys, each with an abundance of flora on full display and dotted with ancient temples, remote villages and majestic Dzongs. Journey to remote villages with superb mountain vistas to meet mountain tribes and ethnic minorities. Meet the Bhutanese people, with their deep-rooted belief in Buddhism and experience their daily lives, including visits to the nomadic Yak herders and families living in remote traditional villages. Learn how the Bhutanese people have carefully-preserved traditional lifestyle in the quest for pure happiness. Stroll through artisan markets, explore temples decorated with exquisite and flamboyant designs and walk through pristine forests surrounded by misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. Be thrilled by the rush of a river rafting excursion and hike to the gravity defying Tiger’s Nest Monastery with its jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Observe the essence of Bhutan with its unspoiled culture, environment and society and learn about the traditional ways of life that have survived unchanged by the passage of time.
Once a year the small town of Gomphu Kora comes alive with grand festivities. Witness elaborately decorated masked dancers perform their traditional rituals to the tunes of ancient horns, drums and symbols. Listen to the enchanting songs and melodies of the local dancing girls as the Bhutanese people gather for the colorful celebrations of Gomphu Kora festival.
HIGHLIGHTS
Visit ancient fortresses (inc. Tiger’s Nest), sacred monasteries and remote temples.
Travel through mystical landscapes with glorious mountain passes and Himalayan peaks.
Be moved by the colorful Gomphu Kora festival.
Engage with mountain tribes and Yak herders.
Experience authentic Bhutanese living and genuine hospitality.
See swirling fields of Rhododendrons and walk through lush valleys and misty forests.
River raft on the Mo Chu River.
Witness the traditional daily lives of Monks, Nuns, Yak herders and farmers.
Overnight at high-end Aman and Uma by Como Resort properties.
TRIP DESIGN
In 2017 Thomas was invited by Tshering, our exceptional Bhutanese guide and friend, on a month long scouting trip across the whole country of Bhutan. Following this extensive expedition, Thomas & Tshering put together what they believe is the ultimate Bhutan expedition; including not only the iconic must-see sites, but also unique and rarely visited places and incorporating exclusive ceremonies and special events. The key was to cherry-pick the best accommodations, the greatest locations and most importantly the most wonderful life enriching experiences.
Post Extension - Sagala Pass Trek
MAR 2019 • 3 DAYS • 12 GUESTS
For the more fit and active, finish your Bhutan adventure with the Sagala Pass Trek Post-Extension. This 2-day trek is designed for those that love hiking in the mountains. Walk through pristine forests, cross creeks and hike over a mountain pass with 360° mountain views, including some of world’s highest mountain peaks. Camp on a wonderful meadow and witness the daily life of traditional Yak herders. Hike the ancient trade route from Paro valley across Sagala mountain pass down to the recently opened Haa Valley.
ENQUIRIES
Love this itinerary and are wondering when we are returning? Don't hesitate in contacting us today.
CLICK TO VIEW IN GOOGLE MAPS
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
BEST OF BHUTAN
Day 01 Arrive in Bangkok or Delhi en route to Paro, Bhutan
Day 02 Arrive in Paro / Dzong and town visit
Day 03 Fly to Trashigang/ Dzong and town visit
Day 04 Cultural experience with monks in traditional village
Day 05 Merak / Mountain tribe
Day 06 Merak / Radi rice terraces and nunnery / Trashigang
Day 07 Gomphu Kora Festival / Mongar
Day 08 Mongar to Ura Valley
Day 09 Ura to Bumthang / Explore Bumthang valley
Day 10 Bumthang – Trongsa/ Temples and countryside walk / Trongsa Dzong
Day 11 Trongsa – Phobjikha / Phobjikha valley walk and Monastery
Day 12 Phobjikha – Punaka / Phobjikha valley / Punaka Dzong
Day 13 Punaka / Temple walk / River rafting
Day 14 Punakha – Thimphu / Fertility temple / Suspension bridge / Thimphu market
Day 15 Thimphu – Paro / Deluxe Camp
Day 16 Tiger’s Nest Monastery / Deluxe Camp / Special farewell event
Day 17 Fly home OR join Sagala Pass Trek Post-Extension
Day 18 Arrive home
POST EXTENSION - SAGALA PASS TREK
Day 01 Trek from Paro valley to Sagala pass camp / Yak herders
Day 02 Trek to Haa valley / visit Haa town, market and Dzong / return to Paro
Day 03 Paro / Fly home
Day 04 Arrive home
2 STANDALONE TRIP OPTIONS
Eastern Bhutan - Gomphu Kora Festival & Mountain Tribes
MAR 2019 ● 12 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Join us for an enlightening journey through one of the last remaining Buddhist Kingdom’s and the least explored corners of Bhutan. Long shut off from the rest of the world, Eastern Bhutan has retained a culture and lifestyle that revolves around the sacred. Monks live out their reverence in glorious monasteries and nuns devote their lives to charity. Traveling through the mountains reveals mystical views of holy peaks and passes. It’s no wonder these mountain ranges are said to house deities within. Be swept away by the energy, spirit and beauty of Eastern Bhutan.
On this adventure, you will witness a land of great beauty; with wild untouched landscapes, hamlets and monasteries clinging to the sides of rugged mountains and raging rivers deep down in the valleys. Journey to remote villages with superb mountain vistas to meet mountain tribes and ethnic minorities. Experience pure happiness, a quality Bhutanese culture has obtained through carefully-preserved traditional lifestyle. Explore temples decorated with exquisite and flamboyant designs and experience the simple living of the Yak herders. Witness elaborately decorated masked dancers perform their traditional rituals to the tunes of ancient horns, drums and symbols. Listen to the enchanting songs and melodies of the local dancing girls as the Bhutanese people gather for the colorful celebrations of Gomphu Kora festival. LEARN MORE
Bhutan - The Hidden Shangri-La Kingdom
MAR 2019 ● 12 DAYS ● 12 GUESTS
Join us on an unforgettable journey into the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” Bhutan, a Shangri-La Kingdom perched on top of the world, shrouded in mystery and magic.
Walk amongst the red-robed monks as we journey between lush valleys, each with an abundance of flora on full display and dotted with ancient temples, remote villages and majestic Dzongs. Meet the Bhutanese people, with their deep-rooted belief in Buddhism and experience their daily lives, including visits to the nomadic Yak herders and families living in remote traditional villages. Learn how the Bhutanese people have carefully-preserved traditional lifestyle in the quest for pure happiness. Stroll through artisan markets, walk through pristine forests surrounded by misty mountains rising from fast flowing rivers. Be thrilled by the rush of a river rafting excursion and hike to the gravity defying Tiger’s Nest Monastery with its jaw-dropping mountain vistas. Observe the essence of Bhutan with its unspoiled culture, environment and society and learn about the traditional ways of life that have survived unchanged by the passage of time.
For the fit and active, complete your Bhutanese adventure with the Sagala Pass Trek Post-Extension. This 2-day trek is designed for those that love hiking in the mountains. LEARN MORE
WILD EARTH LEADERS
Natalia Baechtold
Co-Founder, Director of Visual Media, Expedition Leader & Dive Master
⏤ •⚬• ⏤
PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas & Natalia Baechtold