A journey of authentic engagement and incredible discovery awaits you on The Evolved Traveler’s 12-day luxury itinerary, “Bhutan: Journey to the Land of Happiness.” The last Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan, maintains an identity and autonomy like no other country – indeed the only country in the world that measures “Gross National Happiness” over “Gross National Product.” Indeed, this is no ordinary land; Bhutan is an extraordinary and mythical country called “The Last Shangri-La.”
Destination Overview
Arriving in Paro, Bhutan, travel a short distance to Thimphu, where the journey begins. In Thimpu, engage with the monks of Tango Goenpa, a Buddhist monastery, and university before meeting the students of Zorig Chusum, a school for Bhutanese arts. Leave energetic Thimphu behind to traverse the intoxicating pine and cedar forests and mountain serenity of Punakha. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass for stunning views of the Himalayas, and marvel at the 108 stupas of Dochu La. The day also brings one of our Evolved Experiences with time at the Gyalyum Community School, an initiative supported by The Evolved Traveler to sustain schools for rural children that would otherwise be closed.
Once in Punakha, soak in nature with a hike through the verdant valley before visiting one of the country’s most renowned historical sites, the Punakha Dzong, an impressive 17th-century fortress. Next are Phojikha and Gangtey, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail to attend the evening prayers and chanting at the Shedra, a monastic school of some 300 monks. Continue to Bumthang, Bhutan’s religious heartland, and home to many of the oldest and most sacred monasteries.
This remarkable journey concludes in Paro, where two more highlights await you – a visit and lunch with local farmers for an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle of a traditional Bhutanese family. And finally, a visit to the renowned Tiger’s Nest, one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights in the world.
For an even more in-depth journey to the region, we invite you to combine your visit to Bhutan with and/or Tibet.
Trip Highlights
Engage with the monks of Tango Goenpa monastery in Thimphu
Marvel at the 108 stupas of DochuLa Pass
Spend time at the Gyalyum Community School
Attend evening prayers with the monks of Shedra
Have lunch with Bhutanese farmers
Trek to the renowned Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Dates & Rates
Price from
$13,995 USD per person based on double occupancy
(Intra-tour air travel included)
Departure time
Any day – this tour is fully customizable
(March to June, October to December)
Duration
12 days
Group size
Private groups of 2 to 12 people
Your Contribution to Sustainable Tourism
Carbon Offset
The Evolved Traveler is allocating $95 per person* in conjunction with our partners, Offset Alliance, to help offset this journey through verified carbon removal and reversals projects.
The amount is determined by calculating the carbon footprint for this journey considering flights to the destination, intra-tour flights if applicable, hotel stays, and ground transportation. An additional 25% is added to the static factors to offset components we cannot immediately account for, such as food.
The carbon emissions accounted for are calculated by using measurement benchmarks determined by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The projects our carbon-offset donations are distributed to can be seen at www.offsetalliance.co/projects.
*The amount shown is an estimation for this journey. The exact will be calculated at the time of booking based on the city of origin for flights to the destination, and the specifications of the itinerary.
(www.offsetalliance.co(opens in a new tab))
