BHUTAN

The Kingdom of Happiness

This small Himalayan Kingdom is renowned for celebrating happiness above all - so much so they even have a name for it - Gross National Happiness! This philosophy resonates through everything in Bhutan, making this Himalayan hiking adventure invigorating for both the body and soul. We’ll hike to the iconic cliffside Buddhist monastery, Tiger’s Nest, join the colorful Chhukhua Tshechu Festival, and live like nomadic yak herders on the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. Immersing ourselves in local tradition, culture, and landscapes that make the Land of the Thunder Dragon so magical!




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$6,000

 
  • We plan our adventures with most of the logistics taken care of, so you can focus on being your best adventure self! Here is a complete list of everything that’s included on this adventure:

    INCLUDED:

    • 6 nights accommodation in hotels (double occupancy) + 3 nights camping

    • All meals listed as included in the itinerary (including some local snacks and tea along the way!)

    • Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner (complete with celebratory beverages!)

    • Experienced and passionate guides

    • A private minibus for transfers and luggage assistance

    • Tips for our phenomenal local guides

    • Bhutan Tourism Sustainable Development Fee + Visa

    • All park entrance fees + permits

    • Entrance to Dzongs, Monasteries and Museums listed as included in the itinerary

    • All the TLC + shared experiences that come standard when traveling with WHOA!

    • 1% for the planet, as in 1% of what you pay goes towards grassroots environmental groups making a difference in their local communities

    • Offsetting of this trip’s negative impact on the environment and carbon footprint, from the transportation to lodging to meals*

    NOT INCLUDED:

    • Flights

    • Travel Insurance (mandatory)

    • Additional food and alcohol not mentioned as included

    • GAL tip (always appreciated, but never expected!)

    *For our carbon offsetting, we do our best to crunch the numbers and accurately calculate the carbon footprint the best we can with the information that we have. It’s not a perfect system and carbon offsetting isn’t an exact science, but we believe it’s more important to take action now, in every way that we can. All our offsetting programs are certified by our partners at Sustainable Travel International. At the moment, our traveler’s international airfare to the destination is beyond our scope, and not included. Flights are the largest carbon emitter on most of our adventures, so we encourage all our travelers to consider doing it independently through the airline or with our partners at STI.

  • Putting down a $1000 deposit will reserve your spot on this WHOA Adventure! You’ll be invoiced and must pay in full at least 3 months before your adventure starts. All deposits are non-refundable. All prices are listed in USD.

 


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HIGHLIGHTS

 

Hiking past fluttering prayer flags to the sacred Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, dramatically perched on a cliffside
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Embracing the solitude and spirituality of the majestic Himalayas and her alpine lakes on the 4-day Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek
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Connecting with Bhutanese women who are upholding its rich culture and history while also sculpting its future
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Taking part in the colorful Chhukha festival and enjoying the traditional music and dancing on its auspicious third day
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Experiencing the local hospitality and happiness that has made this small historic kingdom so legendary
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Feeling the support, safety and sustainability that make adventuring with WHOA extra special

 
 


WHAT TO EXPECT

This adventure is designed to give you the chance to deeply immerse yourself in the culture, natural beauty, and spirituality of Bhutan. It starts with culture at the colorful Chhukha Festival, then on to the 4-day Dagala Trek, named for its stunning alpine lakes, and finishing off with the iconic Tiger’s Nest. Along the way, you’ll get the special opportunity to connect with Bhutanese nuns, guides, farmers and entrepreneurs, and gain insight into the country’s fascinating past and bright future.

We’ll be doing most of our exploring by foot because it’s the best (and often only!) way to access treasures like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and views of Mount Everest. Be ready to let go of the weight of your expectations, and deeply connect with nature and joy in a way the Bhutanese have mastered!

We rated this Bhutan trip a 4 out of 5 on the WHOA Adventure difficulty scale because of the amount of walking we’ll be doing, and the Dagala Thousand Lake Trek takes you up to altitudes as high as 14,700 ft above sea level.

THE CONDITIONS
THAT HIMALAYAN HIGH

Due to its geography and position nestled beneath the Himalayas, Bhutan experiences particularly mild and pleasant weather during the autumn and spring - perfect for exploring! Daytime temperatures range from high 50s to mid 70s °F, with lots of clear skies and stunning visibility of the mountains. It can get quite cold at night, especially at higher altitudes, where there’s even a chance for snowfall (which only adds to the scenic beauty)!

The highest elevation we’ll sleep at is 14,425 ft above sea level during the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. It’s not uncommon to feel the effects of altitude, like shortness of breath or mild headaches at this elevation. So be sure to drink lots of water, and rest assured knowing this trek is paced to give you time to acclimatize while also taking in the panoramic mountain views.

TRAINING
GIVE IT YOUR HEART AND SOLE

As with all of our adventures, you will be on your feet and on the move a lot. You can expect to be hiking for over 6 hours a day, at altitude which builds in an extra layer of challenge. The better trained and stronger you are, the more enjoyable your experience will be! Stay active, break in your boots and rain gear early, and be prepared for a life-changing physical and spiritual journey!

 


MAP



ITINERARY

DAY 1

Paro to Thimphu

Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon! When you step off the plane in Paro, you’ll be greeted by our team and jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan mountains surrounding this small, peaceful kingdom! From there, we’ll head to Thimphu, the modern capital city of Bhutan. En route, we’ll stop at Tachogang Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Thang Tong Gyalpo, a spiritual leader and engineer known as the "Iron Bridge Builder." We'll have the chance to walk across the iron suspension bridge decorated with prayer flags, and take in the surrounding valley. In Thimphu, you’ll have the chance to settle in and explore before our special WHOA Welcome Dinner, where you’ll meet your team and get briefed on the adventure that lies ahead!

Drive Time: ~1 hour
Included Meals: Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Stay: Access Suites Thimphu or similar
Arrival Logistics: Plan to fly into Paro by 3PM on the adventure start date. We recommend connecting through Delhi or Kathmandu on Druk Air, and will provide more details on flights and booking assistance prior to your adventure!

DAY 2

CHHUKHA TSHECHU FESTIVAL

Today, we’ll venture south to the Chhukha Valley, to experience one of the most unique highlights of our trip - the Chhukha Tshechu Festival! This vibrant celebration is held in the courtyard of Chhukha Dzong, a fortress that symbolizes Bhutanese cultural and spiritual heritage. It's a colorful festival with masked dancers and traditional folk music, and gives us the opportunity to see Bhutanese culture at its most vibrant! We’ll be there on the 3rd and final day, which is considered the most auspicious because it features the unfurling of the Throngdroel of Guru Rinpoche, a large tapestry and significant religious artifact that brings blessings and spiritual merit to those who witness it. After a full day of festivities, we’ll drive back to Thimphu for another chance to try some more delicious Bhutanese dishes at dinner! (We recommend Ema Datshi, the national dish of Bhutan, a hearty soup made of simmered chilies and cheese!)

Drive Time: ~1.5+ hours each way
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Access Suites Thimphu or similar

DAY 3

DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES

TREK DAY 1 of 4

Off we go to the mountains to start the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek! This 4-day hike is named for the many shimmering high-altitude lakes we’ll encounter, and is one of Bhutan's most serene and scenic trails. We’ll experience life like the nomadic yak herders who call this region home and have time to reflect and connect with our beautiful surroundings. Today, we’ll hike through lush forests and alpine meadows with Rhododendrons and Blue Poppies, before reaching our camp for the evening, where we’ll enjoy the sunset together.

Drive Time: ~1 hour
Hike Time: 4+ hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Kapchin (3,300 m / 10,825 ft)

DAY 4

DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES

TREK DAY 2 of 4

Today, we’ll continue our way through the stunning alpine terrain, and be treated to breathtaking views, including a glimpse of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world! When we reach camp, we’ll enjoy a warm cup tea among the mountains and lakes that make this trek so exceptional. 

Hike Time: 6+ hours
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Labatama (4,400 m / 14,425 ft)

DAY 5

DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES

TREK DAY 3 of 4

This is the most challenging (and rewarding!) day of our trek. We'll pass through a series of high-altitude lakes where we’ll get unparalleled views of the world’s highest peaks - Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Jomolhari, and even Mount Everest! Some of the day’s highlights include the mesmerizing Dala Tsho Lake, and walking along the Doccha Chhu River to our last camp where we’ll have one final evening sleeping under the stars together.

Hike Time: 6.5+ hours
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Camp: Panka (4,000 m / 13,123 ft)

DAY 6

DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES

TREK DAY 4 of 4
Dochula Pass to Punakha

On the final day of our hike, we’ll be able to see Thimphu (and Buddha Dordenma!) as we descend to Chamgang Village to complete the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek. While the hike might be over, the adventure continues. Next stop: Punakha Valley! En route, we’ll stop for a special fresh farm-to-table cooking experience with a local female cook and drive over the iconic Dochula Pass (3,150 m), home to 108 memorial chortens and more epic views of the Himalayas!

Hike Time: 4+ hours
Drive Time: ~2 hours
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Meri Puensum Punakha or similar

DAY 7

Punakha Valley

Today we’ll explore the highlights of the old capital of Bhutan - Punakha. We’ll visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, also known as the Fortress of Great Bliss, it is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River). We’ll also have the opportunity to meet the nuns of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, and trade stories and learn about their spiritual practices. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu, and have the evening free to experience the nightlife of Bhutan’s modern capital!

Drive Time: ~2 hours
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Access Suites Thimphu or similar

DAY 8

THIMPHU

We’ll start the day with a hike up and around Kuensel Phodrang, and get up close and personal to Thimphiu’s enormous Buddha Point statue (it’s the world's largest)! We’ll also visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s beloved national animal, a sacred (and cute!) creature with the body of a cow and the head of a goat. We’ll round out the day with a visit to the Green Weaving Center, an initiative supporting women artisans who are keeping the weaving traditions of their ancestors alive. In the evening, we’ll drive back west to Paro, for the final stop on our adventure.

Hike Time: 1.5+ hours
Drive Time: 1+ hours
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Tenzinling Paro or similar

DAY 9

TAKTSANG MONASTERY + TIGER'S NEST HIKE

We’ll rise bright and early to hike to the Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched on a cliff 10,235 ft above sea level, the hike takes around 5 hours, and we’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a profound sense of spirituality. Afterwards, we’ll be treated to a traditional hot stone bath to relax our muscles after the trek, and a home cooked lunch at a local farmhouse, run by a dynamic mother and daughter duo. In the evening, we’ll toast to our epic adventure over a local feast at our Farewell Dinner!

Hike Time: 5+ hours
Drive Time: ~1 hour
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Stay: Tenzinling Paro or similar

DAY 10

DEPART PARO

Our journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan has come to an end (but the memories of this magical place will last forever)! After breakfast, we'll head to Paro International Airport to catch our flights onward. Log jay gay (good bye, we'll meet again)!

Drive Time: 20 mins
Included Meals: Breakfast

 


FAQ

  • While you may have heard Bhutan is the Happiest Country in the World, you might not know a whole lot more. One of the reasons that you probably don't know many people who have been to Bhutan is because everything they do is centered on sustainability (you know how much we love that!), and that includes their tourism philosophy of "High Value and Low Volume."

    Bhutan is in South Asia, and completely landlocked by only two countries, China to the north and India to the south. The rugged mountains and dense forests of Bhutan have long made it challenging to get to, which has protected it from outside influences, making its cultural identity all the more unique.

    The primary religion (about 80% of the population!) is Tibetan Buddhism, the Bhutanese Constitution even identifies Buddhism as the spiritual heritage of Bhutan because it promotes peace, non-violence, compassion and tolerance, however the constitution still grants freedom of religion.

  • Good question! This is why traveling to Bhutan costs what it does, but it’s also part of the reason that traveling to Bhutan is so special.

    The daily tariff system is crucial for Bhutan as it promotes high-value, low-impact tourism. By setting a minimum daily rate, Bhutan ensures that tourism benefits the country economically while preserving its natural and cultural heritage. This approach helps maintain Bhutan's unique identity and prevents the negative effects of mass tourism, such as environmental degradation and cultural dilution.

    This system also ensures that tourists have a high-quality experience, with knowledgeable guides, and comfortable accommodations. It's a win-win for both visitors and our gracious hosts!

    How much is the sustainable development fee in Bhutan?

    The current Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan is USD 100 per person per night.

  • Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a unique and holistic approach to development, introduced by the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, in the 1970s. The concept emphasizes the importance of overall well-being and happiness of the people over mere economic growth. Unlike traditional measures of development such as GDP, GNH considers multiple dimensions that contribute to a fulfilled and content life. Here are the four key pillars of GNH:

    1. Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development: Balanced economic growth that benefits all sections of society and ensures long-term sustainability.

    2. Conservation of the Environment: Recognizing the importance of environmental health, and protecting natural resources and promoting sustainable practices.

    3. Preservation and Promotion of Culture: Preserving Bhutan's rich cultural heritage and traditional values while advancing cultural diversity and vibrancy.

    4. Good Governance: Effective, transparent, and accountable governance is considered crucial for ensuring that development policies align with the well-being of the people.

    To measure and implement GNH, Bhutan has identified nine domains that encompass the aspects of well-being:

    1. Psychological Well-Being

    2. Health

    3. Education

    4. Time Use

    5. Cultural Diversity and Resilience

    6. Good Governance

    7. Community Vitality

    8. Ecological Diversity and Resilience

    9. Living Standards


    These domains are used to assess the overall happiness and well-being of the population through comprehensive surveys and indicators.

    The concept of GNH has gained international attention and serves as an inspiration for other countries and organizations looking to adopt more holistic and sustainable approaches to development. Bhutan's commitment to GNH reflects its dedication to ensuring that its progress and development are aligned with what’s best for its people!

    The idea of prioritizing happiness and well-being over economic growth has made Bhutan a unique and admired nation on the global stage!

  • Bhutan is not the easiest to get to, but that is one of the things that makes it so cool! There are only two airlines that fly into Bhutan, Bhutan Airways and DrukAir, and you won't find them on your normal search engines, so you are probably wondering, "How do I get there?!"

    You will need to get to an international flight to one of the airports that Bhutan Airways and DrukAir fly into. We recommend Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, or Dubai. Then you will book a separate onward flight into Bhutan. This portion of your journey will need to be booked directly through one of the two airlines mentioned above, or, the easiest way, let us help! You can book directly through our local partner!

    Most of the flights to Paro leave between 6AM to 12PM, so make sure that you allow yourself time to navigate the airport for your layover, and be sure to check visa requirements in your layover country BEFORE booking either flight.

  • Yes, and the great news is that we will take care of this for you! Leading up to your trip we will collect some information from you in your Adventure HUB, and this will allow us to apply for the visa on your behalf.  



PHOTO GALLERY



REVIEWS


 

Itinerary subject to change based on availability and unforeseen conditions, but that's part of the adventure! Even when things change, trust you'll be well taken care of with WHOA quality, professionalism, and TLC!

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It’s of the utmost importance to us that any giving back we do is sustainable and fills a need that is of value to our partners. For that reason, our visits and partnerships can and do vary depending on the season, the organization's needs, and the abilities and desires of our group. Bottom line, in each case, we do our best to seek out local partners that are doing great, sustainable work, and we work closely with them to understand their needs to create an experience that will truly be of value to them and you!