Bhutan

THE HIDDEN SHANGRI-LA KINGDOM

26 SEP - 07 OCT 2027 •  12 DAYS •  14 GUESTS

Join us on an unforgettable journey into the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” Bhutan, a Shangri-La Kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic—a land where "Gross National Happiness" is prioritized over material wealth, red-robed monks move softly through ancient courtyards and lush valleys unfold beneath prayer-flagged mountain passes. Explore the architectural splendor of Bhutan’s great fortress-monasteries — from the dramatic hillside stronghold of Trongsa Dzong, its cascading whitewashed walls, timbered balconies and labyrinthine courtyards suspended high above a deep gorge, to the riverside majesty of Punakha Dzong, rising at the confluence of two glacial rivers.

Travel across high Himalayan passes, wander through the sacred heartland of Bumthang Valley and the pristine beauty of Phobjikha Valley, and stand before the golden presence of Buddha Dordenma gazing serenely over Thimphu. Walk amongst monks, meet nomadic yak herders and farming families in remote villages, and gain insight into a society guided by its enduring Buddhist faith and its quest for Gross National Happiness. Stroll artisan markets, explore centuries-old temples, and share in deeply moving private prayer ceremonies.

In the wide alpine bowl of Phobjikha, retreat to an exclusive luxury camp set among pine forest and open meadows — where horses graze nearby and mountains frame the horizon. Here, comfort and wilderness exist in perfect harmony. Soak in a traditional herbal hot-stone bath beneath the cool mountain air, try your hand at Bhutan’s national sport of archery, raft gently along a glacial river, gather by the bonfire for folk singing and dancing, and savor beautifully prepared local cuisine.

Complete your journey with an unforgettable hike to the famous Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically poised on a sheer cliff 2,000 feet above the Paro Valley. With each step along the forested trail, watch the magnificent whitewashed sanctuary appear and disappear against the granite cliff, heightening the sense of anticipation. Inside the sacred complex of intimate chapels and ancient meditation caves, the atmosphere is hushed, butter lamps flicker, murals glow softly in the half-light, and the vast mountain silence beyond the windows lends a profound sense of perspective and an experience that lingers long after you descend.

Enhance your Himalayan experience in Kathmandu — where spirituality and vibrant urban life converge with ancient temples, medieval squares, and bustling bazaars framed by the Himalayan foothills.

For the ultimate Himalayan odyssey, combine this journey with our expedition to Tibet. Experience a high‑altitude odyssey to the Roof of the World, where myth meets majesty and landscapes unfold in epic scale. From sacred monasteries to the North Face of Mount Everest, discover Tibet’s spiritual heartbeat and raw, unspoiled grandeur.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike to Bhutan’s most iconic monastery, ‘Tiger’s Nest’, one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world.

• Stand before one of the world’s largest seated Buddhas, gazing serenely over Bhutan’s capital and the surrounding mountains.

• Explore the majesty and architectural splendor of towering 17th century Dzongs (Fortresses).

• Discover the Sacred Heartland of Bumthang Valley at monasteries and temples as pilgrims pray for blessings.

• Join resident monks and nuns in private prayer ceremonies, where deep chants, incense, and flickering butter lamps create a moving cultural encounter.

• Uncover the country’s spiritual DNA in the stunning, Swiss-style valleys of Central Bhutan where charming villages, happy locals, Yak herders and farmers continue centuries-old traditions.

• Marvel at the glorious mountain scenery at dramatic Himalayan passes, where prayer flags flutter against sweeping snow-peak panoramas.

• See swirling fields of Rhododendrons, and walk through lush valleys, misty forests and wide alpine meadows.

• Blend soft adventure and Himalayan beauty on a scenic rafting trip through Punakha Valley.

• Brush up on your archery skills using a traditional Bhutanese bow, take a cooking class, or unwind in an herbal hot-stone bath

• Delight in stays at an exclusive tented camp surrounded by forest and mountain silence, and the only Bhutanese owned 5* hotel.

PRE-EXTENSION - KATHMANDU - City of Gods & Temples

24 SEPT - 27 SEP 2027 – 4 Days – 16 Guests      

Extend your journey with a Kathmandu post-extension and immerse yourself in the city’s “beautiful chaos,” where spirituality and vibrant urban life collide. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient royal squares, sacred temples, and bustling bazaars framed by the majestic Himalayan foothills. This four-day extension offers a rich cultural contrast to your high-altitude Tibetan adventure, revealing the timeless spirit and energy of Nepal’s capital.

RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES

You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today.  

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

PRE-EXTENSION – KATHMANDU – City of Gods & Temples

24 SEPT - 27 SEP 2027 •  4 Days •  16 Guests      

Day 01 | Sep 24 Fly to Kathmandu / Pashupatinath Arati

Day 02 | Sep 25 Boudhanath Stupa / Budhanilkantha Temple / Monkey Temple  

Day 03 | Sep 26 Bhaktapur / Doleshwar Mahadev Temple / Kailashnath Mahadev

Day 04 | Sep 27 Join the Bhutan Expedition

BHUTAN – THE HIDDEN SHANGRI-LA KINGDOM

26 SEP - 07 OCT 2027 •  12 Days •  14 Guests

Day 01 | Sep 26 Depart home and travel to Kathmandu, Nepal

Day 02 | Sep 27 Fly to Paro / Rinpung Dzong / Chelela Pass / Welcome dinner

Day 03 | Sep 28 Tamzhing Lhundrup Monastery / Chamkhar Bazaar / Jakar Dzong / Kharchu Dratsang

Day 04 | Sep 29 Pema Choling Nunnery / Jamphel Lhakhang Temple / Kurje Lhakhang Monastery

Day 05 | Sep 30 Mountain Passes / Trongsa Dzong / Town & Local Market

Day 06 | Oct Pele La Pass / Phobjikha Valley / Gangteng Goenpa / Valley Walk

Day 07 | Oct 02 Village Walk / Hot-stone bath / Archery / Cookery Class / Folk Singing and Dancing

Day 08 | Oct 03 Village Walk / Fertility Temple / Punakha Dzong

Day 09 | Oct 04 Rice Paddies Walk / Khansum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten Hike / Mo Chu River Rafting

Day 10 | Oct 05 Suspension Bridge / Dochu La Pass / Thimphu / Dordenma Buddha

Day 11 | Oct 06 Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery Hike / Farewell Dinner

Day 12 | Oct 07 Depart Paro on your journey home  

COMBINE FOR THE ULTIMATE HIMALAYAN ADVENTURE

Extend your journey beyond Bhutan onto the vast Tibetan Plateau, where sacred monasteries, high mountain passes, and the immense North Face of Mount Everest await. Together, Bhutan’s lush valleys and living traditions pair seamlessly with Tibet’s high-altitude landscapes and spiritual heartlands, creating a rare and deeply immersive Himalayan odyssey of culture, faith, and scale.

Unlock USD $1,700 in Flight Credit When You Combine Tibet & Bhutan

Guests booking both Himalayan journeys will receive an exclusive flight credit, including:

Economy class flights from Chengdu to Lhasa, Lhasa to Kathmandu, Kathmandu to Paro, & the domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang

Total value: USD $1,700 per person in flight credit when booking both expeditions.

WILD EARTH LEADERS

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Natalia Baechtold, Window to Bhutan, Unsplash, Canva & Adobe Stock