Venture through the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," where ancient spirituality and modern mindfulness converge in the high Himalayas. From the winding trails of the Tiger’s Nest to private audiences with governance insiders, discover a nation defined by its heritage. Connect with local artisans and monks to witness the living soul of Bhutan.
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical Grading
3 - Average
What's Included
Your G for Good Moment: Contemporary Art Visit at VAST, Thimphu
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Thimphu
Signature Moment: Mindfulness City Discussion, Thimphu. Arrival transfer. Orientation walk to Centenary Farmers Market. Visit Buddha Statue.Hike & visit the Wangditse Monastery. Visit to Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center. Discussion on Geluphu Mindfulness City (GMC). Visit to Dochula Pass. Chimi Lhakhang hike & visit the temple. Wander around Punakha town & local market. Punakha Dzong visit. Farm lunch with local family. Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery. Gangtey Valley Excursion. Taphu Monastery visit. Jangsa Electrical Museum visit. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Departure transfer. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader and Expert. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Gain rare insight into Bhutan’s future during a private discussion on the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City with the project’s coordinator, Engage with contemporary Bhutanese culture at VAST, joining artists for a roundtable on how modern creativity blends with traditional symbolism., Cross the country’s longest suspension bridge before sharing a home-hosted lunch with a local family in the Punakha Valley, Receive a private longevity blessing from monks at Taphu Monastery in the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, followed by a farewell dinner and traditional masked dance performance in Paro.
How large will the group be?
Max 22
What meals are included in this trip?
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private Vehicle, Walking
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (7 nights)
Itinerary
Thimphu
Welcome to the heart of the Himalayas. Upon landing in the valley of Paro, you are met by a representative and transferred through emerald landscapes to Thimphu, the kingdom's capital. Settle into your hotel or choose to visit the Institute of 13 Arts and Crafts, where students master traditional disciplines from painting to woodcarving. Later, join your National Geographic Expedition Leader for a welcome briefing, followed by a presentation from your National Geographic Expedition Expert that introduces the rich spiritual and cultural context of the days to come. Take a short walk to the Centenary Farmers Market, where the scent of fresh chilies and incense fills the air as locals trade produce and handicrafts. Conclude your first evening with a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, savoring the bold, spicy flavors of authentic Bhutanese cuisine.
Thimphu
Begin the morning at the base of the Buddha Dordenma Statue, where the golden figure gleams against the sky, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley. Follow forest paths on a gentle hike to Wangditse Monastery, breathing in the scent of pine and crisp mountain air — or simply stay put and soak in the sweeping mountain views at your own pace. Later, visit VAST, a G Adventures supported project and social enterprise dedicated to contemporary art. Walk through the gallery with a senior artist to understand how modern storytelling merges with traditional symbolism. Engage in a roundtable discussion with resident artists about art’s role in modern Bhutanese identity before a behind-the-scenes look at works in progress over herbal tea. End the day at a women-operated weaving center, watching as vibrant threads are transformed into intricate textiles.
Thimphu/Punākha
Today, participate in a private discussion on Geluphu Mindfulness City with the Project Coordinator to explore the spiritual vision and monastic construction of this landmark initiative. Afterward, ascend to Dochula Pass, where 108 memorial chortens stand against a backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Descend into the fertile Punakha Valley and walk through terraced rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a revered fertility temple steeped in local folklore. As the afternoon light softens, enjoy a guided stroll through Punakha town, observing the quiet rhythm of valley life before gathering for dinner.
Punākha
Marvel at the Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture situated at the confluence of two rivers. Cross the country’s longest suspension bridge, where colorful prayer flags flutter in the breeze, before joining a local family for a home-hosted lunch. This intimate encounter offers a window into rural life and the warmth of valley hospitality. In the afternoon, visit the Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, a leading Buddhist college for women. Settle into the quiet rhythm of the evening with time to yourself before gathering for a dinner at the hotel, where the local flavours of the valley take centre stage.
Punākha
Travel into the high-altitude Phobjikha Valley, a protected wetland and a serene haven for conservation. Explore the historic Gangtey Monastery before continuing to the community-supported Taphu Monastery. Here, enjoy private access and a warm welcome from the monastery representatives. Share a quiet lunch with the resident monks in the monastery café, learning about their daily rituals and the monastery’s history. The afternoon features a rare private prayer and longevity blessing ceremony led by the monks. This spiritual ritual, focused on promoting wisdom and compassion, offers a profound moment of reflection amidst the stillness of the mountains before you return for dinner.
Punākha/Paro
Journey back toward Paro, stopping for a local lunch as the landscape shifts from fertile valleys to rugged hills. In the afternoon, visit the Jangsa Electricity Museum, uniquely housed in the nation’s first mini hydropower station. Trace Bhutan's fascinating transition from pre-electric life to its current standing as a leader in modern sustainability and renewable energy. Arrive in Paro and settle in, perhaps taking a moment to wander the town's main street where traditional carved storefronts house small boutiques and workshops. As the sun sets behind the peaks, retreat to the hotel for a quiet evening. Enjoy a prepared dinner at the hotel featuring local seasonal ingredients, allowing time to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s physical ascent while reflecting on the layers of history and innovation you have witnessed.
Paro
Embark on a rewarding hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, where the scent of pine and the sound of spinning prayer wheels guide your ascent. Follow a winding jungle trail upward to a mountain café for a break and a stunning view of the temple complex clinging to a sheer cliff 900 metres above the valley floor. Choose to stop here or continue along the track before finally climbing the stone stairs to the inner sanctuaries, where Guru Rimpoche is said to have meditated. For those seeking a gentler pace, choose to visit the National Museum followed by a local archery game, the national sport of Bhutan. As the sun sets, gather for a farewell dinner and wrap-up presentation, celebrated with a mesmerizing masked dance performance, a final tribute to the vibrant spirit of Bhutan.
Paro
Your expedition through the hidden kingdom of Bhutan concludes this morning. After breakfast, enjoy a final look at the prayer flags dancing in the wind and the surrounding mountain peaks. An airport departure transfer is provided for your onward travels. Reflect on the blessings, the quiet wisdom of the monks, and the vibrant artistic spirit you encountered while traversing the pathways of this enduring Himalayan nation.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
