5 - 14 guests
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Read more about the Active Range
Price
USD $6299/pp
Next available departure
4 Mar - 12 Mar
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
What's The Rush?
I'm active and in decent shape and not looking to experience a place just through a bus window. I'm happy to slow down on the trail, soak it in and breathe in the fresh air.
Walking: 2-3 hours per day on gentle-gradient trails.
Other activities: On these trips, you'll be taking part in a range of other activities that focus less on building up a sweat and more on enjoying the finer things in life.
Activity Level 2
On the Move
Sure, I own some hiking boots, they're even worn in, but they don't go on long trips. I like my creature comforts and I like to give a range of activities a go.
Walking: 2-4 hours per day on gentle to moderate gradient trails. No multi-day hikes.
Biking: 1-3 hours, cruisy rides achievable by anyone, even first-timers. Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. snorkeling): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 3
Earn Your Lunch
I stay active on vacation and love the feeling of relaxing after a busy day on the go. I season my trips with a little fresh exercise.
Hiking: Typically, 3-6 hours per day on well-formed backcountry trails. Expect some significant gradient inclines and declines.
Altitude: Your trip may include some moderate altitude areas, though these don't form the focus of the trip and are generally manageable.
Biking: 1-3 hours on well-formed paths or roads where you can expect some hills with moderate climbs and descents.
Kayaking: 1-3 hours, entry-level sea kayaking with specialist guides and stable boats.
Other activities (i.e. caving): Always optional and very little exertion required. A highlight for many!
Activity Level 4
Challenge Accepted
I'll let my trusty guides sweat the small things, so I can focus on my goal. Getting to the top, reaching the end, achieving my dreams! Sure, it'll be tough, but the views will be worth it.
Hiking / Trekking: Typically, 4–6-hour hikes with options for more, sometimes with limited or no vehicle support and nearly always with ascents and descents.
Altitude: Some trips at this level will reach a significant altitude. We are here to help you manage that and make your experience one to cherish for a lifetime.
Biking & Kayaking: If one, or both, of these activities are 'your thing,' there are trip options in this range, allowing you to be on two wheels or with a paddle in your hand for most of the day.
Activity Level 5
The Upper Limit
I'm ready to put in the hard work to reap the rewards. I'm a seasoned adventurer, not afraid to get my boots wet.
Trekking & Altitude: This is classic trekking, at altitude. Some might even call it 'expedition-style.' We've had folks from all walks of life achieve their dreams on our grade 5 trips, so if you're in for a challenge get in touch to find out if this is for you.
If the Kingdom of Bhutan is a must on your adventure bucket list, our 9-day Bhutan Adventure is a perfect fit. On this trip, you'll enjoy gentle hikes through the wilderness of Bhutan, take advantage of the finest accommodations along the way and gain a profound appreciation of one of the happiest countries in the world. Starting in Kathmandu, you'll anticipate the adventures ahead as you take a scenic flight above the Himalayas to Paro. From here, you'll explore the most beautiful hikes in Bhutan, some well-known - think the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, and some less so, like the Gangte Nature Trail in the Phobjikha Valley. You'll be looked after by two guides, one local and one native English speaker, who will teach you about the warm Buddhism influences and unique Bhutanese songs and folklore along the way. This adventure through Bhutan will stick with you for years to come.
This trip is operated by Active Adventures.
Day 1
Your trip starts in the lively and bustling city of Kathmandu. If you arrive early, you can head out to explore the city’s labyrinth of back street courtyards, colorful market stalls and ancient temples on your own for your first taste of Nepal’s culture and friendly people. Your guide will meet you around 5pm today, and run your group through what to expect from the days ahead. Tonight we’ll take you out for dinner at a local restaurant - Nepal dining is a culinary crossroad between the influences of China, India and Europe which makes for some really delicious flavor combinations. Elevation: Kathmandu 1400 kilometers (4,600 feet)
Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu (Dinner)
Day 2
Prepare to shift gears as we leave the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and fly east to the Kingdom of Bhutan. This is a country, situated on the silk road, that has endured independence for centuries and never been colonized! Bhutan is the least populous nation in South Asia, ranking first in economic freedom, ease of doing business and peace. After driving from Paro to Thimphu, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city. Next, it’s onto the Tarkin wildlife reserve, the Weaving Centre and the School of Thirteen Arts and Crafts. Over dinner this evening at a local Bhutanese restaurant you’ll have a chance to soak in your first culturally-immersive day in Bhutan. Elevation: Thimphu - 2334 meters (7,657 feet)
Tashi Yoedling Hotel, Thimphu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Day 3
Making the most of our day, we’ll take an early breakfast before departing for Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu valley. Dating back to the 8th century A.D, this statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world! Afterwards, we’ll hike a forest trail down to Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple perched like a fortress above central Thimphu. Give the resident astrologer your birth date and he’ll consult divination charts to decide which kind of protective prayer flags will benefit you. After lunch, we’ll journey down to the lush district of Punakha, known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. We’ll take some time to explore this majestic fortress, which is the administrative center of Punakha District. Elevation: Punakha - 1242 meters (4,075 feet)
Vara Hotel, Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 5 kilometers (3 miles)
Day 4
We’ll stretch our legs after breakfast with a short hike through picturesque terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple. This Buddhist temple is renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility-inducing magnet - thousands make the pilgrimage each year in the hopes of having a child, as well as receiving a blessing from the saint with the ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. After some divine intervention, we’ll take a short drive to another trail leading up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa built to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world. Your ascent will be rewarded with incredible views overlooking the Punakha Valley. There’ll be time this evening to relax and enjoy the campfire and stargaze. Elevation: Punakha - 1242 meters (4,075 feet)
Vara Hotel, Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 3 kilometers (1.9 miles)
Day 5
This morning we’ll journey east to Phobjikha. The walk we’ll take here, along the Gangte Nature Trail, is spectacular! We’ll pass through flowering meadows, lush forest and a small village. At the end of our hike, we’ll arrive at Khewang Lhakhang, a 15th-century Buddhist Temple with statues of the past, present and future Buddhas. This area has some wonderful valley viewpoints, where there are opportunities to see Black-necked cranes, or ‘Thrung Thrung Karmo’, the subject of many Bhutanese songs and folklore. Our hotel tonight offers another fine example of the local hospitality you’ll experience on this trip, with outstanding service and exotic food... And did we mention the views!? Elevation: Phobjikha - 3000 meters (9,842 feet)
Odiyana Hotel, Phobjikha (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: 7.5 kilometers (4.6 miles)
Day 6
After breakfast we’ll depart for the journey back to Paro, taking lunch at Dochula pass. When the weather is nice, this pass (3,100 m / 10,300 ft) offers tremendous views of the eastern Himalayan ranges. Along the pass, there are an astonishing 108 memorial chortens and nearby is the country’s very first Royal Botanical Park. Before we reach Paro, we’ll stop once more in Thimphu to visit the National Museum, a fascinating place not to miss. In Paro you’ll have the option to take a guided tour of Rinpung Dzong, though if you’d prefer to relax, you’ll also have views of this Buddhist monastery from your hotel, as it’s lit up in the evening. Elevation: Paro - 2200 meters (7,218 feet)
Khangku Hotel, Paro (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Day 7
A trip to Bhutan is not complete until you’ve visited Paro Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest. We’ll take an early breakfast so that we can begin hiking whilst the trail is quiet - the trek is challenging - and thankfully this is what protects this extraordinary attraction from overcrowding. Once you’ve cleared the trees you’ll get your first glimpse of the Tiger’s Nest, somehow perched on the cliff high above the valley floor. Once at the monastery you’ll take a fascinating tour of the buildings, with plenty of time to find a quiet spot and soak it all in. You’ll be in awe, wondering how the Buddhists established this area, first as a meditation cave in the 8th century and later as a monastery in the 17th century. Amazing! Because of our early start, beating the crowds, we’ll be back in Paro in time for lunch. This afternoon we’ll savor our time in Bhutan with a visit to the Jowo Temple of Kyichu and then to the ‘Farmhouse’ for a Bhutanese Cultural performance and wait for it... Some hot stone baths! Elevation: Paro - 2200 meters (7,218 feet)
Khangku Hotel, Paro (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Hiking: Up to 6 kilometers (4 miles)
Day 8
We’ll take a morning flight back to Nepal, so with any luck, we’ll be treated to more spectacular Himalayan views out of the right-hand side of the plane. For those who are keen after lunch, we’ll walk to Durbar Square, the place where Nepal’s kings were crowned in past times. The square is in the center of old town Kathmandu, and is the city’s greatest example of traditional architecture, so much so that it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Tonight we’ll meet at a local restaurant for our final dinner together to celebrate our achievements and adventures in the Himalayas. Elevation: Kathmandu - 1400 meters (4,600 feet)
Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9
Today is the final day of your Bhutan cultural exploration. If you have extra time after your trip, we’re happy to give suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great hiking and adventures you’ve had with us!
No Accommodation (Breakfast)
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We offer booking assurance which allows you to secure your spot with a deposit now and pay the rest later. Plus, if your plans change or you can’t travel, you can transfer your booking or request a refund on any additional funds paid (less deposit) up to 90 days from your original trip start date.
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience with the perspective of an insider.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, are experts in motivation, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. Every detail is handled; all you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted vendors and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides and our seasoned operations team at headquarters.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries and sustained relationships for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience. If we’ve done our job, they’ll have you saying “wow!”
