Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Read more about the Active Range
Price (Includes taxes and fees)
from USD 5299/per adult
Operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
Activity Level 1
Suitable for most fitness levels, our Level 1 adventures are the perfect introduction to adventure travel.
You'll typically experience two half day activities per day, done at an easygoing pace.
Activity Level 2
Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.
Those who enjoy half-day hikes with enough elevation gain to elevate their heart rate will enjoy these adventures.
Activity Level 3
Those who take on our Level 3 tours are looking for more challenging hikes that will raise their heart rate.
While not our most strenuous trips, you'll definitely feel accomplished after a day on the trails. A solid base of fitness is advised.
Activity Level 4
Be prepared for some serious physical activity on our Level 4 trips. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy it, as most hikes will be challenging.
Hikes may include rock scrambling, river crossings, and off trail adventures.
Activity Level 5
On our Level 5 trips get ready to conquer back-to-back days of long hikes or summitting peaks at altitude.
We require a high level of fitness as adventurers will be met with plenty of challenges and sometimes extreme conditions.
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.
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Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.
DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDFDay 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.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Dinner
Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 kilometers)
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 has 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, and we’ll have lunch at Simply Bhutan, an interactive living Museum where we’ll experience an introduction into traditional life in Bhutan. Dinner this evening is at the hotel, and you’ll have a chance to soak in your first culturally-immersive day in Bhutan.
Accommodation: Hotel Damisa or similar, Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Thimphu - 7,657 feet (2,334 meters)
Hiking: Up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)
Day 3
Making the most of our day, we’ll take an early breakfast before departing for Buddha Dordenma, overlooking Thimphu valley. This statue is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world, and we’ll visit the temple the Buddha sits on. Afterwards, we’ll hike a forest trail from Buddha Dordenma, down through the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. After lunch, we’ll journey to the lush district of Punakha, known for the Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress. Our journey to Punakha will take us over the Dochula pass. When the weather is nice, this pass, sitting at 10,300 feet (3,100 meters), offers tremendous views of the eastern Himalayan ranges and along the pass there are an astonishing 108 memorial chortens. We’ll take some time to explore this majestic fortress, which is the administrative center of Punakha District.
Accommodation: Dharma Suddhi or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Punakha - 4,075 feet (1,242 meters)
Hiking: Up to 3 miles (5 kilometers)
Day 4
We’ll stretch our legs after breakfast with a hike up the trail leading to the Klamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The stupa was 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. Afterwards we’ll explore the Punakha Dzong, taking a short hike from the Dzong across a swing bridge towards a local farmhouse, where we’ll enjoy lunch.
We’ll then drive to Chimi Lakhang, 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’.
Accommodation: Dharma Suddhi or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Punakha - 4,075 feet (1,242 meters)
Hiking: Up to 1.9 miles (3 kilometers)
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!?
Accommodation: ABC Lodge or similar, Phobjikha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Phobjikha - 9,842 feet (3,000 meters)
Hiking: 4.6 miles (7.5 kilometers)
Day 6
After breakfast we’ll depart for the journey back to Paro, taking lunch along the way. In Paro we’ll visit Rinpung Dzong, and you’ll also have views of this Buddhist monastery from your hotel, as it’s lit up in the evening.
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Paro - 7,218 feet (2,200 meters)
Hiking: Up to 1.2 miles (2 kilometers)
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!
Tonights dinner will take place at the ‘Farmhouse’ for a Bhutanese Cultural performance and wait for it... Some hot stone baths!
Accommodation: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Paro - 7,218 feet (2,200 meters)
Hiking: Up to 4 miles (6 kilometers)
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.
Accommodation: Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Elevation: Kathmandu - 4,600 feet (1,400 meters)
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!
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
This trip is operated by our sister brand Active Adventures
By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
*Terms and conditions apply - read more here
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, 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. All you need to do is show up!
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries 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.
