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Set out on an adventure through the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, the only country in the world that measures its progress in terms of happiness. Explore timeless mountain villages, spectacular fortresses, and ornate shrines as you travel across this bastion of Buddhist culture, and meet local people from different walks of life to gain insights into the secrets of Bhutan’s wellbeing.
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
DAY 1
Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Time permitting, take a guided walk around town. In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where we'll be met by our local National Geographic Expedition Leader who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.
Private Vehicle:
Board a private vehicle and transfer from Paro to Thimphu.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
The Capital Hotel:
The Capital Hotel

DAY 1
Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Time permitting, take a guided walk around town. In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where we'll be met by our local National Geographic Expedition Leader who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.
Private Vehicle:
Board a private vehicle and transfer from Paro to Thimphu.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
The Capital Hotel:
The Capital Hotel

| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Mar 21 2026 | Mon, Mar 30 2026 | Open (7) | $4,949.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Apr 11 2026 | Mon, Apr 20 2026 | Open (9) | $4,949.1 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, May 23 2026 | Mon, Jun 01 2026 | Open (12) | $5,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Aug 29 2026 | Mon, Sep 07 2026 | Open (15) | $5,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Oct 10 2026 | Mon, Oct 19 2026 | Open (11) | $5,499 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Nov 07 2026 | Mon, Nov 16 2026 | Open (13) | $5,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sat, Dec 05 2026 | Mon, Dec 14 2026 | Open (15) | $5,199 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |


















Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet a Buddhist Monk, Thimphu
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Family Farm Meal, Gangtey Gonpa
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Lecture on Gross National Happiness, Thimphu
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group. Arrival and departure transfer. Sustainable Development Fees. Visit the Rimpung Dzong. Hike to Punakha Dzong monastery and fertility shrine. Visit the town of Wangdue and walk to Khamsum Yueley Chorten shrine. Visit the village of Khewa. Black-Necked Crane Centre visit. Hike to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa. Walk across Phobjikha and Khewa valleys. Visit the National Library, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (arts and crafts) and the Thimphu Chorten. Hike to Kila Goempa nunnery. Explore shrines and temples of the Haa Valley. Visit the fortress of Paro Rinpung Dzong and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Visit one of the most remote countries in the world, enjoy a meeting and lecture with a monk about Buddhist culture in Bhutan, learn how to cook ema datshi (chili cheese) with a local farm family, hike along peaceful nature trails and thrilling cliffs, experience the pristine and peaceful nature of the "Dragon Kingdom"
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.