SMALL GROUP TRAVEL


Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon

  • Extensive insight into Bhutanese customs & culture from not one, but two experts
  • Visit the country's first institute to offer women Buddhist philosophy degrees
  • Exclusive one-time-only May departure in 2013
Bhutan Thurman
Trip Type: Scheduled Departure
Destinations: Bhutan
Trip Length: 12 Days
Activity type(s): Cultural Tour, Day Hiking
Trip Extensions: Angkor Extension
Laos Extension

Join scholar and author Dr. Robert Thurman on this special departure (benefiting Tibet House) to the last remaining Tibetan Buddhist kingdom: Bhutan. On our travels we explore sacred temples and monasteries, enjoy active day hikes, and take time for daily meditation and teaching with Dr. Thurman. Throughout the trip, we examine Bhutan’s unique cultural, religious and environmental positions and its efforts at continuation and preservation. The trip is co-led by Brent Olson, GeoEx's award-winning leader who has traveled to Bhutan more than 40 times in the last 20 years.

About Robert Thurman:
Dr. Thurman is a professor of Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Studies at Columbia University, president of Tibet House US, and president of the American Institute of Buddhist Studies. The New York Times has called Dr. Thurman “the leading American expert on Tibetan Buddhism.” Dr. Thurman also translated important Tibetan and Sanskrit philosophical writings and lectures and writes on Buddhism, particularly Tibetan Buddhism.

Bhutan tour map

Itinerary at a Glance


  • Day 1: arrive in Paro
  • Day 2: explore Paro
  • Day 3: fly to Bumthang
  • Day 4: explore Bumthang
  • Day 5: drive to Tang Valley
  • Days 6 & 7: explore Tang Valley, visit Pemacholing Nunnery
  • Day 8: fly to Paro, drive to Thimphu
  • Day 9: morning in Thimphu, return to Paro
  • Day 10: excursion to Haa Valley Day
  • Day 11: hike to Tiger's Nest.