Geographic Expeditions

Bhutan’s Hidden Hamlets

ron Bridge of Tamchog Lhakhang Monastery, Located along the Paro-Thimphu highway across the Paro River

Discover Central Bhutan's Treasures

The country of Bhutan reveals itself in subtle layers as you journey through its valleys, villages, and hillside dzong—each space bathed in the unmistakable, high-alpine light. This custom journey is designed to actively delve deeper into the country’s charms, uncovering the lesser-known spaces of central Bhutan on a five-day hiking trek to the tiny village hamlet of a longtime Bhutanese friend. As you arrive in the village, perched above a verdant valley, you’re welcomed with the warmth and ritual that characterizes all interactions in this singular Himalayan country.

Bhutanese dancers with colorful mask performs traditional dance at hotel in Paro, Bhutan
A monk with prayer wheels in a Bhuddisht temple
Prayer bell in a dzong in Paro, Bhutan
Hike to Tiger's Nest, Bhutan
Traditional Bhutanese man practicing archery, Bhutan

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What to Expect

After settling in with a night in Paro, fly east to Bumthang where cedar smoke drifts from temples and village paths echo with farm life. A pony supported trek carries you through high meadows and bamboo forests to the simple mountain hamlet of Drongthang, where your arrival is cause for celebration with traditional dances and folk songs. Luxury awaits in the unparalleled lodges of Phobjikha and Punakha before returning west where your journey began.

Trip Highlights

  • Amid stunning mountain scenery, visit dzong and temples, gaining insight into Bhutanese history
  • Uncover rarely visited valleys on a 5-day trek and be welcomed like family in remote mountain villages
  • Camp in the soft fields beneath a monastery, listening to the resident monks’ chants float in the crisp air
  • Your journey culminates with a hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, the cliff-clinging Tiger’s Nest

Upcoming Departures

  • Custom Trips Offered Year-Round

Trip Pricing

  • Custom Trip: From $14,735

    Based on double occupancy

Inclusions

  • All handpicked accommodations, ground transportation, and airport transfers
  • All guided sightseeing, events, and experiences
  • Premier Bhutanese National Guide
  • Most meals
  • Most gratuities, excluding National Guide
  • Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
  • Dedicated support from GeoEx’s travel experts and in-house air reservations team

Your Route Through Bhutan

Journey at a Glance

  1. Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), a Buddhist monastery and fortress set in the Paro valley
    Day 1

    Discover Paro's Charms

    Admire massive Himalayan peaks as you fly to Paro. Meander Paro's tiny streets and brightly painted shops and visit one of country's oldest temples, Kyichu Lhakhang.

  2. Bumthang, Bhutan
    Day 2 – 4

    Fly to Bumthang

    Fly east to Bumthang and visit sacred temples, monuments, and sample local beer and honey. Enjoy day hikes in preparation for the trek, then drive to Trongsa.

We had an exceptional trip and our guide and driver were better than excellent. We are GeoEx customers for life now.

Wayne and Becky G.

GeoEx Traveler

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Pakistan mountains