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Explore Bhutan's popular western valleys with a foray into serene Phobjikha, where we may be in time to witness the annual return of Bhutan's sacred Black Necked Cranes. This journey includes the optional 6-day Dragon's Path Trek past a dazzling array of Himalayan peaks. After exploring some of the kingdom's main cultural centers we arrive at a tranquil monastery dedicated to Bhutan's 15th-century mystic “Treasure Revealer”. Experience Bhutan in full fall splendor and discover a most exquisite people, their art and, perhaps, a new way of looking at the world.

OPTIONAL BHUTAN HIMALAYA TREK: You may wish to combine your journey with our 6-day Bhutan Himalaya: The Dragon's Path Trek; minimum 3 participants required.

Days 1: Arrive in Paro, national museum tour with evening transfer to the capital, Thimphu. Day 2:  Transfer to Wangdue Valley with a stop at the Dochula Pass with views of the greater Himalayan peaks. Day3: Visit the historic Punakha Dzong, or "Palace of Great Bliss". hike to the Jigme Yueley Namgyal pagoda. Day 4: Transfer to the Phobjikha Valley, home of wintering Black Necked Cranes (if fortune favors, we may see the first flocks arriving from the Tibetan plateau). Day 5: Relaxed walking tour of the valley. Afternoon transfer to Wangdue. Day 6: Return to the capital, with a visit to the dramatic ridgetop Wangdue fortress. Evening stroll through downtown Thimphu. Day 7: Explore the colorful and bustling weekend farmer's market in the capital. Relaxed afternoon at the National Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum.
Day 8: Attend a traditional dance performance at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts. Dinner reception with Bhutanese guests. Day 9:  Transfer to Paro. Hike to Tiger's Nest monastery. Day 10: Hike to the ridge overlooking Paro Valley; camp below beautiful Jele Dzong Monastery. Day 11: Ridge walk, with possible views of snowcapped Mt. Jhomomulhari, camp at Tshokha. Day 12: High ridge trail with views of Himalayan range west of Bhutan, camp by Jimilangtsho Lake. Day 13: Hike along a winding mountainside trail that begins with a short but steep climb bringing us to our camp by the scenic Janatsho Lake, flanked by serrated mountains and opening toward sweeping views of the valleys we have traversed. Day 14: Achieve maximum elevation today along the wide and well-maintained trail (flagstoned); 13,680 feet at highest point. Weather permitting, there will be excellent views of Gangkhar Punsum, highest massifs in Bhutan Himalaya. Our campsite tonight overlooks the capital and surrounding mountains. Day 15: Leisurely morning exploration of the ancient Phajoding Monastery dedicated to the saint Phajo, from whom Bhutan derives the name of Druk Yul (Land of the Peaceful Dragon). Afternoon return to our hotel. Day 16: Hike to the Tango Buddhist College or Chari “Iron Mountain” Retreat. Day 17: Transfer to Paro and visit a traditional Bhutanese farm. Day 18: Take an excursion to the recently opened Haa Valley and visit the "Temple of White Doves". Day 19: Return flight to Bangkok.

If this trip does not meet your needs please be sure to consult our Featured Trips and Trip Samples. You may also wish to contact us directly to arrange a customized Private Journey for you or your group. You may also like to view our Short Adventures pages.