Bhutan Hiking Adventure

About the Experience

On our Bhutan Hiking Adventure, your heart will swell in the embrace of a country that covets happiness above all else. Every policy must pass a happiness filter to be enacted. 

Trekking through the velvet green valleys of a remote Himalayan kingdom, yak herders will greet you with wide smiles. The reverberating chant of monks residing in cliffside monasteries will be felt in your ribcage. This is the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and the colourful prayer flags and flowering alpine meadows are kindling for spiritual renewal.

Over thirteen soul-expansive days, you’ll trek through tidy rice paddy terraces, rural villages, through blue pine forests and sleep in Himalayan valleys peppered with sacred sites. You’ll have the opportunity to visit countless monasteries, nunneries and ancient fortresses. From the fever pitch of the Jakar festival to the fabled “Burning Lake” to the arrival of the rare black-necked cranes returning to their wintering grounds–Bhutan is a diverse, enlightening and panorama-packed destination.

It’s an itinerary of surprises at every turn from a 3-storey golden Buddha, the Snowman trek ‘finish line’ and whitewater rafting on the aggressive Pho and Mo rivers! The legendary Tiger’s Nest has its own magnetic pull and on the two-day Bumdra Monastery Trek, you’ll feel the ancient pulse of gurus, tigress legends and tall tales. 

A trip to Bhutan isn’t complete without an introduction to the “Divine Madman” and his 15th century artwork that centered on giant penises and his encouragement to laugh a lot and have sex whenever possible. 

Bonus: You’ll spend a night at the 5-star Zhiwa Ling Lodge–dubbed one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World!” Zhiwa Ling means “Land of Peace” and this is undeniable. Come experience Bhutan and all its surprises.

 

Please note: This itinerary involves a three different days of long hikes that involve steady uphill and steady downhill sections. Preparing for elevation and altitude is essential. The group’s pace and skill level will ultimately determine the length and duration of the daily hikes and WWE encourages Wild Women to properly train for this demanding but rewarding adventure. Hiking poles are strongly recommended due to the long up and downs terrain–please familiarize yourself with how to properly use them in your pre-trip training.

 

Click here to see the full itinerary!
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Bhutan Hiking Adventure

About the Experience

On our Bhutan Hiking Adventure, your heart will swell in the embrace of a country that covets happiness above all else. Every policy must pass a happiness filter to be enacted. 

Trekking through the velvet green valleys of a remote Himalayan kingdom, yak herders will greet you with wide smiles. The reverberating chant of monks residing in cliffside monasteries will be felt in your ribcage. This is the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and the colourful prayer flags and flowering alpine meadows are kindling for spiritual renewal.

Over thirteen soul-expansive days, you’ll trek through tidy rice paddy terraces, rural villages, through blue pine forests and sleep in Himalayan valleys peppered with sacred sites. You’ll have the opportunity to visit countless monasteries, nunneries and ancient fortresses. From the fever pitch of the Jakar festival to the fabled “Burning Lake” to the arrival of the rare black-necked cranes returning to their wintering grounds–Bhutan is a diverse, enlightening and panorama-packed destination.

It’s an itinerary of surprises at every turn from a 3-storey golden Buddha, the Snowman trek ‘finish line’ and whitewater rafting on the aggressive Pho and Mo rivers! The legendary Tiger’s Nest has its own magnetic pull and on the two-day Bumdra Monastery Trek, you’ll feel the ancient pulse of gurus, tigress legends and tall tales. 

A trip to Bhutan isn’t complete without an introduction to the “Divine Madman” and his 15th century artwork that centered on giant penises and his encouragement to laugh a lot and have sex whenever possible. 

Bonus: You’ll spend a night at the 5-star Zhiwa Ling Lodge–dubbed one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World!” Zhiwa Ling means “Land of Peace” and this is undeniable. Come experience Bhutan and all its surprises.

 

Please note: This itinerary involves a three different days of long hikes that involve steady uphill and steady downhill sections. Preparing for elevation and altitude is essential. The group’s pace and skill level will ultimately determine the length and duration of the daily hikes and WWE encourages Wild Women to properly train for this demanding but rewarding adventure. Hiking poles are strongly recommended due to the long up and downs terrain–please familiarize yourself with how to properly use them in your pre-trip training.

 

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DAY ONE: LAND OF HAPPINESS

Upon arrival from Delhi, Calcutta, Kathmandu or Bangkok, our guide will meet us at the small and friendly Paro International Airport.

Suggested Flight Route: Bangkok (BKK) is the easiest route as it has the most flight options (1–2 flights daily). We recommend choosing Bhutan Airlines. 

Paro is situated in the flat valley bottom in a region peppered with more than 150 temples and monasteries. Depending on arrival times, we can visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong. A dzong is a distinctive type of fortress-like monastery unique to Bhutan and this “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels” is a landmark example of imposing Bhutanese architecture.

We’ll crack off on a one to two hour hike (depending on the group’s pace) along the forested hillside from Ta Dzong to Zuri Dzong. We’ll pass by the Gonsaka Lhakhang (a revered old temple with a meditation cave) and then Zuri Dzong, with expansive views over the valley and Paro Dzong. The five-storey Zuri Dzong is considered one of the oldest dzongs in the area (dating back to 1352), and is home to the valley’s protector god. 

Our walk will continue down to the Uma Resort junction to absorb more astonishing views before our driver picks us up at the Paro bridge.

We’ll have the cherished opportunity to share tea or dinner with a local family and later, experience the restorative properties of a hot stone bath! We will also arrange an archery lesson today, putting a bull’s eye on a perfect first day in Bhutan.

Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Metta Resort, Paro
Hike altitude at starting point: 2350 m
Highest Altitude: 2400 m
Hike Distance & timing: 2 km, 1.5 hours

 

DAY TWO: GOLDEN BUDDHA

We’ll rise early to take a one hour super scenic drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Bhutan’s lofty 2,320m (7,612ft) capital, Thimpu.   The required selfie stop en route is the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. If our itinerary coincides, we can visit the weekly market and the iconic Memorial Chorten with it’s golden spire. Chorten is one of the most visible religious landmarks in Bhutan but differs from other stupas as it does not enshrine human remains.

We will then visit Changangkha temple, one of the oldest surviving temples in Thimpa. Founded in the 13th or 14th century, the compact temple sits on the tip of a verdant ridge overlooking the town. Devotees visit daily to circumambulate and turn the meditative prayer wheels. This temple also contains captivating wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold.

Next, we will visit the domineering statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. The huge 3-storey throne holds several chapels and the body of Dordenma itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha (not Matryoshka doll-style–but wouldn’t that be impressive?). 

In the afternoon, we will drive approximately 3 hours to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass. Perched at 3,050m (10,000ft), we’ll  stop for a very high and hot drink and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges.  From here, it’s easy to notice the dramatic change in climate and vegetation as we approach our accommodations in the low-lying eastern Himalayan town of Punakha at 1,250m (4,106ft). This area is known for Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress at the juncture of the mighty Pho and Mo Chhu rivers that are split by the old dzong that sits on a promontory between the two.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Zhingkham Resort, Punakha

 

DAY THREE: PUNAKHA TO TRONGSA

Have a good stretch before hopping into our shuttle this morning as it will take around 4 hours to reach Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan at 2,180m (7,152ft). En route, we will stop at Tsangkha Tashicholing, a  monastery known for its elaborate arts and crafts training institute. Here, around 45 young and eager monks learn the traditional skills of woodcarving, sculpture, painting and embroidery.

Set amidst jaw-dropper scenery, Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. We’ll visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower museum dedicated to the Wangchuk dynasty and learn of the tall tales surrounding the Dzong and the valley it has protected from internal rebellion for centuries. For museum junkies, Ta Dzong also features personal belongings of the former kings and queens of Bhutan.

Built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in 1652, Ta Dzong has four observation points resembling a tiger, lion, garuda and dragon. 

Fun fact: In Hindu mythology, the Garuda is a legendary bird or bird-like creature that is the reliable mount (ie. private jet) of the god Vishnu. 

We’ll stay in Trongsa tonight. This town is situated on a steep ridge and the views of the deep valleys surrounding it are trance-inducing. Trongsa Dzong is visible from almost everywhere in town and appears nearly magical as the ridge it sits on unfolds into the clouds on its south side.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa

 

DAY FOUR: BUMTHANG VALLEYS

Today we’ll have a 3-hour drive that snakes through some of Bhutan’s most alluring landscapes to Bumthang, an area of impossibly high valleys at 2,580 to 3,100m (8,465 to 10,171ft). This is the spiritual, beating heartland of Bhutan and it’s witnessed in the countless legendary monasteries, temples and palaces.  

Bumthang is the collective name for the area of four valleys – Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chumey. Our guide will lead us on a riveting walking and/or driving tour of a variety of sacred sites including Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Mebar Tsho (“The Burning Lake”).

The Burning Lake is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. According to Atlas Obscura, “in the 15th century, Pema Lingpa had a vision that treasure was hidden in a pool where the Tang Chhu River widens. When the locals questioned the validity of his prediction, he submerged himself in the water holding a lit butter lamp, and resurfaced with a chest and a scroll, the lamp still aflame.” Be forewarned, the lake would be better described as a pool along the river!

Later, we may have time to also visit Bhutan’s largest Dzong (Jakar), with its hypnotic location overlooking the Chokhor valley. We’ll be sleeping in Bumthang tonight, hugged by the sacred valleys and views.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Gongkhar Guesthouse, Bumthang

 

DAY FIVE: MOUNTAINTOP MONASTERIES

This itinerary is applicable to our September 28, 2023 and November 3, 2023 departures. This will be the itinerary for Day Six on our October 19, 2023 departure.

Today we’ll strike off from the Swiss Guesthouse Hotel on a heart-thumpin’ 15km hike to Babzur via Petseling monastery. 

We’ll hike past Petseling monastery, which is home to 70 monks. Built in 1769, this monastery is known for one particular flower, the Dongdola. It blossoms in both the summer and winter, and the powerful fragrance seems to be a gentle offering to the gods and goddesses. Cuckoos frequent this area as well, enjoying the serenity and surroundings just as the monks do!

From this vantage point, we’ll fill our memory cards with staggering panoramic views over the Bumthang valley. In the distance, we’ll also be able to see the finish line of Bhutan’s most challenging, high-altitude 25-day trail, the Snowman trek.

Fun fact: The Snowman trek is so named for the six mountains over 7,000m (23,100 ft. ) which the trek passes beneath. Crossing nine passes over 4,500m (15,850 ft). Or, you can stop to smell the Dongdolas instead!

We’ll trek onwards to the village of Babzur and its meadow blurred with sun-worn prayer flags and dramatic views of Kunzangdrak Gompa monastery. We’ll take five and enjoy our packed lunch here before walking another 1.5 hours through the shade of the blue pine forest until we reach the feeder road where our hike ends.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Gongkhar Guesthouse, Bumthang

Hike via Petseling:
Altitude at starting point: 2500 m
Highest Altitude: 3300 m
Hike Distance & timing: 15 km, 7 hours, moderate

Hike easier alternative:
Altitude at starting point: 2500 m
Highest Altitude: 2800 m
Hike Distance & timing: 12 km, 4.5 hours, moderate

Note: This will be the itinerary for Day Six on our October 19, 2023 departure.

 

DAY SIX: CHUMEY VALLEY VIEWS 

Please note, the itinerary for this day is valid for the September 28, 2023 and November 3, 2023 departures.

Today we’ll have a 2-hour drive to Tharpaling Gompa and visit Kikila, which is located on the hillside above Bumthang. The monastery was built by a great saint called Kuenkhen Longchen Runjam and is home to about 100 monks. 

We’ll take the day for a gradual walk up a narrow path above the monastery to the ridge of Tharpaling (which translates as salvation) at 3800 metres where you will get a wonderful view over the Gyatsa, Domkha and Chumey valleys and you can also see a big statue of Longchen Rabjampa – the founder of Tharpaling Monastery. 

From there we’ll walk another couple of hours down towards Lama Gomba. The walk runs along the ridge of Kikila towards Kikila pass through blue pine forest containing a large variety of wildflowers and plants and finally follows the traditional trek route between Trongsa and Bumthang (the Royal Heritage Trail) finishing with a wonderful view of Jakar Dzong.  Once our walk is complete, we’ll be transported back to the hotel for some well deserved rest at our accommodations in Bumthang. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Gongkhar Guesthouse, Bumthang
Hike altitude at starting point: via Tharpaling 3700 m
Highest Altitude: 3800 – 3900 m
Hike Distance & timing: 12 km, 5 hours, moderate

 

DAY SEVEN: GANGTEY GOMPA

Today our drive to Gangtey will be about six hours. This remote and tranquil area is a natural sanctuary for the hundreds of rare black-necked cranes that annually arrive the last week of October from the Tibetan plateau to roost for the winter amongst the farms and villages. 

The crane is considered sacred and there’s a festival dedicated to the bird’s return. The Black-necked species with an 8-foot wingspan, is the only alpine crane in the world. They favour the dwarf bamboo that grows in the valley’s alpine wetlands. In the Phobjikha Valley, locals honor and protect these elegant cranes as it is believed that they are connected to bountiful harvests and prosperity.

We’ll witness the immenseness of Phobjikha valley, a glacial region that has remained untouched by the modern world, as well as knock-out views of the Black Mountains.

Our next stop will be Gangtey Gompa, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries (and recently extensively renovated). During the summer months, it’s inhabited by monks. Contentment is easily found in the undulating valleys at every turn. We’ll stay in Gangtey tonight and let our dreams take flight on the wings of cranes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Dewachen Resort

 

DAY EIGHT: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY

We’ll explore the Phobjikha Valley today at a casual pace. From the Dewachen Hotel, we’ll walk to the Black-necked Crane Information Centre to learn more about the valley and its famous migrating birds. From the Centre, we can easily walk to Beta Village and Gangtey Gompa.

We’ll walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, past the farmhouses of Semchubara village and slice through the grassy plains and stands of blue pines covered in “old man’s beard.” Hopefully we’ll see some cranes, too! They are usually observed feeding on the valley marshlands from late October to mid-February.

At the end of the nature trail we’ll head to Kingathang village to visit a temple built by Bhutan’s Queen Mother. From Kingathang, we can walk via Yusa village back to our hotel. The total distance is 12 to 13km (7.5-8 miles) or 6 to 7 hours. 

Later, hamstrings humming, we’ll drive to Wangdi, a small mountain and riverside town originally considered Bhutan’s secondary capital. After 10 years of painstaking work to repair the damage from the fire of 2012, Wangdi Dzong will reopen in October 2022. The dzong was gutted by fire in just a few hours–the blaze destroyed the centuries old building.  

It’s an odd twist of fate that the monastery was being renovated at the time of the fire, so most of the relics were safely in storage elsewhere.

After a full day of sacred sites and miles on foot, we’ll retire to our accommodations in Wangdi for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wangdi Ecolodge, Wangdi
Hike altitude at starting point: 2900 m
Highest Altitude: 2900 m
Hike Distance & timing: 13 km, 6 hours, easy

 

DAY NINE: PUNAKHA DZONG

Today we’ll embark on a 3km (1.9 mile) hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten through the village and rice paddy fields of Yebisa. We’ll begin by crossing the nerve-jangling suspension bridge below Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten to Yebisa and continue another 40 to 50 minutes up to the 30m temple. This section of the walk is gradual but there are some steeper parts. The reward is found at the top where we’ll have postcard views of the valley and surrounding villages.

After visiting the temple and posing for a dozen grinning group photos, we’ll descend for 30 minutes until we reach the suspension bridge where a shuttle will be waiting for us.

In the afternoon we’ll go rafting on the Pho Chhu (“Male”) or Mo (“Female”) Chhu river! Each has 10 to 15 class 2–4 rapids to help spike your adrenaline! (*Waterproof pants and shoes will be provided for this thrill ride.)

After our whitewater experience, we’ll return to solid ground and the calm found in the deeply impressive Punakha Dzong or “Palace of Great Happiness”. 

We’ll stay in Wangdi again tonight!

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Wangdi Ecolodge, Wangdi
Hike altitude at starting point: 1250 m
Highest Altitude: 1400 m
Hike Distance & timing: 3 km, 3 hours, easy

 

DAY TEN: CHIMI LHAKHANG

This morning we’ll walk for around one hour across the tidy terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (“Temple of Fertility”) built in the 15th century by the Lama Drukpa Kuenley–known best by his handle of the Divine Madman. One of the country’s most-loved saints, the Divine Madman was deemed a crazy yogi who taught in an unconventional way. His teachings were a curricula of outrageous behaviour, song and poetry–all vain attempts to awaken Buddha nature by laughing and having a lot more sex. You’ll see evidence of his antics/teachings throughout the country in the form of painted penises on local houses.

Semi-enlightened, we’ll return to Paro (a 4-hour drive). If time permits, it might be possible to drive up to Chele La pass today and visit Kila Gompa nunnery, reputed to be the oldest in Bhutan. The 9th century meditation site has seven small temples and several retreat huts cleverly built into the sheer cliffside where seventy nuns live in self-imposed isolation. 

Chele La Pass separates the valleys of Haa and Paro and at 3,810m (12,500ft), it is one of the highest vantage points as well as the highest drivable passes in Bhutan with edible views of the sacred mountains Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey.

This evening we’ll need to sort our luggage to repack for the trek. Anything we don’t need will be kept safely in Paro. Our accommodation tonight will be at the luxe 5-star Zhiwa Ling lodge–dubbed one of National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World!”

Zhiwa Ling means “Land of Peace” and this is undeniable. The 45-room hotel faces the sheer rocky cliffs that surround Tiger’s Nest Temple. This strategic position is believed to bring good fortune to those who spend the night in the pampered embrace. Be sure to admire the Buddhist shrine upstairs–it’s constructed with 450-year-old wood from a remote monastery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations: Zhiwaling Resort, Paro
Hike altitude at starting point: 1300 m
Highest Altitude: 1300 m
Hike Distance & timing: 2 km, 1.5 hours, easy

 

DAY ELEVEN: HIMALAYAN VISTAS

Today we begin our highly anticipated two-day camping trip trek high up on the hillside outside Paro. The trek begins with a one hour drive from Paro to Sang Choekor Buddhist College where we will start walking at an altitude of about 2,800m (9,186ft). The climb is a challenging and technical one through fragrant blue pine and juniper forest. After about three hours, we’ll reach the majestic mountainside temple, Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang.

We’ll continue climbing for another 20 minutes until we re-enter the shadows of the forest, and after about 40 minutes, we’ll emerge into an alpine meadow of chortens (Buddhist shrines) and colourful prayer flags flapping and snapping in the breeze. 

Our campsite is just below the nearby Bumdra Monastery, at about 3,800 meters (12,467ft). The snowy, sweeping Himalayan vistas are unreal. We will have an opportunity to visit the monastery and climb the 4000m (13,123ft) peak to swallow up the views before returning to camp.

Today’s walk is 15km (9 miles)–but with our heads swiveling to take in the vistas, our legs won’t even be aware of the distance covered.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Campsite
Hike altitude at starting point: 2800 m
Highest Altitude: 3800 m
Hike Distance & timing: 15 km, 5 hours, long/steep/challenging

 

DAY TWELVE: TREK TO THE TIGER’S NEST

We’ll begin today’s demanding (but rewarding) 16km hike with a descent through the haven of the forest and after a couple of hours, witness the emergence of numerous temples. From the gardens of Sangtopelri, we’ll be able to look down and see the signature roofs of Taktshang monastery far below. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to this site riding on a tigress and meditated here for three months. 

This is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and it draws pilgrims from Bhutan and neighbouring Buddhist countries in a powerful magnetic pull. We’ll keep descending through the primeval forest, to the famous and spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery itself. Constructed in 1692, the cave where Guru first meditated is said to be the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. Note: There is a halfway cafe  that we’ll stop at for lunch and a stretch! 

From the sacred Nest it’s about two hours down to our end point, where we’ll meet our vehicle to return to Paro. Nearby, we can also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple believed to have been built in 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Pilgrims walk around this temple, spinning its numerous prayer wheels.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Zhiwaling Resort, Paro
Hike altitude at starting point: 3800 m
Highest Altitude: decent to 2400 m
Hike Distance & timing: 16 km, 7 hours, easy downhill though steep

 

DAY THIRTEEN: TASHI DELEK

Early in the morning, our guide will accompany us to the airport. With renewed spirit and pounding hearts we’ll embrace and wish each other “Tashi Delek” (goodbye and good luck!) until next time.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!




Wild Women Expeditions and our local partners intend to adhere to the described itinerary. This is only a general guide to follow on your tour of the region. Our itineraries are subject to change, as we cannot predict the weather or other environmental conditions. We are continually striving to make improvements to all our trips based on feedback from Wild Women members, guides, partners, and other research. We reserve the right to alter itineraries based on the above at any time.

Arrival into BhutanWe recommend you plan your travel to Bhutan as follows:1. Travel to Bangkok (BKK) – also known as Suvarnabhumi Airport.2. Stay overnight near BKK Airport (6 Best Hotels with Shuttles to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Bangkok Airport Guide & Reviews – Sleeping in Airports).3. Please plan to arrive in Paro (Paro International Airport – PBH) on Day 1, before 10 AM local time.Important: To book your flight with Bhutan Airlines from BKK – PBH please contact Naomi and Choki Dorji at Blue Poppy Bhutan, Wild Women Expedition’s local ground operator in Bhutan as soon as possible:choki@bluepoppybhutan.comSomeone will be at the rendezvous point holding a Wild Women Expeditions sign. They will take you to the hotel.

 

Group Rendezvous Point

  • Date: Day 1
  • Time: Anytime in conjunction with your flight
  • Location: At the exit door in Paro International Airport (PBH)

 

Notes about Pick-Up

Someone will be at the rendezvous point holding a Wild Women Expeditions sign. They will take you to the hotel.



Departure from BhutanAs soon as possible, please work with Naomi and Choki at Blue Poppy (choki@bluepoppybhutan.com) to book your flight out of PBH on the last day (Day 13). You will be transferred to the airport in conjunction with your departing flight time. Most airlines depart between 7 AM – 11:30 AM and you need to allow 2 hours for the airport formalities.The airport drop-off for the group is based around the Bhutan Airlines flight to Bangkok (BKK) departure. Naomi will help you organize your flights(see Arrival Overview Section).You are responsible to book your flight home from Bangkok (BKK). Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:Megan and Zale | Now Boarding Travel Travel SpecialistsEmail: wildwomen@nowboarding.travelDrop-Off Point:

  • Date: Day 13
  • Time: In conjunction with your flight.
  • Location: Paro International Airport (PBH)


You are responsible for booking your own flights or other transport arrangements to Bangkok (BKK). These arrangements and any other independent arrangements that you may make are not a part of the trip booked with Wild Women Expeditions and are entirely at your own risk. Wild Women Expeditions accepts no responsibility, directly or indirectly, for any loss, damage or injury to property or person in connection with such arrangements. Should you require assistance with your travel arrangements, please contact:Megan and Zale | ****Now Boarding Travel SpecialistEmail: wildwomen@nowboarding.travelNote: Now Boarding Travel only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!

Wild Women Expeditions will assist you in obtaining your visa for Bhutan, but you are fully responsible for providing us with the correct information as soon as possible in order for us to secure for your visa, permits, and certificates for your trip. It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. It is your responsibility to check with the country’s Consulate and your country’s travel website such as Canada’s for up-to-date information about traveling internationally.

 

  • Visa

We will be initiating the paperwork to get you your visa in order to travel to Bhutan and back.

We will need three pieces of information to start this process. Please upload them when you submit your travel Travel Detail Form (TDF).

 

1. Photocopy of your passport.

We will need a photocopy of your passport where the full picture page is showing, placed straight on the page and we need to see the two rows of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page in full. The lettering on the page must be legible and not blurred.

2. Passport pictures.

Please provide a copy of a standard passport photo.

3. Travel Insurance Documentation

We will need a PDF or copy of your travel Insurance. It will need to have visible the dates you are travelling in Bhutan to be considered.

 

We will send you your Visa clearance via email a few weeks before you fly to Bhutan. You will need to print it out and keep this Visa clearance with your passport and show it both on check in for your flight to Bhutan and then again at customs upon arrival.

 

If you are travelling within any other country on this trip, we encourage you to research if you need a visa for that country. We will not be responsible for any visas outside of Bhutan.

If you are coming in or out via India, you will need an Indian visa and you need to apply for this before you leave home. If you are in transit through India and don’t leave the airport, in theory, you don’t need a visa, but you should check with your international airline that they will allow you to fly without one.

 
Note: You can’t check your luggage all the way through to Bhutan, so it is easier to manage this if you can go through immigration, collect your luggage and check in again from there. Don’t forget to get a multiple entry visa if necessary.

If you are flying with Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines and have a touchdown en route, you don’t need a visa for India/ Nepal/ Bangladesh, as you don’t get off the plane.

For Kathmandu, if you are stopping over you can get a transit visa on arrival for a short visit for $5 USD or a 15-day visa for $25 USD – you need to take a passport photo with you.

Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

  • Customs

All travelers are responsible for getting into the country to join the Wild Women Expedition. Here are some helpful links:

  • Passport

Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.


What and who you choose to tip during your time in Bhutan is entirely up to you and will obviously depend on the service you have received. As a guideline, you may want to bring around $150 – $200 USD to use for local tips.It is hard to be prescriptive also, as tipping is a personal thing. And it depends on the size of the group, as the amount the local team may expect will vary depending on how many people they are looking after.But there is also an unwritten hierarchy, with the local tour leader expecting the biggest tip, followed by the driver, the trek cook, and then by the helpers and horsemen on the trek in that order.To help you work out how to allocate the total amount you propose to tip, we can suggest that you give 50% of the total to your local tour leader, 30% to your driver, 10% to your cook, 10% to be shared among the 3 helpers on trek and 10% to be shared among the 3 horsemen on the trek. If you have an assistant guide with you then you can give an amount from the tip you had set aside for the local tour leader to be shared with that assistant guide (so perhaps dividing it 40% / 10%).It is up to you if you wish to tip in restaurants or hotels – some hotels have a tip box where you can put some cash to be shared among the staff, or you can give a small tip in local currency to someone who carries your bag to your room, but this is up to you.

  • Rooming Arrangements

Our trip prices are based on a twin share (two people per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner. Private room upgrades are subject to availability. Please contact support@wildwomenexpeditions.com.

  • Bathrooms

The hotels all have flush toilets, some restaurants will only have Asian squat toilets. Asian squat toilets are basically a ceramic basin in the floor. You stand on the other side of the basin and squat. You use these toilets by facing the wall and squatting with the drain hole slightly farther away from you. There is either a string that you pull to flush or you grab a bucket of water available and pour it down the drain.

Make sure you always have toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you in your day pack. On the trek, there will be a toilet tent with a hole in the ground and during the day while hiking you will have to find a bush. It is good to dig a hole and then cover up your waste with the earth. Pack all toilet paper out (you will need to carry a ziplock bag with you in your daypack to keep soiled toilet paper until you find a garbage can).

  • Potable Water

It is not advised to drink the tap water. You will be provided with a water station and clean drinking water every day.

 

If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!

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  • Electricity / Internet / WiFi

Internet will be available in some hotels. WIFI can be weak in certain areas. You can purchase a local SIM card upon arrival that will enable you to have wifi in certain areas. Your phone must be unlocked to do this.

If you want to charge electronic equipment during your stay you should bring an adaptor suited to India or Nepal – they have two or three round pins, slightly larger than those used in Europe. The two-pin plug will fit in a three-pin socket as well. The voltage in Bhutan is also the same as India – 230V, 50 cycles AC.




Fun FactsHere are 10 things you may not know about Bhutan:

  • Bhutan first got television in 1998
  • Archery is the national sport
  • Smoking is prohibited in public places and the sale of cigarettes is banned throughout the country
  • National dress is compulsory for Bhutanese citizens – men wear a gho and women wear a kira
  • The 4th King was married to four sisters
  • There are blue sheep at higher altitudes
  • There are about twenty internet cafés in Thimphu and there is mobile phone coverage in most of the main towns
  • If you see a royal vehicle on the road you have to pull over until it has passed
  • There are no beggars or homeless people
  • Plastic bags are banned for ecological reasons

The people of Bhutan are composed of three main ethnic groups: the Sharchops of the East, the Ngalops of the West and the Lhotshampas in the South. Together, they form the indigenous population known as the Drukpas, famed for their rugged strength, ready sense of humour, hospitality and friendliness.The Sharchops, believed to be of Indo-Mongoloid origin, are considered to be the earliest, indigenous inhabitants of Bhutan, while the Ngalops are thought to have migrated from the Tibetan plains, importing Buddhism into the country. The Lhotshampas came from Nepal in the early 20th century in search of agricultural land and work, settling in the southern foothills of the country. Minority groups in Bhutan include the Layap, Brokpa, Doya, Lhopu, Dhakpa and Lepcha.This diversity in ethnicity, as well as the geographic isolation of Bhutan’s highland villages, has resulted in the emergence of about 19 different languages and dialects spoken by different ethnic groups around the country. The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but schooling is done in English, which is widely spoken.Bhutan has never had a rigid class system. Social and educational opportunities in the country are open to all, and Bhutanese men and women enjoy equal rights in every respect. Indigenous culture is kept alive by wearing traditional clothing. Men wear a gho, a long robe hitched to the knee, tied around the waist by a small belt called a kera, while women wear a kira, an ankle-length robe also held in place by a belt. Both the gho and kira are made from beautifully coloured and finely woven fabrics with fascinating traditional patterns on them. The Bhutanese are fond of heavy gold and silver jewellery decorated with pearls, turquoise and precious stones known as dzee, or the ‘tears of the gods’.

Indonesian Rupiahs (Rp)$1 USD = 15059.15 Rp (approximate—this will constantly fluctuate so it’s best to visit the Xe Currency Converter site for current exchange rates)

On the same latitude as Miami and Cairo, Bhutan has a climate that varies with altitude. The southern border near India is tropical with a hot, humid climate, while the Himalayan mountains in the north are blanketed with snow almost all year round. Unless you are trekking, most of your time will be spent in the central region between the two. You can get specific information about temperatures in Bhutan at lonelyplanet.com.There are two main seasons for visiting Bhutan, both of which offer the chance to visit festivals and to trek. The first is in the Spring (March to May). This is the season for wonderful flowers and birds, the days are warm and the mountain peaks are still visible for much of the time. Daytime temperatures in the main centres you are likely to be visiting are around 17 to 22 degrees Celsius, increasing through the season. It can even get much hotter – up to 28 or 30 degrees, especially in low lying areas such as Punakha or Wangdi. But nights can still be cool at this time of year, especially early in the season.The other good time is Autumn (September to November), when there is much less rain, the skies are clear and the drying of chillies on the roofs of houses provides a very photogenic sight. In September, it is slightly wetter with the tail end of monsoon, with rainfall reducing as you go through the season. September temperatures will be between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, with pleasant temperatures at night, reducing by about 5 degrees during October/November when nights will also become cool again. Trekking at altitude you need to be prepared for much lower temperatures than are mentioned here.Summer (June to August) is the monsoon season which means heavy rains, especially in the south. Mountains disappear behind the clouds and the valleys are shrouded in mist. Landslides are frequent occurrences and can cause communication and transport difficulties. However, we don’t actively discourage travel during this season, because it is still a good time to visit Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and surrounding areas in western Bhutan, as long as you are prepared for rain. Striking sights at this time of year are the electric-green rice paddies against a background of the dark forests. In late summer wild orchids are abundant. Summer temperatures will be from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, cooler in the evenings.Winter (December to February) can be very cold, although December to early January can be a pleasant time to visit western Bhutan, with dry, clear days. Temperatures reach an average of 15 degrees Celsius in the valleys (although nights are much colder, sometimes below freezing). Snow is frequent from mid-January to mid-February.

Reading List

  • Beyond the Sky and the Earth: a Journey into Bhutan **(Jamie Zeppa) – if you only read one book make it this one! A beautifully told tale of an unseasoned traveller getting to grips with life in the undeveloped world and falling in love with the country and its people.
  • Hidden Bhutan: Entering the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon (Martin Uitz) – a wonderful collection of anecdotes in easy to read snippets offering an informed perspective on Bhutan’s culture and customs.
  • Bold Bhutan Beckons (Tim Fischer and Tshering Tashi) – a fascinating study offering both western and eastern perspectives on ancient and modern Bhutan (by virtue of its dual authorship); the sections written by Tshering Tashi are painstakingly researched and are of particular interest as they allow the reader to gain an insider’s insight into the lives and customs of the Bhutanese.
  • The History of Bhutan (Dr Karma Phuntsho) – a comprehensive and exhaustingly researched history of Bhutan combining both traditional perspectives and modern academic analysis, with substantive discussions on Bhutan’s geography, culture, language and society, this impressive tome offers an incisive introduction to Bhutan.
  • Dreams of the Peaceful Dragon: Journey into Bhutan (Katie Hickman) – an account of a voyage to the little-visited East of the country long before Bhutan was a tourist destination.
  • Butter tea at Sunrise: a Year in the Bhutan Himalayas (Britta Das) – another Canadian following in the footsteps of Jamie Zeppa.
  • Kingdom of the Golden Dragon (Isabel Allende) – a novel set in a mythical kingdom loosely based on Bhutan.
  • The Blessings of Bhutan (Russ and Blyth Carpenter) – a study of contemporary Bhutan, written in a somewhat quirky style, which gets under the surface to connect with the reality of the life and culture of Bhutan and its people.
  • Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan **– written by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the first wife of the fourth King and containing interesting insights into the life of the royals and their perspective on the country at large.
  • Kingdoms Beyond the Clouds: Journeys in Search of the Himalayan Kings (Jonathan Gregson) – an account of his journeys through the Himalayan region and his attempts to interview the (somewhat elusive) royal families of the region, only two of whom (those of Nepal and Bhutan) remain in power.
  • In the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon (Joanna Lumley) – an account of her grandparents’ travels in Bhutan in the 1930s and her thoughts and impressions as she retraces their steps.
  • Recommendations from Travel Guides
  • Lonely Planet Guide to Bhutan – 6th edition March 2017
  • The Footprint Guide to Bhutan – 2nd edition September 2010
  • Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom (Francoise Pommaret) – 2009 (the author is a Tibetologist and ethnologist who has lived and worked in Bhutan)
  • Bhutan – A Trekker’s Guide by Bart Jordans (2018) which has maps and in-depth summaries of 27 treks across the country.
  • Film
  • Travellers and Magicians – a beguiling film directed by one of Bhutan’s most revered lamas, this box-office hit intertwines twin love stories alternating between the real and spiritual worlds in an enchanting way.
  • The Other Final – an enjoyable documentary showcasing the talents of Bhutan’s footballers playing against Montserrat as the two lowest ranked teams in the world on the occasion of the 2002 World Cup final.

The tiger, one-horned rhino, golden langur, clouded leopard, hispid hare, and the sloth bear live in the lush tropical lowland and hardwood forests in the south. In the temperate zone, grey langur, tiger, common leopard, goral and serow are found in mixed conifer, broadleaf and pine forests. Fruit bearing trees and bamboo provide habitat for the Himalayan black bear, red panda, squirrel, sambar, wild pig, and barking deer. The alpine habitats of the great Himalayan range in the north are home to the snow leopard, blue sheep, marmot, Tibetan wolf, antelope, and Himalayan musk deer.Flora and birds abound with more than 770 species of bird and 5,400 species of plants known to occur throughout the kingdom.

Wild Women Expeditions recommends that each participant should bring enough cash in local currency or available credit/debit funds to cover their meals during travel to and from their destination. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, meals not included in the trip package, shopping, etc., and we also suggest you have access to emergency funds.

  • Currency Exchange Offices & Banks

The Bhutanese unit of currency is called the Ngultrum and is pegged to the Indian rupee. Ngultrum is not available outside Bhutan and you cannot easily convert Ngultrum back to dollars. You can spend Indian Rupees in Bhutan, and they are at par with Ngultrum. For spending money you should bring US dollars if possible, as they are the easiest currency to change. You get better exchange rates for high value ($100 USD) notes and also in some of the luxury hotels. Euros and sterling are also accepted throughout.

Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter

We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.

  • Credit Cards

Visa is more readily accepted than MasterCard but there are places that you can use either. It is possible to use credit cards in a couple of ATM’s in Paro and Thimphu, but only to draw out local currency and not foreign currency. So bring all the US$ cash you think you might need as it is difficult to get hold of it in Bhutan.

  • Cash

This is the best way to pay for market purchases.



Please be sure to provide complete, accurate, and up-to-date information about your health & fitness level and keep us updated if there are changes. Wild Women Expeditions trips travel to remote areas where limited or no sophisticated medical facilities exist.A medical emergency situation is extremely unlikely; however, should it arise we need to be prepared with the necessary information to help you.Important Note: If you choose not to disclose a condition, infirmity, injury, or ailment herein and are subsequently deemed to be unfit for expedition travel due in whole or in part to such condition, infirmity, injury or ailment, Wild Women Expeditions guides, and partners shall have the right to remove you from the trip with no refund or compensation payable. Any evacuation expenses incurred are payable by the evacuee via their Medical Travel Insurance or personal expense.Getting FitYou don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors. 

Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:

  • Take every opportunity you can to be active.

You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!

  • Rev up your ticker!

Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way the aim is to get your heart rate up.

  • Join a local walking or running group.

This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.

  • Hill training.

The most spectacular views aren’t from the bottom of a valley – so the places we go on our trips aren’t flat. A little time training on hills and stairs is an investment that’ll pay off big-time when you’re on your trip. When it comes to hills there’s no hurry – get into a slow steady rhythm and you’ll be at the top before you know it.

  • Warm up, cool down and stretch.

If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.

  • Practice ‘backpacking’.

Grab your backpack (or borrow one) and head for the hills! If you’re bringing your own backpack, practice adjusting the various straps so you know how it feels in different positions. We aren’t multi-day hiking every day, but you’ll be carrying a day pack almost everyday, so it’s well worth a bit of practice. Backpacks sit differently and so change your centre of balance when it’s full of gear so make sure you put a few pounds of weight in it in training.

  • Break in your hiking boots.

Blisters and sore feet are no fun at all! So make sure that while you’re getting yourself ready you’re doing the same for your boots. Start by just wearing them around the house, then down the road, and walking the dog. Then ideally do a couple of decent length weekend hikes to prepare them for what is to come.

  • Hydration.

When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.

  • Nutrition.

Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!

  • Have fun!

The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.


For general Wild Women Expeditions FAQs please click here.
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What's Included

  • All ground transportation as outlined in the itinerary including airport transfers
  • 12 nights accommodation in lodges, inns, luxury 5-star resort and one-night fixed tent camping
  • 13 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 12 dinners (incl. drinking water and hot drinks)
  • An experienced, awesome Bhutanese English-speaking female guide
  • Waterproof pants and shoes for the rafting experience
  • Archery lesson
  • Porters and all camping equipment for Tiger’s Nest expedition
  • All entry fees and permits
  • Optional single private upgrade, subject to availability
  • All applicable taxes are included in the trip price
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