A journey of authentic engagement and incredible discovery awaits you on The Evolved Traveler’s 11-night luxury itinerary, “Bhutan: Journey to the Land of Happiness.” The last Himalayan Kingdom, Bhutan, maintains an autonomy and identity like no other country - indeed the only country in the world that measures “Gross National Happiness” over "Gross National Product." With an unwavering sense of tradition and culture, a stunning Himalayan landscape encompassing vast forests, subtropical valleys, and towering snow-capped mountains, its distinctiveness is undeniable. Indeed, this is no ordinary land, it is Bhutan, an extraordinary and mythical country often called, “The Last Shangri-La.”

Your journey begins in Thimphu where you’ll engage with the monks of Tango Goenpa, a Buddhist monastery and university before meeting the students of Zorig Chusum, a school for Bhutanese arts. Leave energetic Thimphu behind, traverse intoxicating pine and cedar forests to the mountain serenity of Punakha. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass for stunning views of the Himalayas and marvel at the 108 stupas of Dochu La. The day also brings one of your Evolved Experience with time at the Gyalyum Community School, an initiative supported by The Evolved Traveler to sustain schools for rural children that would otherwise be closed. Once in Punakha, soak in nature with a hike through the verdant valley before a visit to one of the country’s most renowned and historic sites, the Punakha Dzong, the impressive 17th-century fortress. Continue to Phojikha and Gangtey, considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, where you will walk the Gangtey Nature Trail and attend the evening prayers and chanting at the Shedra, a monastic school of some 300 monks. Your journey continues in Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to many of the oldest and most sacred monasteries. Sure to be a highlight of your time in Bumthang will be a visit to Jakar Dzong, or the “Castle of the White Bird,” which dominates the Chamkhar Valley. The current structure, built in 1667 and refurbished in 1683, is said to be one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan. Your remarkable journey concludes in Paro where two more highlights await you – a visit and lunch with local farmers for an authentic glimpse into the lifestyle of a traditional Bhutanese family. And finally, a visit to the renowned Tiger’s Nest, one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world. For an even more in-depth journey to the region, we invite you to combine your visit to Bhutan with Nepal and/or Tibet.

 

HIGHLIGHTS: Engage with the monks of Tango Goenpa monastery in Thimphu * Marvel at the 108 stupas of Dochu La * Spend time at the Gyalyum Community School * Attend evening prayers with the monks of Shedra * Have lunch with Bhutanese farmers * Trek to renowned Tiger’s Nest

 

12-days/11-nights

Departs: Any day