Trip Overview
This is the Bhutan few have ever experienced, created exclusively in partnership with Backpacker magazine. Over 13 unforgettable days we’ll explore the culture, art and traditions of Bhutan, and then hike and camp for four days in the Himalayas following the iconic Druk Path trek, up and over high mountain passes, through river-fed valleys dotted with ancient monasteries. It's the perfect mix of culture and adventure, and a rare opportunity to experience Punakha’s historic Talo Tscechu (Talo Festival), and get to know the gracious people of Bhutan.
This trip overview is designed to answer questions regarding our Modern Adventure in Bhutan, including the itinerary, food & drink, fitness level, required vaccines, packing list and more. Keep this handy and refer to it whenever you need information regarding our trip.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVALS IN BANGKOK
Day One! Guests arrive in Bangkok, Thailand, throughout day on Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Check in at Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel (see Our Accommodations)
Group meet-up & welcome at 4pm at hotel
Evening to explore Bangkok on own
Lodging: Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel in Bangkok
DAY 2: BANGKOK > PARO
Group airport transfer and early (5am) flight to Paro, Bhutan
Arrival in Bhutan, group transfer to hotel
Lunch at hotel
Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong and Paro walking tour
Group dinner
Lodging: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro
DAY 3: PARO
Hike up to Tiger's Nest Monastery
Picnic lunch on monastery grounds
Dinner at hotel
Lodging: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro
DAY 4: PARO > DRUK PATH TREK
First trekking day!
Hike to Jele Dzong
Boxed lunch on trail
Camp dinner at Jele Dzong
HIKING SUMMARY
Elevation gain: 4,035ft
Distance: 3.7 miles
Hiking time: 3 hours
Overnight elevation: 11,500ft
DAY 5: DRUK PATH TREK
Trek from Jele Dzong to Jangchulhakha & Jimilangtsho Lake
Views of Jichu Drake, Jomolhari 'Goddess Peak'
Hot lunch on trail
Camp dinner at Jimilangtsho Lake
HIKING SUMMARY
Elevation gain: 1,673ft
Distance: 11 miles
Hiking time: 8-9 hours
Overnight elevation: 12,800ft
DAY 6: DRUK PATH TREK
Trek from Jimilangtsho Lake to Simkotra Lake
Views of Jomolhari
Boxed lunch on trail
Camp dinner at Simkotra Lake
HIKING SUMMARY
Elevation gain: 853ft
Distance: 6.8 miles
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours
Overnight Elevation: 13,500ft
DAY 7: DRUK PATH TREK
Trek from Simkotra Lake to Phajoding
Spectacular views of eastern Himalayan range including Gankar Puensum (Bhutan's highest mountain)
Boxed lunch on trail
Visit Phajoding Monastery & retreat center
Camp dinner at Phajoding
HIKING SUMMARY
Elevation gain: 328ft
Elevation loss: 1,509ft
Distance: 8 miles
Hiking time: 5-6 hours
Overnight elevation: 12,303ft
DAY 8: DRUK PATH TREK > THIMPHU
Final trekking day, from Phajoding to Motithang
Transer to hotel
HIKING SUMMARY
Elevation loss: 4,292ft
Distance: 6.2 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Lodging: Norkhil Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 9: THIMPHU
College of Zorig Chusum & paper factory visit
Visit Buddha Dordenma statue
Evening on own to explore Thimphu's cafes and restaurants
Lodging: Norkhil Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 10: THIMPHU > PUNAKHA
Depart for Punakha
Traditional herbalist visit
Lunch at Dochu La Pass
Metsina village visit and blessing
Dinner at hotel
Lodging: Kunzang Zhing Resort in Punakha
DAY 11: PUNAKHA
Talo Sangnacholing Dzong visit
Talo Tsechu festival & mask dances
Picnic lunch at Talo Sangnacholing Dzong
Market visit
Wolakha nunnery visit, prayers and blessing
Dinner at hotel
Lodging: Kunzang Zhing Resort in Punakha
DAY 12: PUNAKHA > PARO
Depart for Paro
Visit Iron Chain Bridge
Lunch at hotel in Paro
Late afternoon on own to explore Paro's sights
Farewell celebration dinner at Namgay Brewery
Lodging: Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro
DAY 13: PARO > BANGKOK
Final day in Bhutan
Morning group transfer to Paro airport
Flight to Bangkok
Your onward flight from Bangkok to depart at 4pm or later
Our Accommodations
Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel
9/9 Moo 7 Soi Kingkaew 64, Kingkaew Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Tel. +66 2 738 4599
Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel
Our trip starts in Bangkok, Thailand, just a short drive from the airport. A contemporary Thai style gives this convenient hotel a sleek and luxurious feel—accentuated by its courtyard pool, sky bar and restaurant with views of the city. There’s even a fitness center if you need to get some last-minute conditioning in before our trek!
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Neyphu Valley, Shaba Paro BT 12001, Paro, Bhutan
Tel. +975 8 272224
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
This is our luxurious home base on Days 2 and 3, and again on Day 12. Bhutan's first and only five-star spa hotel is nestled in a dozen expansive acres in Neyphu Valley. The classic Bhutanese cottage-style hotel is surrounded by serene mountains with stunning views, including from the infinity pool overlooking the valley. There's an emphasis throughout on finding your well-being in body, mind and spirit. It's the perfect combination of modern design and spacious rooms equipped with all the amenities you'd expect in one of Bhutan's top hotel properties.
Situated in Thimphu’s city center, the brand new Norkhil Hotel is a tranquil oasis and a case study in modern comfort and convenience. With views of the Himalayan foothills, it's one of the premier spots in this burgeoning city. Indulge in spa treatments, organic and locally sourced cuisine, and the always gracious Bhutanese approach to hospitality.
Our Punakha base is a contemporary-meets-ancient hideaway overlooking a peaceful valley and the picturesque paddy fields along the Puna Tshang Chhu river. The stone work is exquisite, inside and out, with design-forward rooms and full modern amenities.
Camping
The heart of our Bhutan experience is trekking the Druk Path. We'll camp four nights under the glorious Himalayan stars. We provide expedition-quality tents, trekking poles, and group-size tarp shelters to house the best nomadic cooking equipment in the camping world. We’ll eat well along the way, our cooks using local ingredients to make a mix of Bhutanese and regional specialties, to restore ourselves after a day on the trail.
Inclusions & Exclusions
INCLUSIONS
On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are all accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Here’s what’s included:
Round-trip flights from Bangkok (Thailand) to Paro (Bhutan), including one night in Bangkok
Seven nights of luxurious boutique accommodations in Bhutan
Four nights of fully catered camping, with most gear provided (see Gear & Packing)
Daily breakfasts, all lunches and dinners (except for dinner on Day 9)
Expert local guides
Expert backpacking guides, porters to help carry gear, camp cooks to prepare all meals
All ground transportation
Experiences and activities included in itinerary, including all fees
EXCLUSIONS
Roundtrip airfare to/from Bangkok (Thailand)
Travel insurance (see Get Ready)
Transportation to the trip’s meeting point in Bangkok
Activities not included in the trip itinerary
Lodge incidentals including room service, laundry, etc
Personal gear
Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader