The Kingdom of Bhutan

14 Days in the hidden kingdom. Journey to the world's last carbon-negative kingdom, where ancient traditions meet pristine Himalayan wilderness.

Pricing starting at $4890/person

Embark on an extraordinary journey to Bhutan, the mystical "Land of the Thunder Dragon" perched on the eastern edge of the Himalayas. This forbidden kingdom only opened to tourism in 1974 and maintains strict visitor limits to preserve its pristine culture and environment. Experience a country seemingly frozen in time, where Buddhist monasteries cling to impossible cliffs, prayer flags flutter in mountain winds, and happiness is measured by more than material wealth. From the dramatic Tiger's Nest monastery to the sacred valleys where black-necked cranes winter, conclude your adventure with India's crown jewel—the magnificent Taj Mahal. This is more than a trip; it's a pilgrimage to one of the world's last untouched spiritual sanctuaries.

Top 6 Highlights of a Bhutan Adventure

  • Tiger's Nest Monastery Trek - Hike to Taktsang, the most sacred Buddhist site in Bhutan, dramatically perched 3,000 feet on a cliff face where Guru Rinpoche tamed demons in 746 AD

  • Carbon-Negative Kingdom Experience - Explore the world's first and only carbon-negative country, where Gross National Happiness matters more than GDP and ancient forests are constitutionally protected

  • Phobjikha Valley Serenity - Witness rare black-necked cranes in their pristine winter habitat while staying in valleys untouched by mass tourism and modern development

  • Ancient Dzongs & Monasteries - Visit fortress-monasteries like Punakha Dzong and explore temples dating back to the 7th century, housing priceless Buddhist art and relics

  • Traditional Arts Immersion - Experience the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and interact with artisans preserving ancient techniques

  • Taj Mahal Sunrise Finale - Conclude your Himalayan journey with sunrise at the world's greatest monument to love, staying just 600 meters from this UNESCO World Heritage wonder

14-Day Bhutan Itinerary

  • Begin your Himalayan adventure in India's vibrant capital, preparing for your journey into one of the world's most exclusive destinations.

    Day Highlights:

    • Arrival in Delhi with private airport transfer

    • Check-in at heritage Haveli Dharampura

    • Rest and prepare for tomorrow's exclusive flight to Bhutan

    • Final preparations for entering the forbidden kingdom

  • Experience the only world capital without traffic lights, where traditional architecture is mandated by law and modernity blends seamlessly with ancient Buddhist traditions.

    Day Highlights:

    • Dramatic Himalayan flight with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga

    • Buddha Point - Country's largest Buddha statue with valley panoramas

    • Memorial Chorten - Built for Bhutan's beloved third king with prayer wheels

    • Tashichho Dzong - "Fortress of Glorious Religion" housing government and monks

    • National Takin Preserve - See Bhutan's mythical national animal

    • Traditional Medicine Institute - Ancient herbal healing practices

    • Arts & Crafts School - Witness 13 traditional Bhutanese arts being taught

  • Enter a pristine glacial valley where time stands still and rare Tibetan cranes spend their winters among traditional farming communities.

    Day Highlights:

    • Six-hour scenic drive through Dochula Pass with Himalayan panoramas

    • Gangtey Goenpa - 16th-century monastery overlooking the sacred valley

    • Black-necked crane viewing - Rare birds migrating from Tibet and Siberia

    • Pine forest hiking with prayer flag-laden temples

    • Full day at leisure for valley exploration and local community interaction

    • Photography opportunities in untouched traditional villages

  • Explore Bhutan's former capital where two rivers converge and the most beautiful dzong in the kingdom stands guard over fertile valleys.

    Day Highlights:

    • Chimi Lhakhang - Temple of the "Divine Madman" with fertility blessings

    • Punakha Dzong - Most photogenic fortress-monastery in Bhutan

    • Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten - Spectacular ridge-top temple hike

    • 45-minute trek through terraced rice paddies and pine forests

    • Countryside hiking with panoramic valley views

    • Traditional village walks and local interaction

  • Discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Bhutan in the valley that houses the kingdom's only international airport and most sacred sites.

    Day Highlights:

    • Kyichu Lhakhang - One of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred 7th-century temples

    • Ta Dzong National Museum - Magnificent collection of Buddhist art and thangka paintings

    • Rinpung Dzong - Monastic school and administrative center

    • Traditional covered wooden bridge crossing

    • Paro town exploration and local market visits

    • Preparation for the ultimate Tiger's Nest pilgrimage

  • Undertake the spiritual pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites on earth, dramatically perched on an impossible cliff face.

    Day Highlights:

    • 5-hour round-trip trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery

    • Ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels

    • Taktsang Monastery - Where Guru Padma Sambhava flew on a tigress in 746 AD

    • 3,000-foot cliff-top monastery with breathtaking architecture

    • Spiritual experience at Bhutan's most revered pilgrimage site

    • Drugyel Dzong ruins - Victory fortress with views of sacred Jomolhari Peak (24,029 ft)

  • Transition from Himalayan spirituality to Mughal architectural magnificence as you journey to one of the world's greatest monuments.

    Day Highlights:

    • Flight from Paro to Delhi with final Himalayan views

    • Old Delhi exploration - Red Fort and Chandni Chowk rickshaw ride

    • Raj Ghat - Mahatma Gandhi memorial visit

    • Luxury train journey to Agra

    • Check-in at The Oberoi Amarvilas with Taj Mahal views from every room

  • Witness the ultimate expression of Mughal architecture as the Taj Mahal transforms colors with the changing light of sunrise.

    Day Highlights:

    • Sunrise at Taj Mahal - Experience the marble changing from shell pink to white to pearly gray

    • Detailed exploration of the 17th-century mausoleum's intricate craftsmanship

    • Stories of Emperor Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz Mahal

    • Agra Fort (optional) - UNESCO World Heritage Mughal fortress complex

    • Traditional music and dance performance

    • Final group dinner celebration

  • Conclude your extraordinary journey with final moments in India before returning home with memories of two of Asia's most remarkable destinations.

    Day Highlights:

    • Return journey to Delhi

    • Day room at Novotel Aerocity for rest and preparation

    • Private assistance with international departure procedures

    • Departure with lifetime memories of the Last Shangri-La