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The Land of the Thunder Dragon
Exploring the Great Wilderness in Bhutan
CONSERVING THE KINGDOM'S BIODIVERSITY
Cradled in the eastern Himalaya, Bhutan is recognised as the world’s first carbon-negative country. On this journey, explore the protected wilderness to discover the communities that nurture planetary health and personal happiness above material growth. Accompanied by leading Bhutanese conservationists, hike hidden valleys to track rare flora and fauna, and explore how Bhutan’s Buddhist principles have informed its environmental programmes.
Can Bhutan’s earth-conscious approach be a blueprint for global environmental conservation?
THE JOURNEY
A 9-day itinerary exploring Bhutan
DAY 1
- Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Dwarika’s Hotel, a heritage property showcasing traditional Newari craftsmanship
- Visit Boudhanath Stupa and observe Buddhist kora rituals
- Attend a sunset Aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath Temple
- Enjoy a slow-dining Nepalese banquet with organic, locally sourced ingredients
DAY 2
- Scenic flight to Paro with views of Mount Everest and the Himalayas (weather permitting)
- Explore a traditional Bhutanese town with farmhouses and willow-lined landscapes
- Visit the Great Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu Valley
- Private dinner with Dasho Benji discussing Bhutanese conservation efforts
- Overnight at Six Senses Lodge
DAY 3
- Journey over Dochu La mountain pass to Phobjikha Valley
- Learn about black-necked crane migration and its cultural significance
- Arrive at Gangtey Lodge with panoramic valley views
- Dinner prepared by the lodge’s head chef
DAY 4
- Join naturalist Dr Sherub Sherub for research hikes in Phobjikha Valley
- Assist in bird fieldwork, focusing on raptors and ecosystem balance
DAY 5
- Attend morning prayers at a monastic college (Shedra)
- Travel to Punakha Valley
- Raft along the Mo Chhu River with researchers studying aquatic biodiversity
- Contribute to wildlife inventory efforts, including dragonfly research
- Evening at a riverside tented lodge with dinner and drinks
DAY 6
- Visit a remote organic farm and forage for wild foods, including orchids
- Work with Sangay Richen on eco-farming practices
- Join Dr Tiger Sangay to monitor Bengal tiger camera traps
- Share findings and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal using foraged ingredients
DAY 7
- Return to Paro and explore biodiverse forests
- Plant tree saplings with a Bhutan Ecological Society expert
- Learn about Bhutan’s carbon-negative status and forest conservation laws
- Dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant
DAY 8
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery or visit Kila Nunnery
- Participate in raising prayer flags with local communities
- Picnic lunch in a scenic natural setting
- Relax with a traditional hot stone bath infused with herbs
- Lantern-lit farewell dinner at an off-grid lodge
DAY 9
- Depart from Paro to Kathmandu or Delhi
DAY 1 - GROUNDING IN NEPAL
Arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal, transfer to Dwarika’s Hotel, a heritage-minded property that seamlessly blends salvaged Newari wood carvings into its design. Engage with Nepal’s profound spirituality at the Boudhanath Stupa, where Buddhist worshippers perform the kora. In the evening, travel to the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, taking part in a sunset ceremony of fire and rhythmic chanting – also known as the Aarti Ritual. The day concludes with a slow-dining Nepalese banquet of freshly harvested vegetables, grains and spices sourced from Dwarika’s own organic farms.
DAY 2 - EVEREST FROM ABOVE
The morning flight to Paro passes the legendary summit of Mount Everest, presenting unparalleled vistas of the Great Himalaya Range – cloud-cover permitting. After rooting on terra firma, discover a traditional Bhutanese town of whitewashed farmhouses and staggering willow trees. From there, travel to the 52m-tall statue of the Great Buddha Dordenma, a symbolic guard of entry to the Thimphu Valley. Later that evening, join the founder of Bhutan’s Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, Dasho Benji, for an intimate dinner. Often regarded as the Godfather of Conservation in Bhutan, discuss his landmark work to conserve the endangered, black-necked cranes, for which the Kingdom is renowned. The Six Senses Lodge is home for the night.
DAY 3 - INTO THE PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
Following a leisurely breakfast, journey east over the dense Dochu La mountain pass to the Phobjikha Valley. Considered one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country, it’s in this bowl-shaped glacial cirque that Bhutan’s black-necked cranes return every autumn from Tibet, a migration that heralds the end of harvest and inspires celebration among farming families. Arrive at the 12-room Gangtey Lodge, a rural retreat with sweeping views across the valley. Unwind with a special dinner prepared by the head chef.
DAY 4 - NATURE IN BALANCE
Join one of Bhutan’s most influential naturalists Dr Sherub Sherub, on a variety of research hikes deep in the Phobjikha Valley. Explore the profound synergy between species of the eastern Himalayas, supporting Sherub in his fieldwork with birds, in particular several species of raptor. Why are vultures, once critically endangered, so vital to the ecosystem of the valley?
DAY 5 - BHUTAN BY WATER
Experience morning prayers in a Shedra (monastic college), before descending to the fertile valley of Punakha. Resting at the mouth of the Mo Chhu (Mother River), join a team of researchers from the National Invertebrate Program to take to the waters by raft to assist in compiling an inventory of aquatic biodiversity. Recent findings uncovered a new species of dragonfly – what new discoveries await? Come sunset, put ashore at a tented river lodge for drinks, dinner and relaxation.
DAY 6 - WILD ORCHIDS AND TIGERS
Travel to a remote and scenic organic farm and join Sangay Richen, a passionate eco-farmer, on a foraging expedition in the forests, in search of food including edible wild orchids. Later, join Dr Tiger Sangay, a charismatic Bhutanese researcher at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research, to monitor camera traps tracking the movements of Bengal Tigers. Return to the Farm and share the day’s findings. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal prepared with the forest’s bounty and served in a stunning setting overlooking the mountain terraces.
DAY 7 - PRIMEVAL FORESTS OF PARO
Returning West to Paro, explore biodiverse woodland and plant tree saplings with Sonam Phuntsho – Director for Research and Education at the Bhutan Ecological Society and a forestry expert who is studying the impact of climate change. By law, at least 60 per cent of Bhutan’s landscape must remain forested for future generations, a mandate which has helped Bhutan become the first nation to achieve not only carbon-negative status, but to absorb triple the carbon it produces. Learn how the presence of forests helps regulate rainfall, which in turn supports farming communities. In the evening, an organic meal at farm-to-fork restaurant Bukhari awaits.
DAY 8 - PRAYER FLAGS AND HOT STONES
Hike the pine-flanked trails to the remarkable Taktshang Goemba, known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, or alternatively, visit the lesser-known 9th-century Kila Nunnery. There, join locals as they raise prayer flags, appreciating the stillness and tranquillity of the nature-rich environment. Recharge with a scenic picnic lunch, before indulging with Uma Paro's signature hot stone bath infused with medicinal herbs. End the journey with a lantern-lit dinner held in the charming courtyard of the property's off-grid lodge.
DAY 9 - DEPARTURE
Depart from Paro to Kathmandu or Delhi.
RECOMMENDED STAYS
From sumptuous mountain retreats to luxurious stays reimagining Bhutanese interiors, discover recommended addresses for this journey.
FROM £16,990 PER PERSON
For nine days, based on two people sharing.
INCLUSIONS
- Private dinner with expert environmentalist Dashjo Benji, considered the Godfather of Conservation
- A guided research hike through the Phobjika Vallery with farmer Dr Sherub Sherub
- Exploration of the legendary Mo Chhu River by raft
- Tiger tracking with researcher Dr Tiger Sangay
- Visit of the UNESCO-protected Boudhanath Stupa – the largest spherical stupa in Nepal
- Foraging for wild edible orchards with expert farmer Sangay Rinchen
- Private farm-to-fork dinner at Krishnarpan restaurant sourced from Dwakira’s organic farms
- Guided forestry exploration with tree planter, Sonam Phuntsho, discovering the country's carbon-negative status
- Airport transfers and local transfers to activities and meals as mentioned
- Entrance fees and guided tours with English-speaking experts and guides
- Guided visit to the Great Buddha Dordenma Statue
- Visit to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
- Hot stone bath at Como, a treatment renowned for its health benefits
ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED
- One nights’ accommodation at The Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu in a heritage deluxe bedroom
- One nights’ accommodation at Six Senses Thimphu in an Upper lodge suite
- Two nights’ accommodation at Gangtey Lodge in a suite
- Two nights’ accommodation at Punakha River Lodge in a tented suite
- Two nights’ accommodation at Uma Paro in a one-bedroom villa
WHEN TO TRAVEL
- The best time to travel is between October – November and February to April.
EXCLUSIONS
- Excursions, meals and drinks other than those mentioned
- A flight over the Mount Everest summit from Kathmandu in Nepal to Paro in Bhutan
- Sustainable Developmental Charge to the Tourism Council
- Travel insurance and vaccination charges
THE EXPERT
SANGAY RINCHEN
Join Sangay Rinchen – innovator of transforming Bhutan's farming systems – to learn how to source food sensitively in harmony with nature and the surrounding local communities. Sangay is also the face behind Happy Hill Farm, an initiative that uses technology and regenerative farming practices to encourage sustainable living.
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"FORESTS ARE A SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD FOR MANY, AND EVEN FOR MICROCLIMATIC CONDITIONS, THE FOREST IS WHAT CONTROLS PRECIPITATION. THE MORE FOREST YOU HAVE, YOU'LL HAVE MORE REGULAR PRECIPITATION, SO THAT HELPS FARMING COMMUNITIES."
– SONAM PHUNTSHO
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