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Bhutan

Go Solo: The Best of Bhutan

Program No. 25604RJ
On this adventure exclusively for solo travelers, explore Bhutan with experts and locals who share their enduring culture, history and natural wonders.
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Start
Small GroupNewSolo Travelers Only
Length
17 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
7,199
Flights start at
1,450
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
41 meals ( 14B, 13L, 14D )
4 expert-led lectures
24 expert-led field trips
2 flights during the program
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Please note that there is no official programming on this day. A local Road Scholar representative will connect with everyone today and inform participants about travel plans and logistics to Bhutan tomorrow morning. Your Group Leader will meet you in Bhutan tomorrow.
Afternoon:
Arrivals in the afternoon and evening. For all participants who purchased their air arrangements through Road Scholar and arrive today, a Road Scholar representative will meet you at the airport and coordinate the transfer from the airport to the program hotel. During this transfer to the hotel, the representative will advise everyone on the schedule for the following day and all the travel logistics for your flight to Bhutan. If you are arriving at an earlier time/date or are a program-only participant, you cannot check into the hotel on this day until 2:00 p.m. Rooms might be available before then, but there is no guarantee. Our local partner in Kathmandu will be given your flight arrival information to Nepal and will get in touch with you on this day. Additionally, at check-in a welcome letter will be given to you with helpful information on how to reach our local coordinator if you have questions.
Dinner:
At your own arrangements. Due to participants arriving throughout the day and evening, dinner is not provided today. The hotel has a selection of restaurants and bars and offers room service.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is approximately 1.5 hours. Flight times are based on seasonal schedules and departure times are subject to change. Visas and flights to and from Bhutan are pre-arranged, and the schedule and travel documents will be given out in Nepal. Getting on/off a motorcoach from Paro to Thimphu; driving about 43 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. The elevation over the next 3 days will be about 7,700 feet.
Breakfast:
In the hotel café, located on the first level overlooking the landscaped gardens and pool.
Morning:
A Road Scholar representative will greet everyone in the morning and coordinate our early-morning transfer to the Kathmandu airport for the flight to Paro, Bhutan. We will meet our Group Leader in Bhutan. Orientation following arrival to Paro. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will join a staff-led exploration of the National Museum, the recently renovated ancient watch tower, which visually introduces Bhutan’s history and culture. The museum provides a good introduction to the Kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. We will then take a scenic drive to Thimphu along the Paro and Thimphu Rivers. Arriving in Thimphu, we will check in at our next hotel with some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Walking about 1/2 mile, approximately 15 minutes to memorial. Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking and standing up to 3 hours indoors and outdoors.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin the day as many locals do with a morning walk to the National Memorial Stupa, built in 1974 in memory of the late third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This place is popular among the pious, young and old alike, who make it part of their daily ritual to visit. We will continue to the National Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts, also known as the painting school, where 13 different forms of Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts are taught to young and enthusiastic students. It is the trained students and practitioners who keep these age-old Bhutanese traditions alive. They are responsible for passing on the valuable ancient knowledge and skills to the next generation of Bhutanese.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
This afternoon’s field trip to the National Textile Museum with our Group Leader introduces us to different styles of Bhutanese weaving. The weaving styles of Bhutan are distinctly recognizable, and weaving is considered a national art form. Later in the afternoon, we will be joined by an expert in the field, a senior researcher and professor, for a discussion on Gross National Happiness.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 15 miles, under 1 hour riding time; some winding slow roads up to the Buddha. Walking 2-3 miles total. Under 1/2 hour gradual uphill hike at preserve on partially paved footpaths, tall steps, and uneven ground. At the Buddha, walking up to 1/2 hour on even ground with steps. Standing up to 1/2 hour at archery grounds. Walking 1/2 hour or more with stairs at farmers market. Walking to the Tashichho Dzong on even ground and steps; standing up to 1 hour.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
With the Group Leader, we will head out by motorcoach on a field trip to the Takin Preserve. The takin, the national animal of Bhutan, is considered vulnerable to extinction. We will continue to the site of the Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world. Later, we may witness an archery match. Archery is Bhutan’s national sport and we will learn about its significance in Bhutanese society.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
If operating today, we explore the country’s biggest farmers' market where farmers from the neighboring valleys come to sell their produce. We then take a field trip to the Tashicho Dzong (fortress), the administrative head quarters of the government of Bhutan. While the northern half of the fortress houses monks, the southern half houses the office of the King, the Prime Minister’s office, the Ministry of Finance, the Home Ministry, and the Office of Gross National Happiness Commission.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 80 miles, approximately 5-6 hours riding time with stops. We drive over the Dochola Pass at 10,100 feet and arrive in the Phobjika Valley at 9,800 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we will depart by motorcoach for the Phobjikha Valley. Our scenic drive begins with a gradual climb through a forest of pine and cedar. As our drive continues, the flora changes and hanging lichen appears high up near the Dochola Pass (3,055 meters/10,100 feet). We pause to take in the breathtaking panoramic views (weather permitting) of the Himalayan mountain range that stretch for hundreds of miles. On our drive, we may notice many prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. The views continue to entertain as the bus descends along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile Punakha Valley (1,350 meters/4,430 feet).
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Lobesa, en route to Phobjikha Valley.
Afternoon:
We will drive past the majestic fortress of Wangdi Dzong, which was severely damaged by a tragic fire in July 2012 and has since been restored. We will arrive in Phobjikha, a broad and beautiful valley. This area is home to black-necked cranes, a highly endangered species of crane that migrates from the Tibetan Plateau in late October and returns to Tibet in February/March. The black-necked crane is revered as a heavenly bird (lhab-bja). The birds have harmoniously coexisted with the locals largely due to their strong Buddhist beliefs. The lhab-bja appears in the Bhutanese folklore, songs, dances and historical references. Arriving at our next hotel, we’ll have some downtime before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Moderate 2.5 mile hike (3 hours) on predominantly flat ground. Expect to hike on uneven trails with a gradual descent during the first 20 minutes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will take a 2–3 hour nature hike around the valley, through the village. We will then explore the Crane Observation and Education Center and learn more about these amazing birds and their foraging and roosting sites in Bhutan.
Lunch:
Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy a hot picnic lunch in Phobjikha Valley. (If not possible, we will go to a local restaurant.)
Afternoon:
We will discover the valley's most important landmark, the 17th-century Gangtey Goemba monastery and monastic school. These are located near the lodge, overlooking the expansive Phobjikha Valley below. At the monastery, a discussion with a monk provides insight into their daily lives.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 5-6 hours total riding time with stops along the way. We cross over Pele La Pass arriving in the Bumthang Valley at 9,185 feet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today begins with an early-morning check-out and departure for Bumthang, the easternmost point of our program. The motorcoach drive takes us to the central valley of Bumthang, past myriad examples of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna and into one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys in Bhutan. We cross Pele La Pass (3,300 meters/10,989 feet). With its alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between west Bhutan and east Bhutan. During clear weather, you can view many high, snow-capped peaks, among them Mount Jomolhari (7,314 meters/24,355 feet). We descend from the pass through the dwarf bamboo groves, where we will reach Chendebji Chorten. This Chorten (or Stupa) was built in the 18th century by a Buddhist monk, known as Lama Shida, to subdue a demon that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada Valley just over the ridge.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Trongsa.
Afternoon:
As we continue towards Bumthang, we will view the traditional woolen weaving of Yathra-a style/design specific to this region. As we watch local women work on their looms, we gain an understanding of the methods used to produce the special designs of the region.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 70 miles roundtrip, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Hiking 2 miles, approximately 2.5 hours to village, downhill on uneven dirt trail, slippery when wet. The hike involves a fairly steep descent on uneven trail. Walking through Ura village on uneven ground and climbing over cattle stiles. Walking and standing up to 4 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin with a field trip by motorcoach to a local school. Here we’ll meet the students and teachers and gain an introduction to schooling in Bhutan. Following our school visit, we drive to the scenic valley of Ura via the Sherthang Pass (11,778 feet). At Ura, we hike downhill to the village (10,171 feet), one of the highest villages in Bhutan.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Ura village.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we explore Ura village. We wander through the cobblestone streets of this traditional village, taking in the sights of local village life. We will then return to Bumthang in time for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
After dinner, we will hear a lecture from a school principal who will provide more information about the educational system of Bhutan.
Activity Note
There are walking opportunities today in both the morning and afternoon. Walking 1 mile, approximately 1/2 hour from Jambay to Kurjey on fairly flat ground. After lunch, there is an elective hike of about 3 miles, approximately 2 hours. Apart from a 10-minute uphill section at the start, the hike is generally on flat ground following a dirt road cutting through several villages.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Led by the Group Leader, we will go on a field trip to two of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan-Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century and Kurjey Lhakhang, built in the 8th century. It is believed that in the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava (Lotus born) had meditated here and subdued the local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Guru Padmasambhava, popularly known as “Guru Rimpoche,” is the famous Buddhist saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan from India in the 8th century.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Participants can choose to explore the town of Bumthang on their own or take an elective hike around a part of the valley.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 50 miles, approximately 3 hours riding time with stops along the way. The elevation in Trongsa is 7,215 feet. Walk on uneven steps and stairs inside and outside the museum. Standing over 1/2 hour in the museum. 10-minute walk to the Trongsa Dzong on uneven ground and steps. Walking and standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we’ll return by motorcoach to the Trongsa area. We will visit the Trongsa Watchtower Museum with the Group Leader. This newly consecrated museum is located in the 300-year-old renovated watch tower overlooking the Trongsa Dzong below. The museum provides a glimpse of Bhutan in the last 100 years with two galleries showcasing the history of monarchy in Bhutan with many royal possessions. The ancient monument showcases some of the rare and priceless artifacts of the Kingdom.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Trongsa.
Afternoon:
We will walk through the alley of what used to be a medieval village, now Trongsa Dzong, sitting high above the Mangde River. The Dzong is the ancestral home of the royal family. Tradition dictates that the crown prince serves as the governor of Trongsa prior to ascending to the throne. We will then drive to our next hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 80 miles, approximately 6 hours riding time with rest stops along the way. The elevation in Punakha Valley is 4,430 feet. The hike to Chimi Lhakhang and return is more than an hour on gentle slopes, uneven steps and dirt trails through rice terraces. Walking and standing up to 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Following check-out, we have a scenic motorcoach drive to Wangdue Phodrang and the Punakha Valley, renowned in Bhutan for its rice farming. Both red and white rice are grown along the river valley of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu, two of the most prominent rivers in Bhutan.
Lunch:
In a local village with a view of rice paddies.
Afternoon:
We will go on a walk through rice fields in the tiny village of Lobesa to Chimi Lhakhang (the Temple of the Divine Madman) located on a small hilltop. This temple is famous for its fertility blessings. It is dedicated to the great 15th-century Yogi, Lam Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman”. Lam Drukpa Kuenley preached in a way that ignored the general stiffness of clergy and society of the time. He dramatized his teachings using songs and outrageous sexual humor. Chimi Lhakhang is a popular pilgrimage spot for Bhutanese people. The temple is frequently visited by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Private motorcoach, 1 hour drive to trail head. Hiking 2 miles, up to 2.5 hour hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Stupa and return (half a mile of the hike is a steep ascent/descent with switchbacks). Hike on uneven ground through rice terraces, slippery when wet. Private motorcoach 15 minutes drive and 10 minutes walk to Punakha Dzong crossing a wooden cantilever bridge. Steep wooden ladder and uneven steps. About 1 hour exploring the dzong. Walking and standing up to 4 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll take a pleasant hike through rice fields to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Stupa. This magnificent stupa was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother for the wellbeing of the Kingdom and to the benefit of all sentient beings. It was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in a changing world. Built over a period of many years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters and sculptors consulted holy scriptures, rather than engineering manuals, to construct this four-story temple. From Khamsum Yueley Namgyal, we can enjoy stunning views of the beautiful Mo Chhu river valley below.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a hot picnic lunch.
Afternoon:
We will go on a field trip to the Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country and a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions. It is situated between the two rivers, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (Male River and Female River respectively). Punakha Dzong served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for more than three hundred years until 1955 when Thimphu became the capital.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach, driving 70 miles, approximately 3-4 hours riding time to Paro with stops along the way. Elevation in Paro is 7,382 feet. Walking about 1/2 mile in Paro, walking and standing up to 2 hours; paved footpaths and roads with open drains and uneven steps. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Checking out of the hotel, we will depart on the picturesque drive to Paro. Enjoy the journey with scenic views of the Bhutanese landscape, including mountains, valleys, and forests.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant en route.
Afternoon:
We will continue the journey to Paro via the Dochola Pass. Upon our arrival, we’ll explore Paro’s small town center with our Group Leader. The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Those who wish may choose to visit Paro Dzong, which was the setting for the Bernardo Bertolucci film ‘Little Buddha,’ starring Keanu Reeves.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 9 miles, under 1/2 hour riding time. This is an all-day hike involving steep climbs and drops, with an elevation gain of 1,900 feet under 3 hours. The hike is strenuous, and you must be physically fit to complete it. For those unable to complete the full hike, there is an option to hike halfway to a viewing point at a tea house.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After an early breakfast, we will drive on the motorcoach to the trailhead. Here we will commence on a strenuous but rewarding hike to view the spectacular and famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The trail to the Monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest, where many of the trees are festooned with lichens. We’ll walk past an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We will hike at a leisurely pace, and those who choose to can stop midway at a tea house for rest and refreshment.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our hike further up until the imposing Taktsang Monastery is seemingly within reach. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. It is believed that, in the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche—the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan—landed here on the back of a flying tigress to subdue a demon. Guru Rimpoche is believed to have meditated here for three months. Over the centuries, numerous Buddhist Masters have meditated here as well. It is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and our flight to Kathmandu in the morning.
Activity Note
There is no programming today. Morning flight from Paro to Kathmandu (1 hour) is prebooked for all participants on the program. In Kathmandu, participants will be provided a hotel room for the full night due to late-night and possible next-day departures. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will transfer to Paro airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we transfer to the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. There will be no scheduled activities on this day.
Lunch:
On our own. The hotel has several dining options to choose from.
Afternoon:
We will check in at the hotel. Participants will be provided a hotel room for the full night, due to late night and possible next day departures. Flights from Kathmandu typically depart in the evening today or early tomorrow morning.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Late evening departure to the airport for your return flight home. For those of you flying out tomorrow, the hotel is booked for the night. Check-out is 12:00 Noon tomorrow. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon for those with later departures from the program.
Morning:
Hotel check-out 12:00 noon today for those with later departures from program
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