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 five 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 Thimphu's boisterous and colorful tscechu (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 Tuesday, September 27, 2022

  • Check in at Suvarnabhumi Ville Airport Hotel (see Our Accommodations below)

  • 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

  • Morning on your own.

  • Group airport transfer and early afternoon flight to Paro, Bhutan

  • Arrival in Bhutan, group transfer to hotel

  • Afternoon walking tour through Paro

  • Group welcome 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: 12,795ft

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: 13,484ft

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

  • Visit Jungshi and Chorten Memorial

  • Transer to hotel

HIKING SUMMARY

  • Elevation loss: 4,429ft

  • Distance: 6.2 miles

  • Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Lodging: Norkhil Hotel in Thimphu

DAY 9: THIMPHU

  • Tashicho Dzong visit

  • Thimphu Tsechu festival & mask dances

  • Picnic lunch and market visit at Tashicho Dzong

  • 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: Dhensa Boutique Hotel in Punakha

DAY 11: PUNAKHA

  • Punakha Dzong visit

  • Afternoon prayers at Wolakha nunnery

  • Dinner at Hotel

Lodging: Dhensa Boutique Hotel 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.

Norkhil Hotel

Doe Bum Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

Tel. +975 2 330356
Norkhil Hotel

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.

Dhensa Boutique Hotel

Punakha, Bhutan

+975 2 584434 reservations@dhensa.com
Dhensa Boutique Resort

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 motif is simplicity as the understated interiors flow naturally onto the balcony and the surrounding forest.

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 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)

    • Seven nights of luxurious boutique accommodations in Bhutan, 1 night in Bangkok

    • 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, and camp cooks to prepare all camping 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