Bhutan is one of the only places on earth built around a simple idea: happiness matters. Not the “vacation high” kind, the real kind. Nestled high in the Himalayas between China and India, the Bhutan government doesn’t measure success by GDP; instead, they measure GNH: Gross National Happiness. That belief shapes everything from how communities are built, how land is protected to how tourism is managed, favoring depth over volume.
This tour is an experience-rich journey, filled with exclusive access and meaningful moments. All activities, lodging and meals, private guide and in-country transportation are included. We will:
- Share meals with locals and a government official to discuss how Bhutan chooses (and measures) happiness
- Rejuvenate with forest bathing, herbal massage, hot stone baths, astrology readings, sacred dances and ceremony
- Learn from monks and elders
- Cook with prestigious Bhutanese chefs
- Play (or watch) softball with Bhutan’s women’s team
” The volume of direct access to Bhutanese people was exceptional every day.”-Christine T.
Personally led by Kim Orlando, founder of SheBuysTravel and a 20-year travel veteran, this small-group Bhutan journey offers rare access to experiences most travelers never see.
Travel Beyond the Ordinary
Dates: October 18-25, 2026
This bespoke journey is designed for travelers (16+) who:
- Value cultural exchange over consumption
- Prefer exclusive experiences to drive-by sightseeing
- Enjoy space for reflection, learning, and connection
- Want all experiences included
- Appreciate gifts from local artisans
Beyond the Ordinary Itinerary
Where you will travel: Paro, Haa Valley, Hidden Bhutan, Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
DAY 01: Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport. Our first stop will be at Dungtse Monastery to receive welcome blessings and a spiritual cleansing from the high lama, before making our way to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan (about a 1 hour drive.) Once in town, we’ll take time to immerse in Bhutanese culture by observing (or joining) nuns in prayer at a local nunnery. Afterward, we’ll conclude the day with dinner
DAY 02: Haa Valley, Hidden Bhutan
A quiet, sacred, and deeply traditional region.
We travel into the high mountains toward Haa Valley, stopping at Chelela Pass to hang prayer flags and take in the stillness of nearly 4,000 meters. Lunch is shared in a family home, where we taste hoentay (buckwheat dumplings), unique to Haa while elders speak about heritage, land, and oral tradition. We continue on foot into the forest to reach the hidden Haa Sangwa, where the day unfolds with gentle welcomes, healing baths, sacred dance, and a candlelit dinner by fire, ending under the Himalayan night.
Melodye G. loved the dancers. “It was wonderful.”
With a unique food culture unlike anywhere else, Bhutanese cuisine offers a variety of choices and a very unique taste. Restaurants and farm homes serve locally sourced organic farm produce, making every meal a fresh and healthy one (Bhutan has committed to being the first nation in the world to go 100% organic).
Bhutan is the only carbon negative country in the world, and the Bhutanese are dedicated to keeping it that way. The Comfort Camp is luxurious, fully solar-powered and keeps an environmentally-friendly waste policy to reduce or completely eliminate waste from the site. The Comfort Camp was made with design-forward textiles made by hand in Bhutan.
Day 03: Thimphu
The morning begins with yoga and forest bathing, followed by time learning traditional crafts and fishing in a glacial river with locals. We hike ancient paths through the Haa Valley before continuing to Thimphu. Lunch is shared with female youth softball athletes, offering a meaningful glimpse into daily life and connection to the community.
Baseball and softball are new to Bhutan and a huge hit! In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a casual, friendly game of co-ed softball with some of Bhutan’s young players.
Tina D. loved meeting the young players : “They were absolutely wonderful and I’m still in touch with a few on social media.”
“The young ladies were amazing and inspirational.”- Pam K.
Day 04: Thimpu
Today is devoted to Bhutanese culture as lived and practiced, beginning with a visit to one of the world’s largest sitting Buddha statues and the Dechenphu Tsechu festival. A traditional cooking lesson introduces how food supports health and balance, followed by lunch made together and time exploring local markets and women-led design ateliers. The day ends simply, with space to reflect.
DAY 05: Punahka & The Himalayas
We travel east to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass for Himalayan views and time in the meditation caves overlooking the valleys below. At Lamperi Park, we plant tree saplings with Green Bhutan before continuing to lunch and a walk to the Chimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple. The landscape softens as we descend, marking a natural shift in pace and place.
Day 06: Punahka
Overnight: Zen Punakha
The day opens with an easy hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery and a gentle rafting journey along the glacial river. We explore Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Bliss, and share lunch with Dasho Tshering Dorji in conversation about Bhutanese values. As evening falls, we cross the suspension bridge and gather at a local farm home for song, firelight, and a home-cooked meal.
“Wonderful! Great experience to get to talk to him (Dasho Tshering Dorji).” – Melody G.
Dasho Tshering Dorji was elected as a Member of Parliament in the National Council for the last two terms and served as the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council in his last term. Prior to his election in the Parliament, he was a Lecturer at Sherubtse College, Royal University of Bhutan.
“Dasho” is a title similar to the title “Sir” in British Monarchy.
DAY 07: Paro, Wellness
We return to Paro and enjoy lunch in a centuries-old farm home before arriving at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, a place designed entirely around restoration and stillness. Each guest receives a personalized herbal consultation, with treatments drawn from traditional Bhutanese medicine to support balance, sleep, and recovery after time at altitude. The afternoon unfolds at your own pace, with quiet spaces, mountain views, and care tailored to what your body needs.
“Excellent place and intended for multiple days with depth participation.: – Christine T
Day 08: Paro, Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Hike to the sacred Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery in search of the cave where Guru Rinpoche (the founder of the monastery) meditated. We set out early for the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest, to one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. Time is reserved inside the monastery, including entry into the sacred cave beneath it. Returning to Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, treatments are again customized to help the experience settle—physically and emotionally, whether through herbal therapies or traditional hot stone baths. The journey closes with rest, reflection, and a farewell dinner shared as a group.
Christine T. didn’t experience the hike but said, “I was there at the base but never hiked. The feeling of delight among those entering the forest, and returning was palpable. I can confirm this is an important and exceptional opportunity.”
After a picnic lunch we will have some time to relax and shop in Paro.
“Loved the luxury stay- Melody G.”
Day 09: Paro
- Breakfast at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary.
- Airport transfers to Paro International Airport. Departures to Laya and Merak.
Tour Price: $8,895
Deposit: $850
Contact: Kim Orlando at [email protected] or (203) 912-9099 with any questions and to register. Space is limited to 12 guests.
What’s Included
- All activities described in the above itinerary
- Private local guide, professional driver, and touring van
- Airport transfers and ground transportation in Bhutan
All accommodations (3*–5* + luxury tented camp)
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Sustainable development fee (helps to support social and environmental wellness in Bhutan). Mandatory $100/day for all visitors.
- Flight booking assistance
- Tree sapling to plant. Bhutan’s constitution requires that over 60% of its land always remain forested.
Experiences, wellness treatments and ceremonies
All entrance fees and permits
- Visa protocols
Thoughtful gifts along the way
What’s Not included
- Airfare
- Airport transfers in connecting country cities (i.e., Bangkok, Delhi, etc.)
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Single Supplement $3,100
**CLICK HERE FOR SHEBUYSTRAVEL BHUTAN TOUR CANCELLATION POLICY
There are no direct flights from the US or Europe to Bhutan. We recommend flying to Delhi or Bangkok and connecting from there. It is best to arrive at the gate for the flight to Bhutan at least 3 hours before departure. Flights to Bhutan are available 1-2 times per day. They usually depart in the morning. Our local partner is happy to help arrange all or part of your flight itinerary at no additional cost beyond the rate published on the airline’s website. If arranged through them, they will also provide dedicated support if the flight experiences any delays or cancellations. We can also arrange a hotel night stay should you prefer to arrive into Delhi or Bangkok a day early.
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