Magical and Mystical Bhutan!

(Women's Trip with Men by Invitation Only)

Spring 2024 - Exact dates still to be finalized. Check back for updates!

Welcome to the magical and mystical mountain kingdom of Bhutan! Girls on the Go invites you to join us in exploring Bhutan, the Hidden Kingdom of the Himalayas. This enchanting journey with like-minded women promises to be an experience of a lifetime. Men are welcome by invitation only.

Bhutan is a spiritual oasis, noted for its guiding principle of “Gross National Happiness” that puts the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of its people ahead of economic gain.

Our small group will explore this tiny nation nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas with our English-speaking Bhutanese guide. Enjoy special opportunities to meet the friendly locals, learn about their religion, culture and traditions, all timed perfectly to participate in the annual Paro Tsechu, the King’s Festival. You will have the freedom to explore the markets, craft bazaars and temples, enjoy hiking to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, participate in a cooking class, and experience an overnight stay in a traditional Bhutanese home, and more!

SAMPLE ITINERARY

1 :Arrival inParo (elev. 2,250 m), then transfer to Thimphu: Settle into your boutique hotel, then take an exploratory walk around the local market place, where you’ll visit the local craft bazaar, offering up an abundance of genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts. (Overnight in Thimphu)

2 :Sightseeing tour of Thimphu, including the Pangri Zampa monastic school, Simply Bhutan Heritage Museum, Zorig Chusum (the Arts and Crafts, or Painting School), lunch in a local eatery, Kuensel Phodrang (home to the largest statue of Buddha in the country), and Taschichho Dzong, the center of government and religion. (Overnight in Thimphu)

3 :Scenic drive along a spectacular winding road from Thimphu to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. After lunch in Trongsa, we visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece in Bhutanese architecture. Then on to Bumthang through lush valleys and hilly forests, stopping along the way at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang. (Overnight in Bumthang)

4 :Sightseeing in Bumthang, a deeply spiritual region of Bhutan. Today we visit several temples (Lhakhangs) like Jambay, Kurje and Tamshing. While here we also visit Jakar Dzong, which was built in the 15th century as a monastery, and the very famous Wangdichholing Dzong which was constructed as a private residence in 1857 for Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyel, a legendary Bhutanese warrior. (Overnight in Bumthang)

5 :Scenic drive from Bumthang to Punakha via Wangdue: This valley is the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost here during their annual migrations. After reaching Punakha, we also visit Punakha Dzong, which was built between 1637-1638 and is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. (Overnight in Punakha)

6 :Sightseeing of Punakha: Early morning, take a short hike up through fields of chiles and cabbages to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. Enjoy the commanding views across the Mo Chhu River and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. After lunch, embark on an excursion to the village of Talo – located just above Punakha Valley. Built on a plateau with majestic views across the valley, this charming village showcases beautiful farmhouses where flowers, corn and sweet peas are grown in abundance.

Following this you will visit the Nalanda Buddhist College— spend the afternoon enjoying buttered tea overlooking a spectacular view and interacting with local monks. You will also take a short drive to the hilltop overlooking the vast paddy fields and vibrant orchards to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple) which houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig Chagtong chentong). (Overnight in Punakha)

7 :Scenic drive from Punakha to Haa Valley for farmhouse stay and cooking class: After an early breakfast enjoy a dramatic drive (approx. 4 hours including scenic stops) over the high mountain pass of Dochu La (3,080m) to Haa Valley passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees. The journey continues over the 3,080m mountain pass where on a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests where you will stop briefly at Dochula Pass to take in the grand vista of eastern Himalayan Range. On the way, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Tonight enjoy a cooking class and overnight stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

8 :Scenic drive to Paro to celebrate Paro Tsechu (Kings Festival): Ornate costumes…impressive masks…magical dance performances…beats of drums…the imposing sight of the Bhutan Paro Festival is something beyond imagination! Enjoy the masked dances and other sacred rituals that take place during the festival celebrated to commemorate Guru Rinpoche, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan. The Paro Tsechu Festival is a wonderful opportunity for insights into Bhutanese traditions and values. (Overnight in Paro)

9 :Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: 4-5 hours hiking (Optional activities include a helicopter ride or exploring on your own). After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to Satsam Chorten, stopping en route at the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

On arrival at the trailhead, embark on a walking excursion to Taktshang Monastery – one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. Enjoy lunch at the base of Tiger’s Nest before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. We’ll share highlights of our Bhutanese adventure over a celebratory dinner. (Overnight in Paro)

Note: Due to its location, the only way to get to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery is on foot. On average it takes 4-5 hours to do the round-trip hike; a reasonable level of fitness is required.

10 :Departure day: After all the fun and excitement, it’s time to bid farewell. Our representatives will escort you to the Paro International Airport. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to organize this trip of a lifetime for you…we wish you a safe and happy journey ahead!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Pick up and drop off between hotel and airport by a private luxury vehicle

• Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels on a twin/double sharing basis

1. Thimpu: Namseling Boutique Hotel or Tara Phendeyling Hotel or Pedling Hotel & Spa or Dorji Elements (All these hotels are inside the city)

2. Bumthang: Yu-Gharling Resort & Spa

3. Punakha: Hotel Pema Karpo or Hotel Lobesa or River Valley Hotel

4. Farmhouse: Standard room on a twin/double sharing basis.

5. Paro: Mandala Resort or Tenzinling Resort 

• Full board meals - standard breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & snacks

• Licensed English-speaking Bhutanese tour guides

• Private transportation throughout the tour

• All entrance fees to museums and monuments

• Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee

• Cultural afternoon/evening sessions with traditional masks and folk dances (with beverages)

• Educational talks with local experts

• Village walks

• All internal taxes and fees

• Mineral drinking water

• All government taxes and official expenses

NOT INCLUDED:

• International Airfares

• Travel insurance including medical (required)

• Your personal expenses

• Tips (at your discretion)

*Itinerary/hotels subject to change at the tour operator’s discretion

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JANE OR ELISE AND

MENTION "ED'S AMAZING TRAVEL ADVENTURES"!

Contact email: hello@girlsonthegodestinations.com

website: https://www.girlsonthegodestinations.com/bhutan-2022

PRICING FINALIZED SOON!

MAY WE SUGGEST…

Consider a visit to neighboring Nepal or Tibet pre- or post-trip. Our tour company specializes in those destinations and we’d love to arrange that for you!