Bhutan – The Hidden Kingdom

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Signature Journey

9 Days / 8 Nights

$5,995 Adult* / $5,695 Child*

Uncover a Shangri-La tucked deep into the Himalayan Mountains. A behind-the-scenes journey that showcases this mystical kingdom.

The Experience

For any world traveler, Bhutan is the ultimate destination. Nestled in the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains, this is a country that has withstood the pressures of modernity. Bhutan is the last great Himalayan kingdom and a place where traditional Buddhist culture meets an society that prides happiness and sustainability as their central philosophies. This is a land where ornate monasteries and traditional villages sit amongst a landscape of pristine Himalayan forests.

The Discover Corps journey through Bhutan is one that will take through Bhutan’s culture, history and stunning natural landscapes. Experience the breathtaking Phobjikha & Punakha Valleys where meadows, mountains and serene wildlife all come together. Explore traditional villages meeting with Buddhist monks, visiting local schools and learning to make Bhutanese cuisine with a local chef. Gaze in awe at Tiger’s Nest, a stunning monastery built into a cliff. Each night, rest in our portfolio of luxury lodges and experience true Bhutanese hospitality.

A High-End Cultural Immersion in the Himalayas

We’ve sourced some of the best local guides to introduce you to this once-in-a-lifetime destination. Meet with inspiring local leaders, artists and musicians which only Discover Corps has access to.

Our Impact

A trip to one of the world’s most culturally protected civilizations would not be complete without spending time with the locals. Our journey will take us to a village school where you’ll meet with students and teachers to see how modern the education system is in Bhutan. Meet with a master guru to see how important spirituality is Bhutanese culture. In the capital, Thimphu, visit the Gross National Happiness Center and learn why Bhutan is deemed the Happiest Country on Earth. Along the way, we’ll share meals with some of the most inspiring thought leaders in the country today – from rising artists and musicians to a group promoting women’s empowerment through the country’s first and only women’s magazine.

Where You’ll Stay

We have hand-picked a portfolio of high-end, boutique lodges for your stay in the kingdom. Begin the journey at the luxury, 4-star Hotel Druk nestled in the relaxed and elegant capital of Thimphu. Continue on to the verdant Phobjikha Valley where we’ll stay at the Dewachen Hotel & Spa, a property encircled by pine forests in the heart of the valley. Continue to the 24-suite luxury Dhensa Boutique Resort in Punakha and end the trip in Paro’s Naksel Boutique Hotel. Experience true Bhutanese hospitality in this 4-star high-end retreat nestled on the edge of a national forest adjacent to a small Bhutanese village. On our pre-night in New Delhi, we’ll stay at a 5-star property next to the airport.

Itinerary Overview

The trip begins with one night in New Delhi, India where you will stay at a 5-star hotel next to the airport. The next day, catch a short group flight to Bhutan and begin our epic journey through the kingdom. Visit traditional temples and tea houses, meet with a group of Buddhist monks and learn why Bhutan is the happiest country on earth. Savour the slow pace of life that the Bhutanese are known for.

Continue to the magical Phojikha and Punakha Valleys in Bhutan’s countryside. Visit a local school, meet with community leaders and visit the country’s most iconic monasteries. We’ll even learn to make Bhutanese cuisine during a cooking class with a master chef. End the journey back in the Paro Valley venturing up to Bhutan’s most famous temple – Tiger’s Nest. Depart back to New Delhi on the final day for our final journey back home.

Your Expert Local Guide

Discover Corps’ expert family of guides around the world are by your side throughout the journey. Please note that the actual guide may vary from date-to-date.

Pelden Leki

Pelden is one of Discover Corps’ expert guides in Bhutan. After working as a music teacher for many years, Pelden decided to leave and travel around his home country of Bhutan. It was at this very moment that he realized how much he loves the excitement of getting up each morning and not knowing exactly how the day would unfold and the surprises and pleasures it would bring. Pelden loves working and learning from people, spending time and playing music with them. With almost ten years of leading tours under his belt, Pelden is excited to show you the wonders of Bhutan.

Traveler’s Journal

Bhutan was our dream destination and #1 on our bucket list – but we knew there were strict rules for visiting so we reached out to Discover Corps to help us plan a trip for our family of 4. Discover Corps’ trip was our most memorable vacation EVER! They made sure we checked off our boxes and went over and above what we expected. We got to see beautiful monasteries and have lunch at farm houses with locals who explained that all the ingredients came from their own small farms. We met fascinating people, visited a local school and saw a side of Bhutan I would never have been able to plan myself! Bhutan is a destination like no other, the people are the most welcoming and the experience with our kids are forever memories. However, none of this would have been possible without Discover Corps.

Krishan J.

New York City, NY

Read More Discover Corps Reviews

Rating: 5/5 stars

Dates and Prices

Our trips are inclusive of all activities, lodging, transport and most meals to make your experience hassle-free.

$5,995* Adult

$5,695* Child

  • Double Occupancy Price. Children’s pricing applies to travelers 16 years old and younger sharing a room with an adult *
  • Single Room Supplement = $995 *
  • Note: Even if you opted not to pay the SRS, if we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you then you will be required to pay the SRS at a later time *
  • *Price does not include a mandatory $750 round-trip flight and visa supplement. This includes round-trip flights between New Delhi and Paro as well as the visa required to enter Bhutan.

What’s Included:

  • Double-occupancy lodging in Bhutan at 4-4.5 star hotels for 7 nights
  • All meals throughout the journey in Bhutan
  • One night lodging at 5-star hotel next to New Delhi, India International Airport along with Airport Meet & Greet and transfers.
  • Expert Bhutanese guide to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
  • All reliable transportation with experienced drivers
  • Admissions and entrance fees to national parks and other scheduled events throughout the trip
  • Meetings with interesting local and cultural leaders throughout the trip
  • The mandatory Sustainable Development Fund tariff required by all tourists entering Bhutan
  • $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Discover Corps pre-departure support including full service visa processing
  • Turnkey customer support from preparing for your trip to arrival back home

What’s Not Included:

  • Tips for Discover Corps guide and driver
  • Meals during the New Delhi portion of the trip
  • International Airfare
  • $750 round-trip flight and visa supplement into Bhutan

Dates

Our intimate, small-group departures consist of like-minded travelers. Don’t see a date that works? Want to make it private? Schedule a personal travel consultation and we’ll make it happen.

2024 Dates

April 6-14, 2024

June 15-23, 2024

August 3-11, 2024

November 16-24, 2024

2025 Dates

April 5-13, 2025

June 14-22, 2025

August 2-10, 2025

November 15-23, 2025

Want to learn more?

Alumni & Family Discounts, Monthly Payment Plans, and More

Repeat travelers and groups are eligible for discounts. Looking for a payment plan to help manage your trip? Learn more here.

Customized Private Trips

Let us create a custom trip for your group. Learn more about custom group travel.