Bhutan by Grade: From Whirlwind Tours to the World's Toughest Trek

From cultural deep dives to high Himalayan journeys, this is the ultimate guide to travelling in Bhutan. In a country rich with fascinating history, d... Read more
Bhutan by Grade: From Whirlwind Tours to the World's Toughest Trek

From cultural deep dives to high Himalayan journeys, this is the ultimate guide to travelling in Bhutan. In a country rich with fascinating history, dramatic landscapes and deeply rooted traditions, it can be hard to know where to start. This is our way of helping you find your ideal Bhutan adventure.

Steeped in legend and framed by the Himalaya, Bhutan has something for everyone - from culture lovers and gentle walkers to those seeking more challenging mountain journeys. Here are our adventures, grade by grade.

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For Gentle Walkers & Culture Enthusiasts

Festivals of Bhutan | Grade 2

We’ve been going to Bhutan for over 30 years and we absolutely love it, which is why we’ve created this 10 day tour as the ultimate way to show you everything, which captured our imaginations, from the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery near Paro to the remote Tang Valley. On every departure of this adventure, you’ll have the chance to experience one of Bhutan’s famous festivals, an integral part of Bhutanese culture.


Highlights of Nepal and Bhutan | Grade 2

The ultimate guide to the Himalaya, this adventure also explores the best of one of the other parts of the world, which holds a special place in our hearts: Nepal. A 2-week itinerary will show you a glimpse of Nepal’s mysterious ‘middle-hills’ region and the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna, before joining the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and jetting off to Bhutan where more marvels await. Expect beautiful relaxed walks and more unforgettable sights than you could have dreamt of.

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For Intermediate Trekkers & Cultural Explorers

The Druk Path Trek | Grade 4

Our ‘best of both’ adventure, this trip connects the two cities of Paro and Thimphu by following an ancient route, combining a short and sweet 5-day trek with some of Bhutan’s most incredible sights. You’ll camp beside mountain lakes and experience trekking in the Himalaya and there are plenty of cultural insights either side with sightseeing in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

Black Necked Cranes and Royal Orchid Trek | Grade 4

The Royal Orchid trek takes us into a beautiful, rural part of Bhutan, often referred to as ‘the last Shangri-La’, where you'll stay as honoured guests of Drongthang Village. This is the home village of many of our Bhutanese guides, which is what makes this experience all the more special. The trek is combined with a visit to the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of the rare Black Necked Cranes.

Experts estimate that fewer than 800 cranes exist in the wild and every year they make an incredible journey from Tibet across the Himalaya to reach this small valley in Bhutan – it’s such an event that there’s even a festival dedicated to the arrival of the cranes. It's also worth noting there's an element of luxury as you camp on this trip; expect safari tents, raised beds and maybe even a shower or bath!

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For Experienced Trekkers & Himalayan Highs

The Laya Trek | Grade 7

We think it’s fair to say that on a list of the world’s greatest treks, the Laya Trek is fairly high up there. An iconic journey from Paro to Thimphu via Laya and the Punakha Valley, few other journeys combine such stunning scenery and impressive peaks with such a unique cultural experience. This circular trek takes you to Laya Village, the highest inhabited village in Bhutan, where you’ll meet the people who live there and on certain departures attend the Royal Highlander Festival, Bhutan’s most remote festival.

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For the ultimate Himalayan adventurer

The Snowman Trek | Grade 11

Quite possibly the greatest trail on Earth, and most definitely one of the toughest, the Snowman Trek is a truly unique journey and the ultimate mountain challenge. You’ll cross 11 passes above 4500m, including 5 over 5000m, and visit the mountain kingdom of Lunana, one of the remotest inhabited valleys in the world. With unsurpassable views and fabled mountain villages, this is the holy grail for seasoned Himalayan trekkers.

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