Bhutan: Women's Expedition

Kuzu zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan, the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’. When you arrive at Paro International Airport, you’ll be met by your female local leader and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu – Bhutan’s capital city which sits at around 2300 m (7550 ft) above sea level. Catch your first glimpses of the Thimphu Valley during the drive! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. This evening, you’ll have a welcome dinner with your group. Your accommodation tonight is at Thimphu Tower – female owner Tshering Wangmo turned what was once her family home into this hotel in the 1980s and swiftly made it her goal to empower local women and girls with job opportunities in the hospitality industry. Tshering employs girls and single mothers who don’t hold a university degree – an endeavour inspired by her own challenges being taken seriously in the hospitality industry without formal training of her own.

After breakfast, start your day with a light hike to Wangditse Monastery. The trail begins at the Sangaygang Viewpoint and winds through pine forests before reaching the monastery. Take a moment for some quiet reflection at this 18th-century temple, soaking in the views of the valley surrounding you. Have a Bhutanese lunch at female-owned restaurant Edelweiss, then visit the Buddha Dordenma – a 54-m-tall gilded bronze Buddha statue housing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. Next, stop by the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters, where you can make your own personalised postal stamps – take them home as a souvenir or send a postcard home with a special touch! The Bhutan Postal Museum showcases some of the nation’s most rare and unusual stamps, like the famous ‘talking stamps’ (tiny playable vinyl records). Later, visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre where you can watch local artisans make their wares and buy some of your own, if you wish. End your day with a visit to the Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar, browsing the 80 stalls selling traditional handicrafts like vibrant tshoglham (embroidered boots) and thangkas (intricate paintings).

This morning, head to the Gangtey Valley – known for its lush forests and meadows. Stop at Dochula Pass along the way. Sitting at 3100 m (10,170 ft), this pass provides panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, particularly on clear days. Here, you’ll also see the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (monuments) built in honour of Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Continue your drive, then stop for lunch with a view of the Punatsangchu River. Arrive at Gangtey in the late afternoon and have some free time to relax before dinner.

After breakfast, visit the Gangtey Goemba – a significant 17th-century monastery considered the centre of the Pema Lingpa tradition of the Nyingma school of Buddhism. Meet some of the monks, gain insight into monastic life and take part in a prayer ceremony. Then, go on an easy hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, crossing meadows and farmlands – keep an eye out for local wildlife like the black-necked crane and diverse flora including the ancient rhododendron. Have lunch back at your hotel, then enjoy some downtime this afternoon. Later, learn how to make Bhutan’s national dish – ema datshi (a chili and cheese stew) – at a hands-on cooking class at a farmhouse. This class will be led by local women, and your trip leader will translate for you. Sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labour, served with Bhutanese red rice. Gain insights into rural Bhutanese life as you share a meal with these women.

Start your day with a scenic drive to Bumthang (known as Bhutan's spiritual heartland). On the way, make a stop to visit Trongsa Dzong – a historic watchtower that’s now a museum showcasing Bhutan’s royal history. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way, then continue to Bumthang. When you arrive, visit the Yathra Factory – a weaving centre and shop selling textiles woven by local women, made from sheep and yak wool. End your day exploring Chamkhar Town – the centre of Bumthang, filled with bustling markets.

This morning, head to Jambay Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built around the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. After, visit Kurjey Lhakhang – a monastery where Guru Rinpoche – the founder of the Nyingma school of Buddhism – is said to have meditated. You’ll also embark on a short, easy hike through the Bumthang Valley today, before your local leader guides you in a sound bath set among the pine forests. This ancient practice uses Himalayan singing bowls and is said to ease stress.

Travel to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital, arriving in the afternoon. Visit the Punakha Dzong – a 17th-century palace located at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This grand palace served as the seat of the Bhutan government until the 1950s. After, walk across the 180-m-long Punakha Suspension Bridge – one of the longest in Bhutan. Look out over the views of the river and landscape far below you. Tonight, check into your hotel and have dinner with your group.

This morning, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This temple looks out over the Punakha Valley. Have a picnic lunch on the riverbank, then visit the hilltop Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Here, you’ll spend time with one of the nuns, sharing tea and snacks. Then, go on a leisurely walk across the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang (known as the Fertility Temple).

Drive back to Paro today, stopping for lunch on the way. When you arrive, visit Ta Dzong (the National Museum) and learn about Bhutan’s history and culture. Then, head to a female-owned farmhouse for a traditional Bhutanese cultural show. You’ll also have some time to wander around Paro – maybe browse the charming souvenir shops for a special memento to take home. This evening, take part in a spirit-making and tasting workshop back at the farmhouse, making your own Ara (Bhutan's national drink) using traditional, local methods. Later, unwind with a Bhutanese wellness tradition – a herbal hot stone bath. Have dinner at the farmhouse, then return to your hotel for the night.

Rise bright and early this morning – you’re heading out to visit Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous temple, more commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. Drive to the base of the cliff where the monastery is perched and begin the moderate hike up the cliffside. See the colourful prayer flags that line the trail as you hike and stop for lunch on the way. After your visit to Tiger’s Nest, spend the afternoon exploring Rinpung Dzong – a 17th-century fortress in the Paro Valley (AKA the ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’).

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred back to Paro International Airport. With no further activities planned, your adventure comes to an end.