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 Ancient monasteries, verdant valleys, and The Tiger’s Nest await. Embark upon gay journey through the hidden and harmonious valleys of Bhutan, a kingdom of ancient culture, mystical monasteries, and timeless traditions. Today, Bhutan is famous for measuring success by the happiness of its citizens, rather than national affluence. The charming capital of Thimphu blends modernity with classic Bhutanese architecture. We’ll visit Dochula Pass en route to Punakha Dzong, the former capital, then Gangtey Monastery in the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Our tour culminates at Paro Taktsang, AKA The Tiger’s Nest, a sacred Buddhist monastery overlooking the Paro Valley.
• Hike to Paro Taktsang monastery, aka The Tiger’s Nest
• Explore Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu
• Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking Thimphu valley
• Enjoy spectacular views at Dochula Pass on the way to Punakha Dzong
• Hike the Phobjikha Valley en route to the Gangtey Monastery
• Traverse lush paddy fields and timeless villages on a bike tour to Chuzom
• Take part in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse dinner
Day 1
Kuzu zangpo la – welcome to Bhutan! Upon landing in Paro, a private transfer will escort you to the capital, Thimphu. After checking into the hotel there will be a Group Meeting followed by a welcome dinner.
Hotel: Terma Linca Resort & Spa, Thimphu, 4*
Day 2
Dobro delek (good morning)! Today is devoted to exploring the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. We begin at the vibrant exhibit of intricate fabrics at the National Textile Museum, then we’ll browse a rich assortment of stamps at the newly opened postal museum, and finally we’ll explore the Jungshi Handmade Paper factory, which produces traditional Bhutanese paper from the Daphne bush. After lunch, we’ll visit Memorial Chorten, a massive statue of Buddha Dordenma that overlooks Thimphu Valley. Afterwards, we’ll discover the impressive Trashichhoe Dzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion,” which is also the centre of government and the site of the monarch’s throne room. Our day ends with a whimsical visit to a Bhutanese handicrafts market. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together.
Hotel: Terma Linca Resort & Spa, Thimphu, 4*
Day 3
After breakfast, we’ll take a private transfer toward Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,050m/10,006ft) to enjoy the spectacular view. The “Druk Wangyal” chortens were built here, 108 monuments that commemorate each Bhutanese soldier martyred in a 2003 insurgency. Upon arrival in Punakha we’ll tour Punakha Dzong. This impressive structure was the former capital of Bhutan and is currently the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. Inside the dzong, we’ll marvel at the intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls, and beautiful religious paintings on the walls and doorways. After a riverside lunch, we’ll continue on a short walk through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the “Divine Madman”). Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together at the hotel.
Hotel: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha, 4*
Day 4
Today begins with a challenging yet rewarding hike (4-5 hours, 10km/6.2 miles) to the ornate monastery Khamsum Chorten. After a pause to appreciate the structure, we’ll forge onward, passing by lush forests, neighbouring temples, and quaint rice paddies to arrive at the 300-year old hilltop temple Giligang. It’s been taken care of by the same family for generations and features a stunning view of the valley below. If we’re lucky, the residents may offer us some ngaja – a traditional milk tea. From there, we continue to Khamsum Yulley, a monastic retreat and place of worship. We’ll end our day by joining the evening prayer at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple and Nunnery before we return to our hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Hotel: Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha, 4*
Day 5
After breakfast, we’re off to the Gangtey Monastery. Built in 1613 in the serene Phobjikha Valley, it’s renowned as the winter home of the rare Tibetan Black Necked Crane. We’ll head back to the resort for lunch, then explore the valley and its two rivers, Nakay Chu and Gay Chu (the serpent and the boar). We’ll also interact with locals and learn about their culture along the way. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Black Necked Crane Center to marvel at these rare and revered Himalayan birds.
Hotel: Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Gangtey, 3*
Day 6
Wake up to a 2-hour hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a verdant winding path through bamboo and pine forest to Khewa Lhakhang, a 15th-century Tibetan-style structure. Inside, we’ll find 3 statues representing past, present and future Buddhas. With our appetites worked up, we’ll stop for lunch at a nearby resort. This afternoon, we’ll drive to the Nyelung Drachaling Dzong, a watchtower overlooking the Phobjikha Valley. Tonight, we’ll enjoy some free time at the resort with dinner included.
Hotel: Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Gangtey, 3*
Day 7
This morning, buckle up for a 4-hour drive to Thimphu, where we’ll stop for a local lunch. Afterwards, take an optional (but included) 1.5-hour bike ride through lush paddy fields, old-growth forests, and traditional villages from Thimphu to Chuzom. Then we’ll rejoin our transport, and anyone who opted out of the bike ride, and forge onward to Paro, the home of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. After we check in to our resort, we’ll head to a local farmhouse for a special dinner in traditional Bhutanese outfits, with the option to relish a hot stone bath afterward. Did someone say hot stone bath?!
Hotel: Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paro, 4*
Day 8
Rise and shine! Today we reach the pinnacle of our adventure with a 5-hour hike to Paro Taktsang, a.k.a. The Tiger’s Nest. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m (2,952ft) above the Paro valley, it’s recognized as a most sacred place and visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. We’ll grab an included lunch, admire the monastery from a lookout, then visit the monastery itself. Here, we’ll pause to reflect on our achievement and marvel at the mythical cave within this cultural icon. We’ll then head back to our hotel with a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Tonight we’ll savour traditional Bhutanese fare at a private Farewell Dinner.
Hotel: Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paro, 4*
Day 9
There are no activities planned today until your complimentary departure transfer. Safe travels home!
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• Arrival & departure transfers to/from joining/finishing point hotel
• An LGBTQ+ host and an English-speaking local guide throughout
• Breakfast daily, 7 lunches, 8 dinners
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All land transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with bottled water available on the bus
• Gratuities for hotel porters, drivers, and guides
• Bhutan visa fee.
• Daily Government Royalties and Taxes
• International airfare
• Optional activities, meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Gratuities for Group Leader (budget approximately $60-$70 USD)
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers in order to obtain Bhutan visa. Must be provided 90 days prior to departure.
• COVID-19 rapid tests, or any expenses related to a guest contracting COVID-19.
Bhutan Visa
We will facilitate your Bhutan visa, however, it is your responsibility to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the trip finishes. In order to process your visa we will require the following details no less than 90 days prior to departure: a clear copy of your passport, a scanned passport photo, and a copy of your travel insurance that meets our minimum requirements.
Culture Shock
Typically, Bhutanese people greet others with a slight bow and open hands to show respect. Handshaking is not common. Public displays of affection are rare by couples of any orientation in Bhutan, so travellers should be respectful and avoid them.
Local LGBT Scene
Bhutanese people consider homosexuality to be “non-Bhutanese.” There is no LGBTQ scene in Bhutan.
Weather
The ideal seasons to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally pleasant with clear skies, making it suitable for outdoor exploration, trekking, and visiting cultural sites. The average temperature is around 18C/64F during the day and may get as low as 7C/45F at night. We recommend being prepared for the possibility of rain by packing multiple layers including waterproof outerwear.
Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements for Bhutan, there are no mandatory vaccinations. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for Type E, F, and G sockets.
Connectivity
All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. If you require connectivity, we recommend purchasing an international data plan or local SIM card (with an unlocked device). Even with a SIM card or roaming plan, coverage may be weak.
Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on this tour. At a minimum, your travel insurance must include medical coverage of US$50,000 and emergency repatriation coverage of no less than US$200,000.
Physical Preparedness
This tour is rated 3-3.5/5. All guests must have a good level of health, and all tours involve uneven steps or stairs, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time.
Meals
All meals on this trip are included except for 1 lunch.
Money
The local currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN). We recommend carrying local currency, however credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. We recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used in case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.
Tipping
Gratuities are included for hotel porters, drivers, and day guides but not for your local group leader. More details will be provided with your final trip documents.
What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.
Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded folks. Whether we’re sitting around a campfire or indulging in five-star decadence, our goal is to make the experience magical. We also support the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations whenever possible, and seeking out authentic local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by an LGBTQ+ (or LGBTQ+-welcoming) Out Adventures guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture.
Starting Point Hotel
Terma Linca Resort & Spa, Thimphu
Located in Thimphu, Terma Linca Resort and Spa is in the historical district and on the waterfront. Simtokha Dzong and Trashi Chhoe Dzong are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Motithang Takin Preserve and Jigme Dorji National Park.
Get your trip off to a great start with a stay at this property, which offers free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Conveniently situated in the Babesa part of Thimphu, this property puts you close to attractions and interesting dining options. Rated with 5 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and fitness center on-site.
Finishing Point Hotel
Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paro
Located thirty minutes from Paro International Airport, Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa is a luxury retreat where the comforts of man and the presence of nature combine for a peaceful escape in the hills of Bhutan. Nestled on the edge of the national forest and the quiet Ngoba Village, Naksel derives its name from the Dzongka translation of 'Forest,' which is only fitting for this Himalayan sanctuary.
The main lodge and surrounding cottages of Naksel rests on more than six acres for forest land, at 2700 meters above sea level.
All rooms at Naksel is traditionally designed in Bhutanese craftmanship with modern amenities. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV with multi cable channels, own tea and coffee maker and a safe deposit box.
All rooms boast of unparalleled views of Mount Jumolhari, Taktsang Monastery, Sangachoekhor Monastery, and the Paro valley below.
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