Signature: Bhutan & the High Himalayan Valleys Adventure Tour

Venture through the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," where ancient spirituality and modern mindfulness converge in the high Himalayas. From the winding trails of the Tiger's Nest to private audiences with governance insiders, discover a nation defined by its heritage. Connect with local artisans and monks to witness the living soul of Bhutan.

What is the group leader like?  

All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?  

Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement

What are the modes of transportation on my trip?  

Private Vehicle, Walking

What meals are included in this trip?  

7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners

How large will the group be?  

Max 22

Where will we stay during the trip?  

Hotels (7 nights)

Who should I contact in case of an emergency?  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS

G Adventures Local Representative (Bhutan):
Ms Wangchuk Dem - (Primary Contact)
From outside of Bhutan: +975 17 747 428
From within Bhutan: 17 747 428

G Adventures South Asia Manager, Sorab Jassawalla (Delhi, India)
From outside of India: +91 88 5180 6614
From within India: 88 5180 6614

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 394 5416
Calls from UK: 0800 041 8146
Calls from Germany: 0800 181 9454
Calls from Australia: 1 800 204 905
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 424 389
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

Who will be leading the group?  

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert

What happens if I experience problems when arriving?  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your Expedition Leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

What instructions should I follow at the finishing point?  

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $250 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

What should I take on my trip?  

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 15kg/30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.

What are the joining instructions?  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Upon arrival travellers will be met and transferred from Paro Airport to their joining hotel. Please look for the G Adventures sign when you enter the arrival lounge. If you run into any problems please contact our airport transfer representative at this number, +975 17 747 428.

Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your Expedition Leader This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your Expedition Leader and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don't see a note, please ask reception for details!

If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your Expedition Leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

What should be on my packing list?  

Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

How much spending money do I need for my trip?  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What are the main highlights of this trip?  

Gain rare insight into Bhutan's future during a private discussion on the visionary Gelephu Mindfulness City with the project's coordinator, Engage with contemporary Bhutanese culture at VAST, joining artists for a roundtable on how modern creativity blends with traditional symbolism., Cross the country's longest suspension bridge before sharing a home-hosted lunch with a local family in the Punakha Valley, Receive a private longevity blessing from monks at Taphu Monastery in the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, Hike to the legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery, followed by a farewell dinner and traditional masked dance performance in Paro.

Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Should I be tipping on my trip?  

On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day.

For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Asia to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.

What activities are optional on this trip?  

No optional activities

Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the Expedition Leader, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?  

When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means covering shoulders and no very short shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. Shorts should be knee-length.

What rules should I know before joining this trip?  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our Expedition Leader have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

What are the trip specific safety considerations?  

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

How old must I be to join this trip?  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

How can I share feedback about my trip experience?  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Are international flights included in this trip?  

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your National Geographic Signature Specialist or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

What is the maximum number of travellers on this tour?  

Max 22.

Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Contemporary Art Visit at VAST, Thimphu
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Thimphu
Signature Moment: Mindfulness City Discussion, Thimphu. Arrival transfer. Orientation walk to Centenary Farmers Market. Visit Buddha Statue.Hike & visit the Wangditse Monastery. Visit to Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Center. Discussion on Geluphu Mindfulness City (GMC). Visit to Dochula Pass. Chimi Lhakhang hike & visit the temple. Wander around Punakha town & local market. Punakha Dzong visit. Farm lunch with local family. Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery. Gangtey Valley Excursion. Taphu Monastery visit. Jangsa Electrical Museum visit. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. Departure transfer. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader and Expert. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles.