Hiking Bhutan’s Hidden Hamlets
Luxury Group Travel | 14 Days | Limited to 12 Guests
- Experience rarely visited valleys in central Bhutan on a 5-day trek
- We’re welcomed like family in our longtime friend’s ancestral village
- Stunning mountains, enchanting chorten, and hidden monasteries
- Visit dzong and temples, gaining insight into history and Buddhism
- See busier hubs of Thimphu and Paro
This unique journey into an extremely remote part of central Bhutan feels like a secret celebration. Inspired by our longtime friend Karma Lotey, we hike through hidden valleys to his ancestral village, nicknamed the Takin Village after Bhutan’s national animal. Along the way, we’re treated to cultural encounters and deeply personal interactions we could never experience on our own. The focus of this journey is a five-day, horse-supported Bhutan trek, on which we ramble through tiny terraced hamlets hanging high above a river. We’re rendered speechless before enchanting chorten, hidden monasteries, and sensational views.
Trip Overview
We just returned from our trip to Bhutan and I wanted to write to let you know that apart from the fact that whole trip was excellent and extremely well organized, we really appreciated our guides, the camping support staff, and really all of the people who made our trip memorable and very special!
– LARA B.We had an exceptional trip and our guide and driver were better than excellent. We are GeoEx customers for life now
– WAYNE AND BECKY G.
1
Admire massive Himalayan peaks as we fly to Paro Meander Paro's tiny streets and brightly painted shops, as well as ancient temples set amid bucolic surroundings.
2 – 4
Fly east to Bumthang and visit sacred temples and monuments Drive to Trongsa, learn the legend of the burning lake, and enjoy lovely day hikes in preparation for our trek.
5 – 8
On a moderate, horse-supported trek to our friend's ancestral village, we hike through terraced hamlets and oak forests, cross stunning mountain passes, visit captivating chorten and farmhouses, and are welcomed by villagers with celebrations.
9
After ending the trek in Bijzam, we drive into Phobjikha Valley Alpine, temperate, and subtropical ecosystems harbor black bears, red foxes, and black-necked cranes—we keep our eyes out.
10 – 11
En route to Punakha, home of Bhutan’s holiest dzong, we explore a 17th-century monastery overlooking the lush Phobjikha hills and wetlands We wend our way to Thimphu by road.
12 – 14
Wander the bustling capital of Thimphu and hike Paro’s magical Taktsang Lhakhang Witness artisans crafting turquoise beads, textiles, and paper, and meander the colorful market Flights home depart from Paro.
MEET YOUR LEADER
Karma Lotey
Karma was born in central Bhutan, and after completing his schooling in Bhutan, went on to graduate from the University of Texas with a degree in Business Management. Karma is one of Geographic Expedition’s most senior and experienced guides in Bhutan, and has led numerous important trips for us through the years. His knowledge of Bhutan’s culture and traditions is unsurpassed, and after spending many years in the USA, he also understands our perspective.
Why trek with GeoEx?
Expertise & Safety
Trekking, especially at high elevation in seriously remote places, is thrilling and rewarding—and carries inherent risk. That’s why GeoEx insists on meticulously planning and preparing our treks, far more than most outfitters in the business.
EASY EXTENSIONS TO CAMBODIA & LAOS
If you'd like to tie in a visit to Angkor Wat's phenomenal ruins (one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements) or to Luang Prabang's serene streets and gilded temples, GeoEx destinations specialists are happy to make the arrangements.
More Hiking Trips
GeoEx has its roots in trekking, and we still love to take travelers to the ends of the earth—on foot. Explore our collection of hiking and trekking trips.
Dates & Prices
Dates
11/03/25 – 11/16/25
Pricing
Group Trip: From $10,685
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee: $1,300 per person
Inclusions
- Expertise of GeoEx’s travel specialists
- Services of GeoEx’s in-house air reservations team
- All accommodations
- All ground transportation and airport transfers
- Sightseeing, events, visits, and entrance fees
- Most meals
- Bottled water at included meals and while sightseeing
- Services of a GeoEx trip leader, local guides, drivers, porters and other trek/camp staff
- Some gratuities
- Emergency evacuation services and secondary medical expense insurance
A Journey Built Just For You
Take customization to the next level on a journey fully tailored to you. GeoEx's destination specialists will gladly tailor this existing itinerary—or build one completely from scratch—to suit your style, interests, and time frame. Contact us to see what's possible.
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