Overview
Wildlife, Culture and More
Bhutan’s landscape entertains a huge geographical diversity which gives rise to an interesting outlay of biodiversity and ecosystems entwined together with more than 770 birds, 200 mammals and 5,400 plant species.
Some of the exquisite wildlife found in Bhutan are the Tiger, One-horned rhino, Golden langur, Leopard, Snow leopard and Red Panda, and many winged residents can be observed such as Black necked-crane, White Bellied Heron, Hornbills, Barbets, and so much more.
Witness incredible rituals and ceremonies, stay in traditional Bhutanese homes, raft down stunning rivers and hear all about the amazing conservation projects in protected areas. Embark on this incredible wildlife itinerary, exploring the mythical Kingdom of Bhutan, learning and interacting with this ancient culture and taking the time to see what wildlife you can find.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Experience mesmerising cultural activities
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Search for amazing endangered and rare wildlife
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Meet the incredible people conserving wild Bhutan
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Witness ancient traditional Sharman Rituals
Inclusions
What's included
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11 nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and cultural activities
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Private guide throughout, transfers and internal flights
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Price per person based on four adults travelling
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 2
A Cultural Introduction
Arrive in Paro, Bhutan’s central hub for tourism, to a glorious display of Bhutanese culture with a welcome blessing and spiritual cleansing at a heritage home or private monastery followed by a sacred song and dance ceremony. Indulge in a lunch prepared by Aum Deki, one Paro’s best home cooks before heading off to explore Thimphu, the country’s capital and largest city. End the day with an engaging dinner with Dr. Kinley Tenzin, Executive Director of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).
Days 2 — 3
A Wild Exploration of Bhutan
Visit the Takin Preserve, Buddha Dordenma Statue and participate in tree planting prior to departing Thimphu and transferring to Changchey, Tsirang accompanied by Dr. Kinley. Along the way stop off at Dochula Pass, a mountain pass in the snow-covered Himalayas, and Lamperi Botanical Park, which is often visited by the rare and endangered red panda. Once in Tsirang, learn to cook Lhotsampa food and sample your creations at a Family Farm Home. Spend the evening witnessing an incredible local Naach Dance Ceremony by a spectacular bonfire.
Days 3 — 5
A Conservation Expedition
Start the day by touring the breeding centre for the endangered white bellied heron, ahead of making the journey to Phobjikha with Dr. Kinley. Upon arrival, visit Gangtey Monastery, one of Bhutan’s most important monasteries, as the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. Head to your evening accommodation for a bespoke dinner experience followed by an astrology reading with Tsip, a Buddhist Monk, by the light of a fire.
Get up and go with a hike along Gangtey Nature Trail, soaking up the remarkable surroundings of Phobjikha Valley. Visit the Black Necked Crane Centre and learn all about the conservation efforts for these endangered birds, meet the iconic rescue crane duo Karma and Pema. Head out into the plains with RSPN, participate in one of their wildlife projects and get up close with wild cranes.
Days 5 — 6
Head to a Birdwatchers Paradise
Depart Phobjikha and transfer to Trongsa, boasting some of the most dramatic scenery in Bhutan, surrounded by a steeply corrugated landscape. To the town's southwest lie the thickly forested Black Mountains, home to clouded leopards and golden langurs. In the area directly around Trongsa, the Mangde Chhu river has carved a sheer-sided valley where travellers sight Trongsa and its white-walled dzong. Head to Pelela Pass, one of the highest mountain passes for spectacular bird watching, keeping an eye out for a variety of beautiful species such as the Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Himalayan Cutia, and others.
Days 6 — 7
Embark on a Royal Expedition
Visit Trongsa Dzong, the longest and one of the most impressive fortresses in Bhutan, showcasing the magnificence of traditional Bhutanese craftmanship and architecture. Tour the Royal History Museum, located in an old watchtower above the Trongsa Dzong, incorporating five floors of displays telling the history of the monarchy through varied treasures. Bird watch along the way to Tingtibi, spot species like the Rufous-necked Hornbill. Keep an eye out for sightings of the golden langur monkeys, one of the world’s most endangered primates and pass wild beehives.
Days 7 — 10
Untamed Bhutanese Bush
Make the journey to Manas, where you will raft the Dagme Chhu to Panbang – admiring stunning scenery and soaring down thrilling rapids – spend the evening by a bonfire, tasting some of Bhutans best whiskeys. Spend the morning on Dangme Chhu River, visit Zarkhabla Village, and meet the park rangers of Bhutan’s oldest and most renowned park, Royal Manas National Park. End the day with shaman healing rituals, consisting of various offerings, rhythmic drumming and traditional singing by light of a bonfire.
Join the national park rangers to participate in a wildlife project, contributing to the conservation of one of the Kingdom’s most diverse protected areas and one of the world’s biologically outstanding parks. Explore the area closer to the Indian border for extraordinary wildlife sightings, if you’re lucky you may be able to spot Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, Ganges River dolphin, pangolin and the rare golden langur. Head back to Panbang Eco Camp for a night in rustic comfort.
Days 10 — 12
An Ending of Tranquillity and Serenity
Soar above the ground below passing by stunning landscapes including amazing glaciers, fertile rice fields and the beautiful Paro River meandering through Paro Valley as you hop on a scenic heli-excursion. Wonder through Paros city centre as you head to your final accommodation of the trip, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, a serene wellness retreat centred around balance through traditional Bhutanese medicine. Consult with a traditional doctor, who will then prescribe a Bhutanese herbal treatment which will balance your mind, body and soul.
Start your last full day with a hike to Bhutan’s most famous landmark, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, explore the surrounding sacred caves followed by a meditation with the resident Monks at the Monastery. Enjoy a comforting picnic in the tranquil mountainside, before ending the day the best way possible, with a soothing and relaxing traditional hot stone bath.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
