BHUTAN & Nepal

APRIL 2026
7 day itinerary
Socotra

The Last Shangri-La Awaits

Dates: 24th – 30th April 2026
Cost: €2,395
Countries: Bhutan (& Nepal)

Optional Nepal add-on:  30th April – May 3rd
Cost: €400

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in one of the world’s most mysterious and magical kingdoms!

We’re absolutely thrilled to announce our very first group trip to Bhutan. The Land of the Thunder Dragon 🐉

Imagine this: hiking to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging impossibly to a cliff face, witnessing ancient festival celebrations with masked dancers and traditional music, exploring valleys dotted with prayer flags fluttering in mountain winds, and staying in traditional farmhouses where happiness truly is measured differently.

You’ll feast on authentic Bhutanese cuisine, sip butter tea with locals in festive spirits, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, and discover why this carbon-negative kingdom is considered the happiest place on earth.

Bhutan can feel absolutely overwhelming to tackle solo. It has strict tourism policies, cultural protocols, and remote mountain locations. But with our group? You get to experience all the magic without any of the stress, visa complications, or cultural confusion.

Come join us in April 2026!

What’s Included

Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee ($100 / day)

Visa fee

All domestic transport

All accommodation

Airport pick-up on the day trip starts

Airport drop-off on the day the trip ends

All Activities, as listed

All Meals, as listed

International leader

Expert, local tour guide

Excluded

Personal expenses

International flights

Travel insurance

Tips for guides

Accommodation

Throughout our stay in Bhutan, we will stay in a mixture of 3-star hotels and homestays.

All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.

All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms. 

Itinerary

Day 1 - Paro

Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon!

You’ll arrive at Paro International Airport and we’ll explore the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of Heaped Jewels), a massive fortress-monastery that’s considered one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.

We’ll visit the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower that offers incredible views over the valley, and discover Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.

Meals Include: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 - Bumthang

After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic domestic flight to Bumthang Valley, known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.

We’ll visit the ancient Jambay Lhakhang temple, said to be one of 108 temples built in a single day by a Tibetan king and explore Kurjey Lhakhang where the body print of Guru Rinpoche (who brought Buddhism to Bhutan) is preserved in a sacred cave, making it one of the most holy sites in the kingdom.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Domkhar Festival

Get ready for one of the most authentic cultural experiences of your life!

We’ll witness the incredible Domkhar Festival. Masked dancers performing ancient ritualistic dances that are believed to cleanse evil spirits and bring good fortune to all who watch.

You’ll have a picnic lunch while watching the celebrations and spend the afternoon at the mystical and holy site of Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake).

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Day 4 - Punakha

An early start takes us through stunning mountain passes to Punakha, the old capital, with a stop at the imposing Trongsa Dzong (Fortress of the Vanguard of Warriors), which served as the seat of power for Bhutan’s royal family and is considered the most strategically placed fortress in the country.

We’ll cross the spectacular Pelela Pass at 3,420 meters, traditionally marking the boundary between western and central Bhutan and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Punakha Valley

Explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, strategically built at the confluence of two rivers and serving as the winter residence of the monks.

We’ll walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge (160 meters!) that sways gently above the rushing river while offering stunning views of the dzong below.

We’ll drive to Thimphu via the famous Dochula Pass and visit the Choki Traditional Arts School where students master the 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan, and see the massive Buddha Dordenma statue.

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery

The moment you’ve been waiting for! We’ll hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. This 5-hour adventure is absolutely breathtaking and completely unforgettable, ending at what many consider the most sacred site in Bhutan.

We’ll finish the day learning traditional Bhutanese archery, the country’s national sport where participants wear their finest traditional dress and celebrate each bullseye with elaborate dances and songs!

 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

Day 7 - Departure Day

After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through the magical land of Bhutan.

Safe travels and we hope to see you again on another adventure!

 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itinerary Note:

This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!

I’m Ready! How Do I Book?

Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Bhutan? Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments due 2 and 3 months before departure. Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan that works best for you. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!

Why can’t I find flights into Bhutan?

There are two Airlines that operate flights into Bhutan’s main airport, Paro International (PBH), Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Between the two, there are daily flights to and from Kathmandu and Bangkok, and regular flights from Dubai, Singapore, Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdogra, Delhi, Kolkata, Bodhgaya and Guwahati).

We recommend booking your return journey to one of these hubs and then an onward return journey to Bhutan. We will provide you with plenty more details regarding flight paths upon booking.

How many people are on the trip?

This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.

Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!

Why Are Deposits Non-Refundable?

The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip. 

We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.

What about my other payments? Are they refundable?

All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.

Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.

How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?

All meals are included in the itinerary; however, you may want to purchase snacks, which will be reasonably priced. Since Bhutan is a predominantly Buddhist country, alcohol can be quite expensive and isn’t always readily available. Expect to pay €8-15 for imported beer and €15-25 for wine or cocktails when available. For souvenirs, Bhutan offers incredible handwoven textiles, traditional crafts, and blessed items from monasteries. Budgeting is based on personal spending habits, but these authentic treasures are definitely worth it!

How does tipping work?

To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of €60–100 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.

For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.

How physically demanding is the Trip?

This trip includes the famous Tiger’s Nest hike, which is moderately challenging (5 hours total, with breaks and rest stops). However, the rest of the trip is designed to be accessible to everyone in good health.

The high altitude (up to 3,400 meters) may affect some people, so a basic fitness level will help you enjoy the experience to the fullest. Most activities include moderate walks and visits to cultural sites.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Absolutely! An interesting fact: the Bhutan government prohibits killing animals for food, but eating meat is not illegal, so they import meat. Bhutanese cuisine offers plenty of variety beyond its famous spicy chillies, and we can accommodate most dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and vegan options. Please inform us of your specific dietary needs in advance so we can ensure they are met.

What if I want my own room? 

We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.

That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What are the health and vaccination requirements?

There are no required vaccinations to enter Bhutan. However, it’s always wise to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Due to the high altitude (some areas reach 3,400+ meters), please consult your healthcare provider if you have any heart or respiratory conditions. We also recommend bringing altitude sickness medication as a precaution.  Additionally, it’s recommended to consider vaccinations for MMR, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, and yellow fever (if travelling from a country with yellow fever risk). Please consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.

Who’s leading the trip?

Janet will be leading this trip.

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