BHUTAN TRIP FOR WOMEN
CONSCIOUS JOURNEY IN BHUTAN – PURE EXPERIENCES IN THE LAND OF HAPPINESS
Bhutan, nestled between China and India in the eastern Himalayas, is a Buddhist kingdom often described as the Shangri-La of modern times – boasting breathtaking natural beauty and warm, welcoming people. It is a culturally and spiritually rich country where human relationships and Buddhist values are more precious than economic indicators. Here, “Gross National Happiness” is the official measure of the country’s development, personally supported by the King of Bhutan. Few embark on this extraordinary journey to the mystical kingdom, and those who do quickly realize: there is no place in the world quite like it – so pure, unique, and magical.
Nearly half of Bhutan’s population are women, who traditionally hold strong positions in society. In the South Asian region, they stand out for their social status, economic rights, and roles within family and community life. While less visible in public decision-making, most important decisions are made collaboratively with their input. Bhutanese family structures are flexible – the head of the household can be a woman or a man, depending on where the natural center of strength lies. Women often serve as this central force – the source of the family’s balance and energy.
This journey is designed specifically for women. Throughout the trip, there will be ample time for rest, excursions, city tours, visits to traditional villages, and hands-on craft activities such as weaving, as well as meaningful human connections and opportunities to form new friendships.
DETAILS
Travel
Travel to the destination is self-arranged and not included in the price, but from the moment you decide to join, we walk beside you, helping you choose the gentlest way to reach your destination.
We calculate your footprint, explore flight-free possibilities, and guide you toward options that honor both your adventure and the Earth. Because the way you arrive is already part of the journey.
Price
4950 EUR
Deposit: 40% = €1,980 upon registration.
Second installment: 60% = €2,970 due 30 days before the trip.
The participation fee does not include the airfare.
The participation fee also includes a €50 donation, half of which goes to a local Bhutanese women’s organization, and the other half to a women’s advocacy organization in Hungary.
Accommodation
Thimphu – 2 nights
Gangtey – 2 nights
Punakha – 2 nights
Paro – 2 nights
Dates
November 2026
March 2027
(10 days / 8 nights)
Available spots: 12/12
Maximum group size: 12
The trip requires at least 8 participants to depart. If the group is smaller, the paid amount will be refunded or can be transferred to another trip according to the contract terms.
Plan B. B as in Bhutan
Day 1 – Thimphu: Harmony of Tradition and Modern Life
- Our journey begins with one of the world’s most spectacular mountain flights. Flying over the southern foothills, we gradually approach the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, before descending through a stunning valley to Paro. As the valley suddenly opens before us—with rice fields, villages, and the runway along the river—many describe this flight as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Upon arrival, our guide will welcome us, and we continue to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where tradition and modern life coexist in remarkable harmony. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city on a leisurely walk or relax at your accommodation.
In the evening—time permitting—we visit Tashichho Dzong, home to the King’s throne room, government offices, and the central monastic body’s summer residence.
- Accommodation in Thimphu
Day 2 – Traditions and Moments in Thimphu
- Today we explore Bhutan’s unique capital, Thimphu, where everyday life naturally intertwines with tradition. We take our time to discover the city slowly, allowing space for mindfulness and genuine experiences.
- The day begins at the monumental Buddha Dordenma statue perched on a hilltop, offering stunning views over Thimphu. From there, we continue to a family-run weaving workshop, where we can observe up close how Bhutanese textiles are created and learn the stories behind the patterns.
- Next, we visit the Memorial Chorten, where locals spend time praying, chatting, and sitting in the sunshine – a perfect opportunity for us to slow down and feel the rhythm of Bhutanese life. At the art school, we glimpse the daily lives of young creators, and at the Royal Textile Museum, we deepen our connection to Bhutan’s rich craft traditions.
- During the day, we also visit a handmade paper workshop, following the traditional process of papermaking from start to finish.
- The highlight of the evening is a truly special experience: a shared cooking session and dinner with Aum Kesang Choden, who originally trained at the Indian Police Academy and served for 23 years with the Royal Bhutan Police as one of the country’s first female police officers. Her passion for Bhutanese cuisine and desire to preserve traditional dishes led her to forge her own path, becoming a respected self-taught chef with decades of experience. As the founder of Chuniding Food – which includes a restaurant and artisanal food shop – she works to preserve and reinvent authentic Bhutanese cuisine using local, organic ingredients.
The day ends with free time for relaxation or an evening stroll.
Accommodation in Thimphu
Day 3 – Mountain Passes, Monastery, and Himalayan Views
- After an early breakfast, we set off toward Phobjikha, ascending the Dochu-la Pass (3,088 m) where we make a short stop. Here we can admire the pass adorned with stupas, mani walls, and prayer flags, while – in clear weather – enjoying breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. With a bit of luck, we may even catch sight of Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkar Puensum.
- Our journey then continues to Wangdue Phodrang, where we stop for lunch, followed by a long, winding drive through the valley. Following the picturesque Dang Chhu River and crossing the Pele La Pass, we reach the hidden beauty of the Phobjikha Valley.
- In Gangtey, we visit the 16th-century Gangtey Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking the valley and serving as one of western Bhutan’s most important spiritual centers. The monastery is the heart of the Peling Buddhist tradition and was originally built as a place for spiritual teachings.
Day 4 – Nature and Spiritual Tranquility
This morning, we explore the Gangtey Nature Trail, one of Bhutan’s shortest and most beautiful hikes. The path begins beside the prayer wall on the northern side of Gangtey Monastery and ends at Khewa Lhakhang Temple.
The trail winds gently through green meadows, lined with pine trees, offering views of the opposite village of Semchubara. We slowly cross the Bara Chhu River, where the babbling stream meets the peacefully meandering Gangtey Monastery, then pass the lower part of Bara village and a solitary stupa. Continuing on, we reach the edge of a marsh where cranes rest during the winter, and at the Crane Centre, we learn more about these graceful, shy birds. With some luck, binoculars may allow us to spot them in their natural habitat.
The afternoon is free for rest, or for those who wish, further exploration of the valley on foot.
Accommodation: in Gangtey
Day 5 – Dzongs and Joyful Legends
- This morning, we travel from the Wangdue Phodrang Valley back to the Punakha Valley. Along the way, we stop at the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, dedicated to the 16th-century monk known as the “Divine Madman.” This eccentric and playful monk is famous for his legendary stories, and during our visit, we can feel a touch of his joyful spirit.
- After lunch, we visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as a religious and administrative center for the region. Over the centuries, the dzong has survived four fires and an earthquake, but the current king has ensured its full restoration. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, it occupies a strategic location and still serves as the winter residence of the monastic leadership and the administrative center of Punakha.
- Accommodation: in Punakha
Day 6 – Local Life: The Daily Lives of Bhutanese Women
- This morning, we travel to a nearby village and spend half a day on a Bhutanese family farm to experience firsthand the daily life of women in the countryside. A typical day in Bhutanese households begins with prayer and water offerings at the family altar, followed by household chores: feeding and milking the cows, preparing meals, getting the children ready for school, doing laundry, gathering firewood, and carrying water. Depending on the season, the housewife works in the garden or rice fields, dries vegetables for winter, and cleans and processes rice and grains.
- We will also visit a farm owner and prepare the day’s Bhutanese lunch together – an unforgettable experience and team effort for all participants.
- In the afternoon, we travel to the northern end of the beautiful Mo Chu Valley, from where a 30–40 minute walk leads to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Stupa, a recently built memorial site. The temple sits atop a hill, offering stunning views over the Mo Chu Valley, with rice fields and forest along the way.
- The rest of the day is free for relaxation.
- Accommodation: in Punakha
Day 7 – History and Art in the Heart of Bhutan, in Paro
- This morning we depart for Paro, crossing the scenic Dochu-la Pass once again. Upon arrival, we check in at the hotel, and after lunch, we travel to the northern end of the valley to visit the National Museum, where we can explore Bhutan’s ancient artworks, weapons, coins, stamps, and a smaller natural history collection.
- Next, we visit the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, built in the 7th century, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred shrines. The temple consists of two parts: the first was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, and the second was constructed in 1968 by the Bhutanese Queen Ashi Kesang in the original style, adjacent to the existing temple.
- The remainder of the day is free for walking around the charming town or relaxing at the hotel.
- Accommodation: Paro
Day 8 – Tiger’s Nest, Baths, and Traditions
- This morning we head to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched breathtakingly on a cliff 900 meters above the valley. According to legend, in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew here from Eastern Bhutan on the back of a tiger and meditated in the cave for three months, giving the monastery its name. The main temple of the current complex dates back to 1692. Although it was destroyed by fire in 1998, careful restoration over several years has brought it back to its former glory. The pilgrimage to Tiger’s Nest is a lifelong dream for many.
- Upon arrival, we enjoy stunning views of the valley and the cliffside temple. Lunch en route is a simple vegetarian meal at a mountain cafeteria.
- For those who prefer a lighter experience, several options are available:
Base area visit: Relax, take photos, and enjoy the tranquility of nature at the area below the monastery.
First viewpoint: A short walk up to the first viewpoint and back, followed by refreshments at the Monastery Café while taking in the panoramic views of the temple and valley.
- After the trek, we drive a short distance to a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath (Dotsho), where we can relax and socialize. The stones are heated in a fire, and herbs such as black wormwood are added for their reputed healing properties.
- To close our Bhutan journey, there’s an opportunity to dress in traditional Bhutanese attire (Kira and Tego) and attend a colorful, live cultural performance featuring both modern and traditional folk dances, mask dances, and songs, in which we can also participate.
- Accommodation: in Paro
Day 9 – Departure from Paro
- This concludes our journey in Bhutan, filled with new experiences and memories, as we begin our journey home – carrying many new adventures with us.
Utazási ajánlat tartalma
Price includes
- Guide,
- Local guides
- All transfers
- Daily Bhutanese tax
Cancellation Policy
Up to 90 days before the Bhutan trip: 50% of the paid amount is refundable
60 days before: 30% of the paid amount is refundable
Within 30 days: the paid amount is non-refundable, but the trip can be transferred to another participant
Price does not include
- Airfare
- Baggage fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips according to local custom, amounting to 50 EUR/person, paid in cash to drivers and local guides (collected at the start of the trip by the Hungarian group leader)
- Some dinners (where specifically indicated)
- Optional personal expenses
- Shopping, souvenirs, entrance fees
- Single room supplement
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