Bhutan 2022 – Nepal Trip Extension

with Amazonia Expeditions Trip Leader Edward Yount

November 5-November 10, 2022 (6 days 5 nights)

This trip is available for $1790 per person, with a 15-traveler limit.

We look forward to guiding you on this adventure! 

Group Size: 15 Traveler Limit

Difficulty: Moderate

Interested in joining us for this cultural experience? Let us know here!

Trip Highlights

Kathmandu – Paro – Thimpu – Punakha – Paro

The highlights of the trip include:

 

  • Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang).

  • Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627

  • Taktsang Monastery, one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor

  • and more…

November 5

Arrive at Paro/Thimphu, Bhutan

  • After breakfast in Kathmandu, transfer to the Airport to connect flight to Paro (1-hour flight). On arrival in Paro drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive).
  • The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel (7611 ft / 2320 m).
  • In the afternoon drive to visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).Accommodation: Hotel Kisa / Phuntsho Pelri / Similar

    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

November 6

Explore Thimphu

  • Enjoy visit of Thimpu including following: National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile Museum, and the Folk Heritage Museum.
  • Lunch is followed by a city tour that includes: Memorial Chorten, and colorful handicrafts shops. Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoe Dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.Accommodation: Hotel Kisa / Phuntsho Pelri / Similar

    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

November 7

Thimpu to Punakha

  • Drive to Punakha (3.5-hour drive) with a short stop at Dochula pass (10,105 ft / 3,080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, beautiful peaks can be seen from this pass. Visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
  • Continue drive to Punakha the former capital of Bhutan and still the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). On arrival in Punakha, transfer to hotel (3937 feet / 1200 m). Later enjoy visit to Punakha Dzong.Accommodation: Meri Puensum Resort / Damchen / Similar

    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

November 8

Punakha / Paro

  • Return to Paro (4.5 hour drive). On the way, enjoy excursion to Chimi Lhakhang temple. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. After the visit, Continue drive to Paro
  • Paro – Is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only airport. On arrival in Paro, transfer to the hotel. Later I the day enjoy visit to some historical sites (Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong) and take a visit to a local Bhutanese farmhouse and family.Accommodation: The Village Lodge / Tashi Phuntshok /Similar

    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

November 9

Tiger’s Nest

  • Today we will enjoy an excursion to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). This is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip
  • Later drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.
  • While return to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

     

    Accommodation The Village Lodge / Tashi Phuntshok /Similar

    Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

November 10

Paro Departure/Return to Kathmandu

  • Early in the morning, transfer to the Airport to connect to flight back to Kathmandu.Meals: Breakfast

    End of Services

Reserve Your Expedition Today!

Deposit – $500

$1790 per person in double occupancy room

Single room supplement $250

 

Airfare Supplement:

Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu – Airfare cost is $500.
(Airfare Cost is subject to change)

Contact us about this.

 

NOTES:

  • Itinerary subject to changes only if beyond our control
  • Reservation made with a deposit of $500 per person
  • Balance is due by August 1, 2022
  • Payment can be made by credit card on our PayPal site

Cancellation Policy: 50% of cost up to 120 days before departure. Purchase of travel and evacuation insurance is required.  https://buy.travelguard.com/TGI2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink&arc=51868&agentlinkasp=yes

This Trip Includes:

  • Double twin room on sharing basis
  • Daily breakfast
  • All ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary using Non – Ac Vehicle
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Packed Picnic Lunch at Yamdrok
  • Bhutan Visa
  • Monument entrances
  • Currently applicable taxes

This Trip DOES NOT Include:

  • Any airfares
  • Any expenditure of personal nature such as drinks, tips, laundry, telephone charges etc.
  • Any new tax imposed by the Govt.

 

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

What Our Guests

Have to Say…

Erika

Our time in the jungle was an absolute highlight on our trip to Peru! Truly amazing! …Again, we had the most wonderful time. Almost more than words can say. The jungle and the Tahuayo Lodge hold very special places in our hearts and CAN NOT WAIT to return. Thank you again for offering such an amazing trip.

Renee

Our trip was INCREDIBLE. The lodge was great, the food was amazing, and the staff were all so friendly. We loved our stays at the B&B, the main lodge, and the ARC.

Tia & Paula

It was incredible and a trip of a lifetime Paul! My sister Paula and I had an amazing time and loved everything — your facilities and staff are top notch and I want to come back with my husband and daughters!!

Estefani Mishel Maytahuari

Mishel got her degree in tourism from Nauta Institute in 2016. After working as a guide with other companies, Mishel came to study with Amazonia Expeditions as a training guide in 2023. Mishel was promoted to head guide in 2025.

Leyner Arian Ijuma

Leyner got his degree as a tour guide in 2010 at the Nauta Institute and came to work at Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. He has biological field work experience from supporting Nicholas Gardner of the University of Florida who he helped study the adaptations of birds in seasonally flooded igapo forests. Birding is one of Leyner's strongest skills.

Julio Pacaya

Julio finished his studies as a tour guide at the Nauta Institute in 2016 and came to work as a training guide with Amazonia Expeditions in 2021. He was promoted to head guide in 2023. Nature photography and birding are among Julio's strongest skills. Julio is fluent in English and French, as well as his native tongue of Spanish.

Claudio Huayllahua Sánchez

Claudio was born and grew up in El Chino Village on the Tahuayo River. He studied primary school in El Chino and continued his education in Iquitos, earning a technical degree from SENATI Institute. He started working for Amazonia Expeditions in 2014 as a field research assistant with several biologists and as an assistant guide. Claudio was promoted to head guide in 2017 and is our camping and jungle survival specialist.

Hersog Chavez Yuyarima

Hersog first got the idea of becoming a guide after watching the tourist boats going by his village every day. He was fascinated that tourists would come to see his home and he loved the way that the guides he saw did their work. He knew that someday he wanted to be just like them. Hersog studied at technical school for 3 years leaning the basics of guiding. After graduating, Hersog worked as a guide for several years working with Peruvian tourists, later coming to work for Amazonia in 2017. Hersog was promoted to head guide in 2019. He has worked as a field research assistant in the study of the elusive pygmy marmoset. Hersog is known for his sharp eyes and his unique stories about the jungle.

Lander Juan Peña Ramirez

Lander was born in the remote jungle community of Santa Victoria. His boyhood dream was to become to best jungle guide in the Amazon. Lander studied at a local institute for several years where he learned basic English and the foundations of the being a tour guide. Later he worked for several years at other jungle loges as a guide, honing his skills as a survival camping guide. Lander came to work for Amazonia Expeditions in 2017 and along with a strong interest in birding and fishing is also one of our lead camping and survival guides.

Aladino Jr. Hidalgo

Aladino was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River and attended school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. During this period, Aladino worked with his father as a trailblazer, assisting primate researchers who came to study at a local field station. Afterwards, he moved to Lima where he worked for several years while studying guiding & English. Upon returning in 2019, he was hired by Amazonia as a field assistant and actively supported researchers studying giant river otters, pygmy marmosets, and various bird species. He then joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was later promoted to head guide in 2022.

Jhony Hidalgo

Jhony was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. He attended primary school in his home village and high school in the community of “Valentin” on the Tahuayo River. Jhony later pursued further studies in Iquitos, where he obtained a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. After graduating, he worked at the Amazon Rescue Center in Iquitos (CREA), guiding visitors to the center. In 2021 he joined Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2023.

Sila Hidalgo

Sila was born and raised in El Diamante Village along the Blanco River. She attended primary school in Diamante village and high school in the community of “El Chino” on the Tahuayo River. Her family moved to El Chino so Sila could attend high school, as it was the closest village offering secondary education. Later, Sila joined our Angels (AoA) scholarship program to further her education in Iquitos, where she earned a guide degree from the Milagro Fe & Alegria Institute. She completed her internship at Tahuayo Lodge. After graduating, Sila began her career with Amazonia Expeditions as a guide assistant and was promoted to head guide in 2022.

Welister Perez

Welister grew up in the small community of Padre Cocha just outside of Iquitos City. He lived there for most of his life, and later worked at several jungle lodges before starting at Amazonia Expeditions. Welister has proven himself as both a talented jungle man and team player with an eagle eye for spotting wildlife. After several months of training with Amazonia he was promoted to a head guiding position in 2017.

Javier Anibal Alván Arévalo

Javier has worked at the Amazonia Expeditions lodges for 10 years, starting as a young teenager as an assistant in building repair, then moving up to motorboat pilot, then camping assistant and assistant guide, and after passing his guide exams with high grades was promoted to head guide in 2014. Javier is also our Canopy Zipline specialist and has taken professional certification classes in Costa Rica. Javier is also a fishing specialist and is beloved by families with children.