Bhutan
Take in the harmonious culture of one of the world’s most isolated countries and explore natural landscapes, sacred sites, and the dramatic Himalayas.
Overview
A journey into the clouds
Nestled among the thick forests of the Himalayas lies one of the world’s most isolated countries, Bhutan. Home to a people with a thoroughly unique culture, Bhutan is also filled with architectural and artistic treasures few tourists ever see. The country’s transition from absolute to constitutional monarchy and its development of a Gross National Happiness Index as an indicator of a country’s priority over Gross Domestic Product make it a fascinating place to visit.
With many of its traditions steeped in Buddhism, Bhutan highly values nature and was even the first country to enforce environmental protection through its constitution. Even the name “Bhutan” refers to the sound of the thunderstorms rolling through the Himalayan mountains.
Dates
October 15–28, 2024Duration
14 daysPrice
From $12,995
Trip size
20 participantsMinimum age
18 yearsFaculty leader
A different kind of classroom
With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.
Erik Jensen
Stanford Law School
Director of the Rule of Law Program at Stanford Law School, Erik’s scholarship and fieldwork focuses on bridging theory and practice, and examines connections between law, economy, politics, and society.
Itinerary
A journey through the Himalayas
First opened to tourists in 1975, Bhutan has made great efforts to preserve its distinctive culture and way of life. Visit remote villages where beautifully painted traditional wood houses dot the hillsides and learn about subsistence farming and herding. Take in incredible valley views as we drive along Bhutan’s highest roadway, the Chele La pass, and hike through pine forests festooned with Spanish moss to reach the famous Taktsang monastery. Everywhere, see evidence of Vajrayana Buddhism, the state religion of Bhutan that permeates all aspects of Bhutanese culture.
Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok and spend the night at the airport hotel before an early group flight the next morning into Bhutan.
Accommodations:Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
Included meal: DinnerBangkok, Thailand / Paro, Bhutan / Thimphu
Early this morning, fly over the eastern Himalayas to Paro, then drive to the country’s capital, Thimphu. Stop at the Buddha Dordenma Statue, a giant, 169-foot Buddha that overlooks the valley and holds 125,000 miniature Buddhas within its bronze cast. Then visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to view Bhutan’s national animal, the rare goat-antelopelike takin. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel.
Accommodations:Le Meridien Hotel
Included meals: Lunch and dinnerThimphu
Join students and teachers for their daily school assembly, then drive to Cheri Monastery, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site that was established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. Return to Thimphu for a special evening with Bhutanese dignitaries and scholars.
Accommodations:Le Meridien Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerThimphu / Punakha
After a stop at the weekend market this morning, depart for Punakha, pausing at Dochula Pass (some 10,200 feet above sea level) to view its 108 chortens, or stupas, small relic-filled religious monuments. Descend into the Punakha Valley and walk through rice paddies to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century fertility pilgrimage shrine. Late this afternoon, stop at modern Sangchhen Dorji Lhendup Nunnery, then explore Nobgang, the native village of Bhutan’s queen mothers.
Accommodations:Dhensa Resort
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerPunakha
Today we hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a monument built by the royal family that’s festooned with colorful images. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley, then take a raft trip on the Mochu River. Explore the labyrinthine 17th-century Punakha Dzong, winter fortress of the Je Khenpo, chief hierarch of Bhutanese Buddhism.
Accommodations:Dhensa Resort
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerPunakha / Trongsa
A scenic full day’s drive takes us into central Bhutan. Pass picturesque villages and forests, crossing the 11,000-foot-high Pele La Pass. Visit the Chendibji Chorten, built in the style of the famous Bodnath Stupa of Nepal, before descending into the Trongsa Valley to Trongsa, ancestral home of the Bhutanese royal family.
Accommodations:Puenzhi Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerTrongsa / Jaka
Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Trongsa River. Inside the Ta-Dzong (“Watchtower”) Museum, admire relics and artifacts belonging to the royal family. Drive to Jaka in the Bumthang Valley, stopping in the village of Zungney to visit the Yathra Weaving Centre, where yathra, a distinctive woolen cloth, is woven by hand.
Accommodations:Gongkhar Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerChoekhor Valley
Explore Choekhor Valley, where cultural and religious traditions have changed little over time. Hike along the Chamkhar River, stopping to visit the 15th-century Thangbi Temple. Continue hiking to Ngang Lhakhang village with its 16th-century “Swan Temple.” Also visit two of Bhutan’s most sacred sites: Jambay Temple, said to be one of 108 temples built on a single day in 659 C.E., and Kurjey Lhakhang, which contains the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan. Stop at a traditional country house to see how puta (buckwheat noodles) are made and to sample ara, the locally brewed rice wine.
Accommodations:Gongkhar Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerTang Valley
In the morning drive to Tang Valley to visit the Ogyen Choling Palace and Museum, which provides a look at Bhutanese life over the last 200 years. Return to Jakar and observe a demonstration of Bhutanese cooking. Alternatively, watch the 2003 Dzongkha language film, Travellers and Magicians, the first feature film shot entirely in Bhutan.
Accommodations:Gongkhar Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerJaka / Paro
Fly to Paro and enjoy free time to explore the town, then observe teams practicing archery, Bhutan’s national sport, during a fascinating demonstration of skillful shooting interspersed with cheering, jeering, and singing.
Accommodations:Le Meridien
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerParo
Drive to Cheli La, a mountain pass with stunning views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Hike past chortens and prayer flags to Kila Gompa, the oldest nunnery in Bhutan, where the nuns live in self-imposed isolation. Return to Paro and visit Paro Dzong, one of the most beautifully situated fortresses in Bhutan and the primary location for the movie, Little Buddha.
Accommodations:Le Meridien
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerParo
Today, hike to the famous Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”) Monastery, where an 8th-century Indian mystic is said to have arrived on the back of a flying tiger after bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. At an elevation of 10,000 feet and clinging dramatically to a cliff some 3,000 feet above the valley floor, the monastery is one of our trip’s highlights. Celebrate our adventure at a farewell reception and dinner this evening.
Accommodations:Le Meridien
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinnerParo, Bhutan / Bangkok, Thailand
Depart on a flight to Bangkok, arriving in the afternoon, and check in to our airport hotel.
Accommodations:Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Included meal: BreakfastBangkok / Home
Catch return flights headed home.
Included meal: Breakfast
Trip details
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“The trip was well conceived. Stanford's connections with people in Bhutan and excellent local guides meant we received terrific information. ”
—Richard Paul, JD ’73
Pricing
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The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.
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