Explore the Beauty of Bhutan in Spring
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a peaceful, enchanting country tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas between its larger, industrialised neighbours, India and China. This tiny, landlocked kingdom offers you a rare opportunity to experience ancient traditions, vibrant culture, pristine landscapes, and magnificent architecture. Known to its people as “Druk Yul,” or Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan remains one of the world’s most beautiful yet least explored destinations.
With 72% of its land under forest cover—much of it untouched—the country shelters an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. Bhutan is proudly carbon negative and serves as a global carbon sink, a testament to its deep respect for nature. Hidden high among the mighty Himalayan ranges, it is a destination that even the most seasoned travellers consider a privilege to visit.
Sacred monasteries cling to cliff edges, prayer flags flutter across high mountain ridges, and red-robed monks chant in ancient temples and in the courtyards of majestic dzongs, especially during vibrant Buddhist festivals. From this rich spiritual heritage, the people of Bhutan have shaped a culture that remains timeless and deeply rooted in tradition.
The Siam Society, under the leadership of Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, is pleased to invite you to join an unforgettable 10-day cultural journey through the spring season, one of the most beautiful seasons to visit, when valleys bloom with wildflowers, forests come alive with vibrant colours, and the weather is pleasant. This well-rounded tour offers deep insight into the heart of the kingdom, where ancient monasteries, peaceful valleys, and living traditions come together in perfect harmony.
Begin in the vibrant capital, Thimphu, before venturing into the remote beauty of Phobjikha, the spiritual valley of Bumthang, and the historic towns of Trongsa and Punakha—home to some of Bhutan’s most iconic fortresses. Along the way, you will have the option to enjoy scenic hikes through pine forests, traditional villages, and serene valleys, offering a closer connection to Bhutan’s pristine nature and rural life.
Your journey concludes in Paro with a special hike to the breathtaking Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a fitting finale to a trip filled with natural beauty, rich history, and deep cultural immersion.
When
Leader
with Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri
President of The Siam Society
Booking
The tentative programme will be as follows:
| Day 1: Monday, 20 April: Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu | |
| 04:30 | Meet at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Druk Air check-in counter. |
| 07:00 | Depart Bangkok for Paro by Druk Air flight KB141. |
| 10:35 | Arrive at Paro International Airport, and take a short drive to the Kyichu Lhakhang temples. |
| – | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon: | Visit the impressive Ta Dzong, the ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum, often referred to as the only encyclopaedic museum in Bhutan, housing the country’s history and treasures such as collections of ethnography, philately, numismatics, textiles, bronze, and copperware. The museum houses over 3,000 permanent artworks that represent the cultural heritage of over 1,500 years. |
| – | Drive 1 hour to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. With an estimated population of 120,000 people, this unique city is where modern development unfolds alongside ancient traditions. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Capital Hotel, Thimphu.
(Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 metres/7,700 ft) |
| Day 2: Tuesday, 21 April: Thimphu | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Full day exploration of Thimphu, Bhutan’s exotic capital city, which is a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life. Visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Dordenma), the 54 metres Golden Buddha statue that overlooks the city, one of the biggest and tallest in the world. |
| – | Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as ‘the painting school’, which operates four to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, including painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and statue-making. |
| – | Browse the Kaja Farmers Market, where Thimphu residents mingle with villagers in a lively blend of urban and rural life. People come from outlying rural villages to this market to sell fruits and vegetables, as well as other fresh items such as chilli peppers, spices, tea, butter, and cheese. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon: | Visit the General Post Office, where you can pick out a souvenir from the collection of wonderful and unique Bhutanese postage stamps, or even get your own personalised one. |
| – | Head to the Royal Textile Academy, which showcases Bhutan’s vibrant weaving traditions and the intricate artistry of handwoven textiles. The museum exhibits a range of traditional attire, ancient looms, and exquisite fabrics made from silk and cotton. |
| – | Visit the Takin Preserve for a chance to see the Takins (Bhutan’s national animal) – a rather unique mammal related to goats but resembling more of an antelope. The Takin also resembles a cross between a Gnu and a Musk Deer, with an immense face and a tremendously thick neck. |
| – | Visit Tashichho Dzong, located on the banks of the Thimphu River, which is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and the headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body. Dzongs are Bhutanese architectural masterpieces built in the past to serve a number of purposes. They functioned as administrative centres and as houses for the clergy. They were also used as garrisons by the army, and people gathered in the dzong courtyards during festivities. |
| – | * Optional Hike: The Wangditse Hike is a beautiful short trail through pine forests and rhododendron bushes, which offers great views of the Thimphu Dzong and city. The distance is typically around 2.5 miles round-trip and takes approximately 2 hours to complete, with a visit to the Wangditse Lhakhang, said to have been built in 1715. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Capital Hotel, Thimphu.
(Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 metres/7,700 ft) |
| Day 3: Wednesday, 22 April: Thimphu – Punakha (2½ hour drive) | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and drive to Punakha, considered to be the ancient capital, where the climate is much different from the rest of Bhutan. It is almost tropical year-round due to its low altitude. Heading out of Thimphu, the road gradually climbs through apple orchards and then forests of blue pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochu La Pass (3,100m/10,230 ft). This pass offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges (visibility permitting). Here we can spend some time for tea/coffee and photographing the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (Stupas), commissioned by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low-intensity conflict in late 2001 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan-Indian border. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon:
|
Hike a short distance to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple, dedicated to the famous and unorthodox 15th century Buddhist master, Drukpa Kunley, or popularly known as the ‘Divine Madman’ in the West, who is associated with the phallic symbols you would have seen on your travels in Bhutan so far. This temple is a popular pilgrimage site for childless couples and those seeking blessings for their children. |
| –
|
Drive to visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” and “a masterpiece of Bhutanese Architecture”. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the saint who unified Bhutan, it lies between the Fo Chu (male river) and the Mo Chu (female river) and is the winter home of the Central Monk Body. |
| – | Take a 30-minute walk to Samdingkha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan. |
| Evening | Dinner and overnight at Zhingkham Resort, Punakha.
(Altitude of Punakha: 1,300 metres/4,265 ft) |
| Day 4: Thursday, 23 April: Punakha – Trongsa | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and drive to the central valley of Trongsa, crossing Pele La Pass (3,300m/10,825 ft). The journey offers jaw-dropping views as you weave your way to Trongsa on winding roads, flanked by diverse landscapes, open meadows and valleys, making it a photographer’s delight. |
| – | After leaving Punakha, we will reach Wangdue, one of the major district headquarters of Western Bhutan. Along the way, the environment changes from semi-tropical to pine forest, with an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Pele La is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. We then descend to Longtey, Rukubji and Chendebji valleys, where people raise yaks. The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. En route past the 18th-century Chendebji Chorten, a whitewashed stone chorten (or stupa) built in order to nail a demon, who had been terrorising the inhabitants of the valley, into the ground. The drive is dramatic, crossing streams, waterfalls, passing farmlands and villages, as well as primordial forests that have never been inhabited because of the deities believed to reside there. The road finally emerges from the gorge and follows the Mangde-Chu River valley, then it turns and heads straight north to Trongsa. The first sight of the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest in Bhutan, is across the valley. The road winds for another 12.5 miles before we actually get there. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon: | Visit Ta Dzong Museum, dedicated to the Monarchs of Bhutan, whose origins trace back to Trongsa, and to the history of Trongsa Dzong. This is followed by a visit to Trongsa Dzong, built in 1647, which is also the ancestral home of the Royal Family. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from Trongsa. The Dzong sits on a narrow spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde-Chu River and overlooks the routes east, west and south. It was built in such a way that in the olden days, it had complete control over all east-west traffic. This helped to augment the strategic importance of the Dzong, which eventually placed its Penlop (regional ruler) at the helm of a united country when His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck became the first king of Bhutan. To this day, the Crown Prince of Bhutan becomes the Penlop of Trongsa before ascending the throne, signifying its historical importance. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa
(Altitude of Trongsa: 2,200 metres/7,210 ft) |
| Day 5: Friday, 24 April: Trongsa – Bumthang (2½ hour drive) | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and drive eastwards to Bumthang district, the cultural and historic heart of the kingdom. From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends until you arrive at Yotong La Pass (3,400m/11,200 ft). From here, the road descends until you arrive at Chume Valley (the first of the four valleys). We will visit several centres of “Yathra” weaving. Yathra is the name for the colourful, hand-woven woollen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region. Distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colours enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout Bhutan. Continue the drive to Jakar (district headquarters). |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| – | After lunch, visit the newly opened Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum and Cultural Centre (WPMCC). The museum showcases Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through its extensive galleries, rare manuscripts, and immersive exhibits, offering visitors a deep dive into the nation’s history and living traditions. |
| – | Visit the Jakar Dzong, or “Castle of the White Bird,” built in 1667. |
| – | Sample fresh Gouda and Emmental cheeses and enjoy Hefeweizen-style Red Panda beer at Swiss Cheese & Bumthang Beer Brewery. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Mountain Resort, Bumthang.
(Altitude of Bumthang: 2,500 meters/8,200 ft) |
| Day 6: Saturday, 25 April: Bumthang | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Full day exploration of ancient temples and historical sites, all within reasonable walking distance. Begin the day with a visit to Jamba Lhakhang, one of the surviving 108 temples from the 7th century, built by a Tibetan Buddhist King to overcome a giant ogress who laid across regions of the Himalayas to prevent the spread of Buddhism. |
| – | Afterwards, visit the Kurjey Lhakhang temple, where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local deity and left his body imprinted on a rock. |
| – | Next, visit Zangdopelri Lhakhang, a beautiful temple inaugurated in 2008, commissioned by The Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck. |
| – | Then, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Saint Pema Lingpa containing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon: | After lunch, visit the Mebar Tsho “Flaming Lake” in Tang valley. Considered one of the most sacred sites in the region as it is related to the renowned religious treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa, an incarnated disciple of Guru Rinpoche who discovered treasure within the lake in the 15th century. Today, this small freshwater lake is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese encircled by bright, multicoloured prayer flags. |
| – | Finally, visit Pema Choling Nunnery, where over 150 nuns, mostly teenagers and young women, study and practice. We will spend time with them, interacting and learning about their lives, in the stone courtyard in the centre of their dormitories and classrooms. |
| – | * Optional Hike: This one-hour scenic hike begins at Mebar Tsho and leads up to the Pema Choling Nunnery. The trail passes through lush blue pine forests, offering fresh air and serene surroundings. Enjoy panoramic views and the peaceful ambience of the forested path. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Mountain Resort, Bumthang.
(Altitude of Bumthang: 2,500 meters/8,200 ft) |
| Day 7: Sunday, 26 April: Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha via Trongsa. Phobjikha is a hidden glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains that has been declared a protected area, and is the largest wintering site for the endangered Black-Necked Crane. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant. |
| Afternoon: | In the late afternoon, enjoy a short walk through Gangtey Nature Trail (1½ hours), which leads downhill from Gangtey Monastery to the Khewang Lhakhang (temple), with the trail descending to Semchubara village and drops down right at the chorten (stupa) into the edge of the forest, along the side of the Phobjikha valley. |
| – | Finally, visit the Crane Information Centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Gangtey Tent Resort, Gangtey.
(Altitude of Phobjikha:2,900 meters/9,500 ft) |
| Day 8: Monday, 27 April: Gangtey – Thimphu – Paro (5-hour drive) | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and drive 2 hours on the road that descends into Wangdue Valley. If time permits, visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, built in 1638 as an administrative centre that connected the east and west, as well as an architectural and cultural landmark. Although a fire on 24 June 2012 destroyed the dzong completely, it has since been rebuilt to its former glory and was reconsecrated on 11 November 2022. |
| Noon: | Lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu. |
| Afternoon: | Visit the first CSI (Cottage and Small Industry) Market. Established in 2020, over the years it has been able to promote itself as an exclusive place for all varieties of local products with improved quality, packaging and labels, with 600 producers supplying more than 1,200 products. |
| – | Continue to the hotel, and check-in at the hotel. |
| Evening: | Dinner and overnight at Jagathang Village Inn, Paro
(Altitude of Paro: 2,250 meters/7,400 ft) |
| Day 9: Tuesday, 28 April: Paro (Hike to Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery) | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Hike to the enchanting “Tiger’s Nest”, Taktsang Monastery (Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon). Taktsang marks the spot where the 8th century Indian mystic, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), arriving on the back of a flying tigress, meditated after bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The hike to the monastery takes about 6-7 hours for a round trip, and is challenging, but unforgettably thrilling and mystical. Vegetarian lunch is served in the little Cafeteria on the way back down. |
| – | *Optional for those who prefer not to hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery:
Visit Dungtse Lhakhang, which is said to contain the most beautiful murals in the Himalayan region. This temple is in the form of a Chorten ‘stupa’ built by the famous Drupthob Thangtong Gyalpo, or “Iron Chain Maker”, a great Buddhist adept. The three floors of the temple represent Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Rinpung Dzong (the full name of the Paro Dzong) means “the fortress of the heap of jewels”. Today, Rinpung Dzong serves as the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A part of Bernardo Bertolucci’s movie, “Little Buddha,” was filmed inside this dzong. Pena (or Pana) Lhakhang is overlooked by most visitors but is said to have been founded by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The main inner sanctum certainly has an ancient atmosphere, dominated by a statue of Jowo Nampar Nangse (Vairochana in Sanskrit) that is said to have the power to fulfil wishes. The name Vairochana means “He Who Is Like the Sun” or “the Radiating One.” Vairochana represents either the integration of, or the origin of, the Dhyani Buddhas. |
| – | Optional stroll through Paro market. |
| Evening: | Spend the evening and celebrate the conclusion of our adventure at a farewell dinner at the resort. |
| – | Overnight at Jagathang Village Inn, Paro
(Altitude of Paro: 2,250 meters/7,400 ft) |
| Day 10: Wednesday, 29 April: Paro – Bangkok | |
| – | Breakfast at the hotel. |
| Morning: | Check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport. |
| – | Arrive at Paro Airport, check in at the Druk Air check-in counter. |
| 11:50 | Depart Paro for Bangkok by Druk Air flight KB152. |
| 16:00 | Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. |
|
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary. |
|
Important notes:
– The Siam Society may utilise photos taken from study trips, lectures, performances, and other activities as part of its public relations and marketing campaign. These photos, which may sometimes contain image(s) of activity participants, can also be featured on The Society’s website and other online social media channels.
– As part of our effort to address the issue of global warming, The Siam Society strongly supports the reduction of plastic waste. We kindly recommend bringing your own water flask during the trip, if possible.
Booking:
Contribution of THB 185,000 (THB 189,000 for non-members). Single room surcharge of THB 20,000. A deposit of THB 50,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport, and details for applying visa must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 75 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Thursday, 19 February 2026). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society Under Royal Patronage”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7, swift code: TMBKTHBK or by scanning the QR code on your right. Once the payment has been made, please e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.
Inclusions:
- The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), air tickets, Government SDF, visa fees, meals as mentioned in the program, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
- Complimentary laundry at the hotel in Thimphu, Bumthang and Paro
- Bhutan SIM card with 3 GB data
Exclusions:
- Extra surcharge on aviation fuel and those related to air travel.
- Personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumption, etc.
Tourist Visa Policy:
Most international travellers must obtain a visa to enter Bhutan. Please send us your scanned passport photo (white background), home address, and occupation, along with a copy of your passport, during your trip booking. Our travel agent will take care of the visa process once the trip is confirmed.
Nationals from India, Bangladesh, and Maldives do not need an advance visa for Bhutan. Indians require a permit, obtainable at entry points (with an actual passport or Voter ID). Bangladesh & Maldives: Visa on Arrival at ports of entry.
Cancellation charges:
| 76 days before the start of the trip (before Tue, 3 Feb 2026): | Deposit forfeited |
| 75 – 61 days before the start of the trip (Wed, 4 to Wed, 18 Feb 2026): | 50% of the tour cost |
| Less than 60 days or cancellation without notice (Thu, 19 Feb 2026 onwards): | No refund |
*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment, as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.
For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org.The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.
More upcoming study trips
-
-
Sicily & Malta: A Mediterranean Journey Through History and CultureการศึกษาสัญจรTuesday, 10 to Sunday, 22 March 2026
-
A Hiking Trip to Minority Villages in Guizhou, ChinaการศึกษาสัญจรThursday, 26 February to Friday, 6 March 2026
-
-
Drifting Along an Ancient Canal: Water, Plants and Ayutthaya’s Biocultural HeritageการศึกษาสัญจรSaturday, 21 February 2026
-
A Journey through the Cultural Legacies: Phayao and Chiang Rai ProvincesการศึกษาสัญจรFriday, 6 to Sunday, 8 February 2026
-
Bird Watching in Laem Phak Bia Mangrove Forests, Phetchaburi ProvinceการศึกษาสัญจรSaturday, 24 to Sunday, 25 January 2026
-
Where Mountains Meet the Stars: A Stargazing Trip to Phitsanulok ProvinceการศึกษาสัญจรWednesday, 21 to Friday, 23 January 2026
-
Echoes Across the Mekong: Rock Art of Pha Taem and Wonders of Southern LaosการศึกษาสัญจรThursday, 15 to Sunday, 18 January 2026