Bhutan is a country of much distinction, despite and maybe because of its small size and economic status. It is a place that has fascinated many for its government polices and spiritual practices--hardly the beach getaway that most big-ticket destinations promise. 

And that is possibly what has made it so intriguing for travelers. As a destination, Bhutan promises nothing more than what it is--a relatively untouched, land-locked Kingdom that has successfully evaded colonial occupation and gentrification. Thanks to its policies that ensures its culture and its natural resources are protected, Bhutan embodies peaceful resistance. 

A lot has been said about "happiness" in Bhutan, as the policies that have led to this reputation is officially referred to as Gross National Happiness. However, one should not travel to Bhutan in search of happiness. It is a mischaracterization of Bhutan's deeply-held Buddhist practices that one should grasp for that elusive state. In looking more closely, it is reverence that we can find in Bhutan. 

Reverence is defined as deep respect for someone or something. Reverence defers to others. There is a humility. We realize that there are forces greater than us, and we appreciate them for what they give. 

On this 10-day exploration of Bhutan, reverence will be our focus. We will learn what the Bhutanese have reverence for, and why, and will discuss together how to weave it into our own lives. 

The core elements of this trip combine immersions in Bhutanese Buddhist spiritual practice, older, animist forms of spirituality, hiking and forest bathing, folklore & cultural insights, community-led conservation of land and culture, as well as connecting together as a group. We will eat locally-sourced, healthy food and stay in local, independently-owned accommodations. 

WHO THIS TRIP IS FOR: This particular trip is intended for open-minded and open-hearted travelers who want to experience a more contemplative form of travel. And yet, it won't all be so serious. Humor is often a condition of wisdom. Nonetheless, we want this to be a restful and restorative travel experience for everyone.

If you have any questions, contact us at info@hinokitravels.com or send us a message here on WeTravel. We would love to explore reverence in Bhutan with you.

To reserve your spot, a $500 deposit is required at the time of booking. 

Note that this trip will be confirmed by Aug 4th, 2025, to be sure that we reach our minimum number of participants to run the trip. Please wait until confirmation from us to book your flights. If for some reason the trip doesn't run, your deposit will be refunded in full. Otherwise, the deposit is non-refundable but can be transferred to another Hinoki trip for up to one year from the time of request.

Please review our Booking Terms & Conditions, found on our website under FAQ's here.

In the morning of December 6th, we will fly from Bangkok to Bhutan, and will be treated to spectacular scenery as we fly past Mt. Everest and land among the rolling hills of Paro. 

Upon arrival, we will get acquainted with essential Bhutanese history as we explore an ancient fortress, and learn about the mysticism that defines Bhutanese culture.

After lunch, we will drive up into the mountains to visit a small, remote Buddhist nunnery. We will spend time meeting with the nuns, learning about their life there, and may join a few of their daily practices. Meeting nuns is less common than monks in Bhutan, but our trip will be rooted in both the feminine and masculine energies of spiritual practice, Bhutanese culture, and the land. 

Then we will enjoy a short hike up to a scenic pass before finishing our drive into the valley of Haa.

In the evening, we will retreat to a cozy traditional lodge nestled into the heart of a small village. We'll have dinner together as a group and enjoy getting to know each other.

Overnight in Haa

Driving time: ~3 hours

This morning we'll embark on a hike through the undulating hills of Haa. Our intent will be to move a bit more slowly, so we can fully take in all of the benefits of this extended time outside. We'll keep conversation to a minimum so you can be present with your senses, but our guide will provide some insights as to what we are seeing and experiencing along the trail, particularly the local botany.

After our hike we'll visit a local home for a hearty lunch, and experience Bhutan's traditional hot stone bath to restore ourselves from any tiredness. 

After lunch, we'll meet a local medicine practitioner to learn about indigenous forms of wellbeing as it has been traditionally practiced in Bhutan. 

Overnight in Haa

Driving time: ~1 hr

This morning, before departing Haa, we'll meet with a young and ambitious local who has a vision for the betterment of life for the people in Haa. We'll spend time talking with him about his organization and their plans, while offering in exchange our ideas and insights for their social enterprise initiatives. Importantly, we'll learn how they are taking a community-based approach to nature and wildlife conservation in Bhutan. 

After, we'll drive to the capital city of Thimphu. Coming to Thimphu gives you a glimpse of Bhutan's evolution as a modernizing economy. Nonetheless, meaning and reverence is still an integral element woven into the culture of the city. 

Our first stop will be lunch at a local shop that is championing native & organic food in the capital. Enjoy some butter tea, warm momos, and Bhutanese soups made from Bhutanese ingredients.  

Next, we have an appointment at a textiles shop where we will shop for a Bhutanese kira (for women) or gho (for men). This attire will be necessary when we attend the Druk Wangyal Festival a few days later. However, this shopping trip is also a chance for us to learn about what makes Bhutanese textiles so special, and to meet one of Thimphu's best weavers (she outfitted Kate Middleton during the Duchess' visit.)

After, you will have some time to explore Thimphu freely on foot. 

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu

Driving Time: ~3 hours

This morning, after breakfast, we'll hike 3-4 hours (packed lunch en route) to a monastery that sits perched in the mountains above the city of Thimphu. 

This Monastery is one of Bhutan's most significant, and yet its environment is humble. Over the years, we have grown to become friends with its monastic residents and their presiding Lama. While it's a short day-hike from the city, it is also a world apart. 

After a tea and snack break and welcome from the monastic community upon arrival, we'll set our bags down and explore this ancient, spiritual center.

In the evening, we'll rest in our humble accommodations and enjoy a dinner together with one of the head Lama, who will share the story of the monastery with us.

Overnight at Monastery

In the morning, we will gather with the monastic community and join some of the morning activity, which may include chanting in their main hall, or a Dharma talk with the head Lama before we depart. 

We'll descend the trail back down to Thimphu, and drive (~3.5 hrs) to the lower valley of Punakha, before ascending again to our home for the next two evenings (we will also stop for lunch en-route.)

We we reach our next lodging, we'll take time to connect as a group and discuss our experience at the monastery before tucking in to homemade dishes prepared by our host. 

Overnight Dhumra Farm Resort

Driving Time: ~3.5 hours

Today we will spend the day with the Tsherim Tshogpa Community of Nobgang. We'll explore the village with community members and our guide to help us translate, so that stories can be shared. 

Part of the day will be spent learning to cook local dishes that are distinct to this region of Bhutan, such as fried peppercorns with garlic and potatoes, all using organic ingredients from the community gardens. This village contains age-old recipes that even most Bhutanese have never even heard of.

While Nobgang is well-known in the country as the ancestral village of Bhutan's four Queen Mothers, not many people have traveled there. Bhutan's Dept. of Culture has initiated support programs to aid its aging population in creating jobs so that they are not left isolated. Projects such as this are helping young Bhutanese to appreciate the value of their rural culture, and our visit will help the community to keep its families together. 

In the local language, 'nobgang' means ' gem hill.' After visiting Nobgang, we'll see why. While walking across the hilltop, we'll hear the story of how an 18th century spiritual leader followed a shining light to this location...

Dinner & Overnight in Punakha

Driving Time: ~1.5 hrs

This morning we will spend time with Aue Sangay, the owner of Dhumra Farm Resort. Aue Sangay will take us on a walk through Dhumra's garden and fields, to learn about his approach to cultivating healthy foods that his family and guests can live off of. Along the way, we'll hear stories of animist forms of belief in Bhutan that intimately ties people to nature, and some personal experiences from Sangay's life as a writer. 

After, we will visit the home of Aum Karma, who will teach us about natural dyeing techniques and how they are used for Bhutanese textiles. We will enjoy lunch with her at her home, and some additional time to take a hot stone bath or drink tea by the river, before walking across a lengthy suspension bridge strewn across the Po Chhu and onward to explore the mighty Punakha Dzong. 

The Punakha Dzong is significant because originally, it was the seat of Bhutan's government. These days, it is home to a host of stories regarding the country's political and spiritual past. 

Dinner & overnight in Punakha

Driving Time: ~1 hour

Today is the day you will don your gho and kira. We are heading to the annual Druk Wangyal Tsechu (festival.) 

Every year, this festival commemorates fallen Bhutanese soldiers who lost their lives in an early 21st-Century battle near the Indian border. Held at a high mountain pass that overlooks the Himalayas, this is one of Bhutan's most unique festivals. While the country's more famous spring and autumn festivals attract hordes of tourists, the Druk Wangyal is relatively more solemn, and is particularly striking as performances are carried out in front of a back-drop of snow-capped mountains. 

We'll spend about half the day taking in the festival before returning to Thimphu for a private cooking class with Aum Kesang, Bhutan's leader in restoring pride in its local and indigenous foods. 

After our cooking class and lunch, we'll drive back to Paro and retreat for the night. 

Dinner & Overnight in Paro

Driving Time: ~3.5 hours

On our final full day in Bhutan, we will pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery, otherwise known as Tiger's Nest. 

Taktsang is Bhutan's most iconic landmark and its main tourist hotspot. Fortunately for us, it is much less visited in December, which will lead to a quieter excursion for us. 

The Tiger's Nest is also an important pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese. Today, this is where our exploration of reverence reaches its peak. Deserving of the utmost respect, we'll use this day hike as an opportunity to discuss how we can build more reverence (for nature, for culture, for each other) into our own lives. 

After lunch and a final hot stone bath at a local farm home, we'll head back to our lodge for our last dinner together. 

Dinner & Overnight in Paro

Driving Time: ~1 hour

After breakfast, we'll prepare for our flight back to Bangkok.