Bhutan

Discover Bhutan

Contact us

Bhutan Explorer: Land of the Thunder Dragon Tour

An eyeful of West Bhutan

Explore the mystical Bhutan. Discover ancient monasteries, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes in the Land of Happiness. An enriching cultural immersion.

12-18km

Total Trekking Distance

3,120m

Highest Altitude

Sep-Nov

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Multiple Locations

Explore the four key locations of West Bhutan, namely Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha

Excursions

Embark on several excursions that offer an immersive peek into life in Bhutan

Comfortable Housing

Enjoy premium accommodation at our carefully curated stay options

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Dochula Pass (3,120 m)

Region:

Bhutan

4

Day 4: Return with Stillness

After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for your departure — taking with you a piece of Bhutan’s timeless rhythm, and memories woven with laughter, silence, and connection.

n/a

Breakfast

3

Day 3: Culture & Celebration

Begin the day with the scenic Wangditse Hike above Thimphu, enjoying peaceful forest trails and valley views. Later, visit a local nunnery for a private mindfulness session with resident nuns. In the evening, dress in traditional Bhutanese attire and celebrate with a festive farewell dinner featuring live music and local cuisine.

Yarkay Hotel, Thimphu

All meals included

2

Day 2: Breath & Balance

Start the day with a refreshing morning yoga session in Paro, followed by breakfast and a guided monastery visit within the hotel grounds. Then head to Mountain Village for a vibrant Mountain Carnival, enjoying local music, dance, and cultural activities before continuing to Thimphu. After checking into Yarkay Hotel and some rest, explore Thimphu market to pick out traditional Bhutanese attire, and end the day with a private, intimate dinner.

Yarkay Hotel, Thimphu

All meals included

1

Day 1: Arrival & Immersion

Arrive in Paro and transfer to the elegant Zhiwa Ling Hotel, where a warm Bhutanese welcome awaits. Spend the afternoon settling in and unwinding before experiencing a traditional hot stone bath. In the evening, enjoy a curated Monk Bar session followed by a private dinner showcasing authentic Bhutanese flavors.

Zhiwaling Heritage, Paro

All meals included

Key Notes

Discovering Bhutan is a journey through dramatic Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and deeply rooted Buddhist traditions. Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the country offers mindful travel, rich cultural immersion, and pristine natural beauty. It’s an experience of slowing down, connecting deeply, and exploring a kingdom that values harmony over haste.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

All meals as per itinerary

Private vehicle for all transfers and internal travel

All necessary permits and park fees for the trek

Not Included

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for US passport holders (100$ per person per day)

Bhutan visa processing and applicable fees (40$ per person)

International flights to/from Bhutan

Personal expenses

GST 5%

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

The Wild Rodung La Trek is designed for fit beginners and intermediate trekkers seeking an authentic Eastern Himalayan experience without committing to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Beginners, leisure travelers, and first-time visitors to the Himalayas looking for a soft-adventure + cultural experience.

Challenges to Expect

Long driving days between valleys, occasional uphill walks to monasteries, and mild altitude adjustment.

Fitness Expectations

Basic fitness; ability to walk 3–4 hours at a relaxed pace on some days. No technical trekking experience required.

FAQs

Safety & Medical Protocols on this trip


Safety is the foundation of every Juniper Outdoor journey. Our approach combines preparedness, training, and compassion — ensuring that every guest feels protected and cared for from start to finish. Each trek is equipped with a comprehensive first-aid and medical kit, including altitude-related medication, bandages, antiseptics, and a portable oxygen cylinder for emergencies. A trained Trip Leader and first responder accompany every departure, fully certified in wilderness first aid and altitude management. Before the trek begins, guests are briefed on essential safety practices, hydration, hygiene, and what to do in case of discomfort. Once on the trail, we conduct daily health monitoring, recording each participant’s oxygen saturation and pulse to track acclimatization and prevent potential issues before they arise. Camps are designed to be clean, hygienic, and secure, with safe drinking water sourced, filtered, and boiled under strict supervision. In remote regions, an emergency evacuation plan is pre-coordinated with Bhutanese authorities and local response units to ensure rapid assistance if needed. Vehicles, ponies, or helicopters may be mobilized depending on terrain and urgency. Our crew undergoes regular safety drills and follows strict sanitation and waste management protocols, ensuring both human and environmental safety. Guests are encouraged to communicate openly about any physical or emotional discomfort — our team prioritizes empathy, confidentiality, and proactive care. Beyond the physical safeguards, safety for us also includes mental reassurance: knowing that your guides are vigilant, calm, and capable. Every decision made in the field follows Juniper Outdoor’s principle — “Safety before schedule”. This ensures that even when weather or logistics demand changes, the comfort and security of our guests always take precedence. We believe that the true spirit of adventure comes not from risk, but from trust — trust in our people, our systems, and our shared respect for the mountains.

Are your trips environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive?

As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

Do I need to acclimatise for a Himalayan trek?

Yes—acclimatization is critical for any trip above 2,700–3,000 meters, and Juniper takes it seriously. Our itineraries are intentionally designed with built-in rest or acclimatization days, gradual altitude gains, and a “climb high, sleep low”philosophy to reduce your chances of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). On the trail, our guides monitor everyone’s health and hydration closely. If you’re coming from sea level, we recommend arriving at the start point (like Leh orManali) at least a day in advance to rest and begin the process. For strenuous or high-altitude treks (over 4,000 m), we also offer acclimatisation extensions or prep treks. Most travellers adjust well with proper pacing, hydration, and nutrition. We provide tips and protocols in your pre-departure kit, and our team carries oxygen cylinders and first aid if needed. Your safety is our top priority—no summit is worth compromising your health.

How do I prepare physically for a trek or expedition?

Preparation depends on your trip’s difficulty, but as a rule, cardiovascular fitness, stamina, and leg strength are key. We recommend you start training at least 4–6 weeks in advance with regular walks, jogs, stair climbing, or hikes with a loaded backpack. Add some strength training for your core and lower body. Consistency matters more than intensity. For moderate or advanced treks, aerobic exercises like cycling, swimming, or running 3–4 times a week are ideal. If your trip involves altitude, building endurance over long, slow sessions will help simulate trail effort. You don’t need to be an athlete, but being well-prepared means you’ll enjoy the journey, not just survive it. We share Juniper Outdoor - training guidelines and sample routines in your pre-departure materials. If you’d like, our team can even create a personalized plan. Remember: the fitter you are, the freer you’ll feel in the mountains.

Key Highlights

No items found.

Interested in the trip?

Stay informed on upcoming trips, featured destinations, learn from our specialists on gear, preparing for an adventure.
Download trip as PDF
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
March
April
October
November