Thimphu elevation: 7,217’
Walk #1: Thimphu Orientation Walk, 3 km, rated 2B (starting elevation: 7,217’)

The flight to Paro on a clear day is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether you fly from Kathmandu along the Himalayan range or from India over the foothills, the journey offers mesmerizing views and a thrilling descent into the kingdom.

On arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by a representative of WAI. After lunch, we drive about 90 minutes to Thimphu for a 2-night stay.

Thimphu is capital of Bhutan and its center of government, religion and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Though not a typical capital city, Thimphu is a lively place, representative of its country. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monks, Thimphu also maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

After checking into our hotel, a leisurely walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area serves as a relaxed introduction to the town’s atmosphere, key landmarks, and local culture. A highlight of the walk is Memorial Chorten, the stupa (a Buddhist monument for meditation and prayer) built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.

Thimphu elevation: 7,217’
Walk #2: Wangditse to Sangaygang Viewpoint Hike – 7 km, rated 2B (starting elevation: 8,809’)

Our day begins with a drive to the Sangaygang Viewpoint. Situated at an elevation of 8,800 feet, the viewpoint offers a stunning panoramic view of Thimphu Valley. It also serves as the start point for an otherworldly two-hour round-trip walk along the Sangayang-Wangditse loop.

The trail meanders through a sea of colorful prayer flags while providing breathtaking vistas of the valley. Along the way, we pass apple orchards and traditional farmhouses, then descend gradually through forests of oak, blue pine, and rhododendron, leading you to the Wangditse Monastery.

Established in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s eight Desis, Wangditse Monastery was renovated in 2001. Inside the chapel, we find statues of guardian deities central to the Buddhist religion.

We continue the hike with magnificent views to the north, including a glimpse of Samteling Palace, residence of Bhutan’s Fourth King. The trail concludes back at the Sangaygang Viewpoint.

After a fun local lunch, we return to Thimphu to visit some of city’s main highlights including:

Changangkha Lhakhang: a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet.

Textile Museum: worth a visit to experience the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress, and textiles made by women and men.

Folk Heritage Museum: dedicated to connecting visitors with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life.

We conclude a busy day with a visit to Trashichhoe Dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”, both a Buddhist monastery and fortress as well as the head of Bhutan’s civil government.

Phobjikha Valley: elevation: 9,514’
Walk #3: Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park Hike – 2.5 km, rated 3B (starting elevation: 10,171’)

After breakfast, we embark on a high-altitude drive through Dochula Pass (10,105’). At the summit, we disembark to take in the view and admire the chorten (stupa), mani wall (worship site), and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.

If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass:
– Masagang (23,484’),
– Tsendagang (22,835’),
– Terigang (23,163’),
– Jejegangphugang (23,484),
– Kangphugang (23,524’),
– Zongphugang (23,163), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of – Lunana, and finally
– Gangkar Puensum, at 24,596’ the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed mountain on the planet!

The hike of the day descends from Dochula Pass and offers an easy (except for the elevation) downhill hike through pristine, little visited Bhutanese nature. We are walking in Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park surrounded by a diverse array of rhododendron trees, magnolia, oak, and birch trees.

From walk’s end, we continue by bus to Thinleygang to explore Thinleygang Lhakhang (temple). This temple serves as the overnight stop for the central monastic body during their two-day journey from the summer residence in Thimphu to the winter residence in Punakha.

Lunch is offered at a wayside restaurant before the last leg of our journey into adjoining Gangtey and Phobjikha Valleys, considered one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a spacious, flat, treeless valley after the hard climb through dense forests leaves the impression of endless space, a rare sensation in Bhutan, where valleys are typically narrow and tightly hemmed in by the Himalayas.

A few miles south from Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley sits on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park and is graced by two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

Here we find the village of Phobjikha, our home for the next two nights and the wintering grounds of black necked cranes that migrate from arid plains in the north, attracted by the milder climate in this relatively lower setting.

Punakha elevation: 4265’
Walk #5: Gangtey Gompa Village Walk – 3 km, rated 2B (starting elevation: 9514’)
Walk #6: Chimi Lhakhang Paddy Fields Walk – 3 km, rated 2C (starting elevation: 4,265’)

Before leaving the paradise of the twin Gangtey and Phobjikha Valleys, we visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery). Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the largest Nyingmapa (the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism) monastery in Bhutan. It is surrounded by a village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (lay priests) who care for the monastery.

The morning hike is a scenic trail descending from Gangtey Monastery through nearby villages. The route offers a chance to experience local life as we meander through small bazaars in settlements where you can observe locals engaged in everyday activities like farming, weaving, or cooking. Exceptional, expansive views of the Phobjikha Valley and surrounding pine forests are an ongoing theme of this trail.

From Gangtey Valley, we continue to Punakha, where we enjoy lunch at our hotel before a second walk.

The afternoon walk takes us through terraced paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” The temple is particularly famous for its association with fertility blessings. Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a hillock in the center of the valley and our trail takes us through the tiny enclave of Pana, offering more intriguing encounters with the daily life of local villagers.

Punakha elevation: 4,265’
Walk #7: Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chhorten Hike – 5 km, rated 3C (starting elevation: 4,265’)

After breakfast, enjoy a hike in Punakha to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (stupa or shrine) where clear weather unveils stunning views of the Punakha Valley.

The trail crosses a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River and leads through terraced rice paddies and farmland, offering more insight into Bhutan’s agricultural life.

At the top, the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chhorten offers a peaceful space for reflection. You can enhance the experience by climbing to the rooftop for panoramic views up towards the peaks of Gasa and over the Punakha Valley and Mo Chhu River.

After a picnic lunch by the river at walk’s end, we explore a few of Punahkha’s highlights. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Punakha Dzong (fortified monastery) served as the religious and administrative center of the region and played an important role in Bhutan’s history. It was damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake but has been fully restored by the present King.

Later this afternoon, we plan to visit a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse to enjoy a cup of tea with the locals and see the inside of a rural Bhutanese residence.

Paro elevation: 7,480′

We leave Punakha this morning, returning west over Dochula Pass to the verdant valley of Paro. Home to a number of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the Paro region encompasses rich Bhutanese culture, natural beauty, and a plethora of myths and legends. The snow-clad peaks of Chomolhari Mountain reign supreme at the northern end of the valley while its icy waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu or Paro River.

After checking into our hotel for the next two nights, we explore a few of Paro’s claims to fame.

Paro Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom, was originally built as a Watch Tower fortress, but has served as the National Museum of the country since 1967. Worthwhile collections of art, artifacts, Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps provide deeper insight to this “land of the thunder dragon”.

Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. This monastic fortress was commissioned in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist lama considered the father of unified Bhutan.

The Shabdrung was the leader who first joined factions of Bhutan under a centralized dual system of government combining spiritual and temporal leadership. He was an Asian renaissance man, developing a comprehensive law code while making lasting contributions to Bhutanese culture in fields of art, architecture, and literature, and establishing the Tibetan Drukpa Lineage school of Buddhism as the state religion.

The Dzong currently houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head), and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.

After dinner this evening, we are treated to a traditional Bhutanese cultural program, a vibrant, captivating display of the kingdom’s rich heritage and deeply rooted customs. Performances like this serve as a cherished medium for preserving and promoting Bhutanese culture among locals and visitors alike.

Adorned in colorful, traditional attire, dancers gracefully weave together stories from mythology, folklore, and daily life, accompanied by enchanting sounds of traditional instruments like the dramnyen, flute, and drums. These cultural programs are typically performed during festive celebrations, religious events, and other special occasions, and instill a deep sense of pride and cultural identity in the hearts of the Bhutanese people.

Paro elevation: 7480
Walk #8: Tiger’s Nest Monastery – 4 km, rated 4C (3 stages of participation on an out and back trail)

Stage 1: Start point to Tiger’s Nest Cafeteria – 2 km, rated 3B (starting elevation: 8,530’)
Stage 2: Tiger’s Nest Cafeteria to Lookout – 1.5 km, rated 3B
Stage 3: Lookout to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monsastery – 0.5 km, rated 4C (ending elevation: 10,240’)

After breakfast, we embark on what may become the signature experience of our visit to Bhutan. Clinging dramatically to the side of a cliff 3,000’ above the Paro valley floor, Taktshang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, is arguably the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries.

Legend says that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence its nickname ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The site is recognized in Bhutan as a most sacred place and was visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It is now the goal of every Bhutanese to visit it at least once in their lifetime.

Today’s hiking event to Tiger’s Nest takes place in three stages.

The first stage is the hike from our start point up to the Tiger’s Nest Cafeteria, situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. It is a well-defined trail that ascends through a pine forest and passes several prayer wheels and chortens (Buddhist shrines). This leg of the hike takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.

At the cafeteria, we take a break and enjoy a hot or cold beverage as we gaze across the gorge at the monastery, pondering the next stage of the trail. Travelers are encouraged here to monitor their stamina and strength and consider opting out of the rest of the hike, using the cafeteria as a place to relax and enjoy the view. 

The second stage of the walk leaves from the Tiger’s Nest Cafeteria en route to a second lookout opposite the monastery. This leg takes close to one hour. This is also a point for hikers to consider snapping a few photos and returning to the cafeteria, opting out of stage three.

The third stage involves descending the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine, then crossing a stream and passing a waterfall before ascending another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. The climb and visit to the entrance and back to the lookout will take approximately one hour.

We begin the walk at approximately 8,530’ elevation and ascend to 10,240’ at the monastery. Stage 3 involves a descent before the final ascent. This results in a one-way ascent of all 3 stages of more than 2,000 feet over a distance of about 4 kilometers. The return journey does, of course, involve a descent of more than 2000 feet over that same distance.

NOTE: It is possible to rent ponies for part of the journey. However, ponies are only allowed to take visitors up to a certain point (usually the cafeteria at the end of the first stage), and staying astride your mount on an uneven mountain trail can offer its own set of physical challenges and risks.

We rendezvous at Tiger’s Nest Cafeteria for lunch, then hike back to our start point. En route to the hotel, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After an unforgettable Bhutanese hiking experience, we come together this evening for a farewell dinner to fellowship and reminisce over our visit to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan ~ the last Shangri-La.

After breakfast, we transfer to Paro International Airport for flights home, or to India for those joining us for the onward journey to Taj Mahal Pearl of India Optional Extension.

We fly today (flight included) from Bhutan to Delhi, India for the start of Taj Mahal—Pearl of India. Our guide and driver for the program meet us at the Delhi airport and take us south in the direction of Agra. On the outskirts of Delhi, we spend the night in a lovely hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s journey to see the world-famous Taj Mahal!

Taj Mahal Walk ~ 5 km, rated 1A

This morning’s drive to Agra introduces us to India’s mesmerizing kaleidoscope of transportation moving people and goods on every imaginable wheeled conveyance and beast of burden.

Agra was capital of the Mughal Empire and remains home to what is arguably the most admired piece of architecture on the planet—the Taj Mahal.

Poignant poetry in marble, the Taj Mahal stands serene and awesome on a raised marble platform by the banks of the Yamuna River, one of the seven modern wonders of the world. The grounds are extensive, and our walk here offers many dazzling perspectives of this 17th century mausoleum for the favorite wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, queen Mumtaz, who died giving birth to their 14th child.

Construction of the Taj commenced in 1631AD and continued for 22 years. About 20,000 workers, from all over the country and central Asia, were recruited to translate this dream into reality.

We also visit Agra’s other highly regarded monument—Agra Fort—from the same era, sited dramatically on the banks of the Yamuna River.

Jaipur Pink City Walk ~ 2 km, rated 1B (unsanctioned)

We continue west this morning to Jaipur, the Pink City, in the colorful Indian state of Rajasthan. The city’s conspicuous pink hue dates to 1876, when many of the avenues were painted pink to welcome the Prince of Wales, later crowned Edward VII.

Our afternoon visit takes us to 18th century Jantar Mantar, a series of massive, intriguing, stone astronomical instruments designed by astrologer king Jai Singh II, founder of Jaipur. From Jantar Mantar, we explore the colorful core of the old part of city on foot, passing through photogenic local markets and down narrow by-lanes to reach Chandpole Bazaar and the marble statue market.

Nearby is our hotel for the next two nights, offering a relaxing evening and dinner.

Jaipur Countryside Walk ~ 8 km, rated 1B

Picturesque Palace of the Winds (Hawa Mahal) is one of Jaipur’s many wonders, renowned for its 953 multifaceted windows and niches, allowing ladies of royalty to see and not be seen.

Leaving Jaipur, a convoy of jeeps takes us to visit dramatically-sited Amber Fort. This impressive and expansive fortress is situated high in the Aravali hills 11 km north of Jaipur. It was the ancient capital of the Kachhawaha Rajputs (Hindu warrior caste) till 1037.

From Amber Fort, we continue into nearby countryside to begin our walk. Today’s trail starts at the old Delhi Gate and takes us through tiny farming communities and past fields of wheat and mustard seed, stopping to see a photogenic medieval step well. The last section of the walk crosses an elephant polo field where we arrive for lunch at a hidden rural resort.

Back in Jaipur, tonight’s special dinner experience is hosted by a local noble family who were feudal lords up until independence in 1948, collecting rents from tenants and supporting the King of Jaipur.

Another memorable drive takes us deeper into the colorful state of Rajasthan. Upon arrival in Deogarh, we reach our hotel by walking through fascinating market lanes too narrow for our coach.

Our hotel, Deogarh Mahal, is a converted 17th century palace owned by the local feudal lord. The grandeur of Deogarh Mahal tells us that its rulers must have been serious players in the Mewar aristocracy. This magnificent fortified palace was a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen “umraos” – the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur.

Following time to rest at our castle hotel, the afternoon stroll takes us through mesmerizing scenes of villagers performing day-to-day activities. Watch women around a community well fetching water, washing clothes and gracefully transporting water in beautiful matkas (clay pot) on their heads. Wander along market lanes past cobblers, seamstresses, potters, jewelers, and other craftsmen displaying labor intensive skills long lost in the West.

Deogarh is a magical place to interact with locals and purchase lovely handmade items that could even become family heirlooms.

Rajasthan Villages Walk ~ 8 km, rated 1B

Following breakfast, we drive to a nearby village for a walk between farming communities where the sands of time have had a negligible impact on the way of life.

We never know what we’ll encounter—a potter at work, preparation for a wedding ceremony, but always a joyfully curious and uninhibited group of children eager to interact with the unexpected spectacle of foreigners.

Our afternoon is unscripted and could involve a visit to the home of the maharaja or simply free time to explore charming Deogarh from our centrally located palace hotel. This is a place that tugs at the heart!

Udaipur was one of few kingdoms in northern India to remain independent of the dominant Mughals and resist annexation by the British. Depending upon departure flight schedules from Udaipur airport, our plans here include a relaxing cruise on lovely Lake Pichola, and a visit to opulent City Palace extending majestically along its eastern banks.

The construction of City Palace was initiated by Maharana Udai Singh, but successive Maharanas made extensive additions to the complex while retaining remarkable uniformity in the design. The entry to the massive Palace is from the Hathi Pol, the Elephant Gate. The Bari Pol or the Big Gate brings you to the Tripolia, the Triple Gate. It was a custom to weigh the Maharaja under this gate in gold and silver, which was then distributed to the populace. Balconies, cupolas, and towers of the palace give a wonderful view of the Lake Pichola.

City Palace is astounding; it exemplifies the almost unbelievable wealth of ancient and medieval India that attracted invaders and occupiers like the Moghal Empire and their successors, the British.

Following lunch this afternoon, travelers fly from Udaipur back to Delhi or Mumbai (flight not included) to catch flights home to North America. India is truly a land of 1000 dimensions, a place that defies description, and we are grateful for the opportunity to experience it together!

With help from in-country partners, local experts, and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are hand-crafted to WAI specifications.

When planning Classic Curated Tours, our objective is to capture the essence of a destination – the history, culture, and natural wonders unique to that part of the world. We then build activities and walks that take us inside these characteristics.

These tours are educational, but they are also interactive and immersive; walking gets us off the bus and penetrates local cultures to not only see but touch, smell, and feel these special spaces.

Along the way, local walking guides amplify the experience by sharing insights into the magic of that particular location.

Bhutan: In the case of Bhutan, WAI tour planner and guide, Scott Isom, will conduct an on-site scouting trip in Spring 2025 to test and confirm collaborative planning with our in-country partner that has produced this itinerary; Scott will review the trails and inspect the hotels and activities our in-country partner has suggested, and make any improvements he can to amplify the itinerary.

India: In the case of India, an in-depth planning trip was conducted in 2011 by WAI planners. Four tour groups have experience the India itinerary in intervening years, enjoying incremental adjustments made after each visit.

“High Adventure” is a tag we add to tours to warn travelers of possible additional challenges. These challenges could stem from a variety of sources including:

1. A higher percentage of 1-night hotel stays
2. More time driving than usual or challenging traffic settings (e.g. India)
3. Walks routes that are more challenging on average (e.g. Appalachian Trail, Swiss & French Alps)
4. More walking distance per day than usual (e.g. Hiking the Camino de Santiago)
5. Walks and/or travel at high altitude (e.g. Peru; Colorado; Bhutan)
6. A greater number of mid-tour flights (e.g. Chile, Brazil)
7. Cultural factors that can be stressors (lack of public toilets; extra caution required regarding food and gastro-intestinal challenges – e.g. India, Hiking the Camino de Santiago)

Bhutan
High altitude travels combine with a charming but rustic developing culture to earn Bhutan our classification of “high adventure”. Over 98% of the country is covered by the Himalayas and most of our walks take place at elevations of 8000 feet elevation or higher. Transportation is in 17 passenger mini-buses (2 for a full group of 24 travelers) and though distanced traveled are not great, roads are winding and at high altitude.

India
India is an ancient and remarkable kaleidoscope of humanity! The first-time visitor may be surprised by markedly different standards of living, including hygiene and safety norms that most North Americans would consider unacceptable. We’ve discovered, however, that India is changing.

India’s economy has been on an upward trend now for years, and millions of people are being lifted out of poverty annually. Depending on how you crunch the numbers, India has the largest middle class on the planet. Everywhere we’ve been in India, we encountered new roads being built and signs of a culture adapting to 21st century technology and international standards of education and business.

Travelers should read the itinerary and Before You Book sections carefully and call or email with any questions before committing to a High Adventure tour.

Emanating from India, Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest belief systems. Out of Hinduism grew several other faiths with significant numbers of adherents, including Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism.

In Bhutan, the majority religion (about 75%) is Lamaistic Buddhist, with heavy influence over the centuries from Tibet. Most of the rest of the population is Hindu. Over 80% of current Indians consider themselves Hindus.

Unlike in the modern West, religion in both Bhutan and India permeates life, and a very strong public and official blessing over this permeation generally comes from all levels of government and public institutions. Influence on architecture is ubiquitous, and often visually stunning. Furthermore, since the Hindu pantheon boasts over 330 million gods (devas), very little space exists in India where one deity or another is not honored. To a lesser extent, this is also true in Bhutan.

Regardless of one’s personal convictions, North America’s heritage is Judeo-Christian, a monotheistic faith in which belief in or relationship with God is usually considered personal and private, and where worship of other gods is not permitted. Moreover, North Americans come from a culture where a growing public secularism discourages some displays of religious belief.

In this part of Asia, on the other hand, religion actually provides the reason or explanation for much of what is seen and done. Religious stimuli in this part of the world can be a little overwhelming but becomes part of our project of understanding Bhutan and India.

Travelers are encouraged to opt out at any point if they sense this eastern faith overload becoming oppressive.

Elevations of hotels are listed in the daily header of the itinerary for each day of the Bhutan tour. Starting elevations for hikes are also listed in the header for each day.

Hotels: The elevations of our hotels is especially relevant because of the possible impact of reduced levels of oxygen during sleeping hours. Our itinerary notes that we are at approximately 4,300’ for 2 nights, 7,000’ – 7,500’ on 4 nights, and around 9,500’ for 2 nights.

Hikes: Though walks in Bhutan have been geared down both in distance and difficulty to allow for altitude, we are still at high altitude. 6 of the 8 trails start over 8,000’; the other 2 start at about 4,200’.

NOTE: Walk ratings listed in the itinerary do not factor in altitude. They are based instead on elevation gain and loss and trail surface. Updates on the trails will be provided upon the return of WAI tour planner and guide, Scott Isom, in March.

Altitude sickness can be a serious ailment. Travelers will be reminded to pace themselves and drink plenty of fluids.

Check with your doctor: It is important to pursue any concerns you have about altitude with your doctor. You may wish to ask your them about the prescription drug Diamox which is sometimes used to treat altitude sickness. As always, travelers are free to opt out of any activities.

For most of us who live near sea level, acclimation to high altitude is an important aspect of a successful visit to the Himalayas.

Both Bhutan and India are developing countries where the average citizen is accustomed to making do with much less than the average American. Expectations for life are often remarkably simple. Varying degrees of this minimalist lifestyle will be visible at times and may impact us.

Expect to experience scenes of poverty, of overworked horses or draft animals, of conditions that seem blatantly unsafe, and other norms of life in this part of Asia that would feel stunningly out of place in the USA.

Extreme minimalism seems an unavoidable part of the human condition for many in Bhutan and India. And though in India, we stay mostly out of largest cities that can amplify these conditions, we may be confronted with harsh realities at points during our visit. At the same time, we look forward to developing a better understanding of what makes Bhutan so unique and India such an indomitable and growing force in the world.

One of the primary benefits of travel is seeing life through the eyes of a different culture and from differing points of view. This is exceedingly true of a trip in Bhutan and India. Sometimes this can be uncomfortable. Always it is thought-provoking.

We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. Walks that are oriented more towards education may take longer due to stops for guide commentary. Nature walks, on the other hand, generally continue at a steadier pace because we’re stopping less to talk.In most cases, we are not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion.

If you have questions about your ability to participate, please contact our office at [email protected].

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

INCLINE

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet.
2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet.
3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

TERRAIN

A. Almost entirely on pavement.
B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.
C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).

• Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.
• Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.
• Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc).
• If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.
• If you feel ill, isolate yourself towards the back of the bus and away from others and please wear a mask.

Click WAI Wellness on Tour Policy to view the WAI policy on Wellness on Tour.

Once we have a viable number of participants, an “Adventure Advice” email is sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

A second $500 deposit is due 6 months before departure, April 23, 2025. Final payment is then due 90 days before departure, July 25, 2025. All payments are non-refundable after the due date. You will receive prompt emails from us 2 to 3 weeks in advance of the 2nd deposit and final payment.

Please see our General Tour Conditions for the full terms and conditions for participation in this Adventure.

About 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final email packet with details of the program, including hotel names and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.

Bhutan and India offer one of our most-adventurous experiences yet. Fascinating, delightful, colorful, culture-crammed, friendly… we invite you to join us for the Adventure of a lifetime in two parallel cultures, one more isolated in remote, high altitude Himalayan valleys and the other operating at a seemingly frenetic pace at times, rapidly changing and quickly growing into one of the planet’s most influential nations.

Join us for a journey of discovery — a hiking and walking adventure to explore the history, culture, and scenery of Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La and Taj Mahal Pearl of India Extension!