Immerse yourself in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan on this all new 12-day journey. Join Simon Balderstone AM, AHF Founding Chair, along with expert local guides, on this fascinating and relaxing trip to explore Druk-yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Brimming with nature, culture, and adventure, this trip offers something for everyone.
Day hikes in beautiful rhododendron, magnolia, juniper and birch forests in Bhutan’s superb natural environment ( incl. the very special Dodedra Walk).
Special visits to ancient dzongs, temples and monasteries
Visit the annual Domkhar Festival and explore the remote Bumthang Valley
Stunning walk to the iconic Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery.
Markets, galleries, museums, national institutions and other cultural centres.
On this trip, you’ll gain further insight into how AHF supports the people of Bhutan through a visit with our partner in Bhutan, RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture, and Empower Women).
All funds raised from this special trek will directly support AHF’s education, health and environment programs across this Himalaya – including RENEW’s education project.
“Bhutan is so beautiful, so different in character to every other place on earth. It is always an absolute pleasure and privilege to be there and enjoy its magnificent nature and people.” – Simon Balderstone
To register or for more information, contact the Australian Himalayan Foundation:
info@ahf.org.au or (+61) 493 368 258
Cost
Twin Share – USD 5100 per person
Single (King room) – USD 5630.00 per Person
Based on 8-9 people in group (if fewer people, the rate per person will be marginally higher). Min. of 4 needed.
Fundraising
All funds raised from this special trek will go to support AHF programs like RENEW’s education project. AHF programs improve health, environmental, and education outcomes for disadvantaged families in Bhutan, Nepal and the Indian Himalaya.
A minimum tax-deductible donation of $2,500 to the Australian Himalayan Foundation is a requirement of joining this trip.
This amount can be fundraised, or your donation can be made payable to directly to AHF. Please contact Allan Delaney at allan@ahf.org.au with any questions about fundraising.
What’s included
Accommodation (1 room on single or twin sharing basis)
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner in local Bhutanese restaurants or hotels (set, buffet or a la carte where possible)
Transportation throughout Bhutan with a dedicated driver
English speaking certified guide
All sight-seeing indicated in the itinerary and entrance fee to monuments and museums
All government taxes including sustainable development fees (USD 100 per person per night, when applicable)
Arrangement of Bhutan visa & visa fee (USD 40 per person)
What’s not included
Aerated drinks, juices, alcoholic drinks
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc
Tips
Insurance (travel, trek – mandatory for visa application)
Airfares
Flight options
Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok
27 April : Bangkok – Paro KB 153 – Dep: 06.00 Arr: 08.15
9 May: Paro – Bangkok KB 152 – Dep: 11.50 Arr: 16.00
( These economy airfares are USD 1200 per person. Fares are current and are subject to change)
Domestic flight
28 April: Paro – Bumthang KB10 28 – Dep:7:50am - Arrives 8:25am
For further information on this trek you can contact, Simon Balderstone simon@waysandmeans.com.au or info@ahf.org.au.
Traveller testimonials
“Bhutan is a place like no other. To be immersed in the place, to spend time with the people and with a purpose (the knowledge that your financial contribution is hugely appreciated). And then there’s the power of the Himalayas as a backdrop to every uplifting step on the magnificent walks. For us it was a wonderful reset and truly the trip of a lifetime.” - Russell and Di Barton (2024)
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“AHF helped me fulfil a lifelong wish to visit ‘the world’s happiest nation’ – and they did so with panache. AHF’s selected accommodations were top notch and the Bhutanese food always excellent and nutritious. And AHF’s wise and knowledgeable guiding was varied, often surprising and always interesting. The entire experience surpassed only by the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese themselves.” - Eric Ellis (2024)
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“This trip is a fantastic ‘entry-level” trip for walking in the Himalaya…it was a family friendly program and really suitable for all ages…and all in all, a great time and amazing experience.” - David Tierney (2024)