The Heart of Bhutan
Go Learn



The Heart of Bhutan - Sold Out!


November 01-12, 2025
Double Occupancy: $7100 per person
Single Occupancy: $7605 per person
Airfare is not included.

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Embark on a journey with Go Learn to the enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan, a land where tradition and tranquility seamlessly intertwine with breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan offers a rare glimpse into a culture that cherishes its ancient heritage while embracing the wonders of the modern world. Trip leader Jeff Robison, M.D. Associate Professor at U of U School of Medicine brings his experience, expertise and interest in global health and conservations. Explore the majestic monasteries, witness the vibrant festivals that color the landscapes with joy and reverence, and immerse yourself in the serene landscapes that define Bhutan’s unspoiled charm. Discover why Bhutan is not just a destination, but a transformative experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Tour Highlights Include:

  • Iconic climb to Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro
  • Learn about Bhutan’s unique Gross Happiness Index
  • Hear from local Public Health and Conservation experts as well as an accomplished master of Buddhism
  • Enjoy beautiful hikes in the countryside through potato fields and if we are lucky, see rare black neck cranes
  • Experience local traditions and delicacies
  • Visit key landmarks of Buddhism, the royal dynasty and civil government
  • Enjoy the annual Tshechu festival with the locals
Monks meditating

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday, November 1, 2025 - Bangkok Arrival & Overnight

Arrive in Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Take the hotel shuttle from the terminal to Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel. Depending on your arrival time and your jet lag, you may have time to explore Bangkok on your own. Otherwise just get a good night’s rest.

Hotel: Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel opens a new window

Day 2: Sunday, November 2, 2025 - Bhutan Arrival & Drive to Thimphu

Enjoy breakfast before returning to the airport for a morning flight to Paro airport in Bhutan.

Welcome to Bhutan, known as Drukyul which translates as "The Land of the Thunder Dragon." You will be greeted by our local guides and drivers. In Bhutan you must always be accompanied by a local guide.

On the drive to Thimphu we will stop at Tachog Lhakhang to see the traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. After checking in to our hotel, we will visit Changlimithang stadium to see the archery - a traditional sport of Bhutan. Matches are going on from the morning to the evening. Close by is Centenary market where residents get their groceries in an open air market – you may want to try the hardened Yak cheese “Chugo” - just be careful you don’t crack a tooth. We will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Norkhil Boutique opens a new window
Meals: B, D
Activity Level: Low

Tachog Lhakhang's iron chain bridge
Tachog Lhakhang's iron chain bridge

Day 3: Monday, November 3, 2025 - Thimpu

After breakfast, we hear about Bhutan’s Great National Happiness development philosophy and how their healthcare system and policies support it from doctors and policy makers. After lunch we will visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine to see an exposition on the Bhutanse indigenous healing system which is still practiced alongside evidence-based medicine.

We will walk through town to Norzin Lam street to see the traffic police signaling at the main junction. Thimphu is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.

We will visit Tashichho Dzong, a Buddhist monastery originally built in 1216. It is also head of Bhutan’s civil government, Druk Desi, an office that has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907.

Hotel: Norkhil Boutique opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate


Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel
Traffic police on Norzin Lam Street

Day 4: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - Thimphu – Wangdue/Punakha

On our morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, we'll see the gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the valley with a striking city viewpoint. It is considered a symbol of peace, happiness, and prosperity and is believed to bring about spiritual well-being and inner peace for those who visit.

We will see the takin, famous national animal of Bhutan and other dwellers of Bhutanes forests at the wild animal sanctuary before making our way to Memorial Chorten, city's landmark built to remember 3rd king of Bhutan who started the country's modernization in the 1950s. We will be briefed on Bhutan's effort on nature conservation and its relation to the upkeeping of public health at the Royal Society for Protection of Nature.

On our way to Wangdue or Punakha over Dochula pass (3010 m), we will stop for a walk among the 108 memorial stupas and take in the mountain panorama.

Hotel: RKPO Green Resort opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate

Memorial Chorten
Memorial Chorten

Day 5: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - Wangdue/Punakha

Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten with wonderful views of the valley and its terraced paddy fields. Continue with visit of Punakha Dzong, dubbed as “Palace of the Great Happiness” which counts as the most intricately decorated castle in the kingdom and used to be the winter seat of the Bhutanese rulers. Short walk to Chimi Lhakhang temple, devoted to the 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman,” who allegedly taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and scandalous sexual exploits. Houses around the temple are decorated with phallic symbols, as commemoration of the saint's antics. The temple is also known as a fertility booster, attracting childless couples from all over Bhutan and foreign countries seeking blessings to beget children.

Hotel: RKPO Green Resort opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate


Day 6: Thursday, November 6, 2025 - Wangdue/Punakha – Jakar (Bumthang)

Today we will drive to Kazhi Gewog and visit the Basic Healthcare Unit which is the lowest healthcare service point in Bhutan. Local medical officers will show you the station and explain about how the healthcare is administered on this level. We will stop at Pele La pass shops run by local herders with items including yak wool textiles, dust brush made of yak tail and medicinal plant products.

Before reaching Jakar over Yutong La pass, we will stop at Trongsa viewpoint to see the full extent of the Trongsa castle, where the royal dynasty of Bhutan had risen.

Hotel: Gongkhar Guest House opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate

Trongsa Castle
Trongsa Castle

Day 7: Friday, November 7, 2025 - Jakar (Bumthang)

Start the day sightseeing with ancient Jambay Lhakhang temple, which pins down the knee of a giant demoness. According to legends, this is one of the oldest Buddhist temples built in Bhutan by the great Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

The annual Tshechu festival will be happening with religious mask dances depicting visions of saint, their deeds and religious topics. You will sit with the locals to experience this memorable celebration of folk dance, music, and customs.

After enjoying festival, continue to Kurjey Lhakhang temple complex where 7th century saint Guru Rinpoche subdued local demoness. After exploring the place, enjoy a picnic lunch on the beautiful riverside.

Then proceed to Tamzhing Gompa, the temple which was allegedly built and marvelously painted by 15th century saint Pema Lingpa with the help of angels. If the production cycle permits, visit the Red Panda brewery. There will be time before dinner to explore the town with shops or visit one of the local restaurants.

Hotel: Gongkhar Guest House opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate

Festival Dancers
Festival Dancers

Day 8: Saturday, November 8, 2025 - Jakar (Bumthang) – Gangtey (Phobjikha)

Yutong La pass is one of the beautiful and picturesque passes we will travel to in Trongsa. Trongsa means "the new village" in Bhutanese. We will visit Trongsa Dzong, some say the most spectacularly sited dzong in Bhutan with a sheer drop to the south that often just disappears into cloud and mist. Then we will drive to Pele La pass, an ancient border between western and eastern Bhutan, and reaching Gangtey by the late afternoon. There’s an option to book a hot stone bath, traditional Bhutanese treat (extra payment). We will learn about Buddhism from an accomplished master at Gangtey monastery shedra (buddhist college).

Hotel: Dewachen Hotel & Spa opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate

Trongsa Dzong
Trongsa Dzong

Day 9: Sunday, November 9, 2025 - Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Paro

We will take a 2.5 hour walking tour in historical Gangtey gompa, both the symbolic and geographic heart of the valley and one of Bhutan's most beautiful hikes. You will go through the buckwheat and potato fields to the mixed forest with trees decorated with “old man's” beard lichen, and finally you will get a view of marshland. We may be fortunate to come across rare black neck cranes this time of the year. After the hike we will have lunch in a local farmhouse to taste local delicacies like the salty suja tea and the ara spirit.

Hotel: Kaachi Grand opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous

Gangtey gompa
Gangtey gompa

Day 10: Monday, November 10, 2025 - Paro

Today’s the day we hike to Taktsang Gompa (The Tiger’s Nest) - the absolute highlight of the tour! While the climb seems to be hard, it’s very rewarding. If you aren’t up for the full hike, you can stop at the cafeteria for a nice view. For those looking for a little more elevation, you can hike up to Zangtopelri Lhakhang to get a bird's-eye view of Tiger's Nest. We will visit the National Museum in Ta Dzong which was completed in 1651 and served as an outpost and watch tower for Tibetan invasion forces. Then descend to Rinpung Dzong or “The castle on the heap of jewels”. Scenes from famous Little Buddha film was shot here. We will have a celebratory farewell evening with some of the favorite Bhutanese specialties.

Hotel: Kaachi Grand opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Strenuous with moderate option

Taktsang
Taktsang

Day 11: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Departure

Take the morning to enjoy breakfast before we make our way to the Paro airport for your flight to Bangkok. You’ll stay a night at the convenient Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel to accommodate flight schedules back to the U.S.

Hotel: Novotel Bangkok Airport Hotel opens a new window
Meal: B

Paro Airport
Paro Airport

Day 12: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Take the hotel shuttle back to the terminal to catch your flight home or take a few days to enjoy Bangkok with a happy heart, new friends, and memories to last a lifetime.

Meal: B


Jeff Robison

Jeff Robison

Jeff Robison, M.D., is an Associate Professor at the University of Utah School of Medicine and the Vice Chair for Community and Global Engagement in the Department of Pediatrics. He holds the Robert Bolte, MD Endowed Chair in Pediatric Emergency Medicine and directs the Global, Rural, and Underserved Child Health Fellowship where his research interests include provision of emergency care for children in resource-limited settings and the engagement of academic medical centers with underserved populations. Dr. Robison graduated from the University of Utah School of Medicine and completed residency training in pediatrics at Columbia University. After residency, he spent two years in Malawi working at Kamuzu Central Hospital after which he went on to complete fellowship training in pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Hospital where he remains as an attending physician.

Details and What to Expect

Pre-Departure

Like all Go Learn journeys, the adventure begins at home. We will meet about a month or so before the trip to discuss travel logistics and packing. This trip may appeal to travelers from all over the U.S. and we are happy to send you information you’ll need ahead of time if you cannot join us in person.

Post-Departure

Our journey does not end with the day we leave Bhutan! A trip reunion a month or so after our return is a wonderful capstone to an unforgettable and enriching edu-vacation, as we like to call our journeys!

Weather

November is late autumn in Bhutan. It's a popular time to come because temperatures are pleasant and skies are clear, but it can get cool at night. The average daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) in the lower valleys. This makes November a favorable season for outdoor exploration and activities.

However, temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings and at higher altitudes, so it’s advisable to pack layers to stay warm and comfortable.

Activity levels and restrictions

In order to fully explore the sights on our itinerary, participants should be in reasonably good health and not subject to major mobility challenges. This trip will involve moderate walking and easy hiking with the biggest effort to Tiger’s Nest.

Tiger's Nest hike – All you need to know

There is an alternate option to hike to the caferia and take in the view. We consider this trip to be a Level 2 with the understanding that there is moderate walking and hiking. Learn More about our .

Be sure to pack comfortable shoes! We will rely on the private shuttles for our transportation. Our full itinerary will leave you happily exhausted at the end of each day.

Buddha statue

Buddha statue

Dates
November 1-12, 2025

Size
Tour is limited to 20 participants

Cost
Double occupancy: $7,100 per person
Single occupancy: $7,605 per person
Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.
See for payment and cancellation details.

Included

  • All Hotel accommodations
  • All meals included in the itinerary
  • Flights from Bangkok to Paro and back
  • Transportation in country
  • Local guides, drivers, and Visa
  • All admissions to sites
  • Tips

Not included

  • Airfare to and from Bangkok
  • Cancellation and lost luggage insurance
  • Drinks other than tea and coffee except at welcome and farewell dinner
  • Any costs outside of the itinerary