Heart of Bhutan 26
Go Learn
Heart of Bhutan
October 14-25, 2026
Double Occupancy: $6600 per person
Single Occupancy: $7105 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.
I can't name only one favorite activity… so many come to mind… meeting Bhutanese people, the festivals, the various Bhutanese speakers, learning about the revival of textile dying and weaving, seeing the majestic landscapes and fascinating architecture…
— Bhutan 2025 Laura Parker
Arrive in Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Take the hotel shuttle from the terminal to the Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi 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: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opens a new window
Enjoy breakfast before returning to the airport for an early 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 together at the hotel.
Hotel: The Pema By Realm opens a new window
Meals: B, D
Activity Level: Low
After breakfast, we will meet with the doctor from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital. We will hear about Bhutan’s Great National Happiness development philosophy and how their healthcare system and policies support it. 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: The Pema By Realm opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
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 Bhutanese 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 drive to Wangdue or Punakha over Dochula pass (3010 m), we will stop for a walk among the 108 memorial stupas and take in the Himalayan panorama in clear weather.
Hotel: Lobesa Boutique Hotel opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
After breakfast, we will enjoy a morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten with wonderful views of the valley and its terraced paddy fields. We have an optional easy rafting opportunity on the Mo Chhu River for those that want to take in the view from the river.
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: Lobesa Boutique Hotel opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
Today will be a long drive with a detour 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. We will settle in to Bumthang for two nights.
Hotel: Rinchenling Resort opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
Start the day sightseeing with Jakar dzong castle and attending the Annual Tshechu festival with religious mask dances. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang one of the most holy and sacred sites in Bhutan. Nestled on the side of the hill, surrounded by 108 chorten walls, the complex houses three revered temples.
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: Rinchenling Resort opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
Yotong-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. We will learn about Buddhism from an accomplished master at Gangtey monastery shedra (buddhist college). This evening we stay in the scenic Phobjikha Valley in a farmhouse that bring an authentic local feel and hospitality.
Hotel: Yueloki Farmstay opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate
We will begin our day with 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. Afternoon drive making our way to Paro for dinner.
Hotel: Rustic Roots Resort opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous
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.
If you have energy in the afternoon, 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 a mask dance performance and dinner.
Hotel: Rustic Roots Resort opens a new window
Meals: B, L, D
Activity Level: Strenuous with moderate option
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 Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel to accommodate flight schedules back to the U.S.
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport opens a new window
Meal: B
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, 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.
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
October is one of the best months to visit Bhutan. Enjoy warm, sunny weather with temperatures ranging from 54-72 °F (12-22°C). With an average rainfall of just 69 mm, you'll have clear views of the majestic Himalayas.
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 hiking. We will build up to the biggest effort allowing our bodies to acclimate and prepare for the iconic Tiger’s Nest. The hike is 4 miles round trip with nearly 2,000 in elevation gain to the monastery and will take between 5-7 hours.
Tiger's Nest hike – All you need to know
There is an alternate option to hike to the cafeteria and take in the view. We consider this trip to be a Level 2 with the understanding that there is moderate walking and hiking.
Additional consideration for motion sickness due to long transit times due to the remote locations on winding, steep roads.
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.
Dates
October 14-25, 2026
Size
Tour is limited to 20 participants
Cost
Early bird: Save $500 before March 31st.
Double occupancy: $7,100 per person ($6,600 with early bird)
Single occupancy: $7,605 per person ($7,105 with early bird)
Payment options are available upon request. Contact golearn@utah.edu for information.
See for payment and cancellation details.
Included
Not included