Bhutan is the last of the small, hidden Himalayan kingdoms to unlock the doors to its’ mysteries. The Land of the Thunder Dragon, as its original name implies, has maintained its integrity and independence throughout the centuries, repelling invasions from the strongholds of its fortified monasteries, or dzongs. The first foreign tourists came in 1972 and the number allowed to visit each year is very limited. Bhutan is almost entirely mountainous, with the land rising from 600 feet above sea level in the south to the over 23,000 foot snow covered peaks in the north. The flora and fauna of Bhutan represents some of the most pristine Himalayan ecology remaining; brilliantly colored birds and butterflies are everywhere, and mountain slopes are covered with tree-size rhododendrons and endless species of flowers, many of the rarest in the Himalayas.

Bhutan is a remote, mysterious and exhilarating place to visit. Almost ¾ of the country is under forest cover, a full quarter of which is encompassed by four protected national parks. For many, Bhutanese architecture is one of most unique in the world, with the landscape covered in chortens, stone walls, temples, monasteries, fortresses, mansions and large rammed-earth houses.

In addition to protected wild areas and amazing architecture, it’s the way of life that visitors find intriguing. Where else have the rulers decided that Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross National Product? Where is traditional dress emphasized over western? Where do people grind grain with millennia-old stone wheels while talking on cell phones? Where do visitors view gorgeous Himalayan peaks through fluttering prayer flags from the comfort of a new SUV? Where does the king step down at a young age and move the country towards becoming the worlds’ youngest democracy? Bhutan is where the old and new are working magic together -to the delight of all who visit.

On this cultural immersion program you will be spending time living with the villagers of Dorikha known as Dorips. Most Dorips, unlike many villagers in Bhutan, maintain two villages: a winter village and a summer village. In the summer home villagers grow potatoes, peas, barley, wheat, and buckwheat. In the warmer lower elevation winter village- they grow red rice, oranges, cardamom and other subtropical produce. Fall and spring are perfect times to visit as the timing coincides with the migration. Our spring trip will center around a home stay in the winter village and the fall program will take part in the migration. In addition to spending time in the village you will be seeing some of the highlights of this ancient hidden kingdom such as Punakha, Thimphu and the Tiger’s Nest.

If there is such a thing as the road less traveled, this is it! You are embarking on a journey only a handful of tourists have made. Visitors were only allowed in the Haa Valley in 2004 and only 7 of them have been to Dorikha. The participants in the Fall Migration program will be the first ones ever!

Bhutan: Fall Migration Program length: 16 days Dates: 2 Oct to 17 Oct, 2009 Grade: Medium Hard Price: $3,420 plus intl. airfare $300 single supplement Sample Itinerary (PDF)   for Bhutan!

Bhutan's Haa Valley Sample Itinerary (PDF)

Highlights!

Homestay in a village that has seen few visitors

Sightseeing in vibrant Thimphu

A breathtaking visit to the Tigers Nest

The ancient capitol of Punakha

Trekking in the Himalayas