June 25: Departure Day, Newark to New Delhi
In support of program and student safety, all details regarding specific travel and accommodations are available in the parent/guardian digital locker under Essential Information.
June 26: New Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi and stay overnight with your group at a local hotel.
June 27: Paro
Depart New Delhi and arrive in Bhutan on June 27. Nestled in a valley amid the sky-scraping peaks of the Himalaya, Paro is the starting point for our journey through Bhutan. Browse local crafts at artisan markets, visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, and hike through emerald rice paddies that blanket the valley floor.
June 28 & 29: Haa
Drive over mountain passes to the remote valley of Haa, which has only been open to visitors since 2002. Hike through blooming rhododendron forests to discover exquisite mountain temples, and sit with with nuns in a thunderous drum ceremony. Local families teach us how to make butter tea and homemade cheese, and lead us on hikes up high mountain passes to seek out the famous but elusive Himalayan blue poppy flower.
June 30 & July 1: Punakha
Head west to Punakha, a subtropical region formerly the seat of Bhutan’s royalty. Walk the halls of the magnificent dzong, or fort-monastery, which presides over the region. Hike into the jungly hills with local students to help remote farmers plant rice paddies, and discuss the challenges of rural development and the choices faced by Bhutanese youth who straddle modern and traditional cultures. Set up camp on a riverside and learn Bhutanese archery and darts from professionals, then relax with your new Bhutanese friends around the campfire.
July 2 & 3: Thimphu
Explore Thimphu, the center of Bhutanese economic and civic life, and the only capital city in the world without a traffic light. Meet with leaders of NGOs and government officials to discuss Bhutan’s revolutionary Gross National Happiness project and the country’s radical approach to environmental conservation. Wander the colorful central market and learn to make traditional paper, incense, and weaving textiles, or cheer on professional archers in the national stadium.
July 4 – 6: Trekking in Paro
Travel back to the town of Paro and prepare for your trek. Set off with professional guides to climb through ancient forests and traverse ridges lined with prayer flags until you reach the Bumdra Temple, one of the holiest temples in Bhutan. Camp in an alpine meadow, then descend the mountain to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a spectacular temple complex etched into a sheer cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. Celebrate your journey with a traditional home-cooked feast with a local family, and bid farewell to your Bhutanese friends.
July 7: Travel Day
Have an early breakfast in Paro, then travel to the airport for your group’s return flight.
July 8: Return Travel, Paro to Newark