Tours of a Lifetime: Bhutan

It’s that time again! Every year, Traveler picks the best guided trips from around the world for our annual Tours of a Lifetime issue (now on newsstands). In 2007, Boundless Journeys’ “Bhutan: A Journey into the Peaceful Kingdom” made the list, and for good reason. This active tour of the little-known Himalayan kingdom takes clients on hiking trips through the western half of Bhutan, including Paro, Punakha, the Bumthang Valley, and Thimphu, the country’s capital (a city that lacks traffic lights and an airport).

I had the pleasure of testing out the tour myself last November, just two weeks after the country celebrated a royal wedding that got the world’s attention in the waning fanfare of the British monarch’s nuptials, with the reigning Dragon King marrying his own “commoner” bride.

On this trip, Boundless Journeys guides Kinley and Dawa shared their love and knowledge of their country with the group as they led us through Bhutan’s villages, temples, markets, and festivals. Take a look at my photo gallery above for a taste of what I experienced on this special tour and stay tuned for more tips on traveling to this Southeast Asian gem.