13-day Vegan Tour Bhutan

Tour dates:
2026: June 1 - 13 or August 2 - 15
2027: March 28 - April 10 or August 15 - 28
Maximum group size: 12 people
Price per person (double-occupancy): ​US$6, 495*
 Single supplement: US$895

​* Book your Bhutan Vegan Adventure
​today for a $200 discount!

Book now

Discover Bhutan, a tiny Himalayan kingdom where ancient Buddhist philosophy shapes daily life, ancient traditions run deep, and mountain landscapes are breathtaking!​

This 13-day vegan group tour takes you off the beaten path into the real Bhutan. You'll visit remote valley villages, living monasteries, local markets, and family homes where you'll share stories over vegan meals cooked from scratch. Along the way you'll hike mountain trails, witness Buddhist ceremonies, meet community activists and conservation projects, and get an honest look at a country that has chosen a different path from the rest of the world. If you're looking for a unique travel experience in the Himalayas, this small group tour is it.

Itinerary

DAY 1 THIMPHU
“Kuzu Zamgpo La” and Welcome to Breathtaking Bhutan – Introduction to Bhutanese Culture, Customs, Etiquettes, Languages, Local Drinks, and Changpa(Snacks), and History Sessions, and Vegan Bhutanese Cheese Dishes (all specially veganized for us :).

• Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better as we discuss the adventure ahead and have our Introduction to Bhutan’s History and Cultures Presentation.
• First (of daily) Dzongkha (Bhutanese) language lesson
• Local drink tasting session – from plum wine, local apple, and wild berry juice to Bhutan ara (rice or maize whiskey, kind of like sake), Bhutan beers, and vegan butter tea – accompanied by classic snacks and Bhutanese changpa.
• First Taste of Bhutan – a Culinary Cultural Experience where you’ll be introduced to Bhutan’s classical dishes and the main staples of the country’s often overlooked, but very tasty and fresh, cuisines including the Bhutanese favorites of ema datshi (chili cheese) and shamu datshi (mushrooms cheese) all 100% veganized specially for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Snacks, Dinner & Drinks

DAY 2 THIMPHU
Magnificent Mandalas, Terrific Thangkas, Buddhist Basics, Sensational Shrines, A Centuries-Old Code of Conduct, Awesome Astrology, the Four Friends, the 8 Lucky Symbols, a Great Grassroots Educational Initiative, and a Little Vegan Outreach in Terrific Thimphu!

• Morning walk with our friend and local community cleaning campaigner for an introduction to life in the burbs of bustling Thimphu. During the walk, we will also help the community clean campaigner collecting trash along the trail, which we will then deposit at the innovative trash collection and selection center in the community.
• Join monks at the Vajrayana Bhutanese Astrology Center where we’ll learn about local astrological practices – a combination of Chinese, Indian, and Bon influences, this ancient tradition still plays a significant role in people’s daily lives.
• Learn about Bhutan’s unique Tara beliefs at a sacred Tara Temple. Tara is the Goddess (or saint) of Compassion, and her Green Tara form is often associated with vegetarian practices.
• Guests of charitable institutes provide economically challenged youth training in the local arts where the students will teach us how to make marvelous mandalas and terrific thangkas. The students will share with us their cultural traditions – including introducing us to the 8 lucky symbols in Vajrayana Buddhism and the 4 friends (one of our favorites), as well as teach us some Dzongkha (Bhutanese language), and we will share with them a delicious vegan meal.
• Join a local family at their home for our introduction to the code of ethics, conduct, manners, and service of Bhutan that are based on age-old texts setting out guidelines relevant to this day. Also referred to as a code of etiquette, these life lessons promote culturally-based community behavior in how we interact with each other whether that be in greetings, dress and gestures, architecture, polite eating, communication, and basically – good manners in general. Introduction to the Eating Etiquette of Bhutan and how to properly share a meal – Bhutanese style while enjoying a delicious home cooked meal of their favorite family recipes all specially veganized for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 3 THIMPHU
Strolling Through the Streets of Thimphu, Marvelous Markets, a Bountiful Bhutanese Culture Culinary Experience ( a.k.a. a really cool cooking class ), the Essence of Gross National Happiness, Traditional Himalayan Massage Treatment, and a Fantastic feast with Fellow Vegans with an Introduction to an Ancient Philosophy of Animal Protection, all on our last day of Thimphu!

• Strolling through the streets of Thimphu on a cultural reality walk learning about its architecture, dress, temples, shrines, flags, mandalas, and more seen on the street of Thimphu from a local’s point of view.
• From the fresh farmers’ market to the home kitchen, we’ll meet up with one of the country’s most innovative chefs who has strive to bring back and keep Bhutan’s classic cuisines, alive and well. Joining her for a “working lunch” where we’ll learn how to make and enjoy some of Bhutan’s classic dishes – all 100% veganized for us.
• As guests of the GNH center, we’ll learn firsthand from a policy point of view the essence of Gross National Happiness in the country including how it relates to environmental conservation, sustainable development, good governance, and preservation of culture.
• Traditional 90-minute Ku Nye massage based on ancient Tibetan healing traditions that combine healing techniques to stimulate muscles, along with acupressure, & deep-tissue massage techniques.
• Vegan Meet-up – Join local vegans and activists at Forest Boutique in the garden or conference room for a delicious vegan dinner and cultural exchange, as we learn about plant-based diets, conservation, and animal welfare in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. Learn from local activists about the concept of Tsethar, an ancient philosophy of animal protection, and how it is properly (and as importantly, improperly) practiced in Bhutan in the past, and present, and its thoughts for the future. A traditional practice spanning over the 3 major schools of Buddhism – Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, Tsethar is the act of freeing animals that are destined to be slaughtered. Bhutanese values focusing on the Buddhist practices of compassion, benevolence, nonviolence, and concern for all living beings, are also attributed to the tenants of Gross National Happiness.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 4 PHUBJIKHA
The Stunning journey from Thimphu to Phobji and the Farms and Fields of the Phubjikha Valley!

• Epically scenic drive through picturesque passes and lush green forested valleys and mountainsides as we make our way from Thimphu to the Phubjikha Valley.
• Vegan Picnic Lunch along the journey.
• Countryside stroll through farms and fields learning about the rich ecosystem of Phubjikha.
• Special vegan dinner of local Phobjika Potatoes (among other valley classics).

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 5 PHUBJIKHA
The History & Heritage of Historical Phobji, Buddhism Roots & Practices in Bhutan the Belief Basics of the Nyingma (Old School)  Sect of Buddhism, Monastery, Meditation, and the Taking in Life in the Phubjikha  Valley!​

• As guests of local monk teachers and students, we’ll learn about the basics of Vajrayana Buddhism, its history, and the important role it plays in Bhutanese life and culture. We’ll also have a Dhamma Discussion on Vajrayana Buddhism from the Nyingma point of view and learn about their monastic way of life.
• Special vegan lunch at the Buddhist college cafe.
• Introduction to Bhutanese monastery architecture and design by resident monks as well as symbolic, architectural concepts synonymous with monasteries here – from the main prayer hall to the monks’ quarters, prayer wheels, flags, stupas, and much more.
• Monastery Meditation – under the guidance of our close friend, we’ll be introduced to the basics of Vipassana Meditation. Its roots tracing back well over 2½ millennia to the Buddha, Vipassana is an ancient form of meditation that helps us be more mindful and roughly translates as “insight, to see into, to see things as they are”.
• Special vegan dinner around the campfire under the stars of local Phubjika dishes specially veganized for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 6 TANG VALLEY
Journey Off-the-Beaten-Path to the Terrific Tang Valley Discovering the History, Heritage & Cultures of this Remote Himalayan Outpost Sitting Along an Ancient Once-thriving Caravan Trade Route Between India and Tibet!

• Scenic drive on one of the most scenic stretches of road in Central Bhutan as we make our way to the most remote valley of the Bumthang District – the Tang Valley.
• As guests of our hosts, we’ll learn about our home for the next three days which is a manor house estate of the old religious nobility of Ogyen Choling. Learn about the house, its unique architecture, and its historical connection to the valley and its people.
• Join our host family for a tasty vegan dinner of their favorite family recipes, local drinks, and a discussion on the way of life in Tang Valley and how it has changed over the years, as well as their efforts for cultural preservation and community development.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 7 TANG VALLEY
Morning Meditation, Delving Deeper Into the Tang Valley with Morning Meditation on the Grounds of a Centuries-Old Spiritual Retreat, Hiking Amongst the Himalayas, Learning Age-Old Archery, Foraging, Farms, Fresh Springs, and Making Mouth-watering Momos & Excellent Ezays! 

• Morning Meditation at our centuries-old spiritual manor house’s sacred Tara Temple.
• Hike amongst the Himalayas from our manor house to the village streets into the serenely peaceful countryside we’ll take in the natural beauty and learn about life in Tang Valley – from water-powered prayer wheels and Bhutanese stupas to buckwheat fields and potato farming – we’ll learn about life in the valley and about the crops they grow, how they are planted, and harvested, and later – how they are prepared.
• Vegan picnic lunch overlooking the Tang River and surrounding Himalaya foothills.
• Join in local games and learn about how to play them and their cultural significance in Bhutan – including the national game of the country, archery, and digor.
• Farm-to-table agricultural program – where we’ll focus on what makes up much of the people’s daily livelihood and how to make one of the most famous dishes and condiments in the country – including in the Himalayas, magnificent Momos, and their delicious accompaniments – excellent ezays! Starting with a visit to the garden, we’ll pick out our momo stuffings, as well as evening greens and other fresh veggies, fresh from the field, as well as the seasonal ingredients to mix up a batch of several different delicious types of ezays – our favorite condiments in the Himalayas!

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
​
DAY 8 TANG VALLEY
Another Lovely Day in the Lovely Tang Valley, Ancient Temples & Trade Routes, and Tasting More Mouth-watering Family Recipes Specially Veganized Just for Us! And a Cool Cultural Q&A by the Campfire!

• Morning Meditation at our centuries-old spiritual manor house’s sacred Buddhist Temple.
• Bhutanese Tara blessing ceremony we’ll learn about Tara prayer ceremonies and meditative practice rituals.
• Join a local family at their home for traditional Bhutanese hospitality – from the traditional welcome ceremony and learning to make a local drink, to local home architecture, symbolism, and a delicious vegan Bhutanese lunch. As guests of a local family, we’ll join them at their countryside home for traditional Bhutanese hospitality and delicious lunch of local delicacies specially veganized for us. On arrival, the family has a special traditional welcome for us, followed by showing how to make the traditional welcome drink made from fermented barley and wheat grown in their field. They also share with us how the design of their countryside home coincides with both practical climate and living conditions, as well as spiritual traditions and customs.
• Since the Tang Valley has deep spiritual roots, today we’ll learn in-depth about the prayer flags of Bhutan – which you’ll see not just here, but also adorning stupas, temples, monasteries, shrines, hilltops, rooftops, homes, shops, and other structures across the Himalayas, today we will also introduce what prayer flags are all about, their history and what they represent, as well as we’ll contribute prayers to a series of prayer flags to encourage blessings into the valley.
• Cultural Music and Dance Program – join the local community to learn about the local cultural music and dance of the Tang Valley and share what each song and dance symbolizes and means to the people of the valley accompanied by traditional local drinks and tasty vegan changpa (snacks to accompany drinks).

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 9 BUMTHANG & TRONGSA
Journey to the Ancient Kingdom and Ancestral Seat of the House of Wangchuk, More Sensationally Epic Scenery, Ancient History, a Classic Bumthang Buckwheat Dish, the Cliffs, Mountain Tops & Epic Dzong of Trongsa, and more Delicious Farm Fresh Bhutanese Feasts – all Veganized Specially for Us!

• Morning Meditation at our centuries-old spiritual manor house’s sacred Tara Temple.
• Scenic journey across the countryside of Bhutan as we head continue our journey into the spiritual and cultural heartland of the country.
• Guests of local Buddhist Nuns at their monastery where we will learn about their order as Vajrayana Buddhist nuns, their way of life, the precepts they follow, their daily life, and women’s issues within Bhutan from a Buddhist point of view. At the nunnery, we also learn about the reciting of Buddha’s teachings and the students can recite for us how they are learning and the meaning of the teaching recitations.
• Join a local family for a Bumthap Culinary Cultural Experience where we learn about Bumthap culture through their culinary tradition of preparing buckwheat Bumthap noodles which we’ll enjoy with all the sides that accompany this delicious buckwheat dish!
• From the farmhouse, we’ll hike through the fields and farms down into the valley to one of the oldest and most sacred temples – the Jampa Lakhang.
• Special dinner overlooking the historical and stunningly epic Dzong of Trongsa and the equally stunning and epic cliffs and valley gorges that surround it.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 10 TRONGSA
Kickin’ it in the Cool Ol’ Dzongkhag Capital of Trongsa, History, Heritage, Dzongs, Penlops, the Dual System of Government, & a Cool Cultural Q&A by the Campfire Complete with Cool Views!​

• Morning Meditation overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and its surrounding cliffs and gorges.
• Explore the ancient Dzong of Trongsa, one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan, where we’ll learn about the very unique governance in Bhutan that helped form the country into the unique nation Bhutan it is today. We’ll also learn about traditional dzong design and layouts, including the different secular and spiritual divisions of these mighty fortresses.
• Visit the auspicious Vajra Sattva Temple, where we’ll learn about and perform an ancient sacred tradition of honoring our ancestors and those close to us who also may have passed more recently, including a ritual believed to send blessings and light in the life hereafter.
• Campfire Cultural Q&A “Everything You Wanted to Know About Bhutanese Culture and Vajrayana Buddhism but We’re Afraid to Ask” session. After 10 days in Bhutan, any questions or anything you have on your mind – now is the time to ask.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 11 PUNAKHA
Journey to the Cool Ol’ Country Capital of Punakha, History, Heritage & Cool Cultural Q&A by the Campfire Complete with Red Rice in the Rice Bowl of Bhutan!

• Morning Meditation overlooking the Trongsa Dzong and its surrounding cliffs and gorges.
• Visit one of the higher elevation passes roads traverse in Bhutan and the sacred Chendapji Choten, built in the 16th century to subdue the bad demons of the area.
• Special lunch at one of our favorite roadside eateries – where we’ll enjoy a very tasty vegan feast of Bhutanese classics from the local area – including a variety of locally farmed and foraged ingredients.
• Special Punakha Red Rice-Themed Vegan Dinner in the rice bowl of Bhutan.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 12 PUNAKHA to PARO
Explore Punakha, Culture, History, & Cuisines, then Back to Where We Began, in the Paro Valley, where we’ll Unwind with Traditional Bhutanese Stone Bath and a Farewell Feast of Our Local Vegan Favorites!

• Visit Punakha Dzong where you’ll be able to reflect on the unique Bhutanese dzong architecture and design we learned about in Trongsa, while taking in the “Palace of Great Happiness” – a.k.a. the Dzong of Punakha.
• Visit the temple of fertility and learn about the story of the divine madman.
• Unwind, refresh, and rejuvenate with a traditional Bhutanese stone bath.
• Festive farewell dinner party complete with live music, local drinks, snacks, and a variety of our Bhutanese favorites throughout the journey.

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

DAY 13 PARO & THE JOURNEY HOME…
Bidding Farewell to Bhutan, the Journey Home Begins…

• Special Vegan Breakfast
• Airport Transfer

Vegan Meals Included Today:  Breakfast

 Included:

• 32 Vegan meals​ ​(12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners)
• 12 Nights Accommodations (a combination of  an enchanting historic manor, boutique guesthouses, and bed & breakfast)
• Tour Transport
  • Private Mini-Bus
  • Local Cars
• Bhutan Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF, which for this trip is US$ 1,500 per person)
• Bhutan Visa Fee(US$ 40 per person)
• Daily Local Cultural Lessons
• Daily Dzongkha (Bhutanese) Language Lessons
• Vipassana Meditation and Traditional Yoga Lessons
• Live Traditional Music and Folk Dances
• Vegan Bhutanese Full-Course Meal Cooking Class
• Vegan Bhutanese Momos & Ezay Cooking Class
• Vegan Bhutanese Noodle-Making Class
• Fruits, Snacks & Local drinks Tasting Sessions
• Local Veggie and Spice Market Exploration
• Vegan Meet-up Dinner with Local Vegans
• Vegan Meals with Local Families
• Guests of Local Grassroots Educational Programs and Projects
• Guests of Local Grassroots Animal Rescue and Protection Project
• Visit Local Temples
• Guests of Local Monasteries
• Local Organic Farming and Foraging Experience
• Countryside Walks and Himalayan Hillside Hikes
• Guests of Local Villages and Communities
• Heritage Walk and Historical Cultural Lessons
• Introduction to Vajrayana (often referred to as Tibetan) Buddhism
• An in-depth look into Gross National Happiness & how it pertains to daily life & decision making
• Introduction to Buddhist Ceremonies & Rituals with Monks & Local Communities
• Introduction to Bhutan’s code of etiquette as a means of cultural preservation to counter globalization.
•  All Local Guide Fees
• All Site Entry Fees
• Traditional Hot Stone Bath Treatment
• Traditional 90-minute Himalayan Kyue Nye Massage Treatment
• Complimentary Refill Water bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
• Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks, and Beers & Wine
• Vegan Welcome Package and Tote Bag
• Community Carbon Offsets through Electric Stoves Donated to Himalayan Village, which not only Offset 100% of the Group’s Carbon Emissions from the tour but also helps reduce lung health issues amongst women in the communities caused by inhaling smoke from wood & manure-based stoves.
• Vegan Cultural Exchange Outreach & Sharing Programs throughout the journey.
• Free Laundry Day
• Airport Pick Up*
• Airport Drop Off
• …and all other activities, entertainment, and entry fees per the itinerary.

* Airport pick-up is provided for free if you arrive a day or two days earlier than the tour date and staying at our designated hotel. If you will be arriving at a much earlier time, OR if you are staying at another hotel, please arrange your own transfer, and meet us at our hotel on Day 1.

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Not included:

• International airfare,
• Personal travel insurance, ​
• Gratuities/tips,
• Laundry, and
• Other items of a personal nature.

Join us on this unique Bhutan Group Tour!

Tour dates:
2026: June 1 - 13 or
​August 2 - 15
2027: March 28 - April 10 or August 15 - 28
Maximum group size: 12 people
Price per person (double-occupancy): ​US$6, 495*
 Single supplement: US$895

* Current Promotion:
$200 discount

Contact Donna at Green Earth Travel to book now or for more information:

phone: 301 229-5666

email: [email protected]