Bhutan: An Immersion in Nature and Cultural Heritage for School Groups

Embark on an enriching educational journey to the beautiful kingdom of Bhutan with our 8-day educational trip, designed to immerse students in the vibrant culture, history, and natural beauty of this unique country. This adventure offers a blend of immersive cultural experiences and hands-on activities, all of which seek to foster a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture and traditions.

Students will have the opportunity to interact with local youth through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (BYDF) and experience the traditional Bhutanese dress and educational system firsthand.

The adventure begins in Thimphu, the capital city, where students participate in a traditional Bhutanese ceremony, setting the stage for an unforgettable trip. The program also includes engaging visits to cultural landmarks such as the Buddha Dordenma statue, the Simply Bhutan Museum, and the Dechen Phodrang Monastic Centre.

From Thimphu, students travel to the serene Punakha Valley, where they will participate in an agricultural and reforestation project, engage with the local village school, and prepare a meal at a homestay, culminating in reflective and meditation sessions. The journey continues to the picturesque Paro Valley, where students will trek to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, enjoy a hot stone bath, and gather for a farewell meal, reflecting on their experiences. The trip concludes at Paro Valley, leaving students with a profound appreciation for Bhutan's unique cultural heritage and sustainable practices.

You will end the trip with cherished memories and a renewed sense of well-being, carrying the spirit of Bhutan back home. (Read our blog post: Bhutan: How Sustainability Builds Happiness)

Much more than a traditional tour operator, Global Family Travels’ mission is to “Learn, Serve and Immerse” through community-based travel programs.  In partnership with non-profit organizations and schools, we offer family-friendly and sustainable travel experiences in support of education, gender equality, access to clean water, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, all of which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens.  

Our trips include a unique mix of cultural and educational activities, homestays and participation in local service projects aimed at improving the lives of people in the communities we visit.    
 
Expect to expand your family circle when you embark on a Global Family Travels trip!  Visit our website for more information: Global Family Travels 

Learn, Serve & Immerse 

Global Family Travels is passionate about creating community-based, family-friendly trips that are truly meaningful, encouraging travelers of all ages to become both stewards of the environment and citizens of the world. Guided by our three travel pillars of “Learn, Serve & Immerse,” we partner with local and global non-profit partners to develop experiences in support of education, preservation of local cultures, conservation and economic growth, which foster cross-cultural understanding and global citizens. 

Experiential learning unique to this trip includes:  

• Engage in a Gross National Happiness (GNH) workshop, learning about Bhutan's unique approach to measuring national success and well-being. 

• Participate in a traditional Bhutanese ceremony, gaining insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of Bhutanese rituals.  

• Visit the Buddha Dordenma statue and Dechen Phodrang Monastic Centre, exploring the historical and spiritual significance of these landmarks and learning about the role of Buddhism in Bhutan.  

• Study Bhutanese culture at the Simply Bhutan Museum.  

• Visit a government school in Thimphu and try on traditional Bhutanese dress, fostering a cultural exchange.  

• Lead and participate in meditation sessions, exploring the role of meditation and mindfulness in Bhutanese culture.  

• Trek to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, learning about the history and legends associated with this iconic site.  

• Explore Key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how they are being addressed in Bhutan 

This trip will bring students outside of the country’s main tourist attractions, allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s history, culture, and people.  

• Participating in hands-on agricultural and reforestation projects in Punakha Valley will provide students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Bhutan’s sustainable practices. By working alongside local farmers, students will learn about farming techniques, conservation efforts, and the importance of environmental stewardship.  

• Preparing a meal at a homestay in Punakha offers students a firsthand experience of Bhutanese hospitality and culinary traditions. Guided by their hosts, students will learn to cook traditional Bhutanese dishes and enjoy the delicious dishes they made.  

• Engaging in a traditional Bhutanese ceremony will offer a profound introduction to the country's spiritual and cultural practices.  

• Visiting a government school in Thimphu and donning traditional Bhutanese attire will provide students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local educational practices and cultural norms. 

Carbon Removal: According to the State of Global Carbon Dioxide Removal Report by University of Oxford, natural methods of removing carbon from the atmosphere are not enough by themselves due to the amount of pollution currently in the atmosphere. Innovations in removing and permanently storing carbon emissions are needed to conserve nature and reverse the course toward further climate change. 

Tomorrow’s Air: Global Family Travels is passionate about encouraging tourism that is not only sustainable but regenerative. To help with our mission, we seek to partner with like-minded brands such as Tomorrow’s Air, which operates within the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA).   

Tomorrow’s Air is a collective of carbon removal innovators that work to permanently remove and store carbon from the atmosphere. Travel is a large contributor to global emissions, and we feel it is important to educate and empower travelers to support efforts that combat climate change! Clients can opt-in for a $25 donation to Tomorrow’s Air through the payment page. 

Gakyil is situated next to the iconic Clock Tower in the center of Thimphu. Right on the main road, with the Changlimithang stadium and archery grounds behind it, boasting 40 deluxe rooms with modern amenities and bathroom fittings. Gakyil is the place if you want to be in the heart of Thimphu. 

There are a few volunteer activities within this trip designed specifically to allow students to give back to local Bhutanese communities:  

• Interact with local youth through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (BYDF), learning about the challenges faced by Bhutanese youth.  

• Participate in agricultural and reforestation projects in Punakha Valley, learning about sustainable farming practices and conservation efforts.  

• Engage with a local village community school in Punakha, understanding the educational challenges facing rural Bhutan.  

• Prepare a meal at your homestay in Punakha, learning about Bhutanese culinary traditions.  

As part of this trip, you are also contributing to Bhutan’s sustainable development initiatives, through a small payment towards their Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a daily tax that all tourists visiting Bhutan must pay. 

The Village Lodge in Paro, Tshendona is a premium flagship establishment. It was built to capture the unique Bhutanese architecture, perfectly blending with the farmhouses nearby. The lodge is truly a masterpiece inspired by the rich culture of the Bhutanese. Flawlessly located in the middle of the fertile paddy fields, it offers 13 mini-suites with a feeling of rural Bhutanese life and the luxury of a deluxe hotel. 

Welcome to Bhutan!  

Overview of the day: 

• Descend into the picturesque Paro Valley, being captivated by breathtaking views of Paro River. 

• Embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the vibrant capital city. 

• Partake in a traditional Bhutanese ceremony, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. 

• Engage in a exploratory workshop about Bhutan’s history, culture & unique concept of Gross National Happiness. 

• Conclude the day with a group dinner, savoring delectable traditional Bhutanese dishes. 

Accommodation: Hotel Gakyil 

Meals: L, D 

Overview of the day:  

• Awaken your senses with a visit to the awe-inspiring golden Buddha Dordenma statute. 

• Engage with the Bhutan Youth Development Fund, an organization dedicated to empowering Bhutanese youth. 

• Indulge in a group buffet lunch at the Simply Bhutan living museum. 

• Partake in a meaningful visit to the Dechen Phodrang Monastic Centre, engaging in an arts session with the monks. 

• Engage in a hands-on culinary experience by preparing traditional Bhutanese dumplings. 

Accommodation: Hotel Gakyil 

Meals: B, L, D 

Overview of the day: 

• Visit a government school & immerse in Bhutanese education & culture. 

• Try on traditional Bhutanese dress. 

• Head on for an interactive visit to the national school for training in the arts, witnessing master artisans at work. 

• Capture memories by posing for your own unique Bhutanese postage stamp. 

Accommodation: Hotel Gakyil 

Meals: B, L, D 

Overview of the day: 

• Embark on a picturesque journey to Punakha via private minibus transport. 

• Stop at the 108 Stupas site & hoist iconic Bhutanese prayer flags. 

• Upon arrival in Punakha, be greeted by the warm hospitality of a farmhouse. 

• Enjoy a delicious, locally sourced meal from the farmhouse. 

• Embark on a guided tour of the village, school, rice paddies & farmlands. 

• Indulge in a hearty dinner served by your gracious host families.  

• Gather for a reflective session about the day’s experiences. 

Accommodation: Farmstay 

Meals: B, L, D 

Overview of the day: 

• Participate in seasonal cultivation, planting or harvesting, or dairy production, contributing to sustainable farming practices. 

• Engage in educational activities at the local village community school. 

• Enjoy a heart lunch at the farmstays. 

• Participate in the preparation & cooking of an evening meal with your host family. 

• Gather for a second reflective session. 

• Host your own meditation session, under the guidance of trip guides & host families. 

Accommodation: Farmstay 

Meals: B, L, D 

Overview of the day: 

• Bid farewell to your amazing host families. 

• Head on your way to Paro, enjoying the beautiful views along the way. 

• Take a leisurely stroll through the tranquil Paro Valley, capturing moments of serenity & contemplation. 

• Enjoy a delightful evening meal at your hotel. 

Accommodation: Village Lodge 

Meals: B, L, D 

Choose to either stay in Paro Valley or visit Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest). You can also extend your visit and do all of these! 

Tiger’s Nest Excursion 

• This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom.  

• It clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 hundred meters above the Paro Valley.  

• You will spend most of the day hiking to the temple at your own pace while your trip leader entertains you about the history and legend of this place.  

• It will be one of the unforgettable experiences of a lifetime and one to cherish. 

Paro Valley Experiences 

• Visit the National Museum, housing many antique and precious objects from across Bhutan.  

• Admire the Paro Dzong, a high point of Bhutanese architecture that now houses the monastic body and district government offices. 

• Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. 

• Enjoy lunch at the Mountain Café, a charming spot with a cozy and rustic ambiance. 

• Take a short drive north to Drugyel Village, enjoying a delightful escape where visitors can take leisurely walks and immerse themselves in Bhutan. 

• End your day at a traditional farmhouse, followed by a captivating cultural show.  

Accommodation: NOT SPECIFIED 

Meals: B, L, D 

• End the day with a group breakfast, savoring the flavors of Bhutan. 

• Embark on a scenic journey to Paro airport. 

• Board your flight out of Bhutan; as you soar homeward, carrying the spirit of Bhutan with you!