from $4,350* per person	12 Days	February, November, December
Boutique accommodations		Exertion level: 4
Operator: Geographic Expeditions		18 people max

The kingdom’s old capital of Punakha is the heart and soul of Bhutanese culture. It’s a marvelous area to explore during the winter months, due to its subtropical climate and low elevations (in the four- to five-thousand-foot range). Mountain views are generally crystal clear, and the landscape is bursting with color: bright yellow mustard alternates with winter wheat and rice on the steeply terraced fields, the ubiquitous red chilies (a staple of Bhutanese cuisine) dry on rooftops, and a glorious array of wildflowers carpets the forest-covered ridges.

We commence with a visit to Paro, then head east to Punakha for a beautiful three-day village-to-village trek. We’ll be hiking through country that, nearly 500 years ago, was the stomping ground of the famous “Divine Madman” Drukpa Kinley, a giant figure in Bhutanese folklore. We end with a visit to the remote alpine valley of Phobjikha for a glimpse of the rare black-necked cranes who swoop down from Tibet for the winter. One of our early spring departures will incorporate the madly colorful Punakha festival.