About the Tour
This carefully curated Creativity, Activity and Service program in Bhutan offers students a rare opportunity to experience a living culture rooted in mindfulness, sustainability and community values. Travelling through Phuentsholing, Thimphu and Paro, students engage in cultural exploration, community farming service, spiritual learning and reflective practice. Through meaningful interactions, heritage walks, village service and the iconic Tiger’s Nest trek, the journey nurtures empathy, resilience, leadership and global citizenship in alignment with CAS learning outcomes.
Highlights of the Program
- Cultural & Spiritual Immersion
Visits to ancient dzongs, monasteries, markets and temples introduce students to Bhutanese history, Buddhism, Hindu traditions and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. - Community Service & Rural Engagement
Farming activities in Ghatana village allow students to work alongside local farmers, understand sustainable agriculture and contribute meaningfully to village life. - Personal Challenge & Resilience Building
The trek to the Tiger’s Nest monastery develops perseverance, self discipline and confidence while offering a powerful spiritual experience. - Reflection & Global Citizenship
Daily reflection workshops help students connect experiences to CAS themes of empathy, initiative, leadership and intercultural understanding.
Day Wise Itinerary
Students arrive at Bagdogra Airport and are welcomed by the Bhutanese tour guide before beginning the scenic drive to Phuentsholing. After check in and room allocation, students relax and freshen up following the journey. An introductory session introduces the CAS Changemakers Challenge and reflection framework for the program. The day concludes with dinner and overnight stay in Phuentsholing.
After completing immigration formalities at Phuentsholing, the group drives to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On arrival and check in, students explore Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses, learning about its historical and architectural significance. A walk through Thimphu Market introduces them to local crafts, trade and everyday life. The evening is reserved for dinner and informal reflection at the hotel.
After breakfast, students drive to Dochula Pass and visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang monastery and the 108 stupas, participating in hoisting prayer flags for peace and prosperity. Returning to Thimphu for lunch, the group visits the Buddha Dordenma statue to understand Bhutan’s Buddhist heritage and enjoy panoramic views of the capital. Visits to the Durga Temple and the Centenary Farmers’ Market provide insight into religious harmony, agriculture and local livelihoods. The evening concludes with dinner and rest.
Students drive to Paro, stopping at the Tachogang iron chain suspension bridge and witnessing the confluence of the Paro and Wangchu rivers. After check in and lunch in Paro, the group proceeds to Ghatana village for a hands on farming service activity, helping local farmers with seasonal cultivation and interacting with rural families. In the evening, students participate in a traditional Bhutanese momo cooking workshop, followed by free time in the Paro market and dinner.
This day is dedicated to the iconic hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery, a challenging yet rewarding trek that builds endurance and inner strength. Students carry packed lunch during the hike and spend time at the monastery absorbing its spiritual significance. After returning to the hotel to rest, the evening features a cultural dance program and bonfire, where students wear traditional attire and learn local dances before dinner and overnight stay.
The group drives back to Phuentsholing and checks into the hotel. After lunch, students visit Zangto Pelri Lhakhang, Kharbandi Monastery and Sangye Migyur Ling Lhakhang, gaining final insights into Bhutanese spirituality and town life. In the evening, a final reflection workshop allows students to share memories, lessons and personal transformations from the journey, followed by dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, students check out and are transferred to Bagdogra Airport for their onward flight, concluding a deeply enriching CAS learning journey in Bhutan.
