Bhutan Unveiled

Bhutan Unveiled

13 Days Starting and ending in Paro, Bhutan

Visiting: Paro, Trashigang, Merak, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Mongar, Bumthang, Thimphu, Haa Valley

Tour operator:

Crooked Compass

Tour code:

3048

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $9283

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview


  • Blessing and spiritual cleansing with a High Lama

  • Witness a traditional Yak Dance

  • Trek to Sakteng Village on a restricted access trail

  • Stay in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse

  • Participate in an audience with one of Bhutan’s most highly regarded spiritual masters

  • Cooking class with Aum Kesang Choden, Lt. Colonel one of the first two women Police Officers in Bhutan

  • Hike along the ancient illegal trade route between Bhutan and Tibet and overnight at Talela Pass

  • Bhutanese whiskey tasting

  • Tigers Nest


Bhutan, a mysterious kingdom nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is no ordinary place. Here, chilies make up whole dishes, the rice is red and you get fined for not wearing your national dress.

A fascinating land heavy with deep mythology, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls of houses and ancient traditions and modern complexes intertwine seamlessly. It is a country of surprises terraced by lush rice paddies, pine forests and dotted with sparkling mountain lakes.

Bhutan is one of the most untouched kingdoms on our planet, with the doors open to only a small number of travellers each year. Now is your chance to mingle amongst the elders chewing on red beetle nut, the creak and whirr of spinning prayer wheels and the flap of fluttering prayer flags, your senses are overloaded. Bhutan will truly encapsulate you.

Highlights

  • Blessing and spiritual cleansing with a High Lama in Paro.

  • Witness a traditional Yak Dance and trek to Sakteng Village on a restricted access trail.

  • Explore the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, home to diverse Himalayan ecosystems.

  • Visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu, containing 125,000 miniature Buddhas.

  • Trek to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the 'Tiger's Nest', perched on a cliff above Paro valley.

  • Experience a Bhutanese whiskey tasting around a bonfire in Haa Valley.

  • Hike along the ancient illegal trade route between Bhutan and Tibet and overnight at Talela Pass.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - Arrive Paro

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Venture out for our welcome blessing and spiritual cleansing with a High Lama at their heritage home or inside the monastery. Be welcomed into Bhutan’s warm hospitality as you witness a sacred song and dance ceremony at a heritage home. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan which focusses on the growing importance of cultural and heritage preservation in Bhutan both for the Bhutanese people and for sharing it with others. Continue to Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress which is perched on a hill above Paro valley. Your first evening includes dinner with Dasho Tshering Dorji, the Hon’ble Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – an incredibly exclusive and fascinating introduction to your time in Bhutan. (D)


Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or similar


Day 2 - Fly To Trashigang

Location: Trashigang

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Lingkhar Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Trashigang, approx. 1 hour (included). In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu River lies Trashigang, the country’s largest district. This town is also the main marketplace for the semi nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose costumes are unique in Bhutan.


On arrival, you will visit Karma Thegsum Dhechenling Monastery. Unlike other monasteries which are usually built with concrete, Karma Thegsum Dhechenling is built in the traditional Bhutanese style, with a structure mainly of carved wood. All the timber used in the construction was painstakingly chosen by Rinpoche and then seasoned for a year before use. Exquisitely designed in the traditional Bhutanese style, the monastery has beautifully carved beams and pillars with the mantras “Om Mani Padme Hung” and “Karmapa Chenno” inscribed on them. All the doors and window frames are also carved with auspicious patterns. The monks’ quarters can accommodate up to several hundred monks.


Participate in a traditional Butter Lamp offering before enjoying lunch at the monastery. Buddhist consider ignorance, lack of wisdom and lack of knowledge as the main source of all our problems. The offering of butter lamp is the offering of wisdom and light of knowledge to eradicate darkness or ignorance.


Following lunch, visit the Muenselling Institute for the Visually Impaired before reaching your hotel. (B,L,D)


Overnight Lingkhar Lodge or similar


Distance and Journey Time: Flight to Trashigang approx. 1 hr, Transfer to Hotel approx 1hr


Day 3 – Merak

Location: Merak

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Family Farm House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will journey to Merak Village, approx. 6hrs. Merak is home to the nomadic Brokpas who can be easily spotted as they wear different costumes unlike other Bhutanese. Most distinct is their black felt hat with five fringes protruding from it known as tsipee cham woven from yak hair. The fringes help them as gutters for the rainwater and the hat serves as a cushion on their head, while carrying heavy loads. They also wear a vest made of deerskin or yak calf hide with the furs intact to provide warmth.


Here you will experience a traditional Yak dance by the villagers. The Yak dance is said to have two meanings. One version exhibits the legendary tale of Thoepa Gali, the God of Livestock, while the other version says the dance is performed as a display in respect of the yak, the principal means of livelihood for the community.


Explore Merak village as you soak in this almost time frozen and traditional way of life. Enjoy sitting around a bonfire this evening as you listen to stories of Yeti sightings shared by the local Brokpas. Dinner this evening is shared in a family farm home where you will spend the night. (B,L,D)


Overnight Family Farm House or similar


Distance and Journey Time: Drive to Merak Village, approx. 6hrs.


Day 4 – Sakteng Village

Location: Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Family Farm House or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is all about exploring this incredible wilderness on foot. Set off as you trek towards Sakteng Village (approx. 8hrs). This hike is a truly incredible natural and cultural journey. A region that only opened 30 years ago, and even today, only a limited numbers of researchers and travellers have access to walk this trail. Your path lies within the protected area of the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to a diversity of Himalayan terrestrial ecosystems, combining alpine meadows, temperate forests and warm broad leaf forests. It is one of the most scenic pastoral valleys in Bhutan providing further glimpses into the semi nomadic lifestyle and culture of the region.


This trek is of moderate difficulty with a distance of around 29km. The first half of the trek, until you reach Nachungla Pass (4153m) is an incline. This pass is where the most yeti sightings have been recorded in the country. It splits the only two villages in the protected land preserve created by His Majesty to protect the potential livelihood of the yeti.


Enjoy lunch at Nangchungla Pass, 4200m, taking in the incredible views of the rolling valleys below and snow capped peaks around you before reaching Sakteng village where you will explore the town before reaching your next farm house. (B,L,D)


Walking distance: Approximately 29 km


Walking time: Approximately 8 hours


Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult. Highest Altitude, 4153m, Ascent 633m and Decent 1074m 


Day 5 – Trashigang

Location: Trashigang

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Druk Deothjung Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will transfer by road back to Trashigang (approx. 5hrs) where you will check into your hotel on arrival. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure. (B,L,D)


Overnight Druk Deothjung Hotel or similar


Distance and Journey Time: Drive to Trashigang approx 5hrs


Day 6 – Mongar

Location: Mongar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Wangchuk Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning following breakfast, visit the Trashigang Dzong before you transfer to Mongar (approx. 4hrs). On arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch before visiting the Mongar Dzong. Although more recently built (1930), it was constructed the same way as all earlier dzongs, without plans or nails.


However, unlike the earlier dzongs, that are located in strategic positions, Mongar Dzong is located on a small gently sloping area just above the town. A visit to Mongar Dzong demonstrates how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries. (B,L,D)


Overnight Wangchuk Hotel or similar


Distance and Journey Time: Drive to Mongar approx 4hrs


Day 7 - Bumthang

Location: Bumthang

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Village Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a travel day as you make your way towards Bumthang (approx. 7hrs). Your journey continues winding through rugged terrain with spectacular views on both sides of the road. The seven-hour journey passes through Ura village in Bumthang and across the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass, at 4000m. Enjoy a picnic lunch enroute before arriving in the afternoon. (B,L,D)


2 nights Village Lodge or similar


Distance and Journey Time: Drive to Bumthang approx 7hrs


Day 8 – Bumthang

Location: Bumthang

Accommodation: Lodge

Accommodation Name: Village Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will visit the Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird” which dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defence of the whole eastern Dzongkhags. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan.


Participate in an audience with one of Bhutan’s most highly regarded spiritual masters where he will introduce you to Buddhism and basic meditation practices. You will the continue on a pilgrimage into some of Bhutan’s most sacred monasteries. During this pilgrimage, we will learn about the spiritual history of the locations and view some of Bhutan’s most precious, sacred treasures.


Enjoy a traditional lunch at Dorjibi Farm Home before visiting the nearby weaving centre followed by a visit to the Bumthang Honey and Beer centre. At the Beer and Honey Centre, learn the history of how locals took up these practices. Tour and witness the demonstration of honey harvest and beer tasting. The most popular beer in Bumthang is a wheat beer named Red Panda. Previously, Bhutanese did not practice honey farming because it was believed that it killed the bees, but modern practices have allowed for the Bhutanese to take on this practice (B,L,D)


Day 9 – Fly To Paro

Location: Thimphu

Accommodation: Lodge, LodgeLodgeLodge

Accommodation Name: Peaceful Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to the airport this morning for your included flight to Paro (approx. 30 mins) where you will then transfer to the country’s capital, Thimphu. On arrival, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue which is perched on a hill overlooking the city. This massive, golden Buddha holds an invisible secret: Unbeknownst to many people viewing the statue, they aren’t actually looking at one Buddha, they’re looking at 125,000 of them.


Inside of Thimphu’s 169 foot Buddha Dordenma statue, there are 125,000 miniature Buddhas encapsulated inside of its enlightened bronze chest, ranging from 8 to 12 inches tall. This means that in Thimphu, which has a population of around 100,000, there are more Buddhas than  human beings. The statue fulfils two prophecies. The first, foreseen by yogi Sonam Sangpo, is that a Buddhist statue would be built in the region to “bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.” In addition, the statue is said to have been mentioned by Guru Padmasambhava, widely referred to as the “second Buddha,” in the eighth century.


Depart on foot along a local hiking trail to Debsi. This is a fairly easy trail with some of the best views of south Thimphu. It is a local trail with few to no tourists. Embrace sweeping views of the capital combined deep forest walks.


Participate in a cooking lesson with Aum Kesang at her forested home. Meet Aum Kesang Choden, Lt. Colonel (Retd), one of the first two women Police Officers in Bhutan. A self-taught Bhutanese chef who is the pioneer in Bhutan for preserving and promoting traditional Bhutanese Food Culture. Join her at her forested cabin home to learn how to cook some popular Bhutanese dishes and taste them on her peaceful patio. Here, she will use traditional instruments to cook. (B,L,D)


Overnight Peaceful Resort or similar


Walking time: Approximately 2 hours


Difficulty: Morderate to hard, Hike through moss covered Forest to Kunzangdrak Monastery, Altitude 3350m, Ascent 400m, decent 400m,


Distance and journey time: Flight to Paro 30min, Drive to Tang Valley 7 hours


Day 10 - Haa Valley

Location: Haa Valley

Accommodation: Camp

Accommodation Name: Comfort Camp or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart after breakfast for the Haa Valley. From Bondey village, the road to Haa climbs up towards the chele-la pass. After driving through beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest for 45km, you will reach Chele-la pass. It is a great place to stretch your legs and at 4200 metres, soak in the superb views of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey,


Continuing on, you will descend into Haa. On arrival at Haa Valley, meet Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve’s Head National Park Ranger over lunch at Ugyen Doley Farm House. Receive army permits and hike beyond the military checkpoint into one of the most untouched regions of the Himalayas with the ranger. Hike along the ancient illegal trade route between Bhutan and Tibet and overnight at Talela Pass (3780m). Search for wildlife like snow leopard and blue deer. Look for rhododendrons. The 3 hours hike is moderate with a gentle climb.


This evening, relax around a bonfire for a Bhutanese whiskey tasting before being joined by Tsip, an astrologer who will read the magnificent night sky for you. (B,L,D)


Overnight Comfort Camp or similar


Walking time: Approximately 3 hours


Difficulty: Moderate with a gentle climb.


Distance and journey time: Drive to Haa Valley 3 hours


Day 11 – Paro

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning you will be transferred back to Paro (approx. 2hrs). Stop at the Chelela Pass Ridge where you will hike to Kila Nunnery. The walk begins among the thick fluttering prayer flags. To get blessed and gain merit, you can also attached your own prayer flags. Absorb the views of Paro valley on your right and Haa valley on your left. The thick rhododendron bush and wild flowers adorn the mountain slope making your walk more rewarding. The highest ridge, Kungkarpo, stands at about 4600 metres, the spot for sky burial. From here the trail descends steeply through opened natural meadow and then enters a thick wood of silver fir forest and broadleaved rhododendrons trees before coming out above the Kila Goenpa Nunnery. Visit the temple, pray and interact with nuns before you drive back to hotel.


Spend time exploring Paro town on arrival.


Later in the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a serene Buddhist temple in Paro. This ancient monastery, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo, is one of the oldest in Bhutan. Enhance your spiritual journey by lighting 108 Butterlamps, an experience that dispels the darkness of ignorance. The Butterlamp, or karme, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light and ignorance to wisdom. As you light each lamp, offer a prayer, allowing the sacred glow to illuminate your path both physically and mentally. This profound ceremony, an offering to the deities, is a deeply spiritual practice to increase one’s merit and enlighten the soul. (B,L,D)


2 nights Tashi Namgay Resort or similar


Walking time: Approximately 2 hours


Distance and journey time: Drive to Paro approx. 2 hours


Day 12 - Tigers Nest

Location: Paro

Accommodation: Resort

Accommodation Name: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today it is time to trek to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the ‘Tigers Nest.’ The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 this site has been recognised as a most sacred place. It is said all Bhutanese should visit at least once in their lifetime. On 19th April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.


The hike to the monastery can be broken down into stages. The first stage is the trek to the cafeteria (where lunch will be served) which is situated on a rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery. This leg of the trek takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to reach.


The 2nd stage of the walk is from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite the monastery. This leg takes close to one hour. The 3rd stage is the trek/climb down the 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine which crosses over a stream and waterfall before the path again ascends another 300 odd steps to the entrance of the monastery. Once here, you will be able to enter into the monastery and view the cave where Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated (cameras are not allowed inside the monastery). The visit and climb to the entrance and back to the lookout will take approximately one hour. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountainside. Whilst there you will be able to visit to the local school and interact with the local children. As evening settles in, step into the warmth of a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and experience the timeless practice of the Dotsho, a Traditional Herbal Hot Stone Bath. This ancient ritual has been cherished in Bhutan for centuries for its medicinal benefits. Heated river stones are carefully placed in water, infusing it with therapeutic warmth. Sometimes, medicinal herbs are added to enhance the healing properties. The Dotsho is believed to alleviate joint pains, provide deep relaxation, and address various ailments, offering a soothing end to your day steeped in Bhutanese tradition. (B,L,D)


Day 13 - Departure

Location: Paro

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to Paro airport for your flight to your onward destination. (B)


What's Included

  • Return airport transfers

    Return airport transfers are included for a seamless travel experience.

  • 12 nights accommodation

    Enjoy 12 nights of accommodation in a variety of settings, including resorts, lodges, and traditional farmhouses.

  • Meals as per the itinerary

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary, ensuring you experience local cuisine throughout your journey.

  • Air conditioned 4WD transportation with English speaking local guide

    Travel in comfort with air-conditioned 4WD transportation and an English-speaking local guide.

  • Sightseeing as per the itinerary

    Sightseeing activities are included as per the itinerary, offering a comprehensive exploration of Bhutan.

  • Entrance fee to all attractions as per itinerary

    Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary are included.

  • Bhutan visa fee

    The Bhutan visa fee is included in the tour package.

  • Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary

    Domestic flights within Bhutan, as mentioned in the itinerary, are included.

What's Not Included

  • International and domestic flights

    International flights to and from Bhutan are not included.

  • Visas

    Visas other than the Bhutan visa are not included.

  • Travel and medical insurance

    Travel and medical insurance are not included and are recommended for all travelers.

  • All services, meals other than those indicated above

    Any services and meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program

    Any changes to the proposed and confirmed program may incur additional costs.

  • All items of a personal nature

    Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, and tips are not included.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the Bhutan Unveiled tour?

    The tour includes a blessing and spiritual cleansing with a High Lama in Paro, witnessing a traditional Yak Dance in Merak Village, and participating in an audience with one of Bhutan’s most highly regarded spiritual masters. Additionally, there is a cooking lesson with Aum Kesang, a self-taught Bhutanese chef, and a Bhutanese whiskey tasting around a bonfire in Haa Valley.

  • What kind of wildlife might I see during the tour?

    During the trek in the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, you may encounter a diversity of Himalayan terrestrial ecosystems, including alpine meadows and temperate forests. In Haa Valley, there is a chance to spot wildlife such as snow leopards and blue deer.

  • What is the significance of the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the 'Tiger's Nest'?

    Taktsang Monastery is one of Bhutan’s most famous monasteries, perched on a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, which is why it is called 'Tiger’s Nest'. It is a sacred site that all Bhutanese are encouraged to visit at least once in their lifetime.

  • What is the purpose of the Butter Lamp offering at Karma Thegsum Dhechenling Monastery?

    The Butter Lamp offering is a traditional Buddhist practice that symbolizes the offering of wisdom and the light of knowledge to eradicate darkness or ignorance. It is considered a way to offer wisdom and light to dispel ignorance, which is seen as the main source of all problems.

  • What is the Dotsho, and what are its benefits?

    The Dotsho is a Traditional Herbal Hot Stone Bath, an ancient Bhutanese ritual believed to have medicinal benefits. Heated river stones are placed in water, sometimes with medicinal herbs, to provide therapeutic warmth. It is believed to alleviate joint pains, provide deep relaxation, and address various ailments.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes. Focusing on providing authentic experiences where ever you are in the world, Crooked Compass has access to a vast array of accommodation styles. From boutique properties in larger cities to local guest houses and home stays within small villages. Crooked Compass ensures that local authenticity flows through your accommodation throughout your tour without compromising standard.

  • What sort of transportation is used for your tours?

    Transportation utilised on a Crooked Compass escorted small group tour is a combination of a private air conditioned vehicle and local transport where appropriate. This may include a local bus ride, use of the cities metro system, a domestic flight to another city or overnight train ride.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Crooked Compass strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism. Crooked Compass is firmly committed to the principles of ethical travel. Our comprehensive Sustainable Tourism Practices policy summarises our commitments and actions. Although the very basis of our ground operations lends itself to the ethos of sustainable tourism, this policy re-iterates our commitment to: Use locally owned hotels Use locally owned ground agents Use local guides and drivers Promote community tourism projects from homestays to craft shops Support charities that work within the destinations that we travel to Carbon offset our travels

  • Who runs your tours and are they experts in their fields?

    Crooked Compass works with the worlds best operators who are specialists in their country, region and cities providing you with in depth local knowledge. We use local guides who live and breathe the areas they work in, making sure you experience their region, their way. We believe it is far better to have a local guide who knows a lot about a little than a text book trained Western tour guide who knows a little about a lot. Using local guides also ensures that money stays within local communities and supports the regions we visit.

  • What can I expect from a Crooked Compass tour that I wouldn't get from travelling with an alternative company?

    Crooked Compass provides a sensory way to understand the world – we help you live like a local, eat like a local, do what the locals do and seek the faces behind the places whilst discovering untouched lands and natural beauty. Crooked Compass tours delve deep into the heart and soul of a destination ensuring you get out of your journey all you intended and much, much more. Our intriguing itineraries have been created by travellers for travellers. Steering travellers to follow a different path, Crooked Compass’ itineraries allow you to experience the world’s most fascinating destinations in ways you never dreamed possible. It brings to life those ‘bucket list’ experiences you have yearned to do and separates the travellers from the tourists. Crooked Compass tours are culturally rich, reward travellers with unexpected encounters and uncommon rendezvous, creating truly unique, authentic travel experiences.

  • Who do your tours cater for?

    Crooked Compass escorted small group tours cater for those who are well travelled seeking the what’s next and what’s new. Our travellers are curious minded soft adventurers who want to uncover something more than the mainstream tourist trail. Crooked Compass tours draw travellers with an interest in sustainable tourism and conservation for the areas they visit. A Crooked Compass traveller is someone who is seeking something fresh and unique, who has a yearning for authenticity and discovery, with an appreciation for cultures, tradition and the natural world. We call them Cultural Purists.

  • I am concerned about my impact on travelling through untouched regions. Can I offset?

    Yes. All travellers on Crooked Compass tours have the option to offset their part of their tour’s carbon footprint by donating $4AUD (tax-deductible) at time of booking. 100% of these funds are donated to Greenfleet, an environmental non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting our climate by restoring our forests. By partnering with Greenfleet, we are confident that our carbon offset program provides genuine and lasting environmental benefits. Your offset donation funds plant trees and restore permanent native forests in Australia and New Zealand. As they grow, these forests provide many community and environmental benefits by absorbing carbon emissions, protecting our unique biodiversity, restoring habitat for native wildlife, preventing soil salinity and erosion, improving water quality and much more. If you’d like to find out more and offset the rest of your carbon emissions, visit www.greenfleet.org.au

Reviews of this operator

Jeff Rehn  

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass

07-Apr-2022

A wonderful trip to Saudi Arabia organised by Crooked Compass. Considering the country is just opening up to tourism everything went very well - flights, trips, transfers, guides and accommodation - thank you CC - highly recommended

Tripadvisor
Pauline Mavis Rusby  

We were kept safe at all times.

09-May-2022

We were kept safe at all times. When unexpected hurdles appeared they were handled without fuss. Our tour was informative, picturesque and comfortable.

Tripadvisor
Tina Watts-Seale  

Family holiday to Vietnam

01-Aug-2022

We booked a family holiday to Vietnam with Crooked Compass and it was perfect. The booking process was easy and Lisa took all of our requests on board so that the trip was exactly what we wanted. All flights, transfers, accommodations, guides and activities were fantastic, with great communication throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend, we will be booking again soon!

Tripadvisor

1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$9283

Monday - Saturday

Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026
$9933

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Crooked Compass requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of crooked compass charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours