Buddhist temple on mountainside
Asia Fall Land
Travel
November 02 - November 13, 2026

Seeking Happiness: The Kingdom of Bhutan

Thomas Conlan

About the Study Leader

Thomas Conlan, Professor of East Asian Studies and History

Thomas D. Conlan, Professor of East Asian Studies and History (BA Michigan, MA PhD Stanford), has published on topics ranging from the Mongol Invasions of Japan (In Little Need of Divine Intervention) and the wars of the fourteenth century (State of War and From Sovereign to Symbol). His research interests include warfare, political legitimacy and ritual, ethnicity, economy and trade, and social change in Japan. He has written nine monographs, most recently, Samurai and the Warrior Culture of Japan: A Sourcebook 471-1877 (Hackett, 2022), Kings in All but Name: The Lost History of Ōuchi Rule in Japan 1350-1569 (Oxford, 2024), and Kinkakuji and Kitayama: Space, Place, Monuments and Memory in Japan 1222-1994 (Brill, 2025). He has received fellowships from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, American Council of Learned Societies, Fulbright, NEH, Japan Foundation Japanese Studies, and the Japanese Ministry of Education and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa.

About the Journey 

Nestled high in the Himalayas, between India and China, lies Bhutan—a hidden kingdom of remarkable beauty, spiritual depth, and quiet seclusion. We invite you to join a small-group, Princeton-exclusive journey through both Eastern Bhutan, the country’s spiritual heartland, and Western Bhutan, home to the capital city and the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, dramatically perched on the edge of a sheer cliff.

Along the way you will explore off-the-beaten-path sites, spend time at a local school, receive a blessing from a nunnery, and enjoy a series of hikes to sacred temples. These experiences offer a rare window into the vitality of Bhutan’s traditional culture and the extraordinary purity and beauty of its natural environment—qualities that make Bhutan one of the world’s most distinctive destinations.

Accommodation

Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok, Thailand 
The Hyatt Regency offers convenience and comfort, with easy access to the airport and to central Bangkok via Airport Rail Link. The Hyatt Regency offers a flexible check-in time that allows you to stay for 24 hours from your arrival, plus complimentary airport transfers. Hotel amenities include a 24-hour café, a variety of restaurants and bars, 24-hour room service, fitness center, laundry service, free internet access, and an outdoor pool. 

Pemako Hotel Thimphu, Bhutan 
Situated in the vibrant heart of Bhutan’s capital, Pemako Thimphu offers easy access to the city’s top sights. An urban sanctuary, the Pemako Thimphu evokes the feel of a medieval fortress, where age-old traditions seamlessly intertwine with contemporary comforts. Its 66 meticulously crafted rooms and suites are complemented by fine dining and diverse amenities. 

Dhensa Resort Punakha 
Dhensa sits in the midst of the tranquil and lush Punakha Valley. Flanked by thick pine forests, it overlooks the Punakha river and hundreds of paddy fields that stair-step down to the valley floor. 24 rooms are set in six cottages, all with private balconies and spacious interiors that are deliberately understated and designed for the modern traveler. 

Bhutan Mountain Resort Bumthang Valley 
This family-run mountain resort is rooted in the genuine traditions of Bhutanese hospitality. Local hand-cut river rocks and Himalayan Blue Pine post-and-beam construction define the simple yet comfortable guest rooms, with large windows showcasing views of the surrounding valley and mountains. After a day of sightseeing, relax in the peaceful garden or take a soak in the traditional hot-stone bath. 

Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront Paro 
Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront, is situated on the edge of the Paro River, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. 59 guest rooms are chic retreats offering striking Himalayan Valley and Paro River views. Amenities include the Explore Spa, indoor heated pool, fitness center, and two restaurants.

Reservations

Please register online or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.

Trip Details

  • Dates
    November 02 - November 13, 2026
  • Activity Level
    Active - Environment
  • Cost
    $10,980 per person, double occupancy; $2,150 single supplement (subject to availability)
  • Deposit
    $2,000 per person
  • Contact