Trekking for kids

Join Trekking for Kids and DAJ Expeditions for a unique and exclusive opportunity to trek through the magnificent Himalaya mountains in the happiest kingdom in the world, Bhutan. This adventure offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the gentle Buddhist culture of Bhutan, experience the drama of the landscape, and make life a little better for the orphaned and at-risk children living in monasteries in Bhutan as it re-opens to the world the wonders of its country and the needs of its youngest.

Bhutan places great value on their cultural heritage, the happiness of their citizens, and the sustainability of their carbon-negative country. In an effort to mindfully manage the burgeoning tourism Bhutan has seen in the last 20 years - a growth of 4052% - the government has added a Sustainable Development daily fee of $100 per guest, instituted to fund social programs, promote sustainable tourism, support infrastructure, and environmental protections. This fee is included in the price offered for this unique adventure opportunity.

Our Adventure

Our adventure begins in the city of Paro with an acclimatizing hike to the famous Tigers Nest Monastery, an important pilgrim site for Buddhists around the world, built on a sheer cliff 3,000 feet above the valley floor. After a day of site-seeing and another acclimatizing hike, we depart for the 7-day Lhedhi La Trek, the ancient yak herders trail through valleys, plains, and below the imposing Himalaya mountains. where we will reach an elevation of 15,750 feet.

The trek is fully supported by a team of guides, horsemen, cooks, and helpers. Trekkers will carry a day pack; all other items will be transported from camp to camp by horses.

Our Work

At the conclusion of the trek, our team will visit a local monastery, which is the site of our work efforts. Well spend a day finishing an impactful project, soon to be announced, and interacting with the young monks living there. Games, toys, and school supplies that we bring will give ample new experiences for these children, and the project our group will fund and help complete will significantly improve the quality of life for the children. A truly unique experience will be our night of camping, with the help of the trek team of guides, cooks, and helpers, on the grounds of the monastery. At the conclusion of our time at the monastery, we journey back to Thimphu to visit the Royal Palace before returning to Paro and continue our journeys home.

Please contact Cindy Steuart, Executive Director, for more information about the expedition.

Expedition Costs

Expedition Dates: 2025 TBD (arrival and departure dates to/from Paro). Arrive to Bangkok and fly to Paro the next day.

Price for Expedition Cost: $7,350 (min. 5 people)

Fundraising Commitment: $1,000 (tax-deductible donations for monastery projects)

Included

• TFK trip leader
• Professional tour guide
• RT flight Bangkok to Paro
• 7 day fully-supported, guided Trek with local guides (you only carry a daypack)
• 6 nights tent camping on Trek + 1 night at monastery
• 5 nights hotel (double occupancy) in various cities
• All meals
• All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and drop-off
• Trekking permit, conservation fees, and government mandated daily sustainable development fee
• All entrance fees to sites
• Bhutan Visa
• Work projects at monastery with the children
• TFK t-shirt and luggage tags

Not Included

• Airfare to Bangkok
• All tips, including for local trekking team
• Travel insurance
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water

Expedition Requirements

• 18 years or older
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1000 for projects

3 Step Process

1. Apply • Fill out the online application
• Pay $500 deposit ($50 non-refundable)

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise for the projects
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek
• Pay remaining Expedition fees
• Arrange flights

3. Experience • Arrive in-country and meet your TFK group leaders and fellow Trekkers.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Expedition.

Click here to read about TFK’s Registration and Cancellation Policies.

Expedition Dates for Bhutan Trek

2025 dates TBD. Sample itinerary from 2024 (Please note: dates listed are the arrival and departure dates to/from Paro)

Download trekking trip itinerary here.

Gear List

Gear List

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for an Expedition, Trekkers receive a Fundraising Kit, and access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

Personal Fundraising Page
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• upload photo
• post messages to donors

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $1000 minimum
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• receipts and forms
• project flyer

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.