Depart your home country for your flight to Paro, Bhutan.
Most suited for
Couples, Solos
Ideal time to visit
March - November
Welcome to Bhutan: a capsule Kingdom in which traditions thrive, scenery dazzles and Buddhism is inextricably woven into the fabric of daily life.
This holiday is designed to give you a feel for the country’s culture and unique pace. In the capital city of Thimphu, you will explore the markets, monuments and local life. You’ll discover Punakha where you’ll take gentle hikes along terraced paddies and visit the famous Dzong, the breathtaking home of the national treasures. Get a taste of remote village life in the Haa Valley, where you will stay in a charming converted farmhouse and learn about Bhutan’s historic links to Tibet. And, of course, no trip to Bhutan would be complete without a trek up to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery.
Bhutan's Highlights with a Twist
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Day 2
Thimphu
Your guide will meet you at Paro airport and take you to the capital city, Thimphu. En route, you will stop by the your first Bhutanese temple: Tamchog Lhakhang, which is reached by walking across a rickety iron-chain bridge over the Paro Chhu river. Settle into your hotel and then, later in the afternoon, your guide will introduce you to the sights and sounds of the capital itself. You will visit its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which has impressive valley views. If it’s a market day (weekends), you’ll join the hustle and bustle as farmers from all over the country try to sell their wares. On a Saturday you’ll also be sure to stumble across an archery tournament or two!
Day 3
Thimphu
Today, experience the blend of old an new through visits to two inspiring organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. Watch local artists at work and try your hand at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).
Day 4
Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Set off with your guide and driver for the scenic drive to Punakha. The journey will take you through pine and cedar forests via the Dochula Pass where, on a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalayan range are just incredible. Stop to explore the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. Continue to descend into the fertile Punakha valley before taking a short walk through paddy fields to visit the notorious Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility.
Day 5
Punakha Dzong
Arguably one of the most beautiful in the country, Punakha Dzong is set on the confluence of the Mo Chuu and Pho Chu rivers. Spend the day exploring this spectacular complex that is brimming with with history; all of Bhutan’s kings were crowned here.
Day 7
Haa Valley
The drive to the untouched Haa Valley takes around 5 hours. In the afternoon, explore the hamlets and temples of the picturesque, rural valley area, with a visit to Lhakhang Karpo (The White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo, a 7th Century monastery. Stop by a local farmhouse and try your hand at making Hoente; these dumpling (or momos) are a regional speciality.
The following day, embark on a 2-3 hour hike to the see the Kila Nunnery, which is perched on a cliffside. Begin at Chele La which, at 3,988m, is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan – so you can imagine the magnificent views!
Days 8 - 9
Paro and Tiger's Nest
The drive back to Paro is just one hour. On arrival your local guide will introduce you to the city with highlights including the Paro Rinpung Dzong towering over the town, as well as the National Museum. End the day with tea or local wine over a spot of archery at a traditional farmhouse.
Your last full day in Bhutan will see you hiking to the iconic and incredible Tiger’s Nest, otherwise known as the Taktsang monastery, clinging to a sheer cliff face 900m high. The ascent will take between 2 and 4 hours as the terrain is quite steep in parts.
Day 10
Fly home
You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight.
Great holiday with no worries
We had a 13 day trip to Bhutan [via] Kathmandu. We had the same guide and driver and a detailed itinerary... We flew from London to Kathmandu for two nights at the Dwarikas Resort which was like a retreat. Then to Bhutan to visit several cultures... We did our hike up to Tigers Nest at the end of our trip which meant we were already acclimated and had done a few other treks beforehand. It also meant we ended our holiday on a real high!
Millie
11 May 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our Bhutan Experts
Sara was bowled over by Bhutan’s beauty and deep-rooted traditions. She knows exactly how to shape trips that capture its spirit, from peaceful valleys to the flurry of its festivals.
“Bhutan is a mesmerising place, brimming with magical travel moments. This itinerary captures its essence – from Punakha’s spectacular Dzong to the serene Haa Valley and the unforgettable climb to Tiger’s Nest.”
Sara
Nepal Specialist
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of Bhutan. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you.. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
Experiences of Bhutan
Crafting bespoke packages is the heart of what we do. Each holiday is specially designed to confound preconceptions and share magical, memorable, and truly exceptional experiences.
Important FAQs about Bhutan
Bhutan offers a rare glimpse into a deeply spiritual way of life, with dramatic Himalayan landscapes, dzongs, and monasteries seemingly untouched by time. Travelling with ETG means experiencing Bhutan through the eyes of our expert guides, who not only know the history and legends of this remarkable kingdom but also share insights into daily life and traditions. From the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery to exploring rural valleys and vibrant markets, we ensure your visit is meaningful, immersive, and carefully planned to uncover the country’s unique charm.
The best times to visit Bhutan are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the skies are clear, the Himalayan peaks are at their most striking, and festivals such as Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu take place, offering a vibrant window into Bhutanese culture. Winter (December to February) brings crisp weather, fewer visitors, and snow-capped views, while summer (June to August) sees lush green landscapes but also heavier monsoon rains.
Every ETG holiday to Bhutan is carefully designed to be seamless, immersive, and stress-free. Your journey typically includes international flights (if requested), guide throughout and accommodation in hand-picked, characterful hotels or homestays.
You’ll enjoy incredible, immersive experiences unique to you, all planned by dedicated Bhutan specialists, with the added reassurance of 24/7 in-country support from our local team.