Depart on your overnight flight bound for Paro (usually via India or Nepal).
Most suited for
Couples, Solos
Ideal time to visit
March - November
This luxurious journey through Bhutan offers an elegant way to experience the country’s spiritual depth and natural splendour.
Stay in exceptional lodges, explore ancient monasteries and wander through serene valleys framed by Himalayan peaks. With seamless service and private guiding throughout, it’s a refined adventure that reveals Bhutan’s beauty in comfort and style.
Luxury Bhutan
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
Days 2 - 4
Thimpu
On arrival at Paro airport, you will meet your expert local guide who will be your dedicated host during your stay. Together you’ll join your driver for the transfer to your hotel in the capital, Thimphu, where you will stay for the next three nights in a suite at Amankora, a fortress-inspired lodge located at the edge of a pine forest.
With your guide you’ll get acquainted with the city, taking in its most iconic monuments, admiring the impressive valley views and maybe catching a game of archery. Take a gentle walk to the Tango Goemba through the shaded rhododendron forests to the north of Thimphu (in the right season, the forests will be awash with the colour of the flowers). On your way, stop by a monastery whose origins date back to the 12th century and which is now run as a Buddhist university.
Days 5 - 7
Gangtey Lodge
See the vegetation change from paddy fields to mountain forest as you cross Dochula Pass, stopping to take in the incredible mountain views along the way. Descend into the glacial Phobjikha Valley (also known as Gangtey) and check in at your beautiful lodge accommodation with sweeping valley views. As this valley is the winter roosting ground of the endangered Black Neck Cranes, it is protected and has seen little development. This is an incredibly tranquil part of the world and there is no better place to soak it all in than from the terrace at the sublime Gangtey Lodge.
Join your guide for a hike to see the remarkable valley. There are several options depending on your level of fitness. You’ll need to be fairly fit to take the trek up and over the top of the valley but you’ll be rewarded by awesome views. A gentle nature trail around the valley base is a great experience too. Visit the GangteyGoempa (monastery) in time for the prayer ceremony as crimson-robed monks chant for fulfilment and blessing for long life.
Days 8 - 10
Punakha
Journey back west towards Punakha today, arriving in the fertile valley in time for a short walk uphill through paddy fields to the legendary Temple of Fertility. Check in to your peaceful villa at Como Uma Punakha where you’ll be met with glorious views of the Mo Chhu River.
The local Giligang Trail will take you past rice paddies, pine forests and mountains. Stop for a picnic breakfast in the serene gardens of the Khamsum Chorten and end your day at the intricate and historic Punakha Dzong, arguably one of the most picturesque monuments in all of Bhutan. If you crave an adrenaline rush, you could also spend a morning rafting down the Po Chhu river that is fed by glaciers in the upper valley, paddling through the spectacular valley scenery.
Days 11 - 13
Paro
Your final stop is the historic town of Paro. Here you’ll stay at the wonderful, luxurious Six Senses resort set high above the valley. To gain your bearings in the city, your guide will take you on a walking tour, visiting dzongs, museums and temples, finishing the day with local wine, tea and snacks.
On your last day, you’ll take on the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, clinging impossibly to a sheer cliff face. The ascent takes between two to four hours and you will be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in Bhutan at the top – the perfect way to end your time in this unique and scenic country.
Day 14
Fly home
You will be transferred to Paro Airport today for your flight home.
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 the country’s spirit, from peaceful valleys to the flurry of its festivals.
“Discover Bhutan in style: serene valleys, sacred temples and world-class lodges where luxury meets the spirit of the Himalayas.”
Sara
Bhutan 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 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.