Classic Bhutan Holidays
Get a flavour of the country and culture, incorporating the highlights while basing yourself at comfortable hotels. They are just a starting point as arrangements can be tweaked and tinkered until it suits you perfectly.
The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan offers an escape from the modern world, with its expansive vistas, prayer flags, remote temples, and hotel stays which give you a taste of traditional Bhutanese culture. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with the family or as a group of friends, Bhutan has plenty to offer; we can help craft a Bhutan experience that’s right for you.
WHY CHOOSE A LUXURY HOLIDAY TO BHUTAN
A luxury holiday to Bhutan with ETG can be designed around your needs, interests, and travel style. We do recommend immersing yourself - our travellers tend to be a curious bunch!
You’ll explore markets, monuments, join monks in prayer in temples and monasteries and truly get a flavour of local life and Buddhist culture. Try to include one of the spectacular Tsechu festivals to gain a wonderful insight into the local culture. The dazzling Tiger’s Nest monastery, too, is not to be missed.
For the intrepid among you, adventure awaits. You might like to camp in a glorious valley, or amongst remote villages in picturesque locations. You could trek some of Bhutan’s far-flung mountain trails, or even try white-water rafting down a glacial river. The options are endless.
Nature-lovers will appreciate the glacial valleys, rhododendron blossom that rivals the cherry blossom in Japan, and the rare black neck cranes. Travellers who visit Bhutan will also discover incredible luxury hotels to make your stay memorable, although equally, a farmhouse stay can give a unique and authentic experience.
Where to Visit on a Holiday to Bhutan?
Bhutan’s landscape is simply stunning. From high-altitude mountain passes to towns and hamlets in the low valleys, you'll find a range of unique environments and climates to explore on foot or by car. We can show you where to go to unlock Bhutan's wonders.
Perhaps the most iconic sight in Bhutan, a visit to the Tiger's Nest Monastery is well worth the climb.
Views of the mountains over the evocative Dochula Pass.
Gangtey Valley is home to otherworldly views - a day spent roaming here is an absolute must.
Top Bhutan Holiday Destinations
Paro Valley is a must-visit during a holiday to the Kingdom of Bhutan, as this is the location of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. We also recommend exploring Punakha Valley, known as the rice-bowl of Bhutan, which has beautiful farmed terraces, and many impressive temples. The capital Thimphu, by contrast, is a developing city, with a bustling farmers market and thriving art scene. Phobjika Valley, also known as Gangtey, is a protected conservation area due to the black neck cranes that migrate from Tibet and make it their winter home. A visit to the wide peaceful glacial valley of Phobjika feels like stepping back in time.
Serendipitous moments are around every corner in Bhutan - sometimes literally!
One of the most profoundly spiritual countries on earth, Bhutan is the ideal place to reflect and rejuvenate.
Try your hand at a game of archery, Bhutan's national sport - the locals will happily show you how it's done...
Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences
Bhutan is home to countless unique experiences. You’ll find temples, monasteries, nunneries, Dzongs, and monuments that are breathtaking - architecturally, culturally and spiritually. There are trekking trails to suit any fitness ability, such as gentle 2-3 hour walks through rhododendron or pine forests, to the more challenging 2-4 day treks in mobile camps. There is local life to discover too, such as pilgrims, farmers and nomadic yak herders; your guide is on hand to facilitate your meeting and cultural exchange.
If you feel the need for a beach fix at the end of your holiday, we can recommend some fabulous hotels by the sea in Thailand, The Maldives, India or Oman. Or if you’d like to combine more thoroughly, Bhutan and Thailand complement each other exceptionally well as they offer the chance to see two very different approaches to Buddhism. Bhutan and Oman also work wonderfully well, with their contrasting scenery and distinct cultures. Both are calm, welcoming, and offer space for quiet reflection with some of the most awesome views you’ll ever see!
WHEN TO GO TO BHUTAN
The most popular times to visit Bhutan are during the temperate spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring is when the vast rhododendron forests bloom, and the valleys are lush. Autumn is the primary festival season, and when the black-necked cranes migrate to Bhutan. Both seasons bring bright dry and sunny days.
Popular Types of Holidays in Bhutan
Your holiday can be personalised to suit your interests and those that are travelling with you. By finding out exactly what you want from your holiday, we aim to craft the Bhutan experience that is right for you
Bhutan family holidays
Bhutan works exceptionally well for those with older kids who love the outdoors. From adrenaline-fuelled white-water rafting to contests in archery to meeting young monks in their remote cliffside monastery, many family-friendly activities will show teens and young adults a completely different way of life.
Bhutan multi country
There are no direct flights from the UK to Bhutan. To reach the main airport of Paro, you’ll travel via India, Nepal, Oman or Thailand, which means it’s surprisingly easy to combine Bhutan in a multi-country trip. Why not make the most of it?
Luxury holiday experiences in Bhutan
Bhutan can offer adventure for the intrepid traveller. With its great outdoors, you can venture off the beaten track, hiking through remote villages, rafting the Mo Chu river and camping in style.
Cultural experiences encompass visits to the Dzongs, monasteries, temples, and nunneries. You’ll have the chance to get involved too, be it alongside monks in a prayer ceremony or among the community at a Tsechu (festival) masked dance.
Luxury experiences can be personalised to you, from spa treatments to private yoga sessions at a wellness retreat, or a private Tshewang prayer ceremony where monks bless you for fulfilment and long life. The luxury hotels of Bhutan also offer many experiences to make you feel special.
LUXURY HOTELS IN BHUTAN; SPECIALLY CHOSEN FOR YOU
Hotels in Bhutan offer an interesting mix. To get a varied and luxury experience, we recommend staying in a combination of these boutique hotels. Each has only a few rooms so you are ensured peace and privacy.
The country has a handful of unique and intimate luxury hotels and each brand has its own architectural design and service style. For example, the Aman hotels in Bhutan are designed like the Bhutanese Dzongs, fort-like and whitewashed, and have a consistent offering in every property. Our favourite is Amankora Punakha for its unique farmhouse conversion, and swimming pool set overlooking the Mo Chhu River. The Six Senses hotels, however, are individually designed drawing from the merits of its location - Six Senses Paro feels like a warm, luxurious mountain retreat.
Another favourite of the ETG team is Gangtey Lodge, a beautiful Bhutanese farmhouse with hands down the best views in Phobjika (Gangtey) Valley. Each of the 12 rooms has a spectacular view, as does the cosy lounge and terrace which also share open fireplaces.
Amankora Thimphu, Thimphu
Luxurious property in a serene environment surrounded by pine forests on the outskirts of Thimphu town.
Bumdra High Camp, Paro
A comfortable tented camp perched above the Tiger's Nest Monastery with views over the Paro Valley.
Como Uma Punakha, Punakha
A deluxe yet intimate property on a verdant hillside overlooking the Mo Chhu River and surrounding countryside.
Gangtey Lodge, Gangtey
Remarkable uninterrupted views from this luxury Bhutanese farmhouse perched above the Phobijikha Valley.
Nemjo Heritage, Paro
A charming renovated farmhouse with just four rooms near Paro's town centre, surrounded by pine forest and rice paddies.
Six Senses Punakha, Punakha
Sitting high in Punakha and commanding incredible views of the valley below, you'll be treated to a wonderful pool, facilities and spacious rooms.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION
An ETG holiday cannot begin unless you have total peace of mind. We’d like to reassure you that by booking with Experience Travel Group, your money is fully protected by the ABTA and ATOL scheme. Our team always stays up-to-date with the advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth office, and we have daily updates from our in-country partners. We also go further than the standard travel insurance when it comes to Covid-19 - discover how we ensure you can book with confidence during the pandemic.
Why Experience Travel Group?
When you travel with ETG, it’s not just another holiday. It’s more than ‘just’ memories. It’s proper connections, friendships and laughter. Being part of an ETG holiday makes you part of something wider, part of our community of travellers, partners and employees who passionately believe that travel is precious and should be treasured.
We genuinely listen to you and try to get to know you so we can work together designing an itinerary for your perfect experience. We have the logistics in Bhutan down pat; we’ve explored the valleys, tried the hotels and met the locals, and built relationships with hoteliers and guides, so we can ensure everyone goes that extra step further for you and makes your trip special. If you have any queries, please check out our FAQs or don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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