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.
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Paro Valley, Bhutan,
Como Uma Paro
Set in the lush, dramatic landscape of the Paro Valley, Como Uma Paro is a deluxe property and a top choice for this valley.
Highlights
Highlights
Private valley-view villas
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
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Punakha Valley, Bhutan
Como Uma Punakha
Intimate and jewel-like, COMO Uma Punakha perches on a gentle hill above the Mo Chhu River at the western end of Punakha Valley.
Highlights
Highlights
Valley-view villas,
Hot-stone baths
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
See More
Punakha Valley, Bhutan
Dhensa Boutique Resort
A peaceful retreat overlooking the Punakha River and surrounding rice terraces.
Highlights
Highlights
Valley-view suites,
Spa signature bath
Best for
Couples
Families
Friends
Gallery
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.
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Punakha, Bhutan
Exploring Punakha Dzong
Set on the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu and fringed by jacaranda trees, Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful of Bhutan’s many dzongs. It dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here, and in fact, the current King married here in 2011.
Join your guide to follow the procession of red-robed monks across the picturesque Bazam bridge towards the imposing structure itself. Your guide will lead you through and around the building to explore the 3 courtyards, respectively the administration, monastic quarters and the temple areas. A highlight is the evocatively named ‘hundred-pillar’ assembly hall (which only actually contains 54 pillars – but still, it is pretty impressive). There are also exceptional murals depicting the life of Buddha and massive gold statues of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and the Zhabdrung.
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Gangtey, Bhutan
Butter Lamps and Monk Blessing
You’ll probably have been in Bhutan for a few days by the time you reach Gangtey, by which time you’ll have a sense of the extent to which spirituality is part of life here. This special experience is a great way to mark an occasion such as a honeymoon or simply get a deeper sense of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Travel with your guide to Gangtey Goempa to experience an early morning traditional Tshewang prayer ceremony in the company of crimson-clad monks, this culminates in the lighting of a traditional butter lamp and is followed by a personal blessing from a reincarnated master. After the blessing, there is time to enjoy a private breakfast within the monastery overlooking the vast valley below.
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Bhutan
Bhutan's National Sports
You won’t be in Bhutan long before you spot locals in traditional dress hurling what look like huge darts along seemingly any strip of spare land. Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country. Equally as popular is the national sport Dha (archery) which is played country-wide and taken very seriously. Competitions are held throughout the year and, if you’re in Paro at the weekend, the Archery Ground is a good place to watch. You’ll be welcome to join in spontaneously with either sport at any time, or your guide and most hotel staff will be happy to arrange it for you. Players will be eager to show you the ropes give you a run for your money!
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Bhutan
The Fertility Temple & The Divine Madman
When you go to Bhutan, prepare not to be embarrassed about the proliferation of phalluses painted around most doorways! It’s a bit peculiar at first but you’ll soon get used to it. This practice owes its origins to Chimi Lhakhang, the “fertility temple”, that you’ll visit in this excursion. After ambling through the paddy fields and artists’ village of Punakha, you’ll arrive at the temple, which is dedicated to the great 14th century Yogi Lama Drukpa Kuenley (more commonly known as the Divine Madman). We won’t spoil all the tales about this unconventional saint – we’ll leave it to your guide who will be able to bring his various eccentricities and fascinating ideas to life. The temple is small yet atmospheric and is believed to bless couples hoping for a child. This is a lovely walk through the countryside with a fascinating twist!
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Bhutan
Hot Stone Bath Experience
One of Bhutan’s distinctive experiences is the traditional hot stone bath. This is a great way to relax after a day’s walking or simply a good way to literally immerse yourself in a typical Bhutanese family tradition.
Traditionally, often on an auspicious occasion, the stones would be gathered from the river, then heated up in a fire for several hours until they are red hot. Next, they are placed in a section of a wooden tub bath tub which is then filled with water. The stones heat the water and it is believed that their precious minerals are released to heal all kinds of aches and pains.
A luxurious version of the bath can be enjoyed in hotel spas and a more traditional experience can be enjoyed in local farmhouses – always in a private setting. Reservations are made in advance as the ritual takes several hours to prepare.
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.