Travel from Paro and Thimphu to the far-flung valleys of Bumthang, visiting ancient monasteries, vibrant markets and traditional villages along the way. With expert guides and time to explore at your own pace, you’ll experience the very essence of Bhutan – authentic, serene and profoundly uplifting.
Depart your home country for your flight to Bhutan.
Your guide will greet you at the airport and take you to the capital city, Thimphu. Along the way, stop by the evocative Tamchog Lhakhang temple, reached by walking across a rickety iron-chain bridge over the Paro Chhu river. Take your time to settle into your hotel.
Later, your guide will introduce you to the capital itself: the everyday sights and sounds as well as its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten, which presides over impressive valley views. If it’s a market day (weekends), you’ll join the dynamic throng of farmers from all over the country who gather to sell their wares. On a Saturday you’ll also be sure to come across an archery tournament or two!
Thimphu is at a fascinating crossroad between tradition and modernity, which is encapsulated in its approach to the arts. Discover the two inspiring organisations that seek to preserve traditional arts and crafts while promoting contemporary talent. See local artists at work and try your hand at creating your own Thanka (a traditional Buddhist fabric painting).
Today you’ll set off with your guide and driver for the scenic drive to Punakha. Weaving through pine and cedar forests, you will stop en route at the Dochula Pass where 108 stupas stand in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. On a clear day, you will also see panoramic views of the mighty Himalayan range. This journey will also take you via Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility, the notorious temple adorned with phalluses.
The Giligang Trail is the best day trek in Punakha. Prepare for the day ahead with a picnic breakfast in the serene gardens of the Khamsum Chorten before the temple’s visitors start to arrive. The trek is between 4-5 hours in all, taking in rice paddies, pine forests and spectacular mountain-top views – your expert guide will be by your side throughout to tell you more about the region.
You will end up at Punakha Dzong, arguably the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. With a name that translates as “the palace of great happiness”, you are sure to end your day with a smile.
The 4-hour drive to Gangtey is incredibly scenic as it passes through fertile valleys, gradually climbing to the Lawa pass. Here you can take in spectacular mountain views of Mount Jomolhari, lying on the border of Bhutan and Tibet. Check in to your hotel in Phobjikha valley before taking on a half-day hike through rhododendron forests up to Shasi La Pass. Wander through small local villages and chortens before descending back into the valley.
On your second day you’ll visit Gangtey Goempa. This can be timed with the Tshewang prayer ceremony where, alongside crimson-robed monks, you’ll hear chants and blessings for personal fulfillment and long life. Later, explore the Gangtey nature trail passing by grass plains, farmhouses, and dense pine forests before reaching a vast open space to admire the expansive, lush Phobjikha valley.
*A wonderful time to visit is during the Black Neck Crane Festival which is held annually in early November. Please note that hotel reservations to coincide with the festival need to be made well in advance (up to a year).
It’s a long drive today but worth the effort to get to Bumthang, the most remote and sacred of Bhutan’s valleys. The journey will be broken up with stops for lunch in Trongsa and at a weaving centre, a community cooperative for over 200 remote households in the 13 villages across the district.
Bumthang is home to the oldest and most sacred of Bhutan’s monasteries. Today you will explore several of them on gentle walks, including the 7th Century temple, Jambay Lhakhang designed to convert Tibetans to Buddhism, and Kurjey Lhakhang, the final resting place of the remains of the first three Kings of Bhutan. Later visit JakarDzong, or ‘Castle of the White Bird’, initially constructed in 1549.
Explore the most remote valley in the Bumthang region today, Tang valley, which is around a 4-hour drive from your accommodation. Visit the 16th Century Ugyen Choling Palace and museum where you can discover how people have lived over the centuries in rural Bhutan. Afterwards, head to the Burning Lake (MebarTsho) in the Tang River, an important pilgrim site covered in fluttering prayer flags and butter lamps (butter lamps traditionally burn yak butter!).
Depart Bumthang this morning on a 30-minute flight to Paro. After checking in to your hotel, your guide will introduce to you the historic town on an orientation tour. Visit the Paro Rinpungdzong, which towers over the town and affords impressive views of the valley. Head to the National Museum, an ancient 17th Century watchtower now home to a fascinating collection of art, costumes, and weaponry as well as religious Thangka paintings.
Later head to JangstaDumgtseg Lhakhang, a small temple housing a Buddha that was carried here all the way from Tibet. End the day with tea, local wine, and snacks over archery at a traditional farmhouse.
Your hike to the incredible Taktsang monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a sheer cliff face 900m high begins north of the Paro valley. The ascent will take 2-4 hours as the terrain is steep in parts and altitude is high (3,120m). You will be greeted in the end by a truly breathtaking and iconic cultural site, making the hike well worth it!
You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight.
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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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
