Trip Highlights

  • Stay in some of the most luxurious lodges in the world
  • Breathtaking views of the Himalayas
  • Remote valleys, untouched scenery and peace
  • Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Holly Brightwell

Our Expert Tip

”There is much to see and explore in Bhutan, but be sure to give yourself some time to experience Gangtey Lodge at a slower pace. The views from the bath and breakfast balcony will be some of the best you’ve ever experienced”

Holly, Bhutan Expert


Views and prayer flags as far as the eye can see, on the Druk Path Trek in Bhutan

Day 1-2: Thimphu

On arrival, meet your private guide and driver and begin your Bhutan luxury tour. Travel to Thimphu, check into 5* Pemako hotel for two nights, and enjoy an introduction to the capital.

Explore Thimphu’s signature highlights: the National Memorial Chorten and the vast Buddha Dordenma statue. Then lace up your walking boots for a gentle hike with panoramic valley views. Dive into Bhutanese culture at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (traditional arts & crafts), the Royal Takin Preserve and the lively Thimphu Farmers’ Market—always with flexibility built in for rest, shopping or spontaneous discoveries.

Day 3-5: Punakha

Travel deeper into Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes as you drive to the Punakha Valley. En route, pause at the dramatic Dochu La Pass for Himalayan views and fluttering prayer flags—timed for the best light and clearest skies where possible.

On arrival, stretch your legs with an easy walk to Chimi Lhakhang (the ‘Fertility Temple’) before checking into the elegant COMO Uma Punakha, perfectly positioned above the river. Known for refined service and thoughtful, sustainable luxury, the property has earned EarthCheck Silver. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, book a massage and soak up the valley vistas.

Wake to crisp mountain air and set out for a rewarding morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautifully painted hilltop temple. Visit the imposing Punakha Dzong—one of Bhutan’s most important fortresses—then cross the famous suspension bridge draped in prayer flags.

The world class Uma Punakha hotel, in Bhutan
Visit the imposing and beautiful Gangtey Goemba Monastery in Bhutan

Day 6-8: Gangtey

A scenic drive brings you to Gangtey in the glacial Phobjikha Valley, where we’ve included three nights at Gangtey Lodge, one of Bhutan’s most exceptional hideaways. Take time to slow down: relax by the fire with valley views, enjoy restorative spa treatments and soak in a hot bath overlooking wide, open Himalayan landscapes. Prefer fewer nights here, or a deeper off-the-beaten-track focus? We’ll tailor it. Prefer a different style of lodge? We can also build your trip around Amankora or Six Senses Bhutan, or mix them with our favourites.

Explore the valley in the way that suits you best – walk the Gangtey Nature Trail and visit the impressive Gangtey Goemba monastery. At the Black-Necked Crane Centre, learn how Bhutan protects these remarkable migratory birds, which winter in the valley from late October to February. For a deeper cultural connection, join a prayer ceremony or plan a longer hike into the surrounding hills.

Day 9-10: Paro

Return to Paro for your final two nights, staying at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary for ultra-exclusive tranquillity. Set among pine forests and traditional farmhouses, Paro is the perfect finale for a bespoke Bhutan travel experience.

We save a true highlight for last: the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang). With your private guide, take the exhilarating hike (around 4–5 hours return) to this extraordinary cliffside sanctuary—one of the most spiritual and memorable sights in the Himalaya. The trail climbs to around [3,100] metres, but by the end of your trip you’ll be well acclimatised, and ponies can carry you part of the way up.

Want to add on an additional day? We can arrange a new day hike, a picnic, or a cultural alternative—this is the essence of our tailor-made Bhutan holidays.

Taktshang Goemba, Tigers Nest Monastery in Bhutan
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan

Day 11: Depart

Bid farewell to magical Bhutan and catch your flight home. There are no direct flights from the UK, so most guests connect through Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok. Flights aren’t included in the price shown, but we can book them for you as part of a package. Want more time? Add a luxury stay in Kathmandu or Delhi, or see our Nepal & Bhutan and North India & Bhutan itineraries for longer journeys.

When to Go

Best time for a luxury Bhutan holiday

The best months for this trip are March to May and late September to November, when skies are clearest and days are warm enough for hiking. December to February is a quieter, more intimate time at Gangtey Lodge, with log fires, hot baths and black-necked cranes wintering in the valley. June to August brings monsoon rain, but also lush green valleys and fewer visitors. Luxury lodges fill early in spring and autumn, so we recommend booking [9–12 months] ahead. Ask us about availability for your dates

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec