Slow Travel Bhutan Beyond the Highlights
21 days from £6,103 pp
If you want to explore Bhutan at a slower more mindful pace, taking in remote untouched areas as well as the classics, this is your holiday. We have slowed the pace to take in the culture, meet local people and experience traditional customs. Lace up your walking boots for some quieter trails with undisturbed views and appreciate the peace of this spiritual, mysterious Kingdom. Spend time exploring markets, go hiking, try rafting, take on some of the famous Ancient Trans-Bhutan Trail and see lesser-known temples. Finish with at the unmissable Tigers Nest. This is the best slow travel holiday to Bhutan.
Trip Highlights
- Spend longer with locals and learn fascinating traditions
- Hike and raft across rivers and through beautiful valleys
- Get off the tourist path and explore Bumthang, taking on part of the Ancient Trans- Bhutan Trail
- Trek to the legendary Tigers Nest Monastery, a true bucket-list moment
Our Expert Tip
”We always include the iconic Tigers Nest Monastery on your final day. This gives you time to acclimatise, and saves the very best until last”
Holly, Bhutan Expert
Detailed Slow Travel Bhutan Beyond The Highlights Itinerary
Day 1-3: Thimphu
Catch your flight into Paro and meet your private guide for the one hour journey to Thimphu. For the next three nights stays in a well-located hotel in the heart of the town, experiencing the highlights of the capital with your guide.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten and the striking Buddha Dordenma statue and other cultural highlights. Lace up your walking boots for some easy going walks to Kuensel Phodrang and up to Tamchhog Lkakhang. Relax in the afternoons, trying some local food, ambling around the Thimphu Farmers’ market and soaking up the cultures of this fascinating country.
Visit the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Be fascinated by a trip to the Takin Preserve and do things differently on this slow travel holiday by visiting the Changyul Park, spanning seven acres along the Wangchhu River Corridor. You even have the chance for a private reading by an astrologer, a tradition rooted in deep Buddhist beliefs.
Day 4-6: Punakha
Journey with your guide around two hours to the Punakha Valley, where you will notice the landscapes and scenery become more varied. Stop en route at the incredible Dochu La Pass for some breathtaking views and a photo opportunity. To ensure this Slow Travel Holiday sticks to a leisurely pace we have included three nights in the wonderful Punakha Valley to take in the highlights and appreciate Bhutan in an unhurried peace.
Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Punakha Dzong and be wowed by the Punakha suspension bridge. Choose to have a go as rafting with an expert team, along the mighty Punakha River. Get active with a scenic hike up to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten and breathe in the stunning views and fresh air, before the next day taking on the stunning Pho Chu Hike, (meaning male river hike.)
Get cultural in the Punakha Valley by visiting the nunnery for a blessing ceremony. Take a stroll through Bali Walk where you can have a go at brewing local rice wine (give it a taste, you may just like it!)
Day 7-9: Gangtey
The Gangtey Valley is renowned for beautiful walking trails and wonderful views and with so much to do here we have included three nights. It takes around three hours to reach the valley, so rest and relax on your first afternoon, taking some relaxed strolls to view points. In the evening participate in evening prayers at Shedra.
Visit Gangtey Goemba followed by a wonderful hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail for some memorable Himalayan views. Visit the famed Black-necked Crane Centre, witnessing these incredible creatures up close while learning more about the ongoing efforts to protect them.
Enjoy the Longtey Trail hike, which is one of our favourite walks in Bhutan, through bush bamboo, rhododendrons, and small villages.
Day 10-11: Trongsa
Getting off-the-beaten-path on this slow travel holiday to Bhutan, journey to Trongsa. Heading off the tourist path is rewarded by some fascinating visits to lesser known Dzongs and museums, some scenic walks with uninterrupted views of the mighty Himalayas.
Amble through Trongsa town, visiting local shops and markets and chat to friendly locals. Around an hour away are Langthel and Dangdung villages, little visited by tourists and a great place to experience the real Bhutan.
Day 12-14: Bumthang
The beautiful and spiritual Bumthang Valley awaits you, which will be a highlight of this Slow Travel Bhutan journey. Enjoy your time in the valley at a leisurely and relaxed pace, its all about scenery, and serenity here. Visit the Jambay temple and the peaceful Jakar Dzong.
You’ll be treated to extraordinary views and epic scenery in the Tang Valley, and have the chance to hike part of the famous Ancient Trans-Bhutan Trail, from Gangrithang school in Jakar to Phomdrong. The walk takes around 6 hours, passing through farmhouses, Goempa’s, gentles slopes and beautiful forests.
Day 15-16: Haa
Choose to take a short domestic flight, or a longer drive day (around eight hours) back to Paro on onwards to Haa Valley. Haa is untouched by tourism, with only a handful of properties it’s a great way to experience real, remote Bhutan and offers wonderful views in a remote location.
Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) which is associated with the introduction of Buddhism in the region, and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), both offering significance in Bhutanese culture.
Stop by a local farmhouse, where you are welcome to help with cooking. Try out one of the famous Bhutan hot stone baths, known for restorative properties.
Day 17-20: Paro
End your Slow Travel Bhutan holiday with four nights in Paro, in a comfortable hotel in the town. Visit the intriguing Ta Dzong and stop off at a local farmhouse to discover more about the Bhutanese way of life. Take on a trip to Chele la Pass with a hike down to Kila Goemba. In the afternoon visit Phuba Mandala Display Centre the National Museum and take some time to amble around Paro at your own pace, buying local handicrafts. Enjoy a final hiking day to Drakarpo monastery with magnificent views of Paro Valley.
Saving the best until last, your final day in Bhutan will take you to the iconic Tigers Nest Monastery. With your guide, hike the famous four hour route and be awed by the unique and spiritual scenes that greet you. This will be a true lifetime travel highlight.
Day 21: Depart
Check out of your hotel, transfer to the airport and catch your flight from Paro back to your chosen destination. Speak to our experts if you would like extra days added on in Nepal or India.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
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Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
