Classic Bhutan Holiday
14 days from £3,903 pp
Our Classic Bhutan Holiday offers two weeks of incredible Himalayan scenery, wonderful day walks and fascinating sights. This is the tailor-made Bhutan holiday to book if you want to include the must-see places in Bhutan, experiencing all this wonderful kingdom has to offer but in an unhurried and mindful pace. You will stay in charming homely properties, meet friendly locals in their national dress, explore iconic temples and pristine views. Take in the true peace and stillness of Bhutan on our classic Bhutan tour.
Trip Highlights
- Stay in traditional and homely properties, giving you the authentic Bhutanese experience
- Choose from a range of hikes; from easy-going strolls to all-day hikes
- Journey East to the untouched, peaceful Bumthang and Tang Valley
- Experience the astonishing Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Our Expert Tip
”Try and include a festival in Bhutan if your dates work. Experience this unique, colorful and spiritual ceremony with Bhutanese locals”
Holly, Bhutan Expert
Detailed Classic Bhutan Holiday Itinerary
Day 1-2: Thimphu
On arrival into Paro, meet your team and transfer around an hour to the fascinating capital city of Thimphu. Take a stroll around, soaking up the charm of this amazing city. Amble through the colourful markets and artisan workshops.
Your time in Thimphu is spent at your own pace, taking in the highlights and stretching your legs on some easy going hikes to temples and viewpoints. Visit the statue of Buddha Dordenma, walk to the Druk Wangditse temple, and stop off at the Takin Reserve to witness these unique national animals.
Throughout our Classic Bhutan Holiday you will stay in homely 3* accommodation with great service and wonderful views.
Day 3-5: Punakha
Drive to the Punakha Valley via the incredible Dochu La Pass at 3050 metres. We have included three nights in Punakha, offering an unhurried pace to explore the valley. Visit the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong, the temple of fertility, and stroll through some more local markets to get a feel for everyday Bhutanese life.
Choose from some wonderful hikes, ranging from easy going temple walks, to leg-stretching longer hikes taking in peaceful, untouched scenery. Relax with a cold drink overlooking the valley, or for something different try some rafting on the Pho Chhu river.
Day 6: Trongsa
Do things differently on this Classic Bhutan Holiday by heading to lesser-visited valleys further east. Trongsa is the gateway to central Bhutan, and takes around 5 hours to reach from Punakha.
You’ll be rewarded with fewer tourists, beautiful scenery and a visit to the imposing Trongsa Dzong, seen from miles away. Visit the museum in the watchtower and learn more about Bhutan’s royal family past and present.
Day 7-8: Bumthang
Journey two hours further into the peaceful and remote Bumthang Valley. Explore the spiritual heartland of Bhutan with its beautiful temples, palaces and monasteries.
Take a trip to the remote Tang Valley for some remarkable hiking routes passing the Membar Tsho (burning Lake), barely seeing another tourist in sight. Opt to take on some of the famous Ancient Trans-Bhutan Trail, winding through remote villages, yak fields and beautiful passes.
Day 9-10: Gangtey
Drive west around five hours through sweeping valleys and thick forests to Gangtey Valley. This is one of the best Valleys in Bhutan to enjoy some wonderful hiking routes; from gentle strolls to the Gangte Monastery, to longer day hikes with incredible Himalayan views and stops for a scenic lunch.
Our top suggestions here are the wonderful Gangte Nature Trail, and the Longteng Hike. Both offer peaceful scenic walks with views as far as the eye can see. Visit the Black Neck Crane sanctuary to learn more about these magnificent protected birds, and embrace the spiritual side of the valley by witness evening prayers.
If you travel on certain dates, we can look to include time at a festival, which is a truly memorable travel highlight. Speak to our team about festival dates and how to include this in your Classic Bhutan Holiday.
Day 11-13: Paro, Bhutan
Travel back to Paro, where we have included three nights to enjoy the highlights of this final valley without rushing.
Visit the National Museum in the Ta Dzong, take an easy going hike to Zuri Dzong and witness sweeping views of the valley. Explore the handicraft shops of Paro, stopping for some lunch and to chat to locals.
Lastly, you will head to iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This is one of the most sacred sights for Bhutanese people, and visiting is a real pinch-me travel moment. Built into a sheer cliff face Tiger’s Nest attracts and fascinates pilgrims the world over. The 4-5 hour trail passes through a beautiful pine forest and past fluttering prayer flags, into the monastery itself.
Day 14: Depart
Bid farewell to this magical Kingdom and catch your onwards flight which isn’t currently included. Our Bhutan experts can assist with as part of your Bhutan package holiday from the UK.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
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.
