Slow Travel: Bhutan Beyond the Highlights
18 days from £6,300 pp
If you want to get beneath the skin of this unique country, this is your holiday. We have slowed down the pace, giving you time to really take in the culture, meet local people and try your hand at traditional customs. Lace up your walking boots for some quieter trails and undisturbed views, appreciating the peace of this spiritual and mysterious country. Spend longer in the capital, exploring markets and local life. Continue to Punakha, Gangtey and remote Bumthang, switching between eco lodges, heritage hotels and a sustainable farm project. Add in hiking, rafting and lesser-known temples, finishing at the unmissable Tigers Nest Monastery. You will have truly “done” 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 the religious valley of Bumthang
- 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 airport and meet your private guide and driver for a one hour road journey to Thimphu. For the next three nights stay in a comfortable well-located hotel in the heart of the town, perfect to see all the highlights both with your guide and also independently if you would like explore.
With your expert guide, visit the National Memorial Chorten and the striking Buddha Dordenma statue, before donning your walking boots and heading out for a easy hike to Kuensel Phodrang. Relax in the afternoon, trying out some local cuisine, ambling around the Thimphu Farmers’ market and soaking up the cultures of this fascinating country.
The next day explore the Royal Textile Academy and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Be fascinated by a trip to the Takin Preserve and stop by the post office to create your own personalised stamp.
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 really 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. If the conditions allow, choose to go rafting with an expert team along the mighty Punakha River. Get active with a scenic hike up to Khamsum Yuelley Chorten and take in the stunning views and fresh mountain air.
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 to really slow down the pace. 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 a hearty local lunch after the Longtey Trail hike, which is one of our favourite hikes in Bhutan.
Day 10-11: Trongsa
Getting off-the-beaten-path you now head to Trongsa, around a two hour drive away. Heading off the tourist path means being rewarded by some fascinating visits to the lesser-known Dzongs and museums, scenic walks and uninterrupted views of the mighty Himalayas.
Day 12-14: Bumthang
The beautiful and spiritual Bumthang Valley awaits you, which will be on one of the highlights of your Slow Travel Bhutan journey. Be sure to enjoy your time in the valley at a leisurely and relaxed pace as its all about scenery and serenity here. Visit the Jambay and Kurjey Lhakhang and the peaceful Jakar Dzong.
The next day you’ll be treated to extraordinary views and epic scenery in the Tang Valley, with a stop at Mebar Tsho. Visit Ugvencholling Manor and the museum, before getting active for an afternoon hike from Bebzur to Jakar town.
Day 15-17: Paro
Choose to take a short domestic flight, or a longer drive day (around eight hours) back to Paro for your final few nights on your epic Bhutan Slow Travel adventure.
Stay in a comfortable hotel within easy reach of places of interest. Visit the intriguing Ta Dzong and stop off at a local farmhouse to discover more about the Bhutanese way of life. Get your final fix of Himalayan hiking as you take on a trip to Chele la Pass with a hike down to Kila Goemba. In the afternoon visit Phuba Mandala Display Centre and take some time to amble around Paro at your own pace and leisure.
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 truly memorable lifetime travel moment.
Day 18: 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
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.
