bhutan
Bhutan has carefully protected its culture and landscapes, and it feels quite unlike anywhere else. Fortress monasteries guard the valleys, prayer flags line the passes and archery is the national sport.
Most visits follow the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey, with the hike to the Tiger’s Nest monastery as a highlight. Further east, Bumthang is the country’s spiritual heart.
Travel here is always with a licensed guide, and the lodges are some of the most beautiful in the Himalaya.
where to go
The valley of the Tiger's Nest monastery and Bhutan's airport.
The capital, with its markets, crafts and giant Buddha.
A warm valley with Bhutan's most beautiful dzong.
A glacial valley where black-necked cranes spend the winter.
The spiritual heartland of temples and festivals.
108 memorial chortens and Himalayan views on clear days.
when to go
Spring and autumn bring clear skies and festivals.
March to May
Rhododendrons in bloom and pleasant temperatures.
September to November
Clear mountain views and colourful festivals.
December to February
Cold and clear, with black-necked cranes in Phobjikha.
where to stay
Photo: Six Senses 
Photo: COMO Hotels 
Photo: Gangtey Lodge 
Paro Photo: Zhiwa Ling Heritage Looking for something different? We know many more hotels and villas in Bhutan, and we'll happily suggest the right one for you.
experiences
Hike to the cliffside monastery of Paro Taktsang.
See masked dances at a tsechu in a monastery courtyard.
Visit the fortress at the meeting of two rivers.
Try the national sport with local players.
Share a traditional meal with a Bhutanese family.
Watch the cranes in the Phobjikha valley in winter.
March to May and September to November. Winter is cold but clear and quiet.
Yes. All visitors travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide, which we arrange.
Yes, Bhutan charges a Sustainable Development Fee per person per night. We include it in your quote.
The Tiger’s Nest hike is steep and takes several hours, but it can be done at a gentle pace.
Nepal or India, with flights via Kathmandu or Delhi.
pair it with
Angkor's temples at sunrise, Phnom Penh's markets and a quiet stretch of coast and islands.
Explore
The Great Wall, Beijing, Shanghai and the karst landscapes of Yangshuo, best with an expert guide.
Explore
Rajasthan's palaces, Kerala's backwaters and tiger reserves, with some of the finest hotels in Asia.
Exploreget in touch
Tell us your dates and we'll plan your valleys, lodges and festivals.
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Travel advice: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has up-to-date advice on health and safety across the globe, as well as local laws, and passport and visa information. Please check travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel regularly for updates ahead of travel, as the advice can change.
