Bhutan Holidays
Extraordinary private tailor-made journeys in the world’s last Himalayan kingdom.
About Bhutan
Recently emerged from centuries of isolation, Bhutan remains largely untouched by the modern world, its pristine wilderness synonymous with its unique mountain culture.
A holiday in Bhutan is an experience like no other. Bashfully opening its doors to outsiders in the 1980s, the Bhutanese still have a unique way of doing things. The highest mountains remain largely unmapped, unnamed, unclimbed and unexplored; some are sacred and it’s taboo to climb them. Gross National Happiness is deemed more important than Gross National Product, smoking and plastic bags are forbidden and it’s enshrined in law that Bhutan will maintain at least 60% of its forest cover – forever.
Being on foot remains the best way to discover the kingdom ’s hidden treasures; a stride through a stunning glacial river valley, a meander to hidden temples, their walls covered in demons and dwarves, or for the more ambitious, a complete wilderness experience that sets it apart from trekking anywhere else in the Himalaya – there are no lodges or tea houses and you stay in simple overnight camps pitched by your crew. Dinner is taken beneath a vast canopy of stars and sleep under canvas is accompanied by the sound of bells tied to your pack ponies. If you’re considering trekking in Bhutan you might like to consider the centuries old Druk Path.
Bhutan’s unique form of Buddhism has shaped the kingdom’s history and continues to permeate every aspect of daily life. Festivals are hugely important to Bhutanese people and basing your trip around a festival is a great way to experience Bhutan’s fascinating living culture and join the celebrations.
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- Meander to ancient temples
- Sleep under canvas and a canopy of stars
- Glacial rivers and untouched mountains
- Hike from Paro to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
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20+ Years of Experience
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.
Best Time To Visit Bhutan
Spring and Autumn are the generally the best seasons
Its climate is determined by the monsoon cycle and weather is dramatically affected by altitude.
Sandwiched between Tibet and India, the land sharply rises from a handful of fertile valleys to permanently frozen peaks of over 7000m and there are many local climatic variations.
A popular time to explore Bhutan is autumn, from the end of September to early December when the skies are clear after the monsoon rains, giving fantastic views of the mountains. As winter progresses the chance of snow increases and higher passes may be blocked.
Rare black-necked cranes migrate to the Phobjikha Valley in late October and usually leave by mid-February.
Although views are not quite as clear in spring, from March to May, this is the time to enjoy rhododendrons and magnolias in bloom in the mountains. In both these seasons, days are mainly warm and dry and the sun is strong when it’s out. But it’s best to be prepared for rain at any time and a variety of temperatures in one day as you ascend and descend again. Nights are cold.
Visit Bhutan in the summer for culture
Through June to August, it’s cloudy, hot and humid with bursts of heavy rainfall making it too slippery underfoot to undertake treks.
But as rates are much lower in the summer, it is worth considering visiting Bhutan during this time for a more cultural based trip.
Best Time To Visit Bhutan
Talk to our Experts
They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
Bhutan’s top experiences
Private trek on Bhutan’s Druk Path
Trek the ancient trade route and explore unspoilt countryside, breath-taking scenery and rich Buddhist culture.
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Popular safaris in Bhutan
- Pristine wilderness and mountain culture
- Sleep under canvas and a canopy of stars
- Walk the centuries old Druk Path
Bhutan’sParks & Areas
Few places in the world can match Bhutan for adventure. The Bhutanese have a unique way of doing things but, having travelled across Bhutan ourselves, we can offer first-hand advice to get you into the best areas of the country.
Paro
Hike into the hills and visit the sacred cliffside Taktsang monastery on a trip to the town of Paro in Bhutan.
– Visit important monasteries and temples
– Trek to the Tiger’s Nest perched on the cliffs
– Private hikes into the hills
– Trek the centuries old Druk path
Gangtey (Phobjikha)
A stunning landscape with deeply spiritual significance to its residents, the Phobjikha Valley is an incredibly remote place to take in some inspiring natural wonder.
– The kingdoms glacial valleys
– Spot the rare black necked cranes
– Beautiful walks and simple nature
Bumthang
Four valleys make up the Bumthang region, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
– Cross the Yotung La pass four valleys
– Experience a traditional religious festival
– Walks into the remote valleys
Punakha
Home of the Punakha Dzong, a stunning 17th century fortress, Punakha is a marvel of traditional Bhutan architecture and nature.
– Ancient temples and monasteries
– Visit the beautiful Punakha dzong
– Enjoy a sub-tropical climate: warm summers and pleasant winters
Bhutan (FAQs) Need to Know
When is the best time to go trekking in Bhutan?
Spring and autumn are usually considered the best times for a Bhutan trekking holiday, but other seasons shouldn’t be overlooked. April and October receive the highest number of foreign visitors as the climate is near perfect, particularly for trekking, and the spectacular Paro and Thimphu festivals are celebrated at this time.
How many days do you need for a trekking expedition in Bhutan?
We offer treks from 3 to 28 days. For example, the Druk Path trek between Thimphu and Paro can be completed in just four days. However, we always recommend allowing extra days to acclimatize to Bhutan’s high altitudes. We also suggest you include some more time to enjoy some of the kingdom’s unique culture.
Do I need to be experienced to go trekking in Bhutan?
If you enjoy regular weekend hikes in the countryside, there are many excellent day hikes and short treks through spectacular scenery that we can recommend. You’ll mostly walk for 4 to 5 hours per day and will always be accompanied by an experienced guide so that you can go at your own pace while your luggage is transferred ahead. More challenging routes are best undertaken only by experienced trekkers who can cope with long days on foot and substantial climbs and descents.
What exclusive experiences can I expect on a luxury tour in Bhutan?
Luxury tours in Bhutan offer a range of exclusive experiences:
- Private Monastery Visits: Gain special access to sacred sites, engaging with monks and participating in traditional ceremonies.
- Helicopter Tours: Enjoy aerial views of Bhutan’s majestic landscapes, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Culinary Journeys: Savor gourmet meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients, often accompanied by traditional Bhutanese entertainment
From Our Travel Guides
Meet Our Travel Experts
It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary
Into The Wild Brochure
Need some more inspiration? Request a copy of Into The Wild, our comprehensive anthology of safaris and wilderness travel.
A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.