Bhutan

Bhutan is an enchanting Buddhist kingdom situated in the Himalayas, nestled between India and China. In the 1800s, various European maps conflated it with Tibet, and it has remained remote and relatively untouched down to the present day; TV and Internet, for example, were only introduced in 1999. It’s no surprise, then, that Bhutan retains an aura of mysterious allure, and visiting can still feel like stepping back in time. The land is rugged and largely virgin; the people, who always wear the national gho and kira dress, are regal yet friendly. It is a beguiling place where tobacco is illegal but marijuana grows wildly; where archery remains the national sport, and where progress is measured not in GDP but “Gross National Happiness.”

Remote Lands’ deep knowledge of Bhutan and its culture goes beyond the five valleys (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang) to far-flung eastern locales like Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang and more. 

Bhutan Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Bhutan Itineraries

Classic Bhutan

Take a classic tour of Bhutan’s five main cities and beautiful countryside on this 12-day journey from Paro to Bumthang. You’ll visit such time-honored spots as Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Gangtey Monastery, have scenic picnics riverside and hilltop, and explore the lush Tang Valley - all while staying in luxurious lodges dotted across the country.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $16,800
See Itinerary

Ancient & Modern: Bangkok and Bhutan

See the contrast of two cultures as they’re juxtaposed before your eyes on this 16-day luxury journey through Thailand’s Bangkok and Bhutan. You’ll compare the glimmering Grand Palace and Wat Arun to the ancient architecture of Bhutan’s monasteries, raft the Mo Chu river, and spend nights at the luxurious Amankora.

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
See Itinerary

Bhutan Luxury Road Trip

Take a ride on the open road through Bhutan’s stunning countryside, as you’re chauffeured from Paro to Thimpu in your luxury vehicle. You’ll marvel at religious sites like Rimpung Dzong and Drukgyel Dzong, interact with local families at their farms, and enjoy luxury stays at luxurious Amankora or Six Senses hotels.

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $24,700
See Itinerary

Druk Path Trek

Experience a whirlwind 7-day adventure through Bhutan’s rugged terrain. You’ll take in the natural beauty of Paro Valley and Simkota Lake, while you marvel at the ancient Tiger’s Nest Monastery, see the takin at an animal preserve, and when not camping, sleep at the luxe accommodations, on this incredible journey.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,200
See Itinerary

Following Buddha's Footsteps Across the Himalayas

This 19-day itinerary promises to immerse you deep into the local culture and religious beliefs throughout the Himalayas by exploring beautiful ancient religious monuments and sacred sites of worship. Follow in the footsteps of the revered Buddha, from his birthplace, to where he was believed to have gained enlightenment, and the site of his death.

Duration
19 days / 18 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,600
See Itinerary

Intimate India and Beautiful Bhutan: Overland from New Delhi to Bumthang

Spend 22 days traveling from India to Bhutan on this luxurious adventure of a lifetime. Shop in New Delhi’s world-famous Chandni Chowk market, dine at the Calcutta Polo Club, and marvel at the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Ghoom Monastery, while staying in luxury hotels like Amankora and Oberoi.

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $20,600
See Itinerary

Riding the Dragon: A Cycling Adventure in Bhutan

Traverse the Himalayan nation of Bhutan by bike on this week-long endurance challenge, which combines immersion in Bhutan’s undulating landscapes with experiences focused on Bhutanese heritage and culture.

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,600
See Itinerary

An Intimate Himalayan Adventure: Through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India

Explore the world’s most majestic peaks on this 22-day Himalayan adventure. You’ll trek through China, Nepal, Bhutan and India, staying at luxury hotels and lodges like the Amankora or Uma by COMO. You’ll walk along the Great Wall of China, visit the ancient Potala Palace, and search for Bengal Tigers in Chitwan.

Duration
22 days / 21 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,500
See Itinerary

Beautiful Bhutan by Bike

Take in Bhutan’s lush landscape on this 16-day luxury bicycle adventure, pedalling past ancient Buddhist temples like the Taktsang Monastery, climbing Bhutan’s highest road pass, Thrumsing La, and gaining insight into local religion at a Buddhist festival in Jakar, while staying in luxe hotels like Six Senses.

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $27,900
See Itinerary

Chomolhari Base Camp Trek

Reap the rewards of challenging yourself to this incredible 13-day trek through Bhutan’s majestic mountains. You’ll hike and camp in breathtaking spots like the base camp of Mount Chomolhari, visit historic landmarks in Paro like the Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, and stay in luxury at the Amankora or Six Senses.

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,700
See Itinerary
Amankora Bumthang
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan

Amankora Bumthang is a recently opened Amankora in Bhutan, with views of buckwheat, millet and potato fields, an apple orchard, and Wangdicholing Palace, the Kingdom’s oldest palace, which is now a monastery. There are 16 suites complete with a bukhari and views of the courtyard and palace. Amankora Bumthang has a spa with three treatment rooms and a steam room. There is no business center, but the Library has an Internet station and WiFi access. The property is approximately a...
Amankora Gangtey
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Gangtey

Gangtey, Bhutan

Amankora Gangtey is in the remote Phobjikha Valley, with awe-inspiring views of a gorge and the 16th century Gangtey Goemba monastery. Each of Amankora's eight suites is fitted with a bukhari, a wood-burning stove, and wood paneling. The dining room and living room are combined and have views of the Phobjikha Valley out of floor-to-ceiling windows. There is no Internet, business center, fitness center or pool at Amankora Gangtey, but hot stone baths and a spa with two treatment rooms...
Amankora Paro
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Paro

Paro, Bhutan

Amankora Paro is located just outside of town and features sweeping views of the Paro valley and snow-capped mountains. The hotel, just 30 minutes from Paro airport, has 24 spacious suites designed to evoke a contemporary and minimalist vision of traditional Bhutanese style, incorporating local wood, stone and terrazzo tile. Each suite has a bukhari, or wood-burning stove, and a luxurious bathroom complete with soaking tub. Bhutanese cuisine and international fare are served in the hotel’s great room lounge, dining...
Amankora Punakha
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Punakha

Punakha, Bhutan

Amankora Punakha is located just across a suspension bridge along the Mo Chu River, with suites built around a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. A small property, there are only eight suites. The hotel is situated in an orange orchard, with views of Punakha Valley and Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful monasteries. The farmhouse has a dining room, courtyard and tea pavilion for dining and refreshments. The spa at Punakha has two treatment rooms, a steam room and a yoga...
Amankora Thimphu
Preferred Hotel

Amankora Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan

Amankora Thimpu is located on a hillside in a verdant pine forest far above Bhutan’s capital city. The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of Bhutanese temples, or dzongs, and incorporates white-washed stone buildings around an enclosed courtyard. Sixteen suites are composed of living and sleeping areas, with views of the forest and nearby streams. The spacious terrazzo-tiled bathrooms have soaking tubs and twin vanities. Guests may dine either in an elegant dining room or on the adjacent terrace, both of which...
COMO Uma Bhutan Paro
Preferred Hotel

COMO Uma Bhutan Paro

Paro, Bhutan

COMO Uma Bhutan Paro is a 29-room hotel set in Paro Valley with breath-taking views of the Himalayas. The Bukhari restaurant, set amid pine trees, uses mostly organic food from the surrounding area for Bhutanese delicacies such as pakshee paa, a sliced pork dish with chilies and radishes; ema datsee, a chili and cheese dish, or hewa datsee, a combination of potatoes, cheese and chilies. Uma by COMO, Paro is home to the COMO Shambhala Retreat, a holistic health spa...
COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha
Preferred Hotel

COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha

Punakha, Bhutan

An intimate luxury lodge situated in a lush valley, the COMO Uma Bhutan Punakha is nestled amongst rice fields and orchards, and overlooks a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu River. The lodge has a selection of villas suitable for a travel party of any size, as well as nine deluxe Valley View rooms with private terraces; all rooms boast comprehensive views of the surrounding landscape. The onsite restaurant, Bukhari, is named for a traditional Bhutanese fireplace, uses ingredients from...
Six Senses Bumthang
Preferred Hotel

Six Senses Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan

Conceived as a forest within a forest, this stunning Six Senses property is located amidst dense blue pine trees, right by the river. If peace and exclusivity are what you seek, look no further: the resort’s setting is a visual and auditory delight close to hallowed temples and monasteries and imbues visitors with an uncommon sense of serenity. Six Senses staff are passionate about their eco credentials. Sustainability is paramount here, from eco-friendly water and waste management to a focus...
Six Senses Gangtey
Preferred Hotel

Six Senses Gangtey

Gangtey, Bhutan

Gangtey is widely known as the home of the picturesque Gangtey Monastery, with its elaborate gate and breathtaking valley views. The stunning Phobjikha Valley is also nearby, and the land is great for birdwatchers. Therefore, Six Senses'hotel in Gangtey includes a unique birdwatching bridge. Throughout the winter rare black-necked cranes can be viewed from the lodge, the nearby Crane Center, or the viewing hide located near the birds' nesting and feeding grounds. Aside from birding, the hotel's true focus is...
Six Senses Paro
Preferred Hotel

Six Senses Paro

Paro, Bhutan

With sacred sites, traditional architecture, and historical buildings, a trip to Paro, Bhutan, is like taking a trip back in time. Nestled in a scenic river valley, the town is the first stop to Bhutan for many, as it is home to the country’s sole international airport. Six Senses Bhutan Paro is perched directly above Paro National Museum, offering incredible views of the valley. Built in the midst of old stone ruins, charming interiors of hewn stone walls and working...
Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Seasonality & Festivals

Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.

When to Go
When to Go
Festivals
Festivals

Weather in Bhutan

The best time to visit Bhutan is in spring, between April and May and also fall, in October and November, which is ideal for outdoor pursuits.

  • The weather in Bhutan varies depending upon elevation levels.
  • Northern Bhutan is perennially covered with snow.
  • In western, central, and eastern Bhutan, winter lasts from November to March, with the exception of Punakha, which sits in a lower valley where the summer is hot and the winter is pleasant.
  • Southern Bhutan is hot and humid with a subtropical climate. The monsoon season, which lasts from June through August, brings intermittent heavy rain.
  • Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude. Days are generally temperate and average about 50°F (10°C) with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woolen clothing, particularly in winter.

Multi-Country Specialists

Bhutan Goes Well With

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.