Bhutan Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays


















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Overview
With our passage through the bridge, behold a curious transformation. For just as Alice, when she walked through the looking-glass, found herself in a new and whimsical world, so we, when we crossed the Pa-chhu, found ourselves as though caught up on some magic time machine fitted fantastically with reverse, flung back across the centuries into the feudalism of a medieval age. So wrote the Earl of Ronaldshay upon entering Bhutan in 1923. Nearly a century later and those words still hold true, ...
With our passage through the bridge, behold a curious transformation. For just as Alice, when she walked through the looking-glass, found herself in a new and whimsical world, so we, when we crossed the Pa-chhu, found ourselves as though caught up on some magic time machine fitted fantastically with reverse, flung back across the centuries into the feudalism of a medieval age. So wrote the Earl of Ronaldshay upon entering Bhutan in 1923. Nearly a century later and those words still hold true, as you find yourself crossing into the Land of the Thunder Dragon and leaving your own world behind. Squashed amongst the high mountain landscapes that lie between Nepal, Tibet and Northeastern India, Bhutan was cut off from the outside world for centuries, cocooning its people and traditions in a bubble of time that has changed little in the past 500 years. Perched spectacularly atop high cliffs, its magnificent 17th century dzongs (monasteries) stand sentinel over a land filled with colourful festivals and story-telling, forested hills and demons. Home to a gentle and charming people and a rich diversity of wild plants and animals that includes more than 600 species of orchid alone, the sheer scale of its beauty and spirit will leave you breathless.
Start your journey
Group tours
TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
HIGHLIGHTS OF BHUTAN
BEST EXPERIENCES

Hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is one of the most famous and sacred of Bhutan’s monasteries, built on a rock ledge a thousand metres above the valley floor. Hike to the monastery, soak up the views and partake in a prayer ceremony
Learn to cook Bhutan's national dish
Take a cooking class at a local restaurant hosted by a team of chefs who will demonstrate some local delicacies. You'll learn to make the national dish of Bhutan - the fiery ‘Emma Datshi’ made with chilies and local Bhutanese cheese, which you can then devour
Make sand mandalas with a monk
Visit a local monastery to be shown the ancient art of sand mandala, designed to cleanse the soul and liberate it towards enlightenment. The monks create an intricate pattern from sand which symbolises the unity of life, and then will help you make your own
Visit Gangtey Monastery
A complex of five temples surrounding a central tower, the Gangtey Monastery, founded in 1613, is situated above the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. The village here is inhabited mainly by the families of the 140-strong priest community who look after it
Peruse the weekend market
Explore the fascinating and famous weekend market of Thimphu, one of the largest farmers markets in Bhutan, with produce brought here from all over the country. You'll find everything from dried fish and wild honey to textiles and local handicrafts
Enjoy a farmhouse lunch with locals
Get a glimpse into village life by enjoying a locally-sourced meal with a family in Punakha. Make friends in a traditionally decorated, colourful Bhutanese farmhouse, made entirely out of stone and mud, and trade stories with your hosts!
Marvel at black-necked cranes
Every October, one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan, the Phobjikha Valley plays host to the Black-necked Cranes flying in from Tibet to escape winter. They circle the Gangtey Monastery three times before landing amongst the protected marshlands
Explore the Tang Valley
Pema Lingpa, the famous saint, was born in the Tang Valley of Bumthang. Past the Dechenpelrithang sheep farm, you can find a path lined with prayer flags which leads you to a gorge where the river forms a pool and you can discover his image carved on the rock
Hike to Cheri Goemba
Trek to Cheri Goemba, a monastery built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620 and where he spent many years in meditation. Cheri today has numerous hermitages and small temples located on its slopes, commanding spectacular viewsTOP PLACES TO VISIT
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Punakha
Trashigang
Thimphu
INSPIRATION

BHUTAN - BUDDHIST PRAYER TIME IN BUMTHANG
Wild Frontiers guide, Amada Drake, captures a Buddhist prayer and chanting session in Bumthang Bhutan. For more information about adventure holidays and travelling in Bhutan visit http://www.wildf…
Christmas in Bhutan with Wild Frontiers
We meet in Delhi: nine travellers arrive from different countries and of various ages and professions, all with the common desire to experience Bhutan. For me a long-held interest in Buddhist culture and love of remote mountainous terrain has led to a yearning to come here – but will it live up to expectations?
Things to Know about Bhutan
Bhutan is a largely unknown country by many westerners. The country is far different than many of its neighbors and the culture is extremely unique. Whether you are planning a trip Bhutan or simply interested in this fascinating nation, here are some things to know about Bhutan.Meet the expert, Shalmali
Shalmali is our Indian Subcontinent expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Shalmali by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Bhutan though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. Malaria is present in some parts of Bhutan. Please note we are not medical professionals and so we highly recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Currency
In Bhutan the official unit of currency is the Bhutanese Nu. This is a closed currency and can only be exchanged in country.
To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
Bhutan is the only country on the planet where Buddhism is the state religion, and as a result the people are outstandingly laid-back and friendly.
Whilst visiting the Dzongs men will need to wear a collared shirt (either full or half sleeved), and both sexes must wear full-length trousers/skirt and shoes. You will not be allowed to enter if you are wearing hats, shorts or short skirts, flip-flops or regular t-shirts.
On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your guides will be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
In Bhutan, the official language is Dzongkha with many regional dialects so that, as in India, English is often used to overcome regional language problems.
The Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Buddhism is the official ‘state’ religion, with some monasteries still following the Nyingmapa School, both of which are disciplines of Mahayana Buddhism. The law provides for freedom of religion and thus the many ethnic Nepalese who live in the south of Bhutan practice Hinduism.
Time
Bhutan is 5 hours ahead of GMT.
A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com.
Food and drink
In Bhutan spicy chillies (ema) and cheese (datshi) blended with a wide variety of vegetables, meats, poultry and fish are found on many Bhutanese menus. Red rice is the staple food (like brown rice in texture, but with a nutty taste – the only variety of rice that grows at high altitudes), but Bhutanese are very fond of meat, especially dried meat.
Favourite beverages include butter tea, locally brewed rice wine and beer; the local beer is called Chang. Bhutanese also drink Arra, home-brewed alcohol distilled from rice, maize, wheat, or barley.
BHUTAN REVIEWS

Daniel Galvin
Travelling with WILD FRONTIERS to Bhutan was an inspiration. I have 100% trust in them and their ability, through great…

Edgar and Mary Green
Bhutan represents a special culture to be experienced for it's colour of dress and buildings

Debbie Barnes
The philosophy seems to be to "go that extra mile" yet the easy-going, personal touch clearly belies a professional and…

Tim Turnbull
I can't imagine having been guided through Bhutan by better hands than those of Wild Frontiers.

Richard Ferens
A trip to Bhutan is a wonderful experience but above all it makes one realise that there is so much more to life than the…

Jo Checketts
I totally enjoyed the atmosphere of the trip - the chance to see and feel the countryside, the people and the culture of…

Graham Craig
Thanks for leading an enjoyable, exhausting, stimulating and wonderful trip to India and Bhutan.

Wonkie Hills
Words cannot begin to describe just how magical my two weeks with Wild Frontiers were.

Victoria Russell
Fantastic views, delicious food, exciting horse festivals, wonderful shopping, a botanists dream and much MUCH more!

Susan Leadley
This was a truly amazing trip. I was bowled over by Bhutani's beautiful scenery,the fascinating Buddhist culture and it's…

Jan Pickering
Christmas in Bhutan has to be the most magical ever. Just as we thought "wow" nothing can beat this, we turned a corner…

Robert Akester
Thanks to Wild Frontiers for helping me to accomplish a long held dream to visit this beautiful country....

Jackie Brown
An incredible country with amazing people and beautiful scenery

Sue Bathurst
Best at combining adventure with culture. It wasn't cheap but it was worth every penny. It shouldn't be missed

Jason Smith
Bhutan was a perfect split between seeing and experiencing the country and horse riding

Alastair Craig
We were impressed by the way you created the ideal Bhutan experience for us

Eileen Waddington
If you have a sense of adventure do visit Bhutan!

Steven Waller
Expect the unexpected.

Catherine Wilkinson
My first Wild Frontiers trip blew my expectations away - I'm not sure I'll be able to cope travelling with other…