Bhutan in Style
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Meet the Expert
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Paro – Thimphu: Arrival
After arriving in Paro on one of the world’s most scenic flights, you will be met and driven an hour along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, at 2320m above sea level. After some time to relax and freshen up visit the statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha who sits 51m high on Kuensel Phodrang Hill on the outskirts of the city. From here you can enjoy the city views as well as seeing this remarkable bronze statue. After enjoy your first opportunity to explore a little of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and citizens in national dress. Given the high altitude we recommend that you take things fairly easy today, until you have had a chance to acclimatise properly.
Day 2 Thimphu: Explore Bhutan’s Arts & Crafts
Today offers a chance to fully appreciate the cultural charms of the Bhutanese capital, beginning with a visit to the Zorig Chusum, an arts school specialising in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, where you will be able to see the students diligently practising their art. Continue on to the National Library and its extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts. Next head to the Textile Museum to see the traditional cloth of Bhutan and witness the weaving process. This will be followed by a visit to the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal, before returning to your hotel by way of a local craft bazaar or the Jungshi Paper Factory, where you can observe the fascinating process of Dehsho paper making. Dehsho paper played a crucial part in Bhutanese culture as monks used it for woodblock printing, writing prayer books and mantras.
Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey: Black Necked Cranes
This morning you will drive into the stunning Phobjika Valley. The journey will take you by way of the spectacular Dochu La Pass where, weather permitting, the drive should herald some quite spectacular 180 degree views of some of the highest mountains in the country. The highest point of the pass is adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the wind and you may stop to hoist some yourself. The coloured flags represent the five elements and the prayers and mantras on them are thought to be taken by the wind and the blessings activated. Your journey will then take you to Wangduephodrang town where you will stop for lunch before winding through bamboo and oak forests, over more passes and visiting the Radak Shang Temple before you finally arrive at the Phobjika Valley. The valley is known for its population of black necked cranes that migrate here for the winter each year. Stop at the visitor's centre to learn more about these birds and if in the right season see them in their natural habitat.
Day 4 Gangtey: Monastery & Valley Walk
Visit the Gangtey Monastery overlooking the valley this morning, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, the first temple was built in 1613. The fascinating complex includes 18 great pillars in the prayer hall and a large three storey inner atrium. From here take the Gangtey Nature Trail, one of the most beautiful of the shorter walks in the region and showing you some of the stunning landscapes as well as winding through pine forests, this 1.5 hour walk will also get you up close to the cranes in the winter. For those wishing to delve deeper in to the countryside there are plenty of longer routes. This evening enjoy a private candlelit dinner experience in the grounds of your lodge.
Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha: Punakha Dzong
You will head to Punakha, strategically positioned at the confluence of two thundering rivers, Punakha lies in the heart of some of Bhutan's most famous rice growing areas as well as producing oranges and bananas. On arrival hike to the Chimi Lakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, an eccentric 16th century monk. Later visit the Punakha Dzong, often considered one of the most beautiful in the country, especially when the trees are in blossom; frequently devastated by fire, flood and earthquakes, it has been restored to its full splendour.
Day 6 Punakha: River Rafting
Today you will see Punakha from the water as you take a rafting trip along the Mo Chhu River, the gentle 6km stretch will take you by fields and royal palaces giving you another perspective. You can also look out for the various river fish found here in the fresh waters. Head above the water afterwards and take a walk along Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, adorned with prayer flags. This evening visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, whose complex houses a 14 foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, the largest of its kind in the country. Alongside the temple is a higher centre for learning where, alongside their more orthodox religious teachings, the nuns learn about Thangka paintings, pottery and tailoring.
Day 7 Punakha – Paro: National Museum
This morning you will make the return journey to Paro. On arrival into the town you will have time to freshen up before heading out to explore. Nestling amongst some of the most picturesque landscapes in Bhutan, the Paro Valley is a wide and verdant region of west Bhutan, recognized as one of the most beautiful in the whole country, it is also home to an impressive dzong, and is the setting for the famous spring Tecshu Festival. The Ta Dzong, the watchtower originally built to defend Rinpung Dzong has, since 1968, housed the country's National Museum in which you will see the large collection of Bhutanese art and artefacts. Later visit the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, one of the 108 temples miraculously constructed by King Songten Gampo in a single night.
Day 8 Paro: Tiger’s Nest Hike
This morning you will visit the spectacular Taktsang Goemba, the sacred 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery, built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche who allegedly flew here from the east of Bhutan on the back of a tigress. It is without doubt one of Bhutan's most breath-taking settings and its most revered Buddhist temple. Clinging precariously to the rock ledge, it is situated over a thousand metres above the Paro Valley floor and the walk up to it will take up most of the morning. Inside the complex you can explore the small temples, caves and shrines to the sound of the monks chanting. This afternoon is then free to perhaps enjoy a traditional hot stone bath in which the stones heat the water which is filled with traditional medicinal herbs.
Day 9 Paro: Chele La Pass
On your final day you will take in some more of the spectacular landscapes and views with a journey this time to the south of Paro. Wind your way up the Chele La Pass, the highest paved road in Bhutan at a height of 3988m, here you can take in the views which on a clear day extend to Jomolhari peak as well as the Haa valley, set off on a walk taking you in and out of forests and rhododendron meadows to the Kila Gompa Nunery. The nunnery is perched on the cliffside and offers the nuns complete isolation where they can live at one with nature. Relish in the peaceful surroundings before you head back to Paro for a final stroll around the delightful town. This evening a candlelit barbeque will be a fitting finale to your trip.
Day 10 Paro: Depart
This morning you will be transferred back to the airport to catch your international flight back home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Uma Paro, Paro
A haven of peace set inside miles of forested hillside, Uma Paro is an uncluttered, modern and supremely comfortable hotel made from natural local woods and stones. With timber beams and whitewashed walls decorated by colourful local paintings, rooms are either in the main building, or set inside individual villas dotted through the woodland. Each villa has panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and a Bukhari woodburning stove as well as a private spa treatment area, and all come with butler service. Meals are served in each room or in the impressive circular Bukhari pavilion with 360 degree forest views, serving Himalayan delicacies and western treats.
Pemako Thimpu, Thimphu
Blending Bhutan's Dzong architecture with modern design, the Pemako Thimpu, formerly the Taj Tashi, is Thimpu's most luxurious five star hotel. Deep in the valley, its 66 rooms look out onto the city, forested hillside and surrounding snow-capped peaks, and feature hand-painted Bhutanese murals, canopy beds, walk-in closets, home theatre systems and exquisite bathrooms. Small touches such as floor warmers and bath-towel heaters give every stay that luxurious feel. The restaurant serves fiery Bhutanese cuisine and western dishes, and the spa is a soothing stop for hot stone massage, body wraps and much more.
Gangtey Lodge, Gangtey
One of nicest luxury boutique hotels in Bhutan, the Gangtey Lodge is perched above the spectacular Gangtey, with the best views of the Phobjikha Valley. This award winning lodge has twelve luxury rooms, a combination of double and twin bed farm house suites. All the farm house suites have large windows and amazing views of the valley, the rooms have under floor heating and a fireplace, modern luxury amenities, a spacious living area, a private bathroom with a large free standing bath and large windows with spectacular valley views. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Complimentary WiFi, laundry service and a selection of in-house activities like meditation, archery & darts, mountain biking are some of the many activities the lodge will arrange. There are warm and cosy public spaces, including the main dining area. The chefs produce some of the finest Bhutanese, Asian and Western cuisine.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.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
OTHER ITINERARIES IN BHUTAN
Check out our group tours in Bhutan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Bhutan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Bhutan