Discover Bhutan’s remarkable layers of culture on an insightful and stylish journey through this fascinating Himalayan mountain kingdom. Whether being taken on a guided meditation with the head lama of Tiger’s Nest Monastery or being awe-struck by the natural wonder of cranes returning to their overwintering grounds, you’ll return transformed and inspired by a people that measure their status by happiness not money.
Normally considered the best time to visit Bhutan. Winters can be cold and snowy, while the monsoon season from June to September brings heavy rain. To witness the return of the black-necked cranes in Phobjika, come in late October/November.
Price depends on the experiences and accommodation included, and your time of travel. It is based on two adults travelling for 12 nights and does not include international flights.
2 nights in Thimpu, 3 nights in Punakha, 2 nights in Gangtey, 2 nights in Bumthang, 3 nights in Paro
What makes this private Bhutan journey special?
- Private audiences, meditations and discussions with spiritual leaders including the head lama of Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
- Discuss the concept of Gross Domestic Happiness with Buddhist scholars.
- Visit magnificent Punakha dzong with a top Bhutanese architect.
- Experience the natural seasonal wonder of black-necked cranes arriving in the Phobjika Valley.
- Explore the incredible cuisine of Bhutan in remote Bumthang.
Highlights of your luxury Bhutan holiday
Welcome to the Himalayas
Thimpu
Arriving in Bhutan, your first impression is one of sheer natural drama—flying low between pine-clad Himalayan peaks that plunge into deep valleys, you’ll feel Bhutan’s unique essence before you even touch the ground. On arrival, you’ll be whisked to Bhutan’s nearby capital Thimpu, where the Six Senses provides a fabulously relaxing start to your time in Bhutan.
Situated over 7,000 feet above sea level, Thimphu is a fascinating blend of old and new, its streets full of gilded temples, museums, boutiques and bustling bazaars. It is also the only capital city on earth without traffic lights. As you visit the city’s most important temples with your private guide, you’ll receive a special blessing from a high-ranking lama, have the opportunity to talk with the monks and learn about the concept of Gross Domestic Happiness with Buddhist scholars. You’ll also hike the breath-taking woodland path to Changangkha Lhakang to be greeted by prayer flags and sensational mountain views.
Prayer flags and dzongs
Punakha
Traveling deeper into Bhutan, explore the famed Druk Wangyel temple before arriving in the subtropical Punakha valley with its fragrant orange orchards and emerald rice paddies. Stretch your legs with a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s Monastery, where you’ll encounter some unmistakable Bhutanese fertility symbols, before visiting the imposing Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most striking monasteries, with a top architect who will bring this Palace of Great Happiness alive for you.
After attending evening prayers, find your secluded lodge across a bridge covered in flickering prayer flags. During your time in Punakha, you’ll visit stunning little villages, learn archery from the experts, and raft the Mo Chu River down to a gorgeous riverside spot for a barbecue lunch.
Valley of the cranes
Phobjika Valley
As your journey continues, the landscape changes from tall pine forests to twisted oak woodlands draped in lichen, a clear sign of the region’s unspoiled air and thriving ecosystem. Reaching the Phobjikha Valley, the terrain unfolds into a vast glacial plain, renowned for hosting one of Bhutan’s most wonderful natural spectacles. Each winter, flocks of black-necked cranes descend from the Tibetan Plateau, turning the valley into a peaceful refuge. Their arrival is celebrated with the Phobjikha Crane Festival at Gangtey Monastery, where monks and villagers pay tribute through vibrant masked dances and traditional rituals.
Nearby Gangtey Lodge offers a serene and elegant base, with hot stone baths, gourmet cuisine and attentive service—all framed by sweeping valley views. While here, visit the Sangha Choling Nunnery, a sanctuary with mesmerising views over the valley and home to a small community of nuns who follow the Nyingma tradition of Buddhism.
Deep Bhutan
Bumthang
The misty mountain ridges and green meadows of Bumthang—often dubbed the ‘Switzerland of the Himalayas’—reveal a quieter, pastoral side of Bhutan. Here, alpine-style villages produce Swiss-inspired cheeses and locally crafted Bhutanese beer, giving the region a character all its own. A private cooking experience with Bhutan’s leading chefs, held in a secluded farmhouse, offers an intimate introduction to the country’s little-known culinary traditions. Foraged ingredients such as ferns, mushrooms and wild forest strawberries are transformed into dishes using age-old Bhutanese methods.
To the Tiger's Nest
Paro
Spend your last days in Bhutan overlooking the Paro Valley at the sublime Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. A quiet morning at Kyichu Lhakhang, the country’s oldest temple, offers a serene introduction. The rhythmic chanting of monks and the rumble of spinning prayer wheels fill the air, blending with the fragrance of butter lamps and flowering gardens.
From here your private guide will take you to Ringpung Dzong—the Fortress on a Heap of Jewels—considered one of the country’s most exquisite dzongs, and to the National Museum, home to a remarkable collection of sacred art. But the pinnacle of any trip to Bhutan is the trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside 3,000 feet above the valley—it’s a sight that stirs wonder and inner stillness. Visit the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated, explore its richly decorated chapels, and deepen your experience with a private meditation session led by the monastery’s head lama. At a special spot below the monastery, enjoy a gourmet barbecue lunch while local musicians entertain you, and take in the rugged grandeur of the Himalayan peaks around you.
Where you'll stay on your private Bhutan vacation
Great journeys need great places to lay your head. These are our tried and tested suggestions.
Amankora Lodge
Tucked into a pine-scented valley on the outskirts of Bhutan’s capital, Amankora Thimphu is quiet, minimalist and unmistakably Bhutanese. Designed like a traditional dzong fortress, the lodge blends stone, wood, and warm Himalayan aesthetics—nothing flash, just refined calm. Days start with yak-butter tea and lead into immersive experiences: private visits to working monasteries, guided hikes to hillside temples, and conversations with local artisans. The spa offers Bhutanese hot-stone baths and herbal therapies, while meals are seasonal and local—think red rice, ema datshi and freshly foraged mushrooms.
Hotel Pemako
Set on the banks of the Mo Chhu River, Bhutanese-owned Pemako Punakha offers a refined take on wilderness living. The real showstoppers here are the elegant, hand-crafted luxury tents—spacious, wood-floored sanctuaries with king beds, freestanding bathtubs and private decks facing the rice paddies and forested hills. Styled like a traditional Bhutanese fortress, the lodge is all about immersive cultural experiences: join monks at dawn prayers, hike to centuries-old dzongs, or master local cooking and archery. The vibe is intimate, with warm service, regionally inspired menus, and flickering butter lamps at dusk.
Gangtey Lodge
High in the spectacular Phobjikha Valley, Bhutanese-owned Gangtey Lodge delivers pared-back luxury with a front-row seat to one of the kingdom’s most sacred landscapes. Inspired by traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, the lodge’s sleek, understated suites come with cosy fireplaces, deep stone bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling valley views. The service is intuitive, warm, and deeply personal. The real draw, though, is the connection to local life: visit nearby monasteries, join monks for morning prayers, learn to make ema datshi in a village home, or simply watch black-necked cranes land in the fields below.
Six Senses Bumthang
Ringed by Bhutan’s sacred Bumthang Valley, Six Senses offers a chance to connect deeply with the region’s communities and landscapes. Mirroring local Bhutanese culture, its timber-clad villas are a fusion of luxury and simplicity, while the surrounding wildflower meadows, apple orchards and misty mountains only add to the serenity. Spend your days exploring the valley’s rich cultural tapestry as you visit ancient monasteries, meet local farmers and artisans, hike through pine forests or join community-led conservation efforts. Then enjoy a traditional Himalayan healing treatment, before dining on farm-to-table dishes inspired by local ingredients.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Surrounded by sacred forests and ancient monasteries in the Paro Valley, Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is the country’s first wellness-focused resort. Every detail here—from the accommodation to the dining experience—is designed to promote spiritual renewal and personal transformation. Rooms and suites feature wooden interiors, luxurious linens and calming colours to enhance relaxation. Begin your day with a guided meditation and yoga session overlooking the heavenly Himalayan landscapes, followed by a mindful forest walk. Hot stone baths and herbal therapies help restore balance, while the resort’s expert monks lead immersive teachings on Buddhism.
Customise your journey through Bhutan
All of our journeys are fully bespoke, and can be customised to meet your needs, interests and preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.
Explore Bhutan’s remotest reaches by helicopter from yak herders’ villages on the slopes of Jomolhari to the tiger country of Royal Manas National Park.
Keen walkers should consider adding a few days to complete the sensational Owl trek in Bumthang staying in sumptuous private tented camps.
Be inspired by visiting some of the wonderful philanthropic projects in Bhutan that we support – speak to us for further details.
Consider adding a few days in Nepal for a very different perspective on life in the Himalayas.
With direct flights from Paro to Bangkok, enjoy some serious downtime on the beaches of Thailand.
Looking for more inspiration?
We have a huge range of inspiring private experiences and accommodation options available. Get in touch with our Asia specialists.
ENQUIRELearn more about our luxury holidays, or call our expert Asia team on +44 1367 850566 / 1-855-216-5040 (toll free) to discuss how we can turn your dreams into something truly magical.
“Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind the old.”