Tiger’s Nest and the Highlights of Bhutan
Kathmandu - Thimphu - Punakha - ParoExplore the main highlights of Bhutan, experiencing the dramatic scenery, incredible culture and amazing architecture in Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
Bhutan
Secretive and seductive, our a holiday to Bhutan allows you to step back in time. This is a hidden and exclusive gem that few others can claim to have visited. With so few tourists visiting, Bhutan has retained all of its magic and authenticity. This Himalayan Kingdom is sandwiched between India and Tibet, preserving this distinct Buddhist way of life. Our luxury Bhutan holidays and tours are private, tailor-made and contains some remarkable, unique experiences of this amazing destination.
Destinations
Traverse rolling Himalayan foothills under snow-capped peaks, past fast-flowing glacial rivers and meander through alpine meadows. Bhutan is above all, staggeringly beautiful. Furthermore, the local culture and customs revolve around time-old Buddhist beliefs. You will explore fortified monasteries (or Dzongs), complete with chanting monks.
Moreover, a highlight is to visit a colourful festival with masked-dancers. Above all, Bhutan has a distinct architecture that luckily hasn’t embraced modern western monstrosities. There is one road that leads from Paro in the west. This road leads from the capital Thimphu to lush valley of Punakha, onto the glacial valley of Gangtey towards ‘mini Switzerland’ of Bumthang in the east and beyond.
Hotels
For those wanting a fantastic luxury holiday to Bhutan, the hotels that have opened are especially superb. For an indulgent holiday, opt for the top-end Amankora lodges or Uma or Six Senses hotels. Alternatively, stay in boutique and characterful hotels and lodges in remote locations. Bhutan makes for a magnificent honeymoon, possibly combining Bhutan with the beaches of Thailand.
Families will love getting off-the-beaten-track on a family adventure to Bhutan. For those who want a walking holiday to Bhutan, we are experts in knowing the best day-walks. These include short day treks or longer multi-day hikes in the mountains. Many come for Bhutan’s cultural tour, taking in the views and the remoteness of it all.
Why Millis Potter?
At Millis Potter, we will tailor an itinerary to suit your particular interests. This particularly allows you to immerse yourself in the destination. As a result, we provide exclusive experiences from the best guides in Bhutan. We use our extensive first-hand knowledge to give you honest and practical travel advice to Bhutan.
Bhutan Itineraries
This is just a selection of suggested itineraries that are there to help you with your ideas and to start the conversation with us about planning your tailor-made holiday. All our holidays are private for you and your party, and can depart on any day you like. We can adapt and change any element of these journeys, or design an itinerary from scratch around your travelling plans.
Mountains & Monasteries: Classic Bhutan
Kathmandu - Thimphu - Gangtey - Punakha - Paro - DhulikhelThis two-week suggested itinerary gives you the perfect blend of everything that makes Bhutan such a magical destination; amazing views, local culture and walks.
Luxury Private Tour of Bhutan with Aman Hotels
Kathmandu - Thimphu - Punakha - ParoThe luxury Amakora lodges offer a unique and exclusive experience designed to showcase Bhutan in the best way possible.
Luxury Tour of Nepal and Bhutan
Kathmandu - Annapurna Trek - Punakha - Paro - DhulikhelSnow-capped mountains, Buddhist Monasteries, trekking and historic cities await you on a luxury private tour of Nepal and Bhutan, a perfect combination that makes the most of your time in the mountains.
Walking in Bhutan
Kathmandu - Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Paro - DhulikhelDust off your trekking boots and travel to one the most untouched and beautiful corners of the Himalayas in Bhutan, trekking through remote villages, off-the-beaten-track.
Land of the Thunder Dragon: Complete Bhutan
Kathmandu - Thimphu- Punakha - Gangtey - Bumthang - Paro - DhulikhelFor many guests who travel to Bhutan, they leave the country wanting a little bit more, and it’s not a place you will likely have the opportunity to return to anytime soon. Guests always ask what further gems lie down the road before they have to turn back to Paro. Bumthang is worth the drive out …
A Luxury Honeymoon to Bhutan & Thailand
Dhulikhel - Punakha - Paro - Bangkok - Koh Yao NoiBhutan and Thailand offers the perfect mix of amazing culture with an indulgent beach to end, perfect for a luxury honeymoon.
Family Adventure to Bhutan & Oman
Kathmandu - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro - Dhulikhel - MuscatThere are so many varied experiences in Bhutan that children will absolutely adore. It is an adventure playground, where you can trek through remote villages, raft down Himalayan rivers, visit monasteries meeting Buddhist monks who are the same age of them, make prayer flags and even create their own stamps. If you children are under …
Druk Path Trek and Bumdra High Camp
Kathmandu - Druk Path Trek - Thimphu - Bumdra High Camp - ParoThe Druk Path Trek is the old historic trail linking Thimphu and Paro in Bhutan giving you the chance to escape the main road and into what the Himalayas is all about: the amazing mountains!
Hidden Bhutan
Kathmandu - Thimphu - Gangtey - Punakha - Haa - Bumdra High Camp - Paro - DhulikhelGet off-the-beaten track in Bhutan and delve into its hidden interior on a private tour, perfect for a second-time trip or those with an adventurous spirit.
Bhutan Accommodation
This is just an overview of the hotels and lodges we feature, from characterful boutique lodges to luxury hotels. We do have a range of other hotels that we use, so if you don't see from our portfolio what you are looking for, we almost certainly know about it and can help plan an itinerary using it.
Bhutan Experiences
This is a selection of experiences that allow you to see the destination in new and interesting ways. Almost all our experiences include a private guide, and can be then tailored to your particular interests. Indeed, many of the experiences we offer are created individually for our guests, so this list is by no means conclusive. In fact, we leave a couple of our best ideas up our sleeves for when you enquire with us.
Bumthang
Bumthang is located to the east of Gangtey, and is generally the furthest you get along the road in Bhutan before turning back or flying to Paro (although you can continue to Tashigang and Mongor and finish in Assam in India).
Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley
Gangtey is a small village located overlooking the stunning Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan and is between the towns of Trongsa and Punakha. Gangtey is one or the more rural places you will stay at on a tour of Bhutan
Punakha
Punakha is located between Thimphu and Gangtey in Bhutan, and is located at a lower altitude of 1,250m on the intersection of the Mo Chhu River (meaning Female) and Po Chhu (meaning Male). The proximity to the river and low altitude has made the valley exceptionally fertile, with sweeping paddy-fields rising up from the river, terraced into the side of the valley.
Thimphu
Thimphu is Bhutan’s capital city, but only has a population of about 100,000 meaning that it is more like a town and still retains the unique Bhutanese architecture rather than allowing modern western styles to take over. It is located just a short drive away from Paro where you find Bhutan’s International Airport.
Paro
Paro is where Bhutan’s International Airport is located, and as such acts as either a starting point or end for a tour of Bhutan. It has a hugely impressive Dzong, as well as having the National Museum located in its watchtower, Ta Dzong.
Bhutan Info
Luxury Bhutan Holidays
Official Language: Dzongkha
Religion: Buddhism (74.8%), Hinduism (22.6%), Bon (1.9%), Christian (0.5%), Others (2.1%)
Currency: Ngultrum (BNT)
Time Zone: GMT + 6 hours
Dialling Code: +975
Flying Time: Only Bhutanese Airlines fly into Bhutan, and they fly from Kathmandu, Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Bangkok and Singapore. It usually means having a night or two either side to ensure you make the connection.
Our Suggested Tours in Bhutan
- Tiger’s Nest and Highlights of Bhutan
- Mountains & Monasteries – Classic Bhutan
- Luxury Bhutan with Aman Hotels
- Luxury Tour of Nepal and Bhutan
- Walking in Bhutan
- Land of the Thunder-Dragon: Comprehensive Bhutan
- Bhutan & Thailand
- Bhutan & Oman
- Druk Path Trek and Bumdra High Camp
- Hidden Bhutan
Useful Links
- British Foreign Office Advice for Bhutan
- US State Department Advice for Bhutan
- Australian Advice for Bhutan
- Bhutan Tourist Council
- Bhutan Wikipedia
- BBC Profile
- Lonely Planet Bhutan
January
Visiting Bhutan in January
January is a good month to for a holiday in Bhutan, although it can get chilly in the evenings and at higher altitudes. Above all, the views of the mountains are clear, and by day, they are perfect for taking day walks.
February
Visiting Bhutan in February
February is one of the most popular months as the temperatures are starting to get a little warmer. However, it is still fairly cold at night.
March
Visiting Bhutan in March
March is the most popular month to visit Bhutan. This is partly due to the Paro Festival that takes places this month, or in early April. In addition, temperatures are lovely, and the views are good. However, it starts to get a little cloudy in the afternoons. The flowers start to bloom.
April
Visiting Bhutan in April
Firstly, April is another great month to visit Bhutan. with warm days and night-time temperatures. Above all, the rhododendrons are still in full bloom.
May
Visiting Bhutan in May
May starts to get a little warmer, and as a result, you will experience cloudier mountains views and short afternoon showers. However, it is still very much possible to visit Bhutan, and many of the hotels lower their prices.
June
Visiting Bhutan in June
Most importantly, the monsoon generally arrives towards to middle and end of June in Bhutan. As a result, in this part of the Himalayas, it really rains hard!
July
Visiting Bhutan in July
July is another month for the monsoon, leaving the country green and lush. It is certainly possible to visit Bhutan in July, but expect rain and poor views.
August
Visiting Bhutan in August
August is still a monsoon month. However, historically the rains ease off a little meaning you might have two or three days when it pours (usually at night anyway) with a chance to explore by day (but remember the raincoat). Some of the treks won't be possible. On the other hand, seeing the culture and monasteries certainly will be fine.
September
Visiting Bhutan in September
The monsoon starts to ease off in September. However, this only really happens towards the end of the month. As a result, if you are rain-shy then try and move your travelling plans into October. Needless to say, the country is wonderfully green and lush, and many festivals take place.
October
Visiting Bhutan in October
October is a perfect time to visit Bhutan. You can expect lovely day-time temperatures in the mid-20s. However, it is incredibly popular, so aim to book your Bhutan holiday at least six months in advance to ensure you get the first-choice of your hotels. The trekking is great, given how green it still is after the monsoon. Above all, the views are clear of the high mountains.
November
Visiting Bhutan in November
November is also another wonderful month to visit Bhutan. The black-neck cranes arrive into the Phobjikha Valley near Gangtey. In addition, they even conduct a festival to welcome them each year.
December
Visiting Bhutan in December
It starts to get chillier in December in Bhutan, but it is still a great month to visit. Above all, in the lower valleys like Punakha when temperatures still reach the low 20s in the daytime. As it's also not too hot, the walk up Tiger's Nest Monastery isn't too challenging due to the heat.
Weather
- Jan
- Good
- Feb
- Good
- Mar
- Best
- Apr
- Best
- May
- Good
- Jun
- Average
- Jul
- Average
- Aug
- Average
- Sep
- Good
- Oct
- Best
- Nov
- Best
- Dec
- Good
The ideal time for trekking and travelling throughout the country is the autumn, from late September to late November, when skies are generally clear, and the high mountain peaks rise to a vivid blue sky. Autumn is also the time of the popular Thimphu tsechu (dance festival) and heralds the black-necked cranes’ arrival to their wintering grounds in central and eastern Bhutan. The winter is a good time for touring in western Bhutan, bird-watching in the south’s subtropical jungles, and whitewater rafting.
The days are usually sunny, cool and pleasant, but it’s quite cold once the sun sets and you will need to pack warm clothing. From December to February, there is often snow in the higher regions and occasional snow in Thimphu.
From March to May, spring is recognised as the second-best time to visit Bhutan for touring and trekking. Though there are more clouds and rain than in the autumn, the magnificent rhododendrons, magnolias and other wildflowers are in bloom and birdlife is abundant. Spring is also the time of the magnificent Paro tsechu.
Summer, from June to August, is the monsoon season. During these three months 500mm of rain falls in Thimphu and up to a metre falls in the eastern hills. The vivid green rice paddies contrast with the dark hills and the stark white dzongs to produce picture-perfect vistas in the mellow monsoon light. And the markets are bursting with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Bhutan is at the same latitude as Miami and Cairo. The climate varies widely depending on the elevation. In the southern border areas, it is tropical; at the other extreme, there is perpetual snow in the high Himalayan regions. Temperatures in the far south range from 15°C in winter (December to February) to 30°C in summer (June to August). In Paro, the range is from -5°C in January to 30°C in July, with 800mm of rain. In the high mountain regions, the average temperature is 0°C in winter and may reach 10°C in summer, with an average of 350mm of rain.
Rain occurs primarily during the southwest monsoon season from June to early September. Bhutan bears the monsoon’s brunt, receiving more rainfall than other Himalayan regions – up to 5.5m a year. During the monsoon, heavy rainfalls almost every night; there may be long periods without rain in the day. Low clouds hang on the hills, obscuring views and, if they are too low, forcing the cancellation of flights at Paro airport.