Hidden Bhutan

If you like to get under the skin of a destination, this Bhutan itinerary may be the one for you. With a private guide and driver, you explore entirely at your own pace. So you escape the tourists who cluster in the main towns. You still see all the highlights, of course. Crucially, though, you also stay in far more remote spots. As ever, it is private and tailored to you.

Off the Beaten Track

This route is ideal for a second trip to Bhutan. So it digs deeper, away from the obvious. A stay in the Haa Valley, for example, is hugely rewarding. Likewise, the walk to Bumdra is unforgettable. From there, you descend to Tiger’s Nest from above. As a result, you see Bhutan as few others do.

Kathmandu and Thimphu

Begin with two nights in Kathmandu, a fascinating Himalayan city. So you explore its hidden side with a private guide. You walk around Durbar Square, then see Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Next, fly to Bhutan, with Everest rising on your left. After landing at Paro, drive to Thimphu to explore on foot. You stay at the Druk Hotel.

Gangtey and the Cranes

Next, drive to Gangtey, overlooking the glacial Phobjikha Valley. Here black-necked cranes winter from late October. The following day, take a nature walk through the valley to see them. Along the way, you stop in local villages for tea. Then conclude at Gangtey Goenpa Monastery for afternoon prayers. You stay at Dewachen.

Punakha: Rural Life

Then drive to a small village near Punakha, overlooking traditional farmland. In the afternoon, learn to make local cheese and the distilled wine known as ara. After a gentle day-walk, continue to Punakha itself. The next day, see Punakha Dzong and the Khamsum Chorten. For repeat visitors, we can add the Giligang Trail, a nunnery and village walk, or a raft down the Mo Chhu. You stay at Dhensa.

The Hidden Haa Valley

Next, head back via Thimphu, then turn down towards the Haa Valley. There you stay in the small village of Luchuna, deep in the countryside. The following day, set off on a walk through the villages to the Haa Chhu River. So you pass through forest to the 300-year-old Jante Gompa Monastery. Few visitors ever reach this peaceful corner.

Bumdra and Tiger’s Nest

Then drive over the Chele Pass, with great views of Mt Jomolhari, to Sang Choekor. From there, walk up to Bumdra, passing Chhoe Tse Lhakhang. You camp below Bumdra Monastery, the Cave of a Thousand Prayers. The next morning, descend to Tiger’s Nest from above, pausing at Zangto Pelri. So you reach Taktsang the rare way, then walk down to Paro.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels add character throughout. The Druk Hotel in Thimphu and Dewachen at Gangtey. Then Dhensa in Punakha and a remote stay in Haa. On the final stretch, the Bumdra High Camp and Naksel in Paro. Finally, Dwarika’s Dhulikhel in Nepal.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and finest views. The cranes, meanwhile, grace Gangtey from late October to February. By contrast, the summer monsoon brings cloud and rain. So we tailor the timing to your interests. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

The Quiet Corners

The joy here is in the hidden places. So you swap busy towns for sleepy villages. At Haa and Luchuna, life unfolds at its own gentle pace. Meanwhile, the cheese-making and tea stops bring you close to local life. As a result, the trip feels personal rather than packaged.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits returning visitors wanting something new. For example, it rewards anyone who has done the classic route. Equally, it suits walkers who love remote country. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the walks, the pace and the hotels to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.

A Different Side of Bhutan

In the end, this route reveals the country’s quieter soul. So you trade the well-trodden path for hidden valleys. Meanwhile, the comforts stay high throughout. As a result, even seasoned travellers find something new.

Easy to Combine

Finally, this route pairs well with more of the Himalayas. For example, extend your time in Nepal. Equally, add a few days in Punakha. As ever, we shape the whole journey around you.

A Gentle Pace

Above all, the route is designed to feel unhurried. So you linger in the quiet corners. Meanwhile, the day-walks bend entirely to your pace. As a result, you return refreshed and richly rewarded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this good for a first trip?

It can be, though it suits returning visitors especially well. First-timers often prefer the classic highlights. We will shape the balance around you.

How demanding is the Bumdra walk?

It is a proper uphill trek to a high camp, then a descent to Tiger’s Nest. So a good level of fitness helps. Your guide sets the pace to suit.

When can I see the cranes?

The black-necked cranes winter in Gangtey from late October to February. So plan your trip in that window to see them.

Can it be tailored?

Entirely. The pace, walks and hotels are all shaped around you. Simply share your dates and interests, and we will craft the rest.