Land of the Thunder Dragon: Complete Bhutan

Many guests leave Bhutan wanting just a little more. After all, it is not a place you can easily return to soon. So they ask what gems lie further down the road before turning back to Paro. Happily, this route answers that, reaching all the way to remote Bumthang. As you go deeper, it simply gets better and better. As ever, you have a private driver and guide throughout.

Bhutan Without Full Stops

The idea here is to see Bhutan in full. So you press on past the usual highlights. One thing to note: the roads are being widened, so drives can be long. Even so, the reward is real. You find far fewer tourists and a true sense of discovery. As a result, the country unfolds at its own gentle pace.

Kathmandu and Thimphu

Begin in Kathmandu, exploring the city with a private guide. So you walk the markets around Durbar Square, then see the great temples and stupas. Next, fly to Bhutan, with Everest off to your left. After landing, drive to Thimphu to explore the markets. The following day, see more of the city, including the Folk Museum. You stay at the Druk Hotel.

Punakha: The Great Dzong

Next, drive to Punakha via the Dochula Pass. As the most fertile, low-lying valley, it feels lush and warm. So walk through paddy fields to the Temple of Fertility, then see prayers at Punakha Dzong. The next day, climb to the Khamsum Chorten for wonderful valley views. For the energetic, we can even swap the drive for a trek over the Sinchula Pass. You stay at Dhensa.

Gangtey and the Cranes

Then drive to Gangtey, overlooking the glacial Phobjikha Valley. Here black-necked cranes winter from November to March. That evening, head to the monastery for prayers. The next day, take a nature walk through the villages and around the valley to see the cranes. Then call at a local home for a cup of Bhutanese tea. You stay at Dewachen.

Bumthang: The Spiritual Heartland

Next, drive on to Bumthang, the furthest point of the journey. There you explore the main dzong, then take a village walk ending at a cheese factory for a tasting. Another day leads to the remote Tang Valley, via the Burning Lake, or Mebar Tsho. So you reach a corner of Bhutan few ever see. You stay at the Village Lodge.

Paro, Tiger’s Nest and Haa

Finally, fly to Paro for a walking tour past the Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong. The next morning brings the trek to Tiger’s Nest, about four to five hours. Another day takes you to the remote Haa Valley via the Chele Pass, with superb Himalayan views. You stay at Naksel, then fly to Dwarika’s Dhulikhel.

Where You Stay

Naturally, the hotels add real character. The Druk Hotel in Thimphu and Dhensa in Punakha. Then Dewachen at Gangtey and the Village Lodge in Bumthang. Finally, Naksel in Paro, bookended by Kathmandu’s Dwarika’s Dhulikhel.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and finest views. The cranes, meanwhile, grace Gangtey from November to March. 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.

Deeper into Bhutan

The further you travel, the richer it feels. So the crowds thin and the welcome warms. Meanwhile, each valley reveals its own character. From fertile Punakha to remote Bumthang, the variety is striking. As a result, you leave feeling you have truly seen the country.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits travellers who want Bhutan in full. For example, it is ideal for those with time to spare. Equally, it rewards anyone happy to trade long drives for solitude. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

Designed Around You

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

A Trip to Treasure

In the end, this is Bhutan with no full stops. So you see the famous sights and the hidden valleys alike. Meanwhile, each day adds another layer. As a result, it is a journey you will treasure for years.

A Land Apart

Bhutan feels quite unlike anywhere else. So the culture remains gloriously intact. Monasteries crown the hilltops, and prayer flags line the passes. Meanwhile, the people wear national dress with pride. As a result, every valley leaves its mark.

A Gentle Pace

Despite the distances, the journey never feels hurried. So we break the longer drives with sights and stops. Meanwhile, you settle into each valley for a night or more. As a result, you arrive home thoroughly fulfilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the driving hard?

Some drives are long, partly due to road widening. Even so, the remote valleys reward the effort. So we break the journeys with sights along the way.

When can I see the cranes?

The black-necked cranes winter in Gangtey from November to March. So plan your trip in that window to see them.

Why go all the way to Bumthang?

Simply put, it is the spiritual heartland, and gloriously remote. So you escape the crowds entirely. Few visitors make it this far.

Can it be tailored?

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