Exploring Bhutan

How to Spend Your Time

Bhutan stands out as a unique and enthralling destination, promising a holiday of a lifetime. Its dramatic natural beauty and captivating culture are equally strong reasons to visit this mountain kingdom.

Nestled in the middle of the Himalayas, you’ll find amazing treks and hikes of all levels, walks through valleys to monasteries, monuments, and villages, and small cities and towns that welcome you in with guesthouses, boutique hotels, and luxurious retreats. In a country where happiness is equated with richness, friendly hosts can be found throughout the land.

To fully experience Bhutan, you’d need to stay at least three weeks although we realize most people don’t have so much time. So if you only have one week, focus on the west. With two weeks, west and central Bhutan are open to you and with three, you can fly to the east then see the country as you travel overland back to Paro.

Western Bhutan

All international flights arrive in Paro, there are some lovely places to stay, and the small town is easy to explore so whether at the start or finish of your holiday, we recommend two to four nights in Paro. This area is home to the Tiger’s Nest, the most iconic spot in Bhutan. Whether you want to soak in a view of it from your hotel, trek up the mountain to see it for yourself, or embark on an overnight hike that allows you to descend to the monastery for a completely different view, we think this is one sight not to be missed. Perched on the side of a cliff, this “hanging” monastery has its own legends and myths best discovered with a local guide.

Thimphu, the capital city, has resisted traffic lights yet you’ll find plenty of modern comforts. Only an hour’s drive from Paro airport, you’ll have a scenic ride to your hotel – keep your eyes open for langurs in the trees! Thimphu has a number of cultural and historic sights that provide an excellent overview of Bhutan’s unique culture.

Punakha, the former capital city, is home to the beautiful Punakha Dzong set between the Pho Chhu (“male”) and Mo Chhu (“female”) rivers. Beautiful year-round, this subtropical valley is stunning in spring when the purple flowers of the jacaranda trees bloom. A number of other sights and experiences are well worth a visit including Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman.” For a different view of the Dzong, white water rafting is available during most of the year.

Central Bhutan

Characterised by fertile valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Bhutanese architecture, if you have more than one week to spend in Bhutan, we highly recommend including time in this region. The views, forests, and natural beauty are simply stunning.

The Phobjikha valley / Gangtey area sees rare black-necked cranes pass through roughly late October through February. Regardless whether you time your visit to look for cranes, this is a great place for gentle walks through pine forests and bamboo groves plus a stay at one of our favourite hotels in the country.

Bumthang, which can be reached by a short flight from Paro, has four valleys and countless ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries. Here you can feel completely off the beaten track, away from other tourists, exploring on foot as much as your schedule allows. You’ll also find the brewery of Bhutan’s most flavourful beer here.

Eastern Bhutan

Less developed and less visited by tourists, this region retains more traditional ways of Bhutanese life than the others. Accommodations here are simple and as the drive times are long, we suggest flying to Trashigang from Paro then returning overland to Paro with many stops along the way. We only suggest this during the dry months as the flight can’t land when there’s too much fog.

Trashigang is the primary marketplace for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose way of dress is unique in Bhutan. From here you can carry on to rural Pema Gatshel with its skilled craftsmen of musical instruments, or begin the journey west toward Paro with a stop at Mongar. Cross the spectacular Thrumsing-la pass en route to Bumthang and then join the more traveled route through central Bhutan back to Paro.

Paro

Home to the country's only international airport and the well-known cliffside Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest monastery, your holiday will almost certainly start and end here.

Thimphu

This capital city is the largest in the nation and although it's becoming more modern, it maintains its historic character and charm. Home to many museums and other sights that provide insight into Bhutanese culture, Thimphu is worth at least two nights on your holiday.

Punakha

Generally considered the most beautiful fortress in a country full of stunning buildings, Punakha Dzong alone makes it worth visiting this small city in a subtropical valley. The drive over mountain passes is memorable and on a clear day, the views are spectacular.

Gangtey

If you're hoping to see black-necked cranes, the Gangtey region will be on your itinerary. Late October is typically the best month to see these rare birds coming through although you may see them all the way into February.

Bumthang

Many call this the cultural heart of the country, and if time allows for a visit to Bumthang, you'll be well rewarded. Bring good walking shoes as some of the best sights are seen on foot.