Best of Bhutan Luxury Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Nepal

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, your driver will take you to the heritage town of Bhaktapur and a beautiful boutique hotel. As the sun sets and crowds disperse, stroll through the historic streets with your host, getting an insiders’ overview. Stop for a glass of wine and a chat before returning to the hotel and dinner on the rooftop.

Day 2 - Secrets of Bhaktapur

Immerse yourself in the aroma of Nepali cuisine while discovering the hidden passageways of this well-preserved town. You’ll try a few classic dishes, see how bara are made, and more on your morning walk. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Durbar Square. In the evening, visit with a local artisan before a family dinner at the hotel where you’ll cook and eat together.

Day 3 - Highlights of Kathmandu

See more of the Kathmandu Valley today with a visit to the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa and a tour of Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Exploring three main squares and a courtyard, you’ll learn about Nepal’s history and perhaps catch a glimpse of a living Goddess. Ride a rickshaw through the narrow alleys of Thamel and savour lunch in the Garden of Dreams before returning to Bhaktapur for the evening.

Day 4 - Welcome to Bhutan

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhutan. Touchdown in Paro, where you’ll be welcomed with a traditional ceremony featuring singing, dancing, and blessings from a monk. Meet your guide for a short ride to your stunning hotel with gorgeous valley views. Visit the National Museum and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, then enjoy a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner.

Day 5 - Discover Bumthang: Valleys, Temples, and Brews

This morning, take a 30-minute flight east to Bumthang. After checking into the beautiful Six Senses and enjoying lunch, begin your valley walk to explore three of the most culturally and spiritually significant temples in the country: Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Continue your walk through valleys and farmland, crossing the Chamkhar river via a suspension bridge. End the day with a tasting at the Red Panda Brewery and Cheese Factory.

Day 6 - Hike to Tang Valley: Heritage & Sacred Sites

Don your hiking shoes today and set out for the beautiful Tang Valley. Your driver will take you past beautiful meadows and pastures before leaving the main road and carrying on into the valley. A short hike takes you up to Ogyencholing Manor, an ancient noble family home converted into a museum. Stop by the sacred Mebartsho (Burning lake) where Buddhist pilgrims light butter lamps. Return to the sanctuary of your hotel for dinner.

Day 7 - Ura Valley: Rural Life and Local Flavours

Today you will explore the Ura Valley. At an elevation of 3,100 meters, the Ura village is one of the highest settlements in Bhutan and visiting offers a unique opportunity to witness an authentic rural lifestyle. Get a peek of the intricate details of craftsmanship and a glimpse into Bhutanese traditions as your guide walks with you. You’ll also have a chance to try local delicacies like buckwheat pancakes, butter tea, and hearty dishes of yak meat.

Day 8 - Scenic Journey to Gangtey

After breakfast, begin a 6-hour scenic ride to Gangtey. Stop to see the famous Yatra weaving in Chhume Valley and the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch. Walk around the watchtower and visit the Museum before continuing to Chendebji Chorten, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Pass through oak and rhododendron forest and across the Pele-la pass into the glacial Phobjikha valley.

Day 9 - Bhutan's Most Beautiful Hike

This morning, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From here, you’ll set out on the Gangtey Natural Trail. This easy, 90-minute hike is often deemed the most beautiful and shortest of Bhutan’s nature trails. Soak in the view of the Phobjikha valley, where between late October and March, endangered Black Neck Cranes are often spotted. In the afternoon, enjoy additional walks or relax at your hotel.

Day 10 - The Divine Madman Temple & Punakha Dzong

Transfer 3 hours to Punakha, situated in a low-lying subtropical valley. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and is still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body. On arrival, hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric 16th century monk. Finish the day with a visit to visit the impressive Punakha Dzong.

Day 11 - Monasteries & Mountain Villages

Start the day with a visit to Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, a temple dedicated to higher studies and meditation for nuns. You’ll be the guest of honour at a Longevity Ceremony performed by a learned monk who will recite prayers, offer symbolic food, and bestow blessings. Afterward, visit the villages of Talo or Nobgang, ancestral homes of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan, and engage with the monks at Nalanda Monastery, eager to practice their English.

Day 12 - From Peaks to Dzongs

Travel today to Dochu-la Pass, where you can admire stunning views, chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags at the highest point on the road. Stop at Lamperi Botanical Garden to learn about unique Himalayan flora, including rare temperate plants. Continue to Thimphu, one of the world’s most unique capitals—where you’ll notice there aren’t any traffic lights! Visit Trashicho Dzong, home to the king’s throne room and government offices, before checking in to your beautiful hotel.

Day 13 - Highlights of Timphu

Today is a full day with your guide visiting historic and cultural sights. Stops include the National Memorial Chorten; Buddha Point with its view of the valley; Zorig Chosum where you can learn about the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library with its vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts; Takin Reserve to look for the national animal; and a traditional handmade paper factory. In the evening, you’ll have time for a stroll through town.

Day 14 - Archery and Authentic Bhutanese Living

The ride to Paro is only an hour so stop en route at the Iron Chain Bridge built in the early 15th century. After settling into your hotel, transfer to a local farmhouse to enjoy freshly made local snacks and see a demonstration of the traditional game of archery. Spend time with the family learning how to prepare a traditional Bhutanese meal including fiery ema datse and participate in daily chores such as taking care of the livestock and crops.

Day 15 - Hiking to the Tiger's Nest

Without a flying tigress, the best way to see this iconic sight is on foot. Meet your guide for the ride to Ramthangkha, the starting point of your hike to Taktsang Monastery. Expect about 2.5-3 hours of hiking up plus time for a tea break, photos, and seeing the cliff-hugging monastery, then another 1.5-2 hours down plus a stop for lunch. Once you reach the base, consider a hot stone bath to ease your tired legs.

Day 16 - Wellness Retreat: Pampering and Relaxation

Today, after breakfast, you will be transferred to your luxurious spa hotel for a day of relaxation. Your stay includes complimentary access to wellness facilities with one complimentary spa treatment per day plus activities such as pottery or archery. A consultation with a Bhutanese traditional doctor is also included, providing personalised recommendations for the best treatment for you.

Day 17 - Fly to Bangkok

Depending on your departure flight, you can relax at the resort or check out early for your airport transfer. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you’ll be greeted and privately transferred to your stunning unique boutique hotel along the picturesque Chao Phraya River. Enjoy the rest of the day to unwind before tomorrow’s flight to the tropical southern beaches!

18 - Luxurious Tropical Beach Retreat

19 - Elephants & Jungle Canoeing

Today, you can either spend the day at leisure or experience one of Thailand’s most beautiful national parks: Khao Sok National Park, stopping at a local market and temple on the way. Relax on the Sok River in a canoe navigated by your guide, spotting wildlife like monitor lizards and monkeys while passing towering limestone cliffs. After lunch, enjoy a memorable encounter with gentle elephants at one of the sanctuaries before returning to your hotel.

20 - Unwind in Tropical Luxury

Today, relax at your stunning boutique resort, nestled among lush gardens and vibrant tropical foliage. Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of tropical nature while enjoying the luxurious ambiance. Take a dip in the turquoise waters or unwind on the serene beach—it’s the perfect day to recharge in paradise, reflect on the journey behind you and perhaps think about where the next holiday will take you.

21 - Departure

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. Fast track service is included to ensure a smooth airport experience.

Safe travels!