Luxury Bhutan Tours

Sandwiched in the lap of the mighty Himalayas between India and China, Bhutan is a mountain kingdom in splendid self-imposed quasi-isolationism to preserve its heritage and culture.

While mass travel is highly regulated, the tourism policy allows for regulated private and group tours operated by authorized travel operators.

Bhutan has top-notch luxury resorts such as Uma by COMO, Aman Kora and Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel that cater to the “high-value, low-volume travel vision” of the country.

Checking yourself in and letting yourself pampered at a resort is a must-do Bhutan experience.

The legendary Paro Takstang, popularly known as the TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY,  a sacred Buddhist site nestled at a height of 3,120 meters on the side of a clip in the western region, is one of Bhutan’s most popular tourist destinations.

The hike to the monastery takes about 2-3 hours and is filled with pine forests, waterfall, and breathtaking views of the Paro Valley.

Associated with Guru Rinpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, this site is revered by the Bhutanese people and Tibetan Buddhists all over the world.

Also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness,” the PUNAKHA DZONG CASTLE is famed for its architectural splendor and heritage value.

Located at the confluence of the Pho Chuu and Mo Chhu rivers, Punakha Dzong (a traditional Bhutanese fortress-like structure) is characterized by stunning woodwork, golden roof accents and white walls.

It is also the site of cultural festivals like the Punakha Drubchen and Punakha Tshechu which feature traditional dances, masked performances and revelry.

Located in Wangdue Phodrang District in the central part of the country 180 miles from the capital, the GANGTEY VALLEY (also known as Phobjikha Valley)  is renowned for its enchanting beauty.

It is also famous for the 17-th century Gangtey Monastery (home of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism) and the Bleck-Necked Crane migration that takes place every year between October and mid-February when birds migrate from Tibetan plateau to the Gangtey.

A visit to the Gangtey is a must-do travel experience in Bhutan.

The “Land of the Thunder Dragon” comes alive with its stunning religious and cultural festivals called “Tshechus” which are quite the spectacle to behold.

Typically, these events are held at monasteries, Dzongs (castle fortresses) and temples and feature cultural dances, religious processions, folk music and local games.

They are also an important time for entire communities to come together and bond.

The most important Tshechus are the Thimpu Tshechu (held in September and October following the Bhutanese lunar calendar) and the Paro Tshechu held in the Paro Valley in March or April.

River rafting in the Punakha River is a popular tourist attraction in the Punakha Valley which draws a lot of holidayers for its scenic beauty.

The valley offers stunning views and the river that meanders through it tosses up exciting rapids.

Ranging from gentle to extreme, the Punakha River rapids are perfect for both beginners and experts.

THE BUMTHANG VALLEY in central Bhutan is famed for its monasteries, cultural heritage, red pandas and picturesque scenery and is considered the “spiritual heartland” of the country.

The valley houses the oldest Buddhist and most important monasteries in Bhutan like Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakang, Kurje Lhakang and Tamshing Lhakhang.

The annual JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP FESTIVAL featuring masked dances, religious processions and cultural events is one of the country’s most important religious events.

Traversing through the mystical valley of Bumthang is an absolute must.

While you are in Bhutan, not savoring its delightful delicacies would be quite the omission.

We particularly recommend the spicy chili and yak cheese stew called Ema Datshi and Momo dumplings made from cheese, vegetables and meat. Other honorable mentions are Red Rice (the staple food in Bhutan) and the port dish Phaksha Paa.

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Bhutan is a land of snow-laden peaks and towering mountain ranges. Much of its terrain is rugged and treacherous and difficult to navigate on the ground.

A helicopter skiing expedition is therefore one sure-shot way to overcome the hurdles tossed up by its impossible terrain.

Our bespoke heli-skiing adventures in Ura Valley (Bumthang) and Phobjikha Valley are particularly designed for serious adventure skiers.

Bhutan is a country shrouded in mystery, spirituality and a medieval mystique that is almost anachronistic in our modern world.

The way to understand this country is by visiting its monasteries and putting yourself in the shoes of its monks.

We therefore recommend and curate a private and comfortable stay at a hidden mountain sanctuary where you can immerse yourself in the everyday life and spiritual practices of its resident monks.

Another unique experience RESPLENDENT TRAVELS offers you is spending a day with a nomadic yak herder family and learning about their nomadic way of life.

Accompany the herders to the alpine pastures along with their stock. Live at a traditional herder tent, help milk yaks and enjoy their traditional meals. It is a cultural exchange program unlike any other on the planet.

Paro, Gangtey, Punakha and Dochula Pass are home to serene mountain lakes that are ideal for a relaxing holiday.

The Khamsun Yulley Namgyal Chorten Lake in Punakha Valley is particularly suited for a meditation-oriented stay. The surrounding scenery is perfect for deep thought and reflection.

Aside from the popular Instagram-worthy attractions like Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang), Punakha Dzong, Dochula Pass and Bumthang Valley, there are so many other hidden locations for an ideal photography expedition.

In our customized photography tour, our in-house expert guides you to capture hidden gems of architecture, culture and national scenery.