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.