Best of Bhutan

Itinerary Highlights

Bhutan is one of the world’s most mystical destinations. The last great Himalayan kingdom is shrouded in mystery and magic, home to a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. Spirituality permeates every aspect of daily life, time-honored festivals are living manifestations of a national faith, and the king decrees “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth. Here in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” radiates joy not only among its citizens but to all who visit.

This classic journey takes you through four of Bhutan’s most notable areas: Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey and Paro. Each day will be a new adventure with your local guide customized to your tastes. While your itinerary will certainly cover Bhutan’s landmark destinations, the way in which you experience these sites (and others off the beaten path) is entirely up to you. Much of Bhutan can be explored on foot with some of the best hiking in the Indian Subcontinent. Cycling is also ideal for those who enjoy it. Visit the classic Dzongs of Thimpu, explore the valleys of Punakha and hike the iconic Tiger’s Nest as you discover the best of this magical kingdom.

Your journey includes stays at Bhutan’s most renowned properties, each carefully selected for their prime location and uniqueness. World-renowned luxury brands like Six Senses, COMO Uma and Aman deliver the utmost in design and service and are complemented with the local flare of the charming Gangtey Lodge.

Hotels and lodges described in the itinerary are recommended by Craft Travel but there are numerous options in each destination and we will customize your itinerary based upon your preferences. With your feedback, we will similarly customize suggested activities, time spent in each location and trip extensions to additional destinations of interest nearby.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Bhutan! The flight into Bhutan will have already taken you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro Valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower).

Upon your arrival in Paro you will be met by a representative of Craft Travel waiting for you in the arrivals area upon exiting baggage claim. You driver will escort you to Six Senses, Thimphu approximately 90 minutes away by car. Situated within apple orchards and pine forests, yet still within reach of the capital’s attractions, Six Senses is perched on a hillside overlooking the shimmering lights of Thimphu. With its grand design and outdoor ponds reflecting the sky above, this lodge features Suites & villas, pool, spa and sunken outdoor performance deck.

Overnight at Six Senses Thimpu (Dinner)

The capital of one of the world's most intriguing destinations, Thimphu combines a natural small-town feel with a new commercial exuberance that challenges the country's Shangri La image. Vehicle traffic, unheard, now crawls through the center of town during an equally new phenomenon: rush hour. However, the juxtapositions of old and new remain part of Thimphu's charm. Crimson-robed monks, government ministers clad in traditional dress and camera-wielding tourists all share pavements lined with shops selling SIM cards and Buddhist accessories.

This morning explore the serene retreat of Tango Monastery and enjoy a hike through the pristine valley. The 13th century monastery today functions as a university of Buddhist studies and is the residence of Gyalse Rinpoche, an important trulku (reincarnated lama). 

You'll then head to lunch with an en-route photo stop at the splendid Trashi Chhoe Dzong that once housed the National Assembly and now houses the secretariat, the throne room, and offices of the king and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Later enjoy a short walk around Thimphu downtown. Visit the National Textile Museum, the place to learn about Bhutan's living national art of thagzo (weaving). Continue to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum that focuses on Bhutan's 13 traditional arts including painting, woodcarving, embroidery, etc. Culminate the tour at the Great Buddha Dordenma that commands the entry to Thimphu valley. Inside the 165-foot Buddha, 125,000 miniature Buddha statutes are embedded. The statue was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Overnight at Six Senses Thimpu (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, approximately three hours by car. Punakha sits in a sultry, fertile and beautiful valley at the junction of the Mo Chhu ("Mother River") and Pho Chhu ("Father River"). Commanding the river junction is the gorgeous Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's most impressive building.

En-route photo-stop at Bhutan’s first fortress monastery, the 17th-century Simtokha Dzong. The journey continues over 3,050m to Dochula Pass, that overlooks the Himalayas, and is home to a concentration of 108 chortens (stupas). The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, commissioned the monument after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck was victorious in the struggle to dislodge the rebels who were using Bhutan as a base to raid India.

Arrive in time for lunch at Uma Como, Punakha. Drive a short distance to Sopsokha village and take the 20-minute trail across fields to Chimi Lhakhang temple. Childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing or empowerment) from the saint. Newborns are also brought here to be named and all leave with either Chimi or Kunley as one of their two names.

Continue to your lodge, COMO Uma, Punakha. The “Flying Farmhouse” amidst the rice fields, this beautiful lodge has a rustic feel and is blessed with a warmer climate. You will find a choice of Suites and villas, pool, library, yoga and meditation huts.

Overnight at COMO Uma Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

After breakfast, hike through paddy field to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. Standing regally on the hill above the Punakha valley, this Chorten is a classic example of gorgeous traditions and architecture of Bhutan. It was built by the Queen Mother for heading off the negative forces and transportation peace and harmony for all the living beings. What sets this Chorten apart is that it was designed on the principals mentioned within the holy scriptures instead of engineering manuals.

After lunch, a short drive will get you to the impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic leader and his entourage of monks. Situated on a stretch of land where two rivers – the Pho Chhu & Mo Chhu converge, Punakha Dzong or the “Palace of Great Bliss” was the second Dzong to be built in Bhutan in 1631. The Dzong appears as a great anchored ship. Having been ravaged by fire, earthquakes and floods many times, Punakha Dzong has had to be rebuilt several times and always to the original specifications.

Return to COMO Uma for some free time to enjoy the hotel facilities. Optional: Cooking class can be organized prior to dinner.

Overnight at COMO Uma Punakha (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy a morning of leisure at the hotel or some hiking in the nearby forest. At the scheduled time you will depart for Gangtey. Upon arrival to Gangtey Lodge you will check in and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at Gangtey Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Today you will explore the town of Gangtey. Hike a nature trail, stop for a picnic lunch, visit farmhouses and the famous Gangtey Monastery. Perched atop a small hill, the Gangtey Monastery is an iconic temple associated with the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Located in central Bhutan's Wandue Phodrang Dzongkhag, the monastery was established in 1613 by Peling Gyalse Rinpoche, the grandson of Trenton Pema Lingpa, the great explorer.

Overnight at Gangtey Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Following breakfast you'll drive to Paro. You'll get another opportunity to take photographs of the Dochu La pass and the eastern Himalayas on the scenic 4 hour drive.

The charming town of Paro lies on the banks of the Paro (or Pa) Chhu, just a short distance northwest of the imposing Paro Dzong. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colourfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants. Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot.

After lunch, you'll visit Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley. It was formerly the meeting hall for the National Assembly and now, like most dzongs, houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts. Perched above Paro Dzong is its ta dzong (watchtower), built in 1649 to protect the undefended dzong and renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Displays include an impressive collection of thangkas, both ancient and modern, depicting Bhutan's important saints and teachers, as well as fearsome festival masks grouped according to their tsechu dances. Round off the day with tea with a local family at their traditional farm house.

Check in the at the singular Amankora in time for a late afternoon at leisure and dinner. At an elevation of 2,250 meters (7,382 feet), Paro Valley makes a beguiling start or an atmospheric end to an Amankora journey. Hidden in thick pine the 24-suites, with walls clad in wood and black steel paneling, contrast rustic elements with contemporary design. Amenities include king-size beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and banquette window-seats, while bathrooms featured terrazzo-clad bathtubs, twin vanities, a separate shower and toilet. Hiking and cycling are arguably the best ways to explore the incredible landscape, and every lodge offers an exhaustive list of options and routes.

Overnight at Amankora Paro (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

For a grand finale, hike up through forests to the striking monastic retreat of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest,” built in the 17th century into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro Valley (2,950 meters). Taktsang is the most famous temple in Bhutan, with one of the most spectacular settings in the world. The moderate hike will take approximately five hours from start to finish and will surely be one of your most memorable takeaways from this beautiful country.

Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, perhaps exploring your hotel's exceptional spa.

Overnight at Amankora Paro (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

This morning bid farewell to the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will be escorted to Paro airport in time for your outbound flight to Delhi or Bangkok. On arrival transfer to a hotel in either city can be arranged as needed.

Breakfast

• 8 nights accommodation based on double/twin occupancy

• All meals (excluding breakfast and lunch upon arrival and meals other than breakfast on final day)

• Excursions and touring as specified in itinerary, all on private basis

• All airport and ground transportation on private basis

• All entrance fees as specified

• Traveller Made ® Member Agency benefits at participating hotels:

  • Complimentary upgrade (subject to availability)

  • Early check-in and late check out (subject to availability)

  • Bespoke welcome room amenities upon arrival

  • $100 property credit

  • **benefits vary by property; member properties in this itinerary are: COMO Uma Punakha, Gangtey Lodge and Amankora Paro

• *Not included: gratuities, visas, international or internal flights, meals and drinks not described below, items of a personal nature

We like the variety of the different hotel brands but for those clients looking for the absolute most deluxe accommodations, Aman may be used throughout or at least as a substitute in Gangtey (Six Senses is also a fine alternative in Gangtey). It is also possible to condense the itinerary by a night or two by skipping Gangtey altogether or making it a day trip from Punakha.

Because Bhutan can only be reached from a handful of other cities, we are able to assist with overnight arrangements in Delhi or Bangkok, and can gladly provide extension programs in either country. Combining Bhutan with the beaches of Kerala or Thailand’s islands works wonderfully. Another popular combination is with Nepal, pairing a hiking program there with a finale in Bhutan via Kathmandu.