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Luxury in the Kingdom of Bhutan

Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang & Paro

Best time to travel
Oct – May
Ideal length
11 nights
Perfect for
Couples
From (incl flights)
€12,889 pp

At a glance

  • International return flights from Dublin to Paro.
  • All private transfers, internal flights and guiding requirements.
  • 11 nights’ handpicked accommodation in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro.
  • Walk through the rice fields & small village to visit the Chimi Lhakhang Temple, in the far East of Bhutan explore the rarely visited Ura Valley & hike to the Kayche La Pass.
  • In the Paro Valley hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery & enjoy a traditional Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath.
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Introduction

Travel back in time and take a journey that few people have had the chance to take. Bhutan is known as the Land of the Dragon People and fosters a rich cultural heritage that has largely remained hidden until its recent emergence onto the world stage. This comprehensive private off-the-beaten track suggested itinerary of Bhutan showcases all the major highlights but also delves deeper into Bhutan’s alluring interior. Explore the royal side of the kingdom visiting temples, fortresses and monasteries, gaining insight into the culture and history of the valleys as you go. With an action packed itinerary, you will have the chance to discover the country’s breathtaking natural beauty, meet Bhutanese locals and embrace the philosophy of a nation that is guided by the principle of happiness.

View all of our luxury holidays to Bhutan.

Trip Overview

Depart from Dublin to Paro.

On arrival in Bhutan you will be met by your private guide and driver and set off on your adventure starting in Thimphu. Bhutan’s capital and the perfect introduction to your adventure into the country’s heartlands. Spend two nights here settling in, surrounded by forested lands and snowcappd mountains.

Get to know beautiful Thimphu on a private tour.

After you adjust to the altitude, embark on an exploration of the valley with a trip to the majestic Buddha Dordenma statue, perched high above the city. Then, explore Thimphu’s lively streets and markets with a guide. Stop off at Zorig Chusum, the national institute of arts and crafts or visit the folk heritage museum to really brush up on your culture.

Buddha Dordenma statue
Journey towards beautiful Punakha with your private driver and see the sights along the way.

Visit the iconic Dochula Pass and enjoy dramatic views of the Himalayan peaks. Following a scrumptious picnic, continue on to Chimi Lakhang, a fertility temple built in 1499. Finish out the eventful journey with some cocktails in a riverside rice field.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Check-in to your Punakha hotel and relax with a massage.

Spend two nights in Punakha in a modern property overlooking the rice fields. At a lower altitude, the area is rich in farmland and especially known for the beautiful Dzong that dominates the town.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Hike to an ancient monastery with a private guide.

Trekking through rice fields and changing scenery, make your way to Chorten Ningpo, a pre-17th century monastery. Visit Kabesa village along the way.

Bhutan rice fields
Find true happiness at the Punakha Dzong.

Known as ‘The Palace of Great Happiness’, this beautiful structure is six storeys tall and is the second-oldest Dzong in Bhutan.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Venturing further east, your next stop will be Gangtey.

The route will take you through bamboo forests and up to Lawa La Pass, home to wild yaks that can be spotted grazing on the roadside.

Bhutan bamboo forest
Arrive at a luxury hotel and enjoy some lunch.

Take some time to relax before embarking on the next adventure. You’ll spend two nights in this famous birdwatching spot.

Gangtey
Walk to the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre.

Dedicated to protecting this vulnerable species, the centre is a fascinating hub of information about the ecosystem of the valley.

Bhutan & Its Senses
With your private guide, enjoy a trek so that you can really explore the surrounding region.

Begin at Pele La Pass and trek along the Loma Longtey trail. Pass through thick bamboo and rhododendron forest. Arrive at Kayche La Pass and enjoy views of Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Village from 12,000 feet.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Return to Gangtey for a tour of the village.

Explore the quaint shops of the one street town and be sure to visit Gangtey Goemba monastery.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Next, drive onto Bumthang, the furthest east you will travel in Bhutan.

En route to your hotel, stop off at the picturesque Chendeji Chorten, an imposing structure which is said to have been built to cover a demon spirit. Continue to Trongsa where you will visit the Trongsa Dzong.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Arrive in Bumthang.

Settle into Jakar Valley with a decadent dinner and some quality relaxation. Spend two nights in this forested haven of peace and quiet.

Discover the area with a guided trek to Padseling Goemba.

This ancient fortress is still in operation as a monastery. Explore the building and interact with the monks that live there. Upon returning, enjoy a leisurely walk around Chamkhar Village, located on a single lane street with a bazaar and wooden houses.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Take a trip to Ura Valley and enjoy some sightseeing.

Explore the village, meet locals and explore Guru Rinpoche temple. A truly unique experience.

Finally, end your adventure in Paro.

Take a short flight back to the Paro Valley and privately transfer to Paro town. Stop off at a local coffee house for refreshments before enjoying some shopping and sightseeing in the town.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Enjoy a private tour of Paro on arrival.

Discover ancient fortresses, stunning Bhutanese architecture and traditional cantilevered bridges before arriving at the Dungtshe Lhakhang. This temple was built in 1421 and is built in the style of a stupa, a very rare find in Bhutan.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Check-in to a historic luxury property for the final leg of your stay.

The perfect place to relax, enjoy a dip in the pool, read in the library or relax in the sauna while you settle in.

Six Senses Paro
Spend the day exploring Paro Valley.

Start your day with a bicycle ride to Paro National Museum, which displays ancient and modern Tibetan Buddhist paintings known as thangkas. Continue to the 15th century Rinpung Dzong, a fortress which is a great example of historic Bhutanese architecture.

Bhutan & Its Senses
When leaving the dzong, you will cross Paro Chhu via Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge built in 1525.

After lunch, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th century sanctuary where you can light butter lamps as offering. It is said to have two magical orange trees that bear fruit all year round.

Bhutan & Its Senses
On your final day, depart to see one of the most significant landmarks and cultural icons of the Kingdom, Tiger's Nest Monastery.

With your guide, you’ll trek 2,950 feet to the monastery, sharing stories of its colourful history. Enjoy the wonderful scenery as you walk through pine forests that are colourfully decorated with moss and prayer flags.

Bhutan & Its Senses
Early departure on your final morning for your flight home.

Arrive in Dublin.

Tailoring your holiday

OROKO Itineraries are created with you in mind and no two are the same. These can be used to help plan your trip - or we can design a completely different itinerary to suit you.

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Accommodation

Where to rest your head

Looking for the best accommodation? We've got the contacts

Six-Senses-Thimphu

Six Senses Thimphu

Set against a backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas and surrounded by lush green forest, Six Senses Thimphu offers spectacular views, rustic luxury and easy access to Bhutan’s capital.

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Six-Senses-Punakha

Six senses Punakha

Known locally as the ‘flying farmhouse amidst the rice fields’, Six Senses Punakha is a beautiful lodge that sits high above the terraced fields below.

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Six-Senses-Gangtey

Six Senses Gangtey

Encounter incredible birdlife at the Six Senses Gangtey, which is renowned as a famous birdwatching spot. The resort is located deep in the Phobjikha valley and surrounded by bamboo forest.

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Six-Senses-Bumthang

Six Senses Bumthang

Nestled among towering pine trees, Six Senses Bumthang exists at the heart of nature. The property is close to the many attractions of Bumthang including ancient monasteries and palaces.

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Six-Senses-Paro

Six Senses Paro

Six Senses Paro offers beautiful views over the surrounding forested peaks and is sympathetically designed, incorporating the 12th-century ruins that it sits.

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What people are saying

We recently travelled to Paros, Naxos and Mykonos for our honeymoon and OROKO seemed like a perfect fit for what we were looking for. Everything from the planning stages all the way to the actual trip was executed perfectly. The OROKO team were extremely friendly, and their advice and expertise helped us create and plan the most unforgettable honeymoon!

James & Sam – Honeymoon, July 2019

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