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Luxury Bhutan Holidays & Tours

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Holidays to Bhutan

Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a tiny, mountainous land-locked nation – a country wrapped in myth and legend that remains little-known to most in the wider world.

Virtually untouched and nestled deep in the eastern Himalaya between China and India, Bhutan is a stunningly beautiful, mysterious and peaceful country where supernatural beings and ancient monastic fortresses share pristine landscapes with a w...

Virtually untouched and nestled deep in the eastern Himalaya between China and India, Bhutan is a stunningly beautiful, mysterious and peaceful country where supernatural beings and ancient monastic fortresses share pristine landscapes with a warm-hearted, welcoming and proud people. As a bastion of Tibetan Buddhism, Bhutan is arguably best known for the many religious festivals, known locally as tshechus, that take place at regular intervals throughout the calendar year. Tshechus are generally characterised by colourful mask dances and religious performances that depict the distinct cultural heritage of the country.

Another defining feature of the country is that nearly all settlements in Bhutan have a Dzong – a fortress-type structure that serves as the seat of both civil and religious power and one that is unique to Bhutan. A series of north-south valleys run at intervals across the country. Fascinatingly these valleys are incredibly distinct from one another which, in turn, imparts a specific personality and appearance to each region. Over the course of a week or so it is possible to experience not only subtropical Punakha with its spectacular Dzong and the stunning high-altitude scenery of Gangtey but also the remote and forested far-flung valleys of central and eastern Bhutan. Pettitts Travel has specialised in providing quality, tailor-made holidays and tours to Bhutan for over 35 years.

Tailor-made, luxury private tours in Bhutan

Wangdue Phodrang masked performer at Tsechu Festival, Bhutan

12 DAYS

Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon

from £4250 - £5400
per person
Tigers Nest, Taktsang, Bhutan

8 DAYS

Druk Path Trek from Paro to Thimphu

from £1735
per person
Monk in Rinpung Dzong, Paro, Bhutan

21 DAYS

A Journey through Bhutan

from £5490
per person
View all Bhutan tours

Thank you for a marvellous itinerary

HR & PR - Bhutan - April 2024

We just wanted to thank you for a marvellous itinerary; our trip to Bhutan was exactly what we'd hoped it would be. The visit to Paro Tsechu was incredibly interesting. The mixture of fabulous cultural and religious sites, the wonderful scenery and the chance to walk and see some interesting wildlife was all excellent. Our guide, Ugyen Wangchuk, and our driver, Sonam, took fantastic care of us and made the whole trip a real joy. Please pass on our thanks to Ugyen and Sonam.

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Places to visit in Bhutan

Bhutan is series of valleys, each geographically unique and with their own administrative centre or Dzong. The southern border regions are at a lower elevation whilst the mountainous north and eastern settlements are both remote and challenging to reach. Paro, with its international airport, is the main entrance to the kingdom and the starting point of not only the famous hike to Taktsang Monastery but also the longer Druk Path Trek.

The beautiful Punakha Valley and its ancient Dzong are reached from capital Thimphu by crossing the precipitous Dochu-La Pass whilst Gangtey and the Phobjikha Valley provide a refuge for the endangered black-necked crane. Secluded central and eastern Bhutan is the location of many isolated settlements including Bumthang, Mongar, Lhuentse and Trashigang – each with their own monasteries and Gompas, myths and legends.

Booking with Pettitts Travel
1

Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.

2

Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.

3

On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.

4

Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.

We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.

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Meet our Bhutan Travel Consultants

Steven
Managing Director
Helen
Senior Travel Consultant
Paul
Senior Travel Consultant
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Your holiday in Bhutan

Whether new to the Indian subcontinent or a returning traveller, Pettitts Travel have been arranging tailor-made holidays to Bhutan for over 30 years. Remote and little-visited, Bhutan is in many ways a unique destination and our knowledge and expertise will allow you to unlock this fascinating and diverse country. The Bhutan itineraries that are featured on our website are an ideal starting point – they provide a selection of different routings which can then be fully customised depending on your personal interests and requirements. All of our Bhutanese holidays include hotels and transport, sightseeing and entrance fees. Most travellers to Bhutan arrive by air and these flights, which can only be booked by a travel company, will also be included. When in Bhutan,...

Whether new to the Indian subcontinent or a returning traveller, Pettitts Travel have been arranging tailor-made holidays to Bhutan for over 30 years. Remote and little-visited, Bhutan is in many ways a unique destination and our knowledge and expertise will allow you to unlock this fascinating and diverse country. The Bhutan itineraries that are featured on our website are an ideal starting point – they provide a selection of different routings which can then be fully customised depending on your personal interests and requirements. All of our Bhutanese holidays include hotels and transport, sightseeing and entrance fees. Most travellers to Bhutan arrive by air and these flights, which can only be booked by a travel company, will also be included. When in Bhutan, and throughout your entire time in the country, you will have a private car and driver as well as an English-speaking escort who will act as your guide for all sightseeing visits. It is also worth noting that if staying in local hotels your tour will also include all meals. Additionally, whilst on holiday you will also have the support and assistance of our both our UK office and our partners on the ground in Bhutan.

When planning your holiday to Bhutan a good place to start are the itineraries featured on our website which have been carefully designed to illustrate the different types of journeys that can be undertaken. These act as a guide and can be adjusted to ensure that specific needs or interests are met. Landlocked and with a largely mountainous interior, a holiday to Bhutan begins with travel to the country. Paro, in western Bhutan, has the only international airport and offers a limited number of airlinks to neighbouring countries including India, Nepal and Thailand. It is also possible to travel overland from India with two border crossings – the busier at Phuentsholing and the more remote eastern crossing of Samdrup Jongkhar. Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon is an ideal itinerary for the first-time visitor and includes the main highlights of western Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey. A Journey through Bhutan explores the far-flung valleys of eastern Bhutan whilst, for the more active, the excellent Druk Path Trek can also be incorporated.

Great Buddha Dordenma near Thimpu, Bhutan

Dzongs of Bhutan

Spectacularly sited, Dzongs are a distinguishing feature of the landscape of Bhutan. These multi-purpose buildings have evolved over the centuries to become regional centres for both religious, administrative and cultural activities but were originally fortified complexes constructed in places of strategic military importance. Today these grand buildings serve as the heart of a region’s community, house important Buddhist relics and host a range of festivals and celebrations. One of the highlights of a holiday to Bhutan is the opportunity to spend time in a Dzong and a visit can easily be incorporated. Famous Dzongs include the one in Paro which is accessed by a wooden cantilevered bridge, the picturesque 17th century Punakha Dzong which has a beautiful riverside setting, Jakar Dzong that originally started life as a monastic centre, remote Lhuentse Dzong and Trongsa Dzong, set high on a ridge above the Mangde Chhu River with panoramic far-reaching views.

Punakha Dzong Monastery, Bhutan

Festivals in Bhutan

Held throughout the country, festivals, which are known in Bhutan as tshechus, form an integral part of Bhutanese life. All of Bhutan’s administrative regions hold their own annual festivities and these take place throughout the year so there is a good chance that visitors may have the opportunity to attend. Tshechus have a dual purpose – first and foremost a religious event, they are also important social occasions attracting huge crowds and drawing people from remote village communities, bringing them together and providing an opportunity to celebrate, relax and, importantly, to see friends and family. Nearly all tshechus take place in the local Dzong, are held over a number of days and are characterised by traditional costumed dances, ancient rituals, music and religious teachings. Some of the better known tshechus include Bhutan’s largest festival the Thimphu Tshechu, the popular Paro Tshechu which is held in March or April, February’s colourful Punakha Tshechu, Bumthang’s Tamzhing Lhakhang.

Tshechu masked dancer, Bhutan

Discover more about Bhutan

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Punakha Dzong Monastery, Bhutan
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When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The small Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is best visited during either the spring or autumn months. Between March and May the country is awash with spring flowers whilst October and November herald clear skies and fabulous mountain views. Temperatures can drop considerably during winter months with snowfall likely at higher elevations and in more remote valleys whilst the summer months see the arrival of heavy monsoon rains.

Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?

Visitors to Bhutan must have their travel pre-approved before they arrive in Bhutan. This is confirmed by receipt of a ‘visa approval letter’. Once in Bhutan this letter is presented to the authorities and a tourist visa issued.

How long is the flight to Bhutan from the UK?

There are no direct flights between Bhutan and the UK. Flights to Paro operate from a number of Asian cities including Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore and have a duration of around 1 to 3 hours depending on your departure airport.

Can you travel overland to Bhutan?

It is possible to travel to Bhutan by road with three land border crossings shared with India. The most commonly used border crossings are Phuentsholing and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing is located in the west of the country and ideal for accessing Paro and capital Thimphu. Samdrup Jongkhar is in the remote east of Bhutan with Guwahati the nearest Indian city.

What should I wear when travelling in Bhutan?

If visiting during spring or autumn you should expect days to be warm and evenings to be cool. Therefore, we would recommend bringing layers of clothing including a fleece and light rain jacket. Casual clothing is acceptable throughout Bhutan and comfortable shoes with ankle support recommended, especially for day walks and treks.

What currency is used in Bhutan?

The currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum which has the same value as the Indian Rupee. Ngultrum should be used for all purchases in Bhutan although Indian Rupees are also widely accepted. With the exception of eastern Bhutan, most larger hotels and shops accept payment by credit card whilst ATMs can now be found throughout the country but are most prevalent in the larger tourist centres of Paro and Thimphu.

What languages are spoken in Bhutan?

The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, however, English is widely spoken throughout the country.

Can the internet be accessed in Bhutan?

Yes. The majority of hotels offer WiFi, there are developing 3G and 4G networks and internet cafes can be found in most of the larger towns.

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