Luxury Adventure Tour of Bhutan

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

This tour includes comprehensive, private cultural touring throughout Bhutan with stays at the top luxury hotels and lodges in each location. In addition, enjoy soft-adventure activities throughout that take in the amazing Himalayan beauty in the kingdom. Hike through the foothills, raft down icy blue rivers, bike through rice fields and farming villages, and more.

Begin in Paro, a picturesque town in a verdant river valley with a charming main street brimming with shops and cafes. During private touring, visit the National Museum, browse for locally made crafts and Buddhist items, and take an excursion to breathtaking Tiger's Nest, a cliffside Buddhist monastery that's a highlight of Bhutan. Also enjoy a private lesson in archery, Bhutan's national sport, and a private bike ride through the Paro Valley. Other activities can be incorporated based on your interests, such as yoga, a biking excursion, or traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.

Continue to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. During comprehensive private touring, experience cultural highlights such as important Buddhist sites, local markets, and various museums specializing in textiles, folk heritage, and traditional arts and crafts. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange a meeting with a local astrologer, an important figure in Bhutanese daily life, as well as a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive traditional fortress that houses the Bhutanese civil government. If desired, enjoy a private hike to rural villages and monasteries tucked into the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon request, we can also arrange for special experiences such as a private Bhutanese cooking lesson at a local home or a private meditation session with monks.

Next, enjoy a scenic transfer through the mountains to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula Pass to see its 108 chortens and take in views of the Himalayas. Descend into Punakha, a subtropical valley filled with rhododendrons, citrus trees and banana plants. Enjoy a peaceful walk through rural farming villages, light a butter lamp at a local temple, opt to hike up a mountain for beautiful panoramic views of the valley, tour the stunning Punakha Dzong, and visit a Buddhist nunnery overlooking the valley. Also take a private rafting excursion on the Mo Chhu River, observe daily life in the Bhutanese countryside, and enjoy a romantic picnic among the valley's outstanding scenery.

Return to Paro to enjoy flexible touring in the region, with options for additional hiking, private biking excursions, shopping, cultural encounters, a yoga lesson or spa treatments, and time to enjoy your luxurious hotel.

Throughout Bhutan, Artisans of Leisure will arrange for you to experience the best the country has to offer. Please let us know your interests so we can tailor the touring accordingly. Upon request, we can incorporate activities such as meetings with local specialists, farm visits, monastery visits, soft-adventure activities (hiking, biking, archery, rafting or golf), shopping, cooking classes, blessings and meditations led by monks, and more.