Journey Through Bhutan

(13 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang, Paro

This is our most comprehensive tour of Bhutan, featuring in-depth touring throughout the kingdom and stays at top luxury properties.

Begin in 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. During private touring, enjoy peaceful walks 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. Accommodation will be at a luxurious hotel overlooking the Mo Chhu River set among rice terraces, chili and cabbage fields and traditional Bhutanese farmhouses.

Next, you will be transferred over forested mountains to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), a broad glacial valley and protected area of grasslands and dwarf bamboo where endangered black-necked cranes from Tibet spend the winter. Visit Gangtey Monastery, a 17th-century hilltop Buddhist complex with panoramic views of the valley, and learn more about the region's iconic birds at the Black-Necked Crane Information Center. Also take scenic walks or bike rides along nature trails in the valley and surrounding hillsides, and visit other secluded monasteries and temples.

Continue to Bumthang, a beautiful and remote region that's considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan. During private touring in the four valleys of Bumthang, visit ancient temples dedicated to revered early Buddhist saints, explore Wangdichholing Palace and local monasteries, and see traditional farming villages surrounded by fruit orchards and terraced fields. Other options include learning about local Yatra textile weaving and visiting the sacred Burning Lake. Upon request, we can also arrange for special experiences such as a traditional Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse, tastings at local cheese producers and a brewery, or a private meditation session with monks.

The tour concludes 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. Other activities can be incorporated based on your interests, such as yoga, a biking excursion, or traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.

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.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world