Bhutan

A Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas with well-preserved dzongs, monasteries and festivals, known for its "Gross National Happiness" philosophy and high-value, low-volume tourism.

Bhutan lies on the southern slopes of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by Tibet (China) to the north and India to the south, with terrain rising from subtropical river valleys in the south to snow mountains in the north. Tibetan Buddhist culture runs through daily life. Highlights include Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest), Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, Punakha Dzong and the ancient temples of Bumthang in central Bhutan, and the tshechu festivals held at dzongs around the country are a great chance to experience local culture. Spring (Mar–May) and autumn (Sep–Nov) have the best weather. The international gateway is Paro International Airport, and you can also enter overland through Phuentsholing on the southern border; visitors must pay the Sustainable Development Fee.

Destinations

• Western Bhutan
• Bumthang
• Trashigang
• Yadong

Itineraries

• Bhutan East-West Traverse: Guwahati to Paro – Enter overland from Assam, India, and travel from east to west along the entire Bhutan East-West Highway.
• Western to Bumthang Cultural Journey – Travel east by land to the four valleys of Bumthang, and take a domestic flight back to save a day of long mountain dri…
• Paro, Thimphu & Haa Valley – Skip Punakha to focus on Paro and Thimphu, and cross the Chele La Pass into the Haa Valley.
• Bhutan Western Classic Loop – Entering and leaving via Paro, this loop connects Thimphu, Punakha, and the Phobjikha Valley, covering all the must-see…
• Self-Drive Tour of Yadong, Mount Everest, and Gyirong Valley in Tsang – Drive along the northern foothills of the Himalayas, connecting Yadong Valley, Mount Everest, and Gyirong Valley to exp…
• Kathmandu & Western Bhutan – Explore the ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley first, then fly to Paro to visit Thimphu and Punakha, and hike up to…