Himalayan scenery, monasteries and cultural journeys in Bhutan
In Dzongkha – the national language – Bhutan is known as Druk Yul: the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Despite its small size, Bhutan brims with spellbinding scenery, ancient heritage and epic adventures.
Located on the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, the country encompasses various climates and landscapes. You’ll find subtropical plains in the south, temperate forests in the centre and glacial peaks in the north – including several that exceed 7,000 metres (23,000 feet) and the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. One of its most emblematic sites is Paro Taktsang, or the Tiger’s Nest: a sacred monastery that clings to a jagged cliff in the Paro Valley.
Bhutan’s geographic isolation has contributed to a high degree of cultural preservation, and today it’s the world’s sole surviving Vajrayana Buddhist Kingdom. You’ll witness this in the intricate architecture of dzongs (fortresses) and monasteries, pointed out by an expert guide on private tours in Bumthang, and as you notice the traditional dress that’s still widely used.
To help you further understand the country’s traditions, your travel designer can help you plan your Bhutan cultural tour to coincide with a Bhutanese festival. They can also arrange culinary experiences in which you’ll learn how to craft delicious dishes that highlight local products like red rice and chillies.
The country is strongly committed to environmental conservation, with more than half of its land designated as protected areas. It’s home to unique species like the Bengal tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard, red panda, Himalayan wolf, water buffalo, Asiatic black bear and several types of primate. In October we recommend black-necked crane observation tours in Gangtey, with a specialist nature guide.
Our team has travelled across Bhutan in search of the very best experiences and places to stay. Contact us to start planning an unforgettable luxury Bhutan tour that’s perfectly suited to your interests and needs.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
What really struck me when I visited Bhutan was the strong sense of traditional Buddhist culture that stays alive, even today, in this wonderfully serene country.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Bhutan
There are many incredible places to stay in Bhutan. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Bhutan example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
10-Day Trip
Festivals, Culture and Beauty: A Luxury Tour through Bhutan
10-Day Trip
Festivals, Culture and Beauty: A Luxury Tour through Bhutan
15-Day Trip
Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand Explorer
15-Day Trip
Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand Explorer
11-Day Trip
Classic Bhutan Explorer
11-Day Trip
Classic Bhutan Explorer
Where to go in Bhutan
Bumthang
A naturally beautiful region with two national parks, strewn with temples and ancient sacred sites.
Gangtey
A stunning area where black-necked cranes migrate from Tibet each winter.
Paro
A pretty little town with lots going on. Paro is the starting point for the hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery and is also home to Bhutan's fascinating national museum.
Punakha
A small town with a lot of character; regal and relaxed. The fully restored Punakha Dzong is considered one of the country’s most spectacular fortresses.
Thimphu
A relaxed and friendly city, dominated by the 17th-century Tashichho Dzong.
Meet your Indian Subcontinent team
When to visit Bhutan
The best time to visit Bhutan for autumn festivals and Thimphu Tshechu is in October and November when the mountain views are clear. This is also the time of year that heralds the arrival of the black-necked cranes. In turn, March and April bring with them spring festivals, blooming rhododendrons, active birdlife and Paro Tshechu. The best time for high-altitude trekking in April and October before the summer monsoons and winter freeze respectively.
Outdoor adventures
March–May and September–November
Heavy rainfall
June–August
Winter weather
December–February
Plan your trip to Bhutan
Whatever you want from your adventure in Bhutan, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
