Tailor-made Bhutan Holidays
Bhutan Holidays
A holiday in Bhutan is a privilege, with only a limited number of lucky visitors making the journey each year. Famously protective of its glorious natural habitat, ancient traditions and happy culture, the nation keeps tourism to a high quality minimum, allowing those who do visit to enjoy its superb Himalayan landscape in unpolluted peace.
Nevertheless, the Bhutanese welcome strangers with open arms (and armfuls of Buddhist blessings). Bhutan’s plunging valleys and mountainous peaks are dotted with ancient monasteries and temples, and whatever your ability level, there are many satisfying treks available across Bhutan. Look forward to cheerful local encounters as you amble through the awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
Bhutan’s pioneering SDF – Sustainability Development Fee – plays a huge role in keeping the country a pinnacle of environmentally-focused development. It is a daily levy paid by all visitors on a tourist visa, and you can find out more here.
Living history, spectacular scenery... race you to the Tiger's Nest!
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With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
Bhutan Highlights
A magical trip
“Great planning and organisation, coupled with an amazing experience with the local guide and driver. Everything about the holiday was magical.”
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Where will you visit next?
Stunning landscapes, historic moments, cultural shifts and local connections. Explore Asia, your way...
All places to goFresh air & mountain scenery
As a famously carbon-negative nation, Bhutan works hard to protect its forested mountain landscape from development and pollution.
Tourist numbers are carefully controlled, and even the capital, Thimphu, has an otherworldly aspect to it, despite the occasional nod to ‘progress’. The result is a gloriously refreshing environment, a relaxing mix of green rural valleys and broad Himalayan vistas. It’s the perfect place to retreat, rejuvenate, and truly get back to nature.
Celebrating Bhutan
Dzongs, tsechus, monasteries & celebrations
Paro’s Tiger’s Nest temple is easily the most famous of Bhutan’s many spiritual buildings, rewarding climbers with stunning panoramas over the valley.
In the towns, the exuberant tsechu festivals draw huge crowds, while those in more remote areas have a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Mix with the locals while masked dancers perform within the dzongs (the imposing fortresses that house both religion and government). Archery competitions are everywhere, with bowmen representing their towns in Bhutan’s national sport, and there are even festivals to celebrate natural events, such as the arrival of Black-Necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley each winter.
Trek to the Tiger's Nest
Low-impact, wellness-focused luxury
At the end of a day walking in the valleys, breathing in lungfuls of fresh mountain air, there’s nothing like returning to a cosy fireside and a warm bed!
Luckily, Bhutan’s pursuit of low-impact, high-value tourism has led to the creation of a handful of enchanting mountain retreats, which are both unobtrusive and deeply luxurious. We particularly love the Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary and Gangtey Lodge – holistically focused luxury nestling against verdant mountainsides…
Trekking
The world’s highest unclimbed peak — the sacred mountain of Gangkhar Puensum — can be found in Bhutan, and the country’s scenic terrain is excellent for trekking.
Whether you go on a short day hike or a longer trek, walking really is the best way to take in the awe-inspiring scenery of the Eastern Himalayas. Multi-day journeys can be as simple or grand as you prefer, whether you want to simply walk, or be accompanied by specialist guides, camp staff and horsemen to carry your equipment.
Inspiring experiences and places to stay
Lean into the details of your bespoke Asia trip to discover rare experiences, exceptional hotels, local connections, inspiring conservation and much more…
Start planning your journey here...
With every detail finely tuned by our Asia Specialists.
Talk to our expert team...
Every Asia trip we build is finely tuned to fit you, and that all starts with a chat. Let us know what you're hoping to see, feel and experience on your travels, and the places you're dreaming of, and your Asia Specialist will craft a route that includes everything you want and more.
The Selective Asia difference
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Bespoke journeys tailored just for you
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Responsible travel
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24 hour local support
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Personally designed, exceptional journeys across Asia that champion a passion for travel with care for community connections and the planet.
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