Bhutan
The kingdom at its own pace
- When
- October to December, March to May
- How long
- Six to ten days
- Getting there
- Flights to Paro from several cities in Asia
The path to the Tiger's Nest climbs through pine forest to a monastery clinging to a cliff above the Paro valley. Beyond it lie fortress monasteries, village archery matches, farmhouse lunches and, in winter, black-necked cranes circling the Phobjikha valley.
Bhutan keeps the pace of tourism slow on purpose. That suits the way we like to travel: fewer places, longer stays, and time to sit in a temple courtyard with nowhere else to be.
When to go
October to December and March to May bring clear mountain views and pleasant days. Autumn and spring are also festival seasons, when monasteries hold their tsechus, and black-necked cranes winter in Phobjikha from late October.
How we would plan it
Every visitor travels with a licensed Bhutanese guide, and we choose ours for their knowledge and good company. Where we can, we add a night in a farmhouse or valley lodge, so the journey is not only temples.
We plan unhurried days between Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and the Phobjikha valley, and time the journey to a festival where possible. Flights reach Paro from several cities in Asia, and there is also a road crossing from India at Phuentsholing.
Good to know
Do we need a visa for Bhutan?
Most visitors need a visa, applied for before travel. Citizens of India, Bangladesh and the Maldives travel with an entry permit instead. We arrange either as part of the plan.
What is Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee?
The Sustainable Development Fee is a daily tourism levy set by the Government of Bhutan. The rate depends on nationality, and we include it in the plan.
How hard is the walk to the Tiger's Nest?
Allow four to five hours up and back, with steady climbing. Ponies can carry you part of the way up.
When can we see a festival?
The Paro Tsechu is usually in spring and the Thimphu Tsechu in autumn. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so we confirm them each year.
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