Bhutan Banner 3
Bhutan Banner 2
Bhutan Banner 4

Prayer flags flutter in the breeze at the start of the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings precariously to the side of a cliff.

3/35
BHUTAN - Dochula stupa

Here are just a few of the 108 stupas arranged around this viewpoint of the Dochula Stupa, at over 3000 metres above sea level. On a clear day, marvel at the snow-capped Himalayas in the distance.

4/35
JJ Fam - Bhutan 2019 (7).jpg
BHUTAN -  Archery

Archery is the national sport of the Kingdom of Bhutan, often played at religious and cultural festivals, and is a hugely popular pursuit for locals and tourists alike. Most afternoons you can see groups of men competing with each other, aiming at impossibly small targets about 120 metres away. Rivals taunt and tease each other mercilessly to make them lose their concentration; when they hit the target they sing and dance. A heart-warming and often hilarious spectacle!

6/35
Bhutan banner -Six Senses, Thimphu.jpg

Lying in prime positions throughout the Himalayan Kingdom, the hot-anticipated Six Senses' Lodges were worth the wait.

7/35
JJ Fam - Bhutan 2019 (3).jpg

Six Senses Thimphu offers a vast outdoor terrace, complete with spacious ponds that reflect the snow-capped alpine peaks and white clouds in their mirror-still glossy surface.

8/35
BHUTAN - Tigers nest guides

Our Bhutanese guides are great company and full of local knowledge. Here, your guides will escort you on the hike to the mystical Tiger’s Nest monastery. 

9/35
BHUTAN - Punakha Dzong

The detail and intricacy of Bhutan's traditional architecture is mind-blowing. Take time to explore the temples and courtyards of this ochre-hued palace.

10/35
BHUTAN - Festival  scene

Watch a religious dance take place, called a cham, in the courtyard of a Buddhist monastery during the annual Paro Teschu festival. Monks perform festival dances and act out dramas as a form of meditation to personify their deity. Masked and dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes, dancers demonstrate the triumph of good over evil and the power of compassion.

11/35
BHUTAN - Amankora Paro traditional Bhutanese dancing

Experience some of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage with a cham, a traditional masked dance, at Amankora Paro.

12/35
BHUTAN - King's Birthday Celebrations Punakha

The King’s Birthday is a national holiday in Bhutan and it is customary to dress in traditional clothing. The Bhutanese partake in parades and festivities including eating emadatse and drinking home-distilled spirits.

13/35
BHUTAN - traditional clothing and mask

All Bhutanese are required to wear national dress everyday but at festivals, locals can be more creative with carved masks and unusual costumes that depict scenes from their rich cultural history.

14/35
Bhutan Banner

Take a traditional Bhutanese breakfast including butter tea overlooking the forested Paro Valley at Como's Uma Paro.

15/35
BHUTAN - Uma Paro Buildings

You know you are in good hands when your hotel is part of the superb Como chain. Uma Paro is no exception with contemporary design contrasting with the natural environment of the Paro Valley. 

16/35
BHUTAN -Uma Paro Bedrooms

Bedrooms at Uma Paro are sparkling clean and stylish, in keeping with re-knowned Como ethic.  Expect spacious terraces, Bhutanese fabrics and a butler on-call 24 hours a day.

17/35
BHUTAN - Tiger painting

Admire this fresco of a fierce tiger at the Paro Dzong – a huge fortress and monastery in Rinpung.

18/35
BHUTAN - Thimphu Taj Tashi

Take in the view of the misty mountains that rise above the Thimpu valley at the luxurious Taj Tashi hotel.

19/35
BHUTAN - Mural

Be captivated by Bhutan's famous hand-drawn Buddhist murals which adorn the walls of temples and local homes. 

20/35
BHUTAN - Gangtey Living Room View

Take in these epic views of the Phobjika Valley from Amankora Gangtey, Aman’s small-but-perfectly-formed luxury hotel.

21/35
BHUTAN - Forest treks

Follow this track through the pine forests of the Paro Valley and breathe in the fresh Bhutan air on a trek accompanied by your guides.

22/35
JJ Fam - Bhutan 2019 (27).jpg
BHUTAN - Excellent guides

Let your guide shed light on the ornate murals that cover the inner walls of the Punakha Dzong.

24/35
BHUTAN - Colourful truck in winter

This typically colourful truck makes the passage through Bhutan's high roads on a crisp winter's day.

25/35
BHUTAN - Bumthang Courtyard Bonfire Day

Relish in the space and tranquillity of the Amankora Bumthang's bonfire courtyard, surrounded by pine-clad mountains.

26/35
BHUTAN - Bumthang fertility wall

Open your mind to some of Bhutan’s more unusual murals. Phallic symbols, mostly seen painted on walls of homes, represent fertility.

27/35
BHUTAN - Breakfast in the Amankora Punakha Courtyard

Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese breakfast in the courtyard of Amankora Punakha and make the most of the pristine views backed by snow-capped peaks.

28/35
BHUTAN - Amankora Punakha views

The view from Amankora Punakha is seriously restful. Enjoy vistas of wooden valleys, the Mo Chuu River and lush paddy fields.

29/35
BHUTAN - Amankora Gangtey Snow

Winter at Amankora Gangtey often provides a beautiful blanket of snow over the ridges and knolls of the surrounding valleys.

30/35
BHUTAN - Amankora Gangtey Dining Room

Enjoy traditional stews and authentic cuisine in the wood-panelled dining room of the Amankora Gangtey, which overlooks the stunning valley landscape.

31/35
JJ Fam - Bhutan 2019 (24).jpg

There’s no better way to experience the quiet paradise of Bhutan's pristine natural landscapes than camping out overnight.

32/35
JJ Fam - Bhutan 2019 (23).jpg

For the ultimate nature experience, stay at the Tented Outposts in the Wild and enjoy their rustic, yet very comfortable, spacious walk-in tipi's.

33/35
BHUTAN - Butter lamps

You’ll find rows of butter lamps a common sight in religious places and monasteries in Bhutan. Monks light a butter lamp every day to help focus the mind.

34/35
Six Senses walkway banner.jpg

The wonderful Six Senses Thimphu Lodge give its guests glimpses into daily Bhutanese life.

35/35

Discover Luxury Bhutan Holidays

Mountains are blanketed with evergreen forests and dotted with Buddhist temples, valleys are sliced by glacial rivers and the piney air is delicious and clean. Bhutan’s luxury hotels and lodges are divine, but it is the Bhutanese people that make Bhutan Holidays so special – they are extremely quick to laugh, and they’ve even been ranked number one in the world for Gross National Happiness!

Bhutan is perhaps the most fascinating of the Himalayan kingdoms as travel entry was forbidden to visitors until 1974, and even after that numbers were still minimal. Landlocked by the mighty Himalayan peaks, Bhutan has been doubly protected from external influences, and as a result, the traditional way of life has survived largely intact. Deep rooted Bhutanese culture means that archery is still the national sport, and the gracious, gentle people continue to wear traditional dress: elegant wraparound skirts or "kira" for the women and checked, floor-length belted robes or "Gho" for the men. Daily life is awash with fascinating local culture; villagers assemble for vibrant local festivals in the dzong or monasteries, and mask-dancing in the temples, we will happily organise a cultural tour of Bhutan around one of these festivals. Bhutan's scenery is magnificent; monasteries hang over precipitous drops, often wreathed in mist, and there are pristine pine forests, fertile valleys, and high rugged mountain passes – all of which make a varied and exhilarating destination for Bhutan trekking or an active holiday. Bhutan luxury holidays are always an enriching and unique experience. The "Land of the Thunder Dragon" is one of the last remaining strongholds of Tantric Mahayana Buddhism and its rich cultural heritage is visible in the white-walled dzongs with their communities of studying monks, the decor of peoples' homes and the ornately painted wall motifs.

The first democratic elections were in 2008, and Bhutan travel has been growing steadily and carefully over the past three decades. Bhutan hotels come in a range of luxury and comfort, there are now several stunning luxury hotels – with more to come – as well as simpler guesthouses and inns, making it the perfect destination for a luxury tailor made holiday to Bhutan. The best time to visit Bhutan is from October to December, as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are cooler months, and until April the climate remains dry and pleasant. In late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour.

Tours to Bhutan have something to offer all types of travellers. Whatever the type of vacation, Bhutan is perfect for a luxury tailor made tour, a trekking holiday or a spiritual break. A holiday to Bhutan will guarantee stunning landscapes, gracious hospitality and a glimpse into a lifestyle and culture long forgotten by the modern world.


Our suggested tours in Bhutan

Aman Bhutan... The Luxury Amankora Journey

Amankora, Bumthang, Bhutan (2).jpg

10 days from £10,350 for 2023

Our most luxurious and serene Bhutan trip, staying exclusively in Amankora resorts and focusing on laid-back sightseeing with optional nature...

View here

From Bhutan to Thailand’s Best Beach with Aman Resorts

Amanpuri, Phuket, Thailand (3).jpg

14 days from £11,165 for 2023

Not many trips take you from summit to sea, experiencing both the majesty and mountains of Bhutan and the blazing...

View here

Best of Bhutan: The Ultimate Luxury Grand Tour

Six Senses, Thimphu, Bhutan.jpg

13 days from £11,220 for 2023

This is our most extensive and exclusive tour of Bhutan – perfect for people who want to look under every...

View here

A Six Senses Journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan

Six Senses, Thimphu (2).jpg

10 days from £9,900 for 2023

The Six Senses lodges are scattered throughout the five valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. You can visit...

View here

Bhutan & Thailand with Six Senses

THAILAND - Six Senses Yao Noi, Evening lanterns

12 days from £9,900 for 2023

This fabulous 12-day itinerary combines an extraordinary and unique blend of culture and relaxation. You journey begin with ancient temples,...

View here

A Royal Visit to North India & Bhutan

NORTH INDIA - The Imperial, Delhi, North India - Jaguar at the main porch

23 days from £16,940 for 2023

Follow the royal connections between England and the Indian Subcontinent, which have existed since the majestic days of the Raj...

View here

Beyond the Sky... Uma Punakha & Uma Paro

BHUTAN UMA Paro Paro 20

8 days from £6,545 for 2023

Perfect for both family holidays and honeymoons, Bhutan remains an exclusive, romantic and adventurous destination. COMO Hotels, with the addition...

View here

Two Kingdoms... Bhutan & Thailand with COMO Resorts

BHUTAN - Uma Paro

12 days from £9,320 for 2023

Explore the kingdoms of Bhutan and Thailand on a luxurious and exhilarating journey starting in the Himalayas and the spectacular...

View here

Bhutan & the Maldives with COMO Resorts

MALDIVES Cocoa Island Ariel View

12 days from £10,120 for 2023

This bespoke itinerary combines two contrasting but equally beautiful destinations; the astonishing mountain ranges of the Himalaya and the powdery...

View here

An Introduction to Bhutan

Paro Bhutan 4

11 days from £4,620 for 2023

This is a great itinerary for people who want to explore Bhutan's unique Mahayana Buddhist culture and stunning landscape of high mountain peaks,...

View here

A Grand Tour of Bhutan

Six Senses, Punakha (1).jpg

10 days from £7,150 for 2023

A wonderfully rich and varied itinerary designed for the first time visitor who wants the full introduction with all the...

View here

An Insider’s Tour of Bhutan

Phil's Camp, Gangtey, Bhutan (1).jpg

11 days from £6,050 for 2023

Journey into Bhutan’s more remote corners on this comprehensive off-the-beaten-track tour of Bhutan. Whilst exploring the major highlights this itinerary...

View here

Bhutan’s Beautiful Black Necked Cranes

Gangtey, Bhutan (9).jpg

10 days from £8,415 for 2023

The best time for spotting the beautiful Black Neck Crane is from early December to mid-March. This is a great...

View here

East to West: A Journey Through Bhutan

East To West A Journey Though Bhutan

17 days from £8,250 for 2023

If you like to be a pioneer then this itinerary will take you to places few non-Bhutanese have ever seen....

View here

From Bhutan to India’s Andaman Islands... A Romantic Adventure from Mountain to Beach

South India Andaman Islands Havelock

14 days from £6,215 for 2023

Bhutan and the Andamans could hardly be more different, a fantastic itinerary of mountain peaks and tropical reefs…

View here

Health in the Himalayas: a wellness adventure to Bhutan & India

VANA MALSI Estate Deradun Uttarakhand North India 9

19 days from £11,220 for 2023

Mountains are synonymous with rejuvenation. The higher the altitude, the fresher the air, the brighter the outlook and the better...

View here

The Ancient Kingdoms of Nepal & Bhutan

NEPAL Mural

17 days from £6,680 for 2023

A perfect tour for those who are looking for an exhilarating Himalayan adventure with contrasting views of two Himalayan kingdoms…

View here

Some of our favourite hotels in Bhutan

Tented Outposts: Punakha, Bumthang and Gangtey ,
Gangtey

Phil's Camp, Gangtey, Bhutan (1).jpg

There’s no better way to experience the quiet paradise of Bhutan’s pristine natural surrounds than to camp out in the...

View here

Six Senses Paro ,
Paro

1 Six Senses, Paro.jpg (1)

Perched up high at an elevation of 2,675 metres, the hotly anticipated Six Senses lodge sits in a prime position...

View here

Amankora Gangtey ,
Gangtey

Amankora, Gangtey, Bhutan (3).jpg

Amankora’s five distinct lodges, based in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, offer a unique and unrivalled circuit through Bhutan’s...

View here

Amankora Thimphu ,
Thimphu

Amankora Thimphu, Thimphu, Bhutan (12).jpg

Amankora’s five distinct lodges, based in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, offer a unique and unrivalled circuit through Bhutan’s...

View here

Amankora Punakha ,
Punakha

Amankora, Punakha, Bhutan (11).jpg

  Amankora Punakha is one of Ampersand's Top 10 Aman Resorts in Asia. Amankora’s five distinct lodges, based in Thimphu, Paro,...

View here

Amankora Paro ,
Paro

Amankora, Paro, Bhutan (1).jpg

Amankora’s five distinct lodges, based in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, offer a unique and unrivalled circuit through Bhutan’s valleys....

View here

Some of our favourite places of interest in Bhutan

Bumthang

Bumthang, Bhutan (1).jpg

Located just to the east of central Bhutan, on the far side of the Black Mountains, lies Bumthang, a region...

View here

Thimphu

Thimphu, Bhutan (1).jpg

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, has a real frontier town feel to it and is rapidly developing, with buildings mushrooming...

View here

Punakha

Six Senses, Punakha (10).jpg

Punakha is a 3 hours drive east of the capital Thimphu. It is blessed with a temperate climate and is...

View here

Paro

BHUTAN - tigers nest monastary

The beautiful alpine valley of Paro, located in western Bhutan, is the gateway to the last Himalayan kingdom. Encapsulating a...

View here

Samdrup Jongkhar

Samdrup Jongkhar Lodge Samdrup Jongkhar Bhutan

The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar, completed in the 1960s, enables the eastern half of the country to access...

View here

Trashigang

Trashigang Bhutan 2

Trashigang lies in the far east of Bhutan, and is the country's largest district. Trashigang town, on the hillside above...

View here

Client Testimonials

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences