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A Grand Tour of Bhutan

10 days from £8,000 for 2025 per person

For many, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan has a pull like few other nations on earth. Tucked away between India and Tibet, this little kingdom remained, until only recently, off limits to visitors, creating a shroud of mystery that has remained to today. It is a land of pristine alpine valleys, dotted with ancient monasteries and woven together with fluttering prayer flags, and this comprehensive itinerary covers the highlights of this breathtaking country. 

Begin your journey in the relaxed town of Punakha, which is home to arguably the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Located at 1,300 metres, Punakha is lower than the other valleys so is a great starting point to acclimatise to the altitude and it also enjoys a temperate climate. Continue on to the wetland valley of Gangtey, winter home of the rare black-necked crane, and where the scenery becomes ever more sparsely populated. Onward winding through ancient cloud forest and rural villages to reach the dramatic hillside town of Trongsa, home to the cliff hanging Dzong, en-route to the small settlement of Bumthang. This is the most eastern point of the trip and which lies in an idyllic U-shaped valley with streams running through it and pine forested slopes on both sides. The final leg, catch a flight westwards and end in the pristine alpine valley of Paro, famed for the Tiger’s Nest monastery. 

Throughout your stay experience gracious hospitality and rural living, and gain an unforgettable insight into this magical kingdom. For those who enjoy light trekking this can easily be included in the itinerary. As ever, this holiday is purely a suggested itinerary: it can be booked as it is, or alternatively used as a starting point for creating your own ideal tailor-made trip to Bhutan and India. If you'd like to see similar itineraries, take a look at our Active Holiday collection. 


Itinerary details

10 days from £8,000 for 2025 per person

  • Day 1 - Dhensa Boutique Resort - Punakha
    Arrive in Paro and transfer to Punakha via Thimpu and the Dochu La pass. Spend the rest of day at leisure.
  • Day 2 - Dhensa Boutique Resort - Punakha
    Full day sightseeing in Punakha including the Punakha Dzong and other local sites.
  • Day 3 - Dewachen Hotel - Gangtey
    Drive to Gangtey, stopping at interesting points along the beautiful mountain roads and high passes.
  • Day 4 - Dewachen Hotel - Gangtey
    Full day nature walk and visit to the Black Neck Crane centre.
  • Day 5 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
    Drive to Bumthang. The roads are lined with pristine forests and dotted with quaint rural settlements.
  • Day 6 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
    Day at leisure for exploring the valley with your guide.
  • Day 7 - Zhiwa Ling Heritage - Paro
    Fly back to Paro in the morning and spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the serene alpine town.
  • Day 8 - Zhiwa Ling Heritage - Paro
    Full sightseeing of Paro including a hike to the Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) monastery.
  • Day 9 - Zhiwa Ling Heritage - Paro
    Full day excursion to the beautiful Haa Valley.
  • Day 10 - In transit.
    Transfer to Paro airport for your onward flight home.
Six Senses, Punakha (1).jpg Six Senses, Punakha (1).jpg
Amankora, Punakha, Bhutan (3).jpg Amankora, Punakha, Bhutan (3).jpg
Dhensa Punakha Bhutan 17 Dhensa Punakha Bhutan 17
Amankora, Punakha, Bhutan (2).jpg Amankora, Punakha, Bhutan (2).jpg
BHUTAN Punakha Valley BHUTAN Punakha Valley
Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey, Bhutan (5).jpg Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey, Bhutan (5).jpg
Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey, Bhutan (2).jpg Dewachen Hotel, Gangtey, Bhutan (2).jpg
Gangtey Bhutan 8 Gangtey Bhutan 8
Gangtey Bhutan 5 Gangtey Bhutan 5
BHUTAN - Bumthang fertility wall BHUTAN - Bumthang fertility wall
Amankora, Bumthang, Bhutan (6).jpg Amankora, Bumthang, Bhutan (6).jpg
Zhiwa Ling Paro Bhutan Zhiwa Ling Paro Bhutan
Nak Sel Paro Bhutan 4 Nak Sel Paro Bhutan 4
Paro Bhutan 4 Paro Bhutan 4
BHUTAN - Paro - Tiger's Nest Monastery in Spring BHUTAN - Paro - Tiger's Nest Monastery in Spring
When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.
Susan Heller

Client Testimonials

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
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
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 choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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
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
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
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
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
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
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
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
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

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