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An Insider’s Tour of Bhutan

11 days from £6,780 for 2025 per person

Journey into Bhutan’s more remote corners on this comprehensive off-the-beaten-track tour of Bhutan. Whilst exploring the major highlights this itinerary is also perfect for those who are looking to get under the skin of this beautiful Himalayan kingdom and delve deeper into Bhutan’s alluring interior.

The tour begins in Bhutan’s capital, and is the perfect introduction to your adventure into the country’s heartlands. Spend the day exploring local markets, the folk museum and Thimphu’s main Dzong. From here, drive through the spectacular Dochu La Pass en-route to the subtropical landscapes of Punakha, which, at a lower altitude, is rich in farmland and is especially known for the beautiful Dzong. Here you will camp out under the stars and cosy up by the camp fire in the evenings – it’s is the perfect way to experience the quiet paradise of Bhutan’s pristine natural surrounds. As you venture further east, the journey continues onto Gangtey, which has some of the best hiking in Bhutan, it is also home of the famed Black Neck Cranes which migrate here from November to late March. Spend time exploring the beauty of the surrounding region and visit the Monastery for evening prayers.

The utterly fascinating eastern Bumthang Valley is the next stop of the tour. From countless day walks and exploring the various monasteries within the valley, to the remote Tang Valley to see Bhutanese rural communities totally unchanged by time, this is where you will see Bhutan at its most captivating. From Bumthang fly back to Paro and head straight to the Haa Valley, one of the most untouched areas in Bhutan, dotted with small hamlets and villages that have remained unchanged for centuries. Finally, the adventure ends in Paro and the highlight of walking up to the absolutely magical Tiger’s Nest.

This is purely a suggested itinerary, so it can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made tour of Bhutan. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Active Holiday collections as well as our favourite Mountains & Trekking itineraries.


Itinerary details

11 days from £6,780 for 2025 per person

  • Day 1 - Zhiwa Ling Ascent - Thimphu
    Arrive in Paro and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city. Spend the evening at leisure.
  • Day 2 - Tented Outposts in the Wild - Punakha
    Spend the morning explore the local sites of Bhutan's capital, before departing for Punakha, stopping over at the the Dochu La Pass en-route.
  • Day 3 - Tented Outposts in the Wild - Punakha
    Camp out in Bhutan's peaceful wilderness in a cosy tent, compete with wood burner and toasted marshmallows, and explore all the natural surrounds have to offer.
  • Day 4 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
    Depart for Gangtey, stopping at high mountain passes en-route to the Phobjikha Valley. Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore the village.
  • Day 5 - Gangtey Lodge - Gangtey
    Spend the day with your guide for a full day of guided hiking. This evening relax at leisure with a hot stone bath treatment.
  • Day 6 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
    This morning depart for Bumthang with a stopover in Trongsa to visit the Dzong and museum. Arrive in Bumthang and spend the rest of day at leisure.
  • Day 7 - Swiss Guest House - Bumthang
    Full day sightseeing in Bumthang, including Wangdichholing Palace, Kurjey Lhakhang monument, Tamshing monastery and the Red Panda brewery.
  • Day 8 - Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge - Haa Valley
    This morning catch a flight to Paro and drive to the Haa Valley. Spend the afternoon enjoying local activities.
  • Day 9 - Uma Paro - Paro
    Spend the morning at leisure for local activities before returning to Paro, with the afternoon at leisure.
  • Day 10 - Uma Paro - Paro
    Take a day hike in the valley ending at the Tiger's Nest.
  • Day 11 - In transit.
    Transfer to Paro airport for your onward journey home.
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I can't think of anything that excites a greater sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

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
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
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 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
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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

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