Romantic Bhutan

(12 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Paro, Bumthang, Thimphu, Punakha

This private tour of Bhutan is perfect for travelers looking for a romantic getaway to some of Bhutan's most beautiful and interesting destinations. Stay in the most luxurious hotels while exploring four of Bhutan's most interesting and scenic areas. Enjoy a balance of relaxation, in-depth cultural touring, and soft adventure while experiencing Bhutan's incredible beauty, and experience a traditional Bhutanese wedding ceremony.

Begin in Paro, a picturesque town in a verdant river valley with a charming main street brimming with shops and cafes. During private touring, visit the National Museum, browse for locally made crafts and Buddhist items, and take an excursion to breathtaking Tiger's Nest, a cliffside Buddhist monastery that's a highlight of Bhutan. Also enjoy a private lesson in archery, Bhutan's national sport. Other activities can be incorporated based on your interests, such as yoga, a biking excursion, or traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.

Fly to Bumthang, a beautiful and remote region that's considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan. During private touring in the four valleys of Bumthang, visit ancient temples dedicated to revered early Buddhist saints, explore Wangdichholing Palace and local monasteries, and see traditional farming villages surrounded by fruit orchards and terraced fields. Other options include learning about local Yatra textile weaving and visiting the sacred Burning Lake. Upon request, we can also arrange for special experiences such as a traditional Bhutanese meal at a local farmhouse, tastings at local cheese producers and a brewery, or a private meditation session with monks.

Continue to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. During comprehensive private touring, experience cultural highlights such as important Buddhist sites, local markets, and various museums specializing in textiles, folk heritage, and traditional arts and crafts. Artisans of Leisure will also arrange a meeting with a local astrologer, an important figure in Bhutanese daily life, as well as a visit to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive traditional fortress that houses the Bhutanese civil government. If desired, enjoy a private hike to rural villages and monasteries tucked into the foothills of the Himalayas. Upon request, we can also arrange for special experiences such as a private Bhutanese cooking lesson at a local home or a private meditation session with monks.

Next, enjoy a scenic transfer through the mountains to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula Pass to see its 108 chortens and take in views of the Himalayas. Descend into Punakha, a subtropical valley filled with rhododendrons, citrus trees and banana plants. Enjoy a peaceful walk through rural farming villages, light a butter lamp at a local temple, opt to hike up a mountain for beautiful panoramic views of the valley, tour the stunning Punakha Dzong, and visit a Buddhist nunnery overlooking the valley. Also take a private rafting excursion on the Mo Chhu River, observe daily life in the Bhutanese countryside, and enjoy a romantic picnic among the valley's outstanding scenery.

Return to Paro to enjoy flexible touring in the region, with options for additional hiking, private biking excursions, shopping, cultural encounters, a yoga lesson or spa treatments, and time to enjoy your luxurious hotel.

Throughout Bhutan, Artisans of Leisure will arrange for you to experience the best the country has to offer. Please let us know your interests so we can tailor the touring accordingly. Upon request, we can incorporate activities such as meetings with local specialists, farm visits, monastery visits, soft-adventure activities (hiking, biking, archery, rafting or golf), shopping, cooking classes, blessings and meditations led by monks, and more.