When the traveler who’s seen and done it all asks the question, “Where to next?” even the most seasoned travel advisor is called to dig deep for a destination that will deliver — and oftentimes, that’s where Bhutan comes in.

When Distance Equates to Exclusivity

Part of our role as matchmakers in all things travel is not only to understand who a destination is for, but who it’s not. So let’s start there: Bhutan is not for the person seeking an easy-to-reach, “fly and flop” destination. Instead, a trip to Bhutan is for the intrepid traveler who views the “getting there” as the start of their next epic adventure. It’s for the outdoors lover who relishes hiking, whitewater rafting, and birdwatching. It’s for the history and hotel-lover who enjoys visiting temples and checking into a variety of lodges to access the diversity the country has to offer. For those based in North America, “getting there” (which we’ll get into in greater detail below) just so happens to mean traversing half the globe.

…yes, you heard that right, not the entire country of Italy, but just Rome saw 350x more foot traffic than the entire country of Bhutan last year.

For context, Paro is located 7,605 miles east of New York and 7,814 west of Los Angeles — but here’s where we get to how that distance equates to exclusivity. In 2023, there were just under one hundred thousand foreign arrivals to the capital of Paro. For comparison’s sake, Rome saw over thirty-five million visitors in the same period — yes, you heard that right, not the entire country of Italy, but just Rome saw 350x more foot traffic than the entire country of Bhutan last year. And don’t get us wrong, we love us some Roma, but herein lies how Bhutan is a distinctly different type of trip from your perennial escape to Europe.

In Bhutan, it’s all about high-value, low-volume tourism — while the country does not have an explicit cap on its visitors, sustainability is at the heart of how the country has retained its authenticity. All travelers invest in a Sustainable Development Fee in the amount of one hundred dollars per adult, per night; this fee is then reinvested to support free education and healthcare for the entire Bhutanese population in addition to various sustainability and conservation. In turn, the soul and ecological integrity of this special place continue to be safeguarded for generations to come.

In many ways, a trip to Bhutan appeals to the traveler keen to go on a safari — that is, someone who wants to make a positive impact through their travels. Equally, Bhutan is well suited for the traveler who has seen other parts of Southeast Asia and is looking for the “next thing” knowing that a trip to Bhutan is all about slowing down and digging into the destination. We love it for couples — particularly those looking to celebrate a milestone anniversary in a completely unique setting. In addition to the accommodations being cozy, it’s seamless to discover the country with your travel partner(s) without having to worry about the day-to-day logistics which your guide and driver are there to take care of. But, we’re getting ahead of ourselves, aren’t we?

How to Get to Bhutan

As air experts, destinations like Bhutan get our creative juices flowing because we’re here to help you find the most strategic routing every time. In the case of Bhutan, the use of a stopover is a fantastic way to tack on one, two, or even three-night stops in a place you haven’t yet visited, or, wish to revisit. On a recent scouting trip, our team members experimented with stopovers in Delhi, Bangkok, and Istanbul to break up the journey. Be sure to connect with a SmartFlyer travel advisor to discuss your specific gateway and alliance preferences to ensure that you can maximize your airlift.

For your final flight into Paro, there are only two airlines that fly into the country: one national and one private carrier. We especially love Drukair which has comfortable aircraft, excellent service, and better than expected on-board food. Be sure to have your SmartFlyer travel advisor book you on the left side of the plane when you’re headed into Paro for a chance to spot Mount Everest on the way in, then, the opposite for the return!

When’s the Best Time of Year to Go to Bhutan?

While you can visit Bhutan year-round, there are variances in the experience you’ll have depending on when you visit.  From a weather perspective, it rains in the summer (June to August) — primarily at night — and snows in the winter (December to February) in the highlands. Autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) are periods filled with festivals, of which there are 156 throughout the year. Chat with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to identify whether your windows of availability align with the festival season so that you can witness locals and even the royal family gathering to dance and celebrate together!

What to Do in Bhutan

Hiking is one of the most common activities in Bhutan, though surprisingly the locals do not tend to do so to discover nature, but primarily to visit monasteries and temples. Nevertheless, there are countless hikes available no matter where you are in Bhutan. A favorite activity for locals and travelers alike is the white water rafting found in Punakha which provides a vantage point from which to enjoy all of the valley’s natural beauty. Birdwatching is another top contender for those looking to be immersed in nature — there are more than 700 bird species in Bhutan and even an annual festival dedicated to bird-watching which includes traditional music, dancing, and singing.

Bhutan Itinerary

Taking transit time to reach Bhutan into account, the destination is best suited to those who have at least two weeks to dedicate to their travels. To visit all five valleys — which greatly vary in terms of scenery and experience — we recommend at least ten days on the ground. Some travelers shorten their stay to seven nights while others extend to a full fourteen nights on the ground, but the happy medium of ten nights is comfortable for many.

Wondering how to structure your Bhutan itinerary? Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can surely guide you based on your preferences, but let us break down the basics. If you have two full weeks to complete the entire circuit, after arriving in Paro and checking into one of its lodges, you’ll travel onwards to Thimphu, then Punakha, back to Paro, and finish up with the famous Tiger’s Nest. If you had fourteen nights, here’s how it could look:

• Days 1-3: Thimphu
• Days 4-6: Punakha
• Days 7-8: Gangtey
• Days 9-11: Bumthang
• Days 12-14: Paro

Thimphu

After arriving at Paro International Airport, your journey begins with a one-hour drive to the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu. As the only city in the world without a single traffic light, it should make for a soft landing. Get adjusted to the high altitude (7,700 feet) or (2,200 meters) with some herbal tea. As your time here unwinds, consider some of the following Thimphu highlights: the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue, a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang, the National Textile Museum, Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Arts and Crafts), and the most impressive fortress in the region, Taschichho Dzong which houses the throne room and the offices of His Majesty the King.

Punakha

For your transition to the second valley of the trip, a stop along the way at the iconic Dochula Pass offers a sweeping view of the Himalayan Mountains. The drive is approximately two hours between Thimphu and Punakha where, upon arrival, you’ll be immersed in the subtropical valley filled with charming farmhouses and rice paddies. A beloved cultural experience in Punakha is spending time with novice monks who will share the practices of the monastery with you. Another spiritual experience we love arranging for travelers is a visit to a meditation center or time spent at Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility template where you can learn about the revered ‘Divine Madman.’ If you’re up for some activities, be sure to stop by Punakha Dzong, the country’s longest suspension bridge which you can explore by foot, or take a gentle bike ride from the riverbank to Khasmsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

Gangtey

Located just over two hours apart, the journey from Punakha to Gangtey will find you climbing through the bamboo and oak forests of Nobding Valley where you’ll eventually wind up in Lawa La Pass. Your arrival to Gangtey will find you at an even higher elevation, now 9,325 feet (2,865 meters) in the Phobjikha Valley. Some of the primary points of interest here for birdwatchers are the Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre and Birdwatching Bridge. Hikers will relish the Loma Longtey trail where you can wind through a small village where yak herders put up their camps during winter followed by stunning views of Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Village. For those looking to lean into their spiritual side, bike or be driven to a nearby 7th-century temple for a blessing.

Bumthang

Travel even deeper into the Kingdom with your journey from Gangtey to Bumthang which clocks in as one of the longest distances on this trip at just over a four-hour drive. To break up the journey, stop in Trongsa, the original seat of the Royal Family before strolling into the charming town and having lunch overlooking the valley. This region is referred to as a “Forest Within a Forest” since it’s covered in blue pine trees set against the rushing Chamkhar Chhu River. For those seeking exposure to Bhutan’s religious sites, many of its most important ones are located in Bumthang; here, you can drink holy spring water and cleanse your body, speech, and mind. Another interesting option comes with visiting a nearby nunnery before starting a Bushman hike which starts in a quaint village before winding through a pristine forest with mountain and farmland views where you can enjoy a picnic lunch.

Paro

The best way to get from Bumthang back to Paro is with a short domestic flight booked by your SmartFlyer travel advisor. One of our travelers’ favorite activities to have arranged upon arrival is lunch at a local farmhouse with a Bhutanese family. Here, you can also take advantage of the country’s national sport, archery, by challenging your guide to a game! And no trip to Bhutan would be complete without a hike to Taktsang Goemba, better known as Tiger’s Nest. The perfect grand finale to your time in Bhutan, this four to six-hour hike will lead to you to the quintessential photo spot as you listen to stories about the Tibetan saint who brought Buddhism to the region in the 8th century. Finish off your time in The Land of the Thunder Dragon with some of your lodge’s wellness offerings before checking out for your departure flight.

Gross National Happiness and Being Carbon-Negative

King Jigme Singye Wangchuck stated, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.”

Would you travel halfway around the world to reach a place that measures a Gross National Happiness Index? We hope the answer is yes if you’ve reached this point in our Bhutan breakdown. But if we still don’t have you convinced, let us introduce the ideas of Gross National Happiness Index and carbon negativity. In the late 1970s, the fourth King of Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck stated, “Gross National Happiness is more important than Gross Domestic Product.” This approach emphasizes sustainability at the heart of development and gives equal important to non-economic aspects of happiness and well-being.

When creating the Gross National Happiness Index, Bhutan sought to have a tool to measure policymaking incentives for the government, NGOs, and businesses to ensure its people were being taken care of in all aspects. This approach is sure to subtly permeate travelers’ experience in Bhutan as its people are, for lack of a better word, predominately happy! Part of visiting Bhutan is getting to know the Bhutanese behind each hotel check-in, guided hike, dining experience, and cultural immersion opportunity — having a country full of happy citizens ensures that these interactions are in turn, nothing short of positive.

On the note of sustainability, Bhutan’s thoughtful approach to the environment certainly extends to carbon emissions. The country holds the unique status as the world’s first country declared as carbon-negative, meaning that it removes more greenhouse gases than it emits. In fact, it offsets over four times as much carbon as its economy emits; one of the ecological factors that helps support this is that forests cover about seventy-five percent of Bhutan’s land mass, and the Bhutanese government has committed to preserve sixty percent of this territory as forest land in perpetuity. So, get ready for some breaths of (quite literally) fresh air when you set foot in Bhutan.

How does Bhutan compare to other destinations?

While it’s difficult to compare Bhutanese culture with anywhere else, our team has likened it to the scenery in Colorado or the Blue Ridge Mountains — if they were set in Asia. From a religious standpoint, the strong observance of Buddhism is similar to that of Thailand and Japan, though time with a Bhutanese guide will reveal that the Tibetan practice of Buddhism is much more complex than the East and Southeast Asian interpretations.

Parallels can also be drawn between Bhutan and the Andes Mountains in Peru and the Quechua people. Although they are on opposite sides of the world, there are many similarities between the mountain environments and culture, including similar craft styles, adventurous mountain road driving, and reverence for the high mountains. While India’s Darjeeling is just across the border with Bhutan and the two Himalayan areas share similarities Bhutan’s sustainable approach to development shines.

Transformative Wellness

We couldn’t close off our coverage of The Land of the Thunder Dragon without emphasizing just how transformative its wellness offerings are for travelers. After a recent scouting trip, the Bhutanese traditional ritual of taking a hot stone bath where the heated river stones are glowing red after having been set in the fire for several hours before being mixed with fresh river water and medicinal herbs especially stands out. The combination is healing for all sorts of ailments and is a natural analgesic for aches and pains which is especially especially welcome following a long day of hiking.

Speaking of hiking, the beauty of Bhutan’s monasteries is how you have to hike a fair distance to reach them. They intentionally do not build roads to the monasteries because they believe the longer and more difficult the hike, the more bad karma leaves your body. You’ll depart sure you have no bad karma left in you after all of the hiking you’re bound to do in Bhutan!

Ready to explore an adventure through Bhutan? Contact your SmartFlyer Travel Advisor to get started!