About Bhutan
Bhutan, a serene Buddhist kingdom on the eastern Himalayas, is famous for its monasteries, fortresses (dzongs), and breath-taking landscapes - from subtropical plains to snow-capped peaks. Known for natural beauty, rich culture, and Gross National Happiness philosophy.
Tourism follows a high-value, low-volume policy, requiring a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD 100 per day.
Destinations visited: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, and Gangtey
Travel Route
Flight: Delhi
→ Paro (2 hrs). Excellent new aircraft, good in-flight service & meals.
Paro to Thimphu: 1.5-hour
scenic drive with a photo stop at the confluence of Paro & Thimphu Rivers.
THIMPHU (25th to 26th September 2025)
Hotels Inspected:
Le Méridien Thimphu (4★/5★) – Modern interiors with traditional architecture, comfortable rooms, good bathrooms, restaurant, bar & pool. Cultural show every evening. Walking distance to main street.
Druk Hotel (4★) – Charming character property, good rooms, no pool, very good restaurant, excellent location.
Pemako (formerly Taj Tashi, 5★/Heritage) – Beautiful heritage architecture, large rooms, heated pool, excellent fitness centre, restaurant & lawns with mountain views.
Sightseeing
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Iconic site overlooking Thimphu Valley with the Great Buddha Dordenma statue. A must-visit.
Thimphu Bazaar: Authentic
Crafts Market & Centenary Farmers Market for local art, produce, cheese
& honey.
THIMPHU → GANGTEY (26th to 28th
September 2025)
Drive: 5 hrs scenic journey via Dochula Pass (3,100 m) - panoramic Himalayan views and 108 memorial chortens built in honour of fallen soldiers.
Hotels Inspected:
Gangtey Lodge (High-End, Boutique) - 12 rooms, exceptional views, top-class food, beautiful terrace restaurant, archery, trails, monastery visits. Highly recommended for luxury clients.
Hotel Dewachen (Mid-Range) - Authentic small hotel, clean rooms, great views & restaurant. Recommended mid-category.
Phobjikha Hotel – Clean, simple new property with good views.
Gangtey Tent Resort – Scenic location but tents average; restaurant & food below par. Avoid.
Aman Kora (Luxury, Boutique) – 8 rooms, top-end Aman quality, stunning valley & monastery
views. For elite clients.
GANGTEY → PUNAKHA (28th to 30th
September 2025)
Drive: 5 hrs scenic journey via Dochula Pass (3,100 m) Had lunch at the beautiful café.
Hotels Inspected:
Tara Heaven (3★+) – Small 20-room hotel with river view; average facilities.
Meri Puensum (3★+) – Spread-out resort, good views, clean rooms, outdoor seating. Best mid-category option.
Dhensa Boutique Resort (4★) – 32 rooms, elegant décor, spa, terrace, near a nunnery; heated pool coming soon. Best in its class.
Uma Como (High-End) – 8 rooms, boutique charm, excellent views, ideal for discerning guests.
Zhingkham Resort (3★) – Many steps to rooms, basic setup, avoid using.
Pemako Punakha (Luxury) – Extraordinary 60-acre resort with private pools, top-notch dining, stunning architecture & Bhutanese dining experience. For high-end luxury clients.
Sightseeing & Activities
Punakha Dzong: Magnificent
fortress with courtyards, temples, and offices. 15–20 min from Pemako.
Rafting: 1-hr
soft adventure on “female river,” scenic & enjoyable for all ages.
PUNAKHA → PARO (30th September to 02nd October 2025)
Hotels Inspected:
Tashi Namgay Resort (4★) – Spacious property near the airport (5 min). Recommend Deluxe Superior Rooms or River-Front Cottages. Large restaurant & bar, heated indoor & outdoor pools. Good 3★+ option.
Olathang Hotel (3★/4★) – Heritage style, recommend Super Deluxe Cottages only which have the renovated bathrooms. Old bathrooms in standard rooms. 15 min from the airport.
Paro Eco Lodge (3★) – 20-room boutique hotel, neat modern bathrooms, bonfire area, suitable for mid-range clients.
Zhiwa Ling Heritage (5★ Luxury) – Stunning architecture, landscaped gardens, luxury cottages, two restaurants, spa, heated pool. Recommended in luxury category.
Himalayan Forest Resort (Adventure Stay) – Remote jungle location, basic cottages, not for elderly guests. Avoid unless adventure requested.
Uma Paro (High-End Boutique) – 28 rooms + 8 villas, forest/valley views, heated pool, yoga, boutique ambiance. Excellent for high-end clients.
Le Méridien Paro (5★) – 59 rooms, great river/mountain views, good breakfast, indoor pool, fitness centre. Rooms like Business hotel, slightly out dated but comfortable. Dinner was average. OK Ok for 5 star choice.
Sightseeing
Tiger’s Nest Monastery: 50-min drive to base from the hotel + 3- 4 hr uphill trek (moderate–tough). Spectacular views. Not for everyone as suggested by Veer/Sehr.
Paro Town: 20 min from Le Méridien; charming shops, cafés (Mountain Café popular).
Paro Airport: One of the
world’s most scenic airports. Smooth check-in, friendly staff, beautiful
Bhutanese décor, local craft shops, and cafés.
Recommendations Summary:
Bhutan - Highly Recommended destination.
Our local partner in Bhutan was very good and extremely helpful. All arrangements were absolutely perfect. Our guide, Sonam, was very knowledgeable and highly recommended. Our driver, Killay was also very helpful, was a very safe driver and highly recommended.
Luxury: Zhiwa Ling, Pemako, Gangtey Lodge, Aman Kora, Uma Paro, Pemako (Thimphu).
Upper Mid-Range: Dhensa, Druk
Mid-Range: Dewachen, Paro Eco Lodge, Tashi Namgay Resort (select rooms) Meri Puensum.
Avoid: Zhingkham
Resort, Gangtey Tent Resort, Himalayan Forest Resort (for non-adventurous
clients)
