Discover Bhutan’s sacred valleys on a small group cultural journey featuring iconic monasteries, breathtaking Himalayan scenery and the legendary Tiger’s Nest, all enjoyed in premium 4 and 5 star accommodation.
9 Days from
$
Premium Adventures
Adventure touring
59kg of CO2-e PP per day
(475kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
Bhutan Explorer Premium is a small group cultural journey offering an immersive and refined way to experience the spiritual heart of the Himalaya. Travel through Bhutan’s most sacred valleys on a thoughtfully paced itinerary designed for travellers seeking cultural depth, gentle exploration, and elevated comfort. Throughout the journey, you’ll stay in handpicked 4 and 5 star boutique accommodation, chosen for its Bhutanese character, warm hospitality, and exceptional settings.
Begin with a welcome prayer ceremony in Paro before discovering Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, including the monumental Buddha Dordenma overlooking Thimphu, the majestic Punakha Dzong, the serene Gangtey Monastery, and the legendary Taktsang Lhakhang, the Tiger’s Nest. Enjoy a half-day hands-on experience at the Choki Traditional Art School, meaningful interactions with local dignitaries in Thimphu, and the opportunity to take part in traditional archery and darts.
Scenic drives over the Dochula Pass reveal sweeping Himalayan panoramas, leading to picnic lunches in Punakha and tranquil riverside sunsets near the dzong. Cultural immersion continues with farmhouse cooking experiences and a rare drum ceremony performed by nuns in Paro. All-inclusive meals showcase delicious, authentic Bhutanese cuisine. With expert local guides and seamless logistics throughout, this journey offers a deeply enriching and unforgettable introduction to Bhutan.
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Meals: L,D
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Meals: B,L,D
Meals: B
8 scheduled departures between 15 Nov 2026 and 16 Nov 2027.
Premium Bhutan Explorer | World Expeditions
Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel in Thimphu is a refined luxury retreat that blends contemporary elegance with traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship. Spacious rooms, sophisticated interiors and attentive hospitality create a serene and indulgent base for travellers seeking comfort and style in Bhutan’s vibrant capital.
Zhiwaling Ascent Hotel in Punakha is a refined luxury retreat set amid the lush valleys of central Bhutan, where contemporary elegance blends seamlessly with traditional Bhutanese design. Spacious rooms, beautiful natural surroundings and attentive hospitality create a serene and indulgent base for travellers seeking comfort and style in the heart of the Punakha Valley.
Enjoy a stay at the meticulously crafted Zhiwaling Heritage Hotel, Bhutan’s only Bhutanese-owned five-star property. Gourmet cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, tranquil landscaped gardens and sweeping mountain views create an exceptional setting, complemented by some of the country’s most spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and warm, genuine Bhutanese hospitality.
Dewachen Hotel is an elegant boutique retreat located in the serene Phobjikha Valley (Gangtey), surrounded by sweeping alpine meadows and forested hills. Blending traditional Bhutanese architecture with refined comfort, the hotel offers beautifully appointed rooms, warm hospitality and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for unwinding in one of Bhutan’s most scenic regions.
Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.
If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.
It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.
You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.
If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.
Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.
Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.
Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.
Discover the secret to happiness in the last Himalayan kingdom
Carbon Footprint
So what does 100 kg of carbon look like? Here is a rough guide to help put it into perspective:
Discover how we're working to cut carbon emissions from our adventures by exploring the Climate Action page within our Responsible Travel hub.
Please note trip footprints do not include flights to and from the tour.
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