"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
Best Time to Travel: Spring (March–May) & Fall (September–November)
Tailor-made Bhutan Tours 2026, 2027 & 2028
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon-negative country, defined by a constitutional mandate to maintain 60% forest cover and a High Value, Low Volume tourism policy. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it is a sovereign kingdom that transitioned to a constitutional monarchy in 2008 while remaining functionally grounded in Vajrayana Buddhism. It is the only nation to measure national progress through Gross National Happiness, prioritising environmental and cultural preservation over rapid industrialisation.
Bhutan
Why Travel to Bhutan?
Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Built in 1692 around a cliffside cave, Paro Taktsang sits at an elevation of 3,120 metres. The complex comprises eight interconnected temples accessible only by a steep 4-kilometre trail. It marks the 8th-century meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava and features a 60-metre waterfall cascading into a sacred pool beside the monastery’s entrance.
Dzongs of Thimphu & Punakha
These massive 17th-century fortresses are built of rammed earth and stone without the use of nails. Punakha Dzong, the winter capital until 1955, sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and houses the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In Thimphu, the Tashichho Dzong serves as the summer capital, containing the throne room of the King and 30 separate religious and administrative wings.
Valleys of Phobjikha & Bumthang
The Phobjikha Valley is a 2,900-metre glacial basin and a designated conservation area for the Black-necked Crane, which migrates from Tibet every November. Further east, Bumthang comprises four distinct valleys—Chokhor, Tang, Chhume, and Ura—and serves as the country’s religious center. It is home to the Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century, and the Kurjey Lhakhang, where the body print of Guru Rinpoche is preserved in rock.
Bhutan at a Glance
- Capital
Thimphu
- Population
798,000
- People
Mestizo, Afro-Caribbean, Mayan, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, White, Asian
- Religions
Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon
- Languages
Dzongkha, Tshangla (Sharchop), Nepali, Dzala, Kheng, Bantawa
- Currency
Ngultrum (BTN), Indian rupee (INR)
- Phone Code
+975
- Time Zone
UTC+6
- Power Plug
Types C, D & G
- Peak Season
Spring (March–May) & fall (September–November)
- Dishes
Ema datshi (chilli and cheese stew), momos (steamed dumplings), phaksha paa (pork with chillies), red rice, suja (butter tea)
- Neighbours
China to the north, India to the south, east, and west
- E-sim
Get a Bhutan e-sim from Airalo, or locally from Bhutan Telecom or TashiCell outlets in Thimphu or Paro.
- Visa
Bhutan tourist visa information is available on the Bhutan Immigration Services Portal. Contact us for visa assistance.
Bhutan Tour Packages
Prefer something entirely bespoke? Design a private Bhutan journey.
What makes us different from the rest
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
Bhutan Travel Guide
Stories from the road
Traveller Testimonials
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Tailor-made journeys
Want to See Bhutan on Your Own Terms?
Let's bring your dreams to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or need inspiration, we'll design a journey as unique as you are.