It’s undeniable that every destination is unique, but, if you’ll allow us, Bhutan is more unique. This is partly because of the country’s approach to visitors. The idea of Gross National Happiness is very important in Bhutan, so as far as being a guest in their country goes, you’re most welcome, but you will need to pay a minimum fee of about US$250 per person per day, to ensure the Bhutanese get the best value from tourism and the country isn’t overwhelmed. This is a magical Himalayan Kingdom where change has been slower to come, so it’s certainly unique in that sense as well, and the Bhutanese sense the value in keeping it that way. US$250, for many of us, is expensive. But that can include your food and transport and your official guide, which you have to have, so it’s not as bad as it first sounds. It does mean the prices of some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Bhutan look high, but when set against the daily minimum they make sense.
Bhutan is deeply Buddhist, and Buddhist values permeate everything here, so it can feel quite traditional, but this isn’t a country frozen in time, the people are generally very outward looking and well educated and informed, and it’s this careful blend of old and new, where the best bits are valued, that makes Bhutan such a fascinating place to visit. And that’s what makes some of the best places to stay in Bhutan so fantastic. Some of our favourite Bhutanese hotels are part of traditional lodge or palace complexes, where you’ll find ancient hot stone baths on modern spa menus, or elegant, modern rooms heated with beautiful traditional stove heating — or the other way around: traditional style rooms with underfloor heating.
Out of the windows of the best places to stay in Bhutan you’ll see the real reason many people come here. The Himalayan views of snow-dusted peaks and deep, primeval forests, of valleys carved by ice and dotted with temples, monasteries and story-book-worthy traditional villages. Bhutan’s slower, thoughtful approach to change means this landscape has remained the same for centuries, pristine almost, and the opportunities to walk in the Himalayas are second to none.
Where to Stay
- Thimphu is the capital city, and the largest in Bhutan. But it’s only been the capital since 1961, so, despite there being a dzong here since the 13th Century, it’s certainly not an ancient place. It’s being built into a very well planned capital city, but it’s not quite there yet. It does have lots of green space and well organised roads to the highlights, places like the National Folk Heritage Museum, the Alaya Gallery, the Royal Textile Academy and the three main dzongs: Tashichho Dzong, Trashi Chhloe Dzong and Simtokha Dzong.
- Paro has the international airport and is the closest city to the Taktsand Monastery, also called the Tiger’s Nest, which is one of the images synonymous with Bhutan, and which has probably drawn many of us to consider travelling here. Paro also has the National Museum of Bhutan, which occupies a former watchtower of the city, and several dzongs, though some are in ruins. Paro also has an impressive collection of monasteries.
- Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1961, and this is where you’ll find the regal buildings you would expect to find in an ancient capital. The dzong is the main attraction, it’s extremely photogenic, sitting on an island between two rivers. You reach it via a wooden bridge, and inside are all the treasures you’d expect to find in a royal palace.
- Jakar and the Choekor Valley is said by many to be one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, to give you an idea it’s often compared to Switzerland. But with many monasteries and sacred sites. The Jakar Dzong is one of the most famous in Bhutan, elegant and white, this is also where you’ll find Kurje Lhakhang monastery, and Jakar generally is known for being the first kingdom in Bhutan to adopt Buddhism.
- Trongsa is one of Bhutan’s most picturesque and historic towns, with an impressive dzong and a lively main bazaar on a traditional looking street of white, three storey houses.
- If you want to see more of Bhutan’s flora and fauna then head to Zhemgag, which is only just opening up to visitors.
Use our guide to the best places to stay in Bhutan and start to plan your trip to this fascinating little-discovered country.
The Best Places to Stay in Bhutan
For sheer luxury
- In a beautiful spot in the Thimphu Valley with views of the mountains on all sides, the Taj Tashi is a five-star hotel with a contemporary feel, despite its gorgeously golden, traditional looking facade. The rooms are plush, but still feel cosy, and there’s a spa to help you really unwind, so it’s got the feel of a luxurious back to nature retreat, if that’s a ‘thing’.
- The Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary offers a similar feeling of luxury but in a beautiful natural setting, this time the Neyphu Valley near Paro. There are just 24 guest rooms, with four-poster beds and latticework detail on the windows and walls. Each room has its own terrace or balcony and the restaurant specialises in local cuisine. They even make their own soap. This is a romantic, as well as luxurious spot.
- For more indulgence amongst Bhutan’s incredible scenery, consider Amankora, a stunning traditional lodge just outside Paro on the edge of a village below Drukyel Dzong. The decor is simple, featuring lots of wood, plus wood-burning stoves and excellent bathrooms. There’s no better way to watch the night roll in than with a bottle of wine and a spot by the fire pit.
- Amankora Punakha is another luxurious lodge, this time on the other side of a dramatic suspension bridge over the Mo Chu River in the Punakha Valley. Once over the bridge you’ll be rewarded with 12 luxury rooms and suites, a beautiful infinity pool and a two storey spa with incredible views of this dramatic, subtropical valley.
- The Amankora Bumthang Lodge is next to the beautiful Wangdichholing Palace in the town of Jaka. You’re surrounded by ancient temples and monasteries close by, but also in the mountains and valleys surrounding the lodge. There are 16 spacious rooms with wood panels and big bathtubs, plus window seats for admiring the views. The restaurant has a lovely courtyard with more incredible views.
Some of the Best Bhutan Escapes
- The Dewachen Hotel, in the Gangtey Valley, is a peaceful choice, surrounded by pine trees and beautiful valley views. The hotel has 28 rooms, quite ornately decorated with carved wood and traditional carpets, and a restaurant specialising in regional dishes. There’s a spa too, and it’s very reasonably priced.
- Dhensa is right in the heart of the Punakha Valley, with valley views from all of the 24 rooms and suites. Inside the hotel is sleek and contemporary, with lots of light coloured wood and big French windows. There’s also an excellent spa. But you’re just ten minutes walk from a traditional Buddhist convent.
- The Zhiwa Ling Ascent is a chic mountain retreat in Upper Mothitang, just outside Thimphu. It has 20 elegant rooms and suites, all with incredible views, and some with living space. There’s also a rooftop lounge.
- The Como Uma Punakha is a luxurious lodge escape at the end of the Punakha Valley. There are just 11 rooms, with beautiful green valley views, plus regional artwork and Sheesham-wood furniture. There’s a private villa too. And a stylish restaurant.
- Amankora Thimphu is a traditional style hotel just outside Thumphu, with rooms laid out like monks' quarters, with minimalist decor and stone and wood accents. It’s very comfortable, though, complete with a spa and excellent restaurant.
Some of the Best hotels in Rural Bhutan
- Amankora Gangtey is a boutique lodge in the Phobjikha Valley, with 12 generously proportioned suites complete with huge beds, traditional wood-burning stoves and terrazzo-clad bathtubs. They have a spa with a hot stone bath and a restaurant occupying a candlelit potato hut — it’s far more glamorous than it sounds when you say it like that.
- Como Uma Paro is a collection of nine private luxury villas, and 20 guest rooms close to Paro. The decor is traditionally Bhutanese, with with a contemporary twist, and there’s an excellent spa and restaurant too. The surrounding valley and mountain tops are littered with hidden temples and monasteries, so there’s plenty to discover.
For Trekkers
- The Zhiwa Ling Heritage Hotel is an authentic Bhutanese guesthouse with 45 spacious rooms, decorated with local textiles, but with the comfort of modern underfloor heating. Its suites boast hot tubs and private balconies. Take a meditation class lead by Buddhist monks then visit the temple.
- The Gangtey Lodge is an award-winning eco-lodge nestled, remotely, into the mountains, and overlooking the spectacular Gangtey Valley. Accommodation is in 12 lodges, all decorated with warm, earthy tones. There’s an excellent restaurant and spa, both with incredible views.
For Families
- The Lechuna Heritage Lodge is in the picturesque village of Lechuna, close to the Tibetan border. There are just seven rustic rooms renovated from a traditional farmhouse, or you can book the whole lodge, which is perfect for families. The restaurant is very traditional, so this is a great place experience authentic Bhutanese culture. And there’s a lot to do in the surrounding area.
In Thimphu
- The Druk Hotel is a 67 room hotel in a great position on one of Thimphu’s main squares. Rooms and suites have a rustic feel, though it’s a decor choice not at the expense of comfort or mod. cons.. Many rooms have views of the Wangchu River, and the best have private balconies as well.
For Great Value
- The Hotel Osel in the Thimphu valley is bright and contemporary, with large windows overlooking the valley in all of the 35 rooms. In addition to rooms they also have suites with their own kitchenettes and living rooms and the hotel restaurant has a beautiful terrace.
- The Hotel Gangtey Palace is a traditional style, 19 room hotel with its own temple and hot stone bath. Inside the palace are some beautiful tapestries and antiques, but the hotel also has fantastic views and the restaurant is very good. You’re in a good spot in the Paro Valley, a hike away from the Takshang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Prefer an Apartment or Private Villa?
- If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.
Travel Information
- Bhutan’s only international airport is the Paro International Airport, which is connected to Bangkok, Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka and Singapore. Interestingly Bhutan has no railways, so the only other way to travel is by road.
- If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
- Bhutan is a relatively small country, but its weather is extremely varied depending on which part of the country you’re in, even from one valley to the next sometimes. The variation is mostly to do with elevation, so the northern third of Bhutan is pretty snowy, but it is bordering on Tibet, the middle third has seasons similar to Europe — the exception being Punakha where it’s warmer all year round, and in the south of Bhutan it’s hot, humid and subtropical... well it is right next to India! The average rainfall varies from region to region too, so it’s really better to choose your hotel first and then work out the best time of year to go.
Still not sure?
