Bridge crossing in Bhutan

Bhutan Family Adventure

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

10 Days

Prices Start from

£5,175pp(ex. flights)

Travelling with kids in Bhutan isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but it’s certainly a worthy experience. Swap the kids club for a more enriching holiday for the entire family.

The type of family that comes to Bhutan loves exploring and getting stuck in. With the constant reassurance of your excellent guide, kids can have a go at so many activities.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Landscape, Bhutan 1

Khotakha Valley

The unspoilt Haa Valley is a fantastic day out. Drive over the Chele Pass and choose to free-wheel on bikes into the Haa Valley.

Rafting, Punakha, Bhutan 2

Rafting Experiences

Raft scenic Mo Chu from the temple at Nyexengorg or white-water of the Pho Chu River offers a buzz for the more adventurous.

Joe Parkes 3

National Sport

If in Thimphu or Paro on a Sunday, watch a game of archery. Revel in the impromptu dance on hitting a bullseye.

Festival Dancer, Bhutan 4

Festivals

A number of festivals coincide with the UK school holidays, such as Paro Tsechu in April and Thimphu Tsechu in autumn.

Why we like it

Many might think that we are mad for recommending Bhutan as a family destination. Yes, there are challenges – altitude and long journeys notwithstanding – but you dismiss it at your peril and ignore the opportunity for your children to discover that deep impulse to inquire that comes from being immersed in living cultures very different to one’s own. Whatever your little ones are into, we can help you instigate the first steps.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Bhutan on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Paro - Thimphu

  • Day 2

    Punakha

  • Day 3

    Punakha

  • Day 4

    Punakha - Khotakha

  • Day 5-6

    Khotakha

  • Day 7

    Khotakha-Paro

  • Day 8

    Paro - Haa Valley

  • Day 9-10

    Paro

Day 1

Paro - Thimphu

Archery, Bhutan

If in Thimphu on a Sunday, watch a game of archery. If visiting in Autumn, celebrate at the Thimphu Tsechu.

Day 2

Punakha

Punakha Dzong, Punakha, Bhutan

Located at a height of 4265 ft., Punakha valley is one of Bhutan’s most scenic destinations.

Day 3

Punakha

Day 4

Punakha - Khotakha

Prayer Flags, Bhutan

The residents that are here are farmers. The deep pine forests offer amazing treks to sacred sites and remote villages.

Day 5-6

Khotakha

Day 7

Khotakha-Paro

Day 8

Paro - Haa Valley

Haa Valley, Bhutan

The unspoilt Haa Valley is a fantastic day out. Drive over the Chele Pass and choose to free-wheel on bikes into the Haa Valley

Day 9-10

Paro

Monk enjoying his colorful mask dance at yearly Paro Tsechu festival in Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan

A number of festivals coincide with the UK school holidays, such as Paro Tsechu in April.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Festival Dancer, Bhutan
Bhutan
Prayer Wheels, Bhutan
Bhutan
Wild Sheep, Bhutan
Bhutan
Archery, Bhutan
Archery, Thimpu, Bhutan

Family Friendly Bhutan

Bhutan offers privileged experiences for energetic families, with an abundance of activities. We suggest Bhutan for school-age children due to the trekking demands on the little legs.

We can arrange for soccer matches at monasteries and lessons in the national sport of archery. This is backcountry Asia with child-friendly activities, safe drivers and exceptional hotels. Added to this, nearly all Bhutanese speak English from a very young age. As road journeys can be slow and winding unless your children are good travellers we recommend confining your trip to Western Bhutan where there is still plenty to see and do.

Hillside village, Bhutan
Bhutan

Glamping in Khotakha Valley

An exciting opportunity to visit one of the remote and sacred valleys of Bhutan, also known as “Be yul” the hidden valley. The residents that are here are farmers. The deep pine forests offer amazing treks to sacred sites and remote villages.

Explore the area on foot, looping past four sacred monasteries to reach the hilltop Dra Jangchub Lhakhang. By night, immerse yourself fully into wild Bhutan and stay in a camp. Fully catered, your chef will prepare your local meals whilst you enjoy striking scenery in these tranquil surroundings.

Uma by COMO, Paro Valley, Bhutan
Como Uma Paro, Paro, Bhutan
Amankora, Gangtey, Bhutan
Aman Gangtey, Gangtey Valley, Bhutan
Taj Tashi, Thimphu, Bhutan
Taj Tashi, Thimphu, Bhutan

Home Comforts for Families

Simple lodges can be found throughout Western Bhutan but at times fall short when catering specifically for family needs. The exceptional understanding and attention to detail that goes into shaping an experiential stay at the boutique lodges will undeniably define your family holiday.

If the budget fits, we suggest you stay in at least one of these magical hotels during your trip. Taj, Aman, Six Senses and COMO are all reassuringly present in Bhutan.

Along with this some high-end camping experiences at Bumdra Monastery and Punakha Valley, Bhutan is truly capable of offering a spectacular experience, amongst comfortable surroundings. It has come a long way in a decade.

The COMO hotels have crafted a menu that will be wolfed down by your younger ones, and offer two bedroomed villas to ensure you have the perfect balance when it comes to sleeping arrangements after all this is a holiday!

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Prayer Flags, Bhutan
Bhutan
Bumthang, Chokor Valley, Bhutan
Bumthang, Chokor Valley, Bhutan
Tibetan Bowl, Bhutan
Bhutan

Child's Play

Throughout the holiday there will be ample opportunity to have some play time.

Activities range from hanging prayer flags on the Dochula Pass, making personalised postage stamps in the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters for postcards home, or toasting marshmallows at Uma Paro woodland camp, with star beds for sleeping out. For older children, river rafting offers an adrenaline activity.

The Mo Chu River flows at a leisurely pace down the valley, passing by the stunning Punakha Dzong, whereas the white-water of the Pho Chu River offers a buzz for the more adventurous. Tackle its rapids, whilst rushing through pristine forests and lush farmland.

Children will be immersed in local culture, such as lighting yak butter lamps (for long life), or chatting with the young monks, eager to practice their English skills.

If in Thimphu or Paro on a Sunday, catch an archery competition at the Changlingmithang Stadium.

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Haa Valley, Bhutan
Bhutan

Freewheeling the Chele Pass

The unspoilt Haa Valley is located close to Paro and offers a fantastic day out. Drive over the Chele Pass, Bhutan’s highest road, and choose to free-wheel on bikes into the Haa Valley. Explore the local monastery, have a picnic and return to Paro. This is easy biking across farmlands and villages with child bikes available.

Monk enjoying his colorful mask dance at yearly Paro Tsechu festival in Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan
Bhutan

Half Term Holidays

The best time to visit Bhutan coincides with our Spring and Autumn school holidays, particularly for trekking. The monsoon brings rain between June and September and this is the main time to avoid Bhutan.

A number of festivals coincide with the UK school holidays, such as Paro Tsechu in April and Thimphu Tsechu in autumn, although there are smaller celebrations throughout Bhutan almost every month.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Como Uma Paro £££££

  • Bhutan
  • City

Uma Paro offers five-star comfort and a unique style in the wildly beautiful Himalayan country of Bhutan. Located on a hilltop, the hotel overlooks the town of Paro, one of the main cultural centres of Bhutan and the gateway to the country. Uma Paro is surrounded by pine forests offering stylish rooms featuring intricate Bhutanese detailing combined perfectly with a sharp, contemporary style. The excellent spa and heated indoor swimming pool offer a welcome rest after a busy day’s sightseeing.

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Taj Tashi £££££

  • Bhutan
  • City

The Taj Tashi reflects Bhutan’s rich heritage and architecture with its interesting combination of traditional Bhutanese hand-painted design and modern design. The hotel enjoys majestic views of the mountains surrounding the Thimphu valley and has 66 rooms, together with a luxurious spa and indoor heated pool. Gourmet dining is offered at the hotel’s restaurant where you can indulge in both Continental and Asian specialities. There is also a contemporary bar and a Tea Lounge serving butter tea, a local favourite guaranteed to take the chill off in the colder months. There is a golf course a 5-minute walk away and a trip to the National Library and Textile Museum takes ten minutes by car.

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Aman Bumthang £££££

  • Bhutan

Amankora Bumthang rests adjacent to the historical Wangduechhoeling Palace, within the town of Jakar in the Choekhor Gewog. This beautiful valley is sprinkled with an exotic mix of sloping pine forests, apple orchards and restful fields of farm produce. The 16 suites are located in one building and are identical in design to those of the Aman properties in Punakha and Paro. There is a library, well-appointed living room and an impressive dining room. Located in the courtyard between the lodge and Wangduechhoeling Palace is an informal bonfire area for pre-dinner drinks. The spa offers three treatment rooms and a steam room.

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Aman Gangtey £££££

  • Bhutan

Aman Gangtey is located in a stunning position overlooking the unspoilt valley of Phobjikha. The eight suites are identical to those of Amankora Thimphu, offering an open plan bedroom and bathing area. The aesthetics combine wood panelling and chocolate brown walls, the traditional bukhari, terrazzo-clad bath, shower and vanity and daybed offering views across the valley. Suites are individually heated during the cold winter months.

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Aman Punakha £££££

  • Bhutan

Set in the temperate climate of the Punakha Valley lies Amankora Punakha. Accessed by crossing a suspension bridge over the river Mo Chhu, the eight suite lodge accommodates 16 people and is situated amidst lush rice fields, with views down the valley to the Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most significant and impressive fortress monasteries. Anchored by a multi-storied traditional Bhutanese farmhouse built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother as a summer residence, Amankora Punakha extends the circuit of Amankora lodges throughout Bhutan’s principal western and central valleys, allowing guests the broadest access to the wonders of Bhutan’s pristine landscape and ancient traditions.

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Six Senses Bhutan £££££

  • Bhutan
  • Wellness and Spa

Six Senses Bhutan are the finest collection of remote lodges in Asia and a welcome addition to the other luxury-level accommodation on offer. Designed to be experienced as a circuit, a stay at each lodge provides a seamless experience between the five lodges. Each lodge is different, yet all share the same farm-fresh dining and extensive spa facilities.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £5,175 Per person

When to travel

Bhutan in January

The coldest month in Bhutan, but it is very dry and crisp with clear skies. The south of the country, at lower elevations, is warmer.

Bhutan in February

Temperatures remain cold, but skies also remain clear with often spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Bhutan in March

Temperatures rise, as spring bursts into life. Hillsides are abundant with blooming wildflowers. It is still chilly at high altitudes, but the skies are clear. Overall, a fantastic time to visit.

Bhutan in April

An ideal time for trekking, as temperatures continue to rise. The chance of a shower increases too, but it is not monsoon season yet. Make sure to book accommodation in advance.

Bhutan in May

Temperatures, humidity, and rainfall all increase. Visitor numbers drop, however, and the rhododendrons are still beautiful.

Bhutan in June

The start of the monsoon season. Not a recommended time to visit, although views can be spectacular after the rains clear.

Bhutan in July

The monsoon is in full swing. Temperatures but also rainfall peak. Not a good time for trekking

Bhutan in August

Sightseeing is still possible but the monsoon season continues.

Bhutan in September

The rain starts to abate, and by the end of the month, most days are fine and dry. A changeable month, with warm temperatures to be enjoyed between the showers.

Bhutan in October

The perfect time for hiking, with stunning views and comfortable temperatures. The busiest month though, so we recommend booking accommodation well in advance.

Bhutan in November

Rainfall will occur as temperatures begin to drop and expect it to be chilly at higher elevations. A great time to see rare black-necked cranes.

Bhutan in December

The start of winter, and cold, crisp days. Visitor numbers drop, but there are still stunning views to be had for those willing to wrap up.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

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