Bhutan Luxury Travel: What Does a Premium Tour Include?
What a luxury Bhutan tour includes in 2027: lodges, guides, helicopters, wellness and pricing.
- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Thimphu, Bhutan
TCB-licensed Bhutanese tour operator, since 2010
Bhutan tours planned and guided by Bhutanese
Private trips to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and beyond. We arrange your visa, SDF, flights and hotels, then travel with you.
Since 2010
Planning trips in Bhutan
4,547+
Travellers hosted
4.9 / 5
From 3,200+ guest reviews
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Countries our guests come from
Born in Bhutan, every one of us
Deya Bhutan Tours was started by Bhutanese guides with one belief: the best guide to Bhutan is someone from Bhutan. We’d watched agencies in Delhi, Singapore and London sell “authentic Bhutan” with stock photos and copied itineraries, and we knew we could do better.
Everyone on our team of more than 20 was born here: the lead guides, the logistics staff, and the cooks and camp managers on our treks. Our founders hiked to Tiger’s Nest as children and spent Losar at Punakha Dzong. We know this country from memory.
That shows on the road. Our guides know which monastery opens at dawn, which farmhouse in Bumthang makes the best ema datshi, and which trail in the Haa Valley no guidebook mentions.
Why guests choose Deya
Local guides
Every Deya guide grew up in Bhutan and speaks Dzongkha and English.
Built around you
No fixed packages. We plan each trip after we understand who you are and what you want from Bhutan.
Everything arranged
Visa, SDF, hotels, private transport and permits, so you can just travel.
Money stays in Bhutan
We work with local guesthouses and artisans and follow the country's High Value, Low Impact approach.
Real cultural time
Farmhouse meals, monastery visits with people who pray there, and festivals seen with someone who grew up dancing in them.
Support the whole way
Our team answers before you arrive and stays on call while you travel.
Free consultation. No booking fees. A reply within 24 hours.
Bhutan tour packages for every kind of traveller
All our tours are private. Pick a starting point below and we’ll build the days around you.
Bhutan cultural tours
Dzongs, temples, farmhouses and the Tiger’s Nest hike. The best first trip to Bhutan, from 5 to 15 days.
See cultural tours
Bhutan festival tours
Time your visit for a Tshechu and watch the masked dances in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha or Bumthang.
See festival tours
Bhutan trekking tours
Short hikes like the two-day Bumdra trek, or the long Jomolhari and Snowman routes. We arrange the tents, cooks and pack animals.
See treks
Luxury Bhutan tours
Stay at Amankora, Uma Paro and other high-end lodges, with a private guide and driver throughout.
See luxury tours
Adventure tours
Mountain biking, the Bhutan International Marathon, rafting and long hikes for people who like to move.
See adventure tours
Photography tours
Festival, wildlife, bird and landscape trips timed for the best light, including pre-wedding shoots.
See photography tours
Our most-loved trip
The 10-day Adventure and Cultural Immersion tour
This is the tour that started Deya, and the one our guests recommend most to friends. We’ve refined it for more than ten years.
You land in Paro and meet your guide. Over ten unhurried days you hike to Tiger’s Nest, stand under Punakha Dzong where the two rivers meet, walk Thimphu’s weekend market, watch butter lamp offerings in Bumthang’s old temples, and stop on ridges above valleys most visitors never reach. The days are paced slowly so Bhutan has time to sink in.
Popular Bhutan itineraries
Most people ask us for one of these. Each one can be stretched, shortened or turned into a festival trip.
5 days
5-day Bhutan tour
Paro, the Dochula pass, Punakha and Chhimi Lhakhang, then the Tiger’s Nest hike on day four. Short, but you see the highlights.
7 days
7-day Bhutan itinerary
Paro, Thimphu and two days in Punakha, ending with the Tiger’s Nest hike. This is the trip most first-time visitors pick.
7 days
7 days with Haa Valley
The classic route plus a day in Haa, a quiet valley west of Paro that few tourists reach.
10 days
10-day Bhutan itinerary
Thimphu and Punakha, then east over the passes to Trongsa, Bumthang and the Phobjikha Valley before the Tiger’s Nest hike.
Places to visit in Bhutan
Western and central Bhutan hold most of what visitors come for. Here’s what each valley is known for.
Paro
Bhutan’s main international airport is here. So is Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), the monastery on a cliff 900 metres above the valley floor, along with Paro Dzong and the National Museum.
Thimphu
The capital has no traffic lights. You’ll see the giant Buddha Dordenma statue, Tashichho Dzong, the weekend market, and the school where students learn the 13 traditional arts.
Punakha
Punakha Dzong sits where two rivers meet and was the old seat of government. Chhimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, is a short walk through rice fields.
Phobjikha Valley
A wide glacial valley around Gangtey Monastery. Endangered black-necked cranes spend the winter here, roughly from late October to February.
Further east and west
Bumthang
Central Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, with some of the oldest temples in the country, including Jambay Lhakhang and Kurje Lhakhang, plus the Burning Lake.
Haa Valley
Reached over the Chele La pass, one of the highest roads in Bhutan. It opened to tourists only in 2002 and still sees few of them.
On a clear day, the Himalaya rises behind the 108 chortens of Dochula pass, on the road from Thimphu to Punakha.
Bhutan travel rules for 2027
What it costs to visit Bhutan, and how entry works
Bhutan has its own rules for visitors. Here’s what applies now, checked against the Department of Tourism and the Department of Immigration.
Sources: Department of Tourism and the Department of Immigration. Rules can change, so we confirm the current rates when we send your quote.
Sustainable Development Fee
USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027. Children aged 6 to 11 pay USD 50, and under-6s pay nothing. After that date the government may go back to the full USD 200, so for trips from September 2027 we confirm the fee when we quote.
Indian nationals
Indian visitors don't need a visa. They get an entry permit using a passport or voter ID and pay an SDF of INR 1,200 per night.
Tourist visa
Most other nationalities need an e-visa before arrival. The fee is USD 40, paid once, and applications are reviewed within 5 working days. We file it for you.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date you leave Bhutan.
Getting in
Most visitors fly into Paro International Airport on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines. You can also cross by road from India at Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar.
What the SDF pays for
The fee goes into Bhutan's public accounts and helps fund free healthcare, schools, forest protection and the upkeep of historic dzongs.
Travel insurance
It's not required for the visa anymore. That changed in April 2024. We still strongly recommend a policy that covers medical treatment, evacuation and high-altitude treks.
Certified guides and hotels
Your guide must be certified by the Department of Tourism. Since October 2026, tourists may only stay in certified hotels and homestays, and we book only those.
The best time to visit Bhutan
Bhutan is open all year. Spring and autumn are the busiest months, and every season has something worth travelling for.
Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and change every year. Ask us for this year’s dates before you book flights.
Spring
March to May
Rhododendrons flower on the passes, the weather is mild, and the Paro Tshechu usually falls in this season. Book early for April.
Summer
June to August
This is the monsoon. Afternoons are often wet, but the valleys turn bright green and you’ll share the trails with very few people.
Autumn
September to November
Clear skies and the best mountain views of the year. Thimphu Tshechu and many trekking routes are at their best now, so this is peak season.
Winter
December to February
Nights get cold, yet the days are often clear and sunny. Black-necked cranes winter in the Phobjikha Valley, and lower Punakha stays mild.
Bhutan festival calendar
Tshechus are held in dzong courtyards, with masked dances that go back centuries. Dates follow the lunar calendar, so they move each year. These are the usual months.
Punakha Drubchen and Tshechu
February or March
Paro Tshechu
March or April
Thimphu Tshechu
September or October
Jakar Tshechu, Bumthang
October or November
Black-necked Crane Festival, Phobjikha
11 November every year
Special trips we plan
Honeymoons in Bhutan
Farmhouse stays, hot stone baths and quiet lodges in Punakha and Paro, planned for two.
Helicopter flights
Scenic flights over the Himalaya and quick transfers between valleys, booked through Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services.
Pre-wedding photoshoots
A week of shoots in dzongs, temples and mountain passes, with a photographer who knows the light.
Travelling from Hong Kong
How to fly to Paro from Hong Kong, with visa tips and a sample plan.
Rated 4.9 out of 5 by more than 3,200 guests
Our guests come from over 45 countries. Here’s what a few of them said after travelling with us.
“
We’ve traveled across Asia and Europe, but Bhutan felt truly different from anywhere else we’ve visited. Our guide from Deya Bhutan Tours arranged everything perfectly — from peaceful monastery visits in Bumthang to the unforgettable sunrise hike at Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Every hotel, cultural experience, and local interaction felt authentic and thoughtfully planned. If you’re searching for a trusted Bhutan tour company for a cultural journey, Deya Bhutan Tours delivers an experience you’ll remember forever.
Margaret & Thomas H. — United Kingdom
Tour: Bhutan Cultural & Festival Tour, 10 Days
“
We booked our Bhutan honeymoon package with Deya Bhutan Tours after reading reviews online, and it turned out to be the highlight of our year. The Punakha valley views, traditional farmhouse dinner, relaxing hot stone bath, and peaceful monasteries made the journey magical. Our guide was knowledgeable, kind, and always attentive to every detail. Bhutan is one of the most romantic destinations in Asia, and Deya Bhutan Tours made our honeymoon smooth, luxurious, and unforgettable from start to finish.
Akira & Yuki M. — Japan
Tour: Bhutan Honeymoon Package, 8 Days
“
I’ve completed treks in Nepal and Peru, but the Bhutan Snowman Trek with Deya Bhutan Tours was on another level entirely. The landscapes were breathtaking, the camps were comfortable, and the support team handled acclimatization and logistics professionally throughout the expedition. Even at high altitude, the food and organization were exceptional. If you’re planning a serious trekking adventure in Bhutan and want an experienced Bhutan trekking company, these are the people you can fully trust.
David R. — United States
Tour: Bhutan Snowman Trek Expedition, 25 Days
“
Our Bhutan cultural tour exceeded every expectation we had before arriving. From the peaceful monasteries of Paro to the stunning valleys of Phobjikha, every day felt meaningful and beautifully organized. The guide shared deep insights into Bhutanese culture, history, and local traditions, which made the journey even more special. The hotels were comfortable, the itinerary was smooth, and the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery became the highlight of our trip. Deya Bhutan Tours made exploring Bhutan easy, authentic, and unforgettable.
Emily & Jason M. — Australia
Tour: Bhutan Cultural & Nature Discovery Tour, 8 Days
How we plan your Bhutan trip
1
Tell us about your trip
Dates, who’s travelling, what you want to see, and your budget. A rough idea is fine.
2
Get a day-by-day plan
We send an itinerary with hotels and a full price that includes the SDF, so there are no surprises later.
3
We handle the paperwork
Once you confirm, we apply for your visa, pay the SDF and book your Drukair or Bhutan Airlines seats.
4
Travel with your guide
Your guide and driver meet you at Paro and stay with you until you fly home.
Questions people ask before visiting Bhutan
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes, unless you hold an Indian passport, in which case you need an entry permit instead. Most other visitors apply for an e-visa online before arriving. The fee is USD 40 and the review takes up to 5 working days. You can apply yourself at immi.gov.bt, or we’ll do it for you as part of your booking.
How much does a trip to Bhutan cost?
The biggest fixed cost is the Sustainable Development Fee: USD 100 per adult per night until 31 August 2027, after which the government may go back to USD 200. A typical 7-day trip costs between USD 2,500 and 4,500 per person, depending on your hotels, group size, season and whether you trek. That price includes the SDF, visa, guide, hotels, meals and transport, and we itemise every line.
Will the SDF change after August 2027?
Possibly. The USD 100 rate was set by the government in 2023 and runs until 31 August 2027. The Department of Tourism has said it may end the discount after that, which would bring back the full USD 200 per night. Nothing new has been announced yet. If your trip falls after August 2027, we’ll check the current rate before you pay.
Can I travel in Bhutan without a guide?
No. A Department of Tourism notice issued on 8 April 2026 confirms that visitors must travel with a licensed guide beyond the first checkpoint, including on the drive from Paro airport, and treks need a licensed trekking guide. When you book with us, the guide, driver, permits and hotels all come in one plan.
What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have the most reliable weather and the big festivals. Winter is quiet and sunny. Summer is the monsoon but green and less crowded.
How many days do I need in Bhutan?
Five days covers Paro and Thimphu with the Tiger’s Nest hike. Seven or eight days adds Punakha and is what most first-time visitors choose. With ten to twelve days you reach Bumthang. Two weeks or more adds Haa, Phobjikha and longer treks, and the Snowman Trek takes about 25 days.
How do I get to Bhutan?
By air, you fly into Paro on Drukair or Bhutan Airlines, usually from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu or Singapore. By road, you enter from India at Phuentsholing, Gelephu or Samdrup Jongkhar.
Can you change a tour package to suit us?
Yes. Every trip we run is private, so you can add days, swap hotels, slow the pace for older travellers or add a trek. Tell us what you’d like and we’ll rework the itinerary.
What currency is used in Bhutan?
The ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged to the Indian rupee at the same value. Indian rupees are widely accepted. ATMs are found in the main towns, but carry cash for rural areas and small shops.
What should I wear when visiting dzongs and temples?
Long sleeves and long trousers or a long skirt. Remove your hat and don’t wear shorts inside. Your guide will tell you when photos aren’t allowed, which is inside most temples.
Bhutan travel guides from our team
Druk Path Trek vs Jomolhari Trek: Which One Should You Choose?
Druk Path and Jomolhari compared on length, altitude, scenery, difficulty and season.
Best Treks in Bhutan for Beginners: Routes, Seasons and Difficulty
Bhutan treks for beginners, from overnight camps to the Druk Path, with seasons and difficulty.
Start planning your Bhutan trip
Tell us your dates and what you’d like to see. A member of our team in Thimphu will reply within 24 hours with ideas and a price.
- Free personalised consultation
- No booking fees, ever
- A reply within 24 hours
- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- +975 17533776
- +975 77495028
- info@deyabhutantours.com
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Free trip planning enquiry
Let's plan your Bhutan journey
Tell us a little about your dream trip. Our local Bhutan travel team will help you create an itinerary that suits your interests, dates and budget.
We’ll reply within 24 hours. No booking fees, and no obligation to book.
