- Licensed Bhutanese tour operator
- Thimphu, Bhutan
Blog · Updated October 2026
Bhutan hotels guide 2027: where to stay in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and beyond
Well-known hotels and lodges in each valley, from comfortable 3-star choices to Amankora and Six Senses, and how to mix them on one trip.
- Town by town
- Luxury and mid-range
- Certified hotels only
How to choose
Choose the valley first, then the hotel
In Bhutan, location matters as much as the hotel. A lodge high above Paro has the views, but adds driving time. A hotel in Thimphu town lets you walk to dinner. In Punakha, being near the river means warmer evenings. We plan hotels around your route, so you are never driving an hour each way for a nicer room.
Below are well-known hotels and lodges in each valley. This is not a complete list, and we book many smaller certified hotels that are excellent value. Prices change by season, so we quote them for your dates.
- Mix one or two special stays with comfortable hotels
- Ask about rooms with valley views
- Luxury lodges book out early in peak season
Paro
Where to stay in Paro
| Hotel | Style | Why stay |
|---|---|---|
| Amankora Paro | Luxury lodge | Pine forest setting above the valley, quiet and private |
| COMO Uma Paro | Luxury hotel | Spa, views over the valley, good base for Tiger's Nest |
| Six Senses Paro | Luxury lodge | Set high above the valley near ruins of an old dzong |
| Zhiwa Ling Heritage | Boutique, traditional | Built in dzong style, with its own temple inside |
| Le Méridien Paro Riverfront | International 5-star | Riverside, close to the airport |
| Naksel Boutique Hotel | Boutique | Valley views and a spa |
| Certified 3-star hotels | Comfortable | Many options in and around Paro town |
Thimphu
Where to stay in Thimphu
| Hotel | Style | Why stay |
|---|---|---|
| Amankora Thimphu | Luxury lodge | Quiet forest setting north of the city |
| Six Senses Thimphu | Luxury lodge | On a hillside above the valley |
| Taj Tashi | Luxury hotel | In the city centre, Bhutanese-style architecture |
| Le Méridien Thimphu | International 5-star | Central, walking distance to shops and restaurants |
| Terma Linca Resort | Boutique resort | Riverside, south of the centre |
| Hotel Druk | Classic city hotel | On the main square |
| Certified 3-star hotels | Comfortable | Plenty of choice in the town centre |
Punakha and Phobjikha
Where to stay in Punakha and the Phobjikha valley
| Hotel | Where | Why stay |
|---|---|---|
| COMO Uma Punakha | Punakha | Small lodge above the Mo Chhu river |
| Amankora Punakha | Punakha | Reached by a suspension bridge, among rice fields |
| Six Senses Punakha | Punakha | Hillside setting with valley views |
| Dhensa Boutique Resort | Punakha | Terraced resort over the valley |
| Gangtey Lodge | Phobjikha | Farmhouse-style lodge looking over the crane valley |
| Amankora Gangtey and Six Senses Gangtey | Phobjikha | Luxury lodges in the glacial valley |
| Dewachen Hotel | Phobjikha | Comfortable hotel near the crane centre |
Central and east
Where to stay in Bumthang and further east
| Area | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bumthang | Amankora Bumthang, Six Senses Bumthang, Jakar Village Lodge and family-run hotels | Cosy wooden hotels and farmstays, warm in winter with bukhari stoves |
| Trongsa | Small hotels with dzong views | Often a lunch stop rather than an overnight |
| Haa | Farmhouse homestays and small hotels | One night is ideal |
| Mongar, Trashigang | Simple certified hotels | Basic but clean; the trade-off for few visitors |
Planning
How we mix hotels on a typical trip
On a 7-night trip, many couples choose comfortable 3-star or boutique hotels in Thimphu and Punakha, a homestay night in Paro or Haa, and one or two nights in a luxury lodge in Paro to finish. That puts the special stay at the end of the trip, after the Tiger’s Nest hike, when you most want a long bath and a good view.
If you want luxury all the way, Amankora and Six Senses both have lodges in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang, so you can stay with one brand across the country. COMO has lodges in Paro and Punakha. These are among the most expensive hotels in Asia and book out early in spring and autumn.
Budget guide
- 3-star hotels are included in our standard tour prices
- Boutique and 4-star hotels add a moderate supplement
- Luxury lodges often cost more than USD 1,000 per room per night, before the SDF
What to expect
Inside a typical Bhutanese hotel
Even simple hotels in Bhutan look the part. Most are built in the traditional style, with painted window frames, carved wood and a small altar room or prayer flags outside. Rooms are clean and fairly plain, with twin or double beds, a private bathroom and a heater or electric blanket in the colder months. Water pressure and hot water can vary, so it helps to shower at quiet times.
Dinner is usually served as a buffet, with a couple of Bhutanese dishes cooked mild, plus Indian and continental options. Breakfast is eggs, toast, porridge and fruit. Many hotels have a small bar, closed on Tuesdays, which are dry days. Wi-Fi is normally free.
When to book
For April, October, November and festival weeks, book three to six months ahead, and earlier for luxury lodges, which have few rooms. In quieter months, a month or two is usually enough. Because tourists can only stay in certified hotels, the good ones fill first.
Bhutan hotels: questions
It depends on what you want. Amankora, COMO Uma and Six Senses are the best-known luxury lodges. Zhiwa Ling in Paro is a favourite for traditional style.
Near town for convenience, or in the hills for views. Paro is the best place for a special final night after Tiger’s Nest.
The town centre if you want to walk around in the evening, or a hillside lodge for quiet.
You can, but you still need a licensed guide, and tourists must stay in certified hotels. Most visitors book through their tour operator.
For a special trip, yes. Many guests mix one or two luxury nights with comfortable hotels elsewhere.
Get hotel suggestions for your dates
Tell us your budget and the valleys you want to see. We will send a plan with named hotels and one clear price.
