Western BhutanPunakha Valley
Best October – April
Our home valley. Warm, green and calm, where two rivers meet below Bhutan's most beautiful dzong.
Destinations
The valleys of Bhutan
From warm Punakha to the high meadows of Haa and the far east. Each region has its own season and feel.
Where we travel
Seven regions, planned by local people
We rarely suggest more than three valleys in a week. Distances look short on a map but roads are slow in the mountains. Going slower is worth it.
Western Bhutan
Western BhutanThimphu City
Best March – May, September – November
A calm, small capital city. Old temples, new Bhutanese design and lots of local crafts.
Western BhutanParo Valley
Best March – May, September – November
The door to Bhutan, and the way up to Tiger's Nest monastery on its high cliff.
Central BhutanBumthang Cultural Heartland
Best March – May, September – November
Four holy valleys with old temples, buckwheat fields, holy lakes and Bhutan's oldest pilgrim sites.
Central BhutanPhobjikha Valley
Best October – February for cranes
A wide, open valley and protected wetland. Black-necked cranes come here every winter.
Western BhutanHaa Valley
Best April – October
A quiet, high valley with green meadows, yak herders and almost no other visitors.
Eastern BhutanEastern Bhutan Expeditions
Best March – May, October – November
Deep valleys, weaving villages and long mountain roads, far from the usual routes.
When to go
Best months for each valley
Bhutan is beautiful all year. This table shows the easiest months for each valley, so you can pick your dates with care.
| Valley | Region | Best months |
|---|---|---|
| Punakha Valley | Western Bhutan | October – April |
| Thimphu City | Western Bhutan | March – May, September – November |
| Paro Valley | Western Bhutan | March – May, September – November |
| Bumthang Cultural Heartland | Central Bhutan | March – May, September – November |
| Phobjikha Valley | Central Bhutan | October – February for cranes |
| Haa Valley | Western Bhutan | April – October |
| Eastern Bhutan Expeditions | Eastern Bhutan | March – May, October – November |
Good mixes
Which valleys go well together
Three simple ways to put the valleys together, by how much time you have.
5 to 7 days
First time in Bhutan
Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Easy roads, the Tiger's Nest walk and two beautiful dzongs.
7 to 9 days
Nature and quiet valleys
Punakha, Phobjikha and Haa. Cranes in winter, open meadows and very few other visitors.
10 to 14 days
Deeper into Bhutan
Add Bumthang, or go east to the weaving valleys. Long drives, big rewards.
Plan your journey
Not sure which valleys suit your dates?
Tell us when you can travel and what you enjoy. We will suggest the best mix for that season.