Your trip to Bhutan will almost certainly begin in the Paro valley, home to the country's only international airport. It's a gentle first base, and the old watch tower of Ta Dzong, now the National Museum, is a short climb above town. From Paro, the road runs east. Thimphu, the capital, sits beneath a giant golden Buddha on the hillside, while honeymooners tend to linger in the Punakha valley, where the pilgrims' path to the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang crosses tiered rice paddies. Walkers will love the Gangtey valley, whose marshy Phobjikha flats make for long, level rambles, and repeat visitors usually push further east to the Bumthang valleys, where Bumthang Mountain Lodge is a warm, welcoming stop. You can choose between 61 properties across Bhutan, with prices ranging from USD 275 to USD 2,000 per person per night. At the top end, Amankora Thimphu Lodge sits among blue pines, with a traditional hot stone bath waiting after a day of temples.

Paro

Thimphu

Bumthang

Punakha

Gangtey

Paro

Thimphu

Bumthang

Punakha

Gangtey
Steep slopes covered in pine trees lead down into the secluded valley of Gangtey where you'll find endangered black-neck cranes in their numbers and a tiny village at its centre. With a view of it all, Gangtey Lodge is perched on a private ridge, its own luxury version of a mountain hut. On arrival, you're presented with a white scarf to symbolise respect and care, accompanied by a rendition of the national song and followed by a neck massage - the tone for your stay is more than set. Think hot stone baths and hiking to reach glorious panoramic views and you're on the right track.

Paro

Bumthang
In the heart of Bumthang's incredible valleys, this family-run retreat is all about honest hospitality without the price tag of its luxury neighbours. Founded by the late Karma Tobden, a beloved local engineer and community leader, the lodge stays true to its roots with a beautifully tranquil Bhutanese atmosphere. The spacious rooms are warmed by traditional Bukhari wood-burning stoves and are a cosy base to return to after a day of temple-hopping, whilst the rooftop hot stone baths are truly special. There's also hearty regional cuisine (including the family matriarch's legendary Bumthang Pizza), exceptional views of the valley, and easy access to ancient monasteries like Kurjey Lhakhang. It's Bhutan, just as it should be.

Punakha

Gangtey

Paro

Punakha
Happiness Field Village Farmstay at Gubjithang in Punakha is a lovely standalone home in midst of fields and next to the river bank of po chhu. Guests reach the place over a suspension bridge or by following a footpath from Punakha Dzong. This place is wonderful for those who wish for a quiet refuge away from busy towns. The nangi aum, Aum Karma, has re-furbished the house and opened up for guests.

Gangtey
Where the whispering winds meet the rolling hills, Phuentsho Yangkhil Resort awaits to embrace you. Born out of a passion for preserving Bhutan’s natural heritage, the founders envisioned a place where guests could immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the valley while enjoying warm hospitality.

Punakha
Punakha

Punakha
Namibrand, Namibia