The unique blend of adventure and serenity makes Bhutan a beautiful honeymoon destination in the world. People from around the world book their honeymoon tour packages to Bhutan for its serene, secluded environment and stunning landscapes. Here is an ultimate guide to plan your Bhutan honeymoon tour, including duration, activities to enjoy, and top places to visit.
What to Know Before Planning Your Bhutan Honeymoon Tour
To save money, people self-plan their trip instead of hiring a tour operator. But when it comes to an international holiday trip, it is essential to book a tour package from a registered tour operator. When planning Bhutan tours, it is crucial to know that
- The country has strict controls on getting in and traveling around.
- Independent travel without a registered tour operator’s help is not allowed.
- Your Bhutan tour itinerary must be organized by a country-registered tour operator.
- The Bhutan visa should also be arranged by a Bhutan tour operator.
Planning the Romantic Bhutan Tour
The Bhutan tour is perfect for couples seeking a tranquil and intimate start to their married life. But for a seamless process, people must book a local tour operator, who arranges everything, including permits, logistics, and romantic activities. Here are the steps you should follow to plan your romantic getaway to Bhutan:
Know Your Travel Style and Budget
Before you book a Bhutan tour package customized for your honeymoon, it is important to know your travel style. Whether you need cozy but mid-range guesthouses or luxury accommodations with beautiful views. Bhutan caters to various travel needs and budgets. You get premium amenities at hotels and guesthouses in Bhutan with stunning landscapes.
Based on your travel style, you will have to set your budget. From mid-range guesthouses to the ultra-luxury hotels in Bhutan can cost approximately from INR 2000 to over Rs. 50000. The cost varies depending on the level of comfort and the season.
Choose the Best Time to Visit
The season or time of the year immensely affects your budget. Hotels’ tariffs, adventure activities’ fees, and conveyance may increase during the peak season. Hence, you should choose the best time to visit Bhutan for your honeymoon trip. The best season will give you pleasant weather and clear mountain views, making your trip memorable. However, the off-season will give you more privacy and better deals.
- Best Time to Visit Bhutan for Honeymoon: The spring season from March to May, and the autumn season from September to November are the best times of the year to visit Bhutan for a honeymoon trip. Whereas the winter season from December to February is the off-season, offering the best deals in hotel stays.
Contact Registered Tour Operator
As discussed above, you cannot self-plan your Bhutan tour as the government of Bhutan does not allow full independent travel without any restrictions. Although some areas, such as Paro and Thimphu, are not permitted but you still need a tour guide and travel agent to travel around the different parts of the country. So, contact a reliable and licensed local travel agent in Bhutan to plan your trip.
Your tour operator will simplify your planning by:
- Handling your visa and entry permits.
- Arranging transportation, such as a flight to Paro, and handling the legal permits to cross the border from India.
- Providing an experienced tour guide and customizing the Bhutan tour itinerary.
- Arranging the best accommodations and meals as per your budget.
Decide on Duration and Itinerary
An ideal duration for a Bhutan tour is 7-10 Days. Since you are planning a honeymoon tour, you should consider your desires to decide on the duration and itinerary. For a relaxed trip with cultural highlights, nature, and relaxation, without feeling rushed, couples should plan a 7-10-day trip to Bhutan. Couples who wish to explore more by visiting the remote areas can plan a longer trip of 8-12 days.
Apart from duration, decide on what places or attractions, and adventure activities, such as hiking and paragliding, your Bhutan honeymoon tour itinerary will include.
Popular Destinations to Include in Your Bhutan Tour Itinerary
For couples seeking solitude and deeper immersion into nature must add these top destinations to their Bhutan honeymoon tour itinerary.
Paro – Home to the Iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Home to the most iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Paro is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Bhutan. Being the only place to have an international airport in Bhutan, Paro is your entry point and a must-visit destination. Paro is a beautiful valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. This small valley is brimming with beautiful landscapes, more than 150 ancient temples, and centuries-old monasteries. The houses are built in traditional Bhutanese architecture. Along with top attractions, the scenic beauty of the place never fails to grab your attention. Couples seeking adventure and stunning views can head to Paro for their honeymoon trip.
Paro offers a mix of adventure and serenity with lush greenery and cultural sites, making it a perfect destination for couples and honeymooners.
Places to See in Paro: Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Rinpung Dzong, and the National Museum of Bhutan.
Punakha – The Place of Great Happiness
Punakha, the Valley of Love, is one of the charming and romantic getaways in Bhutan for couples, especially for those seeking calmness and adventure in the mountains. Its stunning natural beauty and warmer climate make it a perfect holiday destination. It is the former capital of Bhutan and offers many adventurous activities, like rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and trekking in the deep forest. It is famous for its splendid suspension Bridge, Jigme National Park, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Monastery. These are the impressive places that every newlywed should visit in Punakha.
When visiting Punakha, visit the remote village of Gasa. Here you will see beautiful houses built in traditional Bhutanese architecture. Moreover, you find a laid-back environment and also find yourself surrounded by welcoming people, who will introduce you to the local lifestyle and customs.
Places to See in Punakha: Punakha Dzong, Punakha Suspension Bridge, Chimi Lhakhang, Mo Chhu River, Jigme Dorji National Park, Dochula Pass, and Rice paddies.
Thimphu – The Capital City
Being the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu is one of the best holiday and honeymoon destinations in Bhutan, with all the modern facilities. Couples who are looking for an urban city with bustling markets and shopping complexes, then Thimphu is the right choice for them. Even with all the modern facilities, the town perfectly blends modernization with its traditional Bhutanese character. It is the capital as well as the largest city of Bhutan, which offers amenities, like restaurants, internet cafes, luxury resorts, and shopping centres.
While mornings can be beautiful in the spiritual monasteries, evenings can be happening in the bustling markets. Thimphu has everything to offer its visitors. tourists can engage in cultural art, adventurous hikes, and cycling tours, among other activities. Couples can also visit the fortress Trashi Chho Dzong and other noted places in Thimphu.
Places to See in Thimphu: Tashichho Dzong, the Buddha Dordenm, National Memorial Chorten, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the Motithang Takin Preserve.
Bumthang Valley
One of the most breathtaking places in Bhutan is Bumthang Valley, which is perfect for your honeymoon trip. It is a place that literally means “Beautiful Field”. It is renowned as the most historic place and the spiritual centre of the country. Besides, it is famous for its four incredible mountain valleys and centuries-old monasteries and temples. Alongside, it is an ideal place for newlyweds who are looking for an adventurous hiking experience.
You can enjoy sightseeing at famous spots, like Tamshing Lhakhang, the Palace Museum, or the famous burning lake. Apart from this, do not miss hiking and taste the authentic Bhutanese cuisine, especially traditional beer.
Places to See in Bumthang Valley: Temples of Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Ogyen Choling Heritage House, Dozam Nature Park, and Kurkumithang Recreation Park.
Haa Valley – Hidden-Land Rice Valley
If you and your partner are adventurous, then you must include the Haa Valley in your Bhutan tour itinerary. There is no better place than the Haa Valley for hiking. Located in the southern part of Paro, Haa Valley is one of the most spectacular places in Bhutan that no tourist should ever miss visiting. Its blissful environment and charming landscapes make it a perfect romantic gateway in Bhutan for couples and honeymooners. Besides being an idyllic place for nature lovers, it is a dream location for trekking lovers.
If your sole expectation from your Bhutan honeymoon tour is staying in a tranquil place surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery, Haa Valley is the perfect destination for you.
Places to See in Haa Valley: Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, Haa Dzong (Wangchuck Lo Dzong), Yangthong and Katsho Goempa, and Gyechu Lakhang/Chundu Lhakang.
Romantic Experiences to Include in Bhutan Honeymoon Tour Package
- Hike the Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Couples who want adventure on their honeymoon trip can add this challenging yet rewarding experience to their itinerary. The hike to this iconic monastery offers a sense of accomplishment and also offers breathtaking views.
- Indulge in a Traditional Hot Stone Bath: Do not miss the traditional hot stone bath in Bhutan that uses hot river stones to warm water and release minerals, or even use bathtubs made from stone resin. This is a traditional medicinal bath that offers a relaxing and intimate experience.
- Enjoy Private Dining: Ask your Bhutan tour operator to arrange a candlelight dinner under the stars or a gourmet picnic in a secluded valley or riverside spot.
- Seek Blessings at a Monastery and Temple: Bhutan comprises more than 150 ancient temples and centuries-old monasteries. Couples on their honeymoon tour in Bhutan must visit a local temple like Chimi Lhakhang (the fertility temple) to receive a traditional blessing for their marriage.
- Experience Local Culture: For the best cultural immersion, attend a local festival (Tshechu) to witness vibrant mask dances and ceremonies. Couples can also indulge in a unique experience in Bhutan by taking a Bhutanese cooking class together.
Why People Choose Bhutan as Their Honeymoon Destination
Starting a honeymoon trip is a key milestone in married life. So, choosing the right destination is essential. After the busy wedding rituals, the couple needs a peaceful place to reconnect and enjoy quality time. Bhutan is one of the top holiday destinations for honeymooners and couples. It is famous for its majestic mountain ranges, valleys, cultural sites, and tranquillity.
Below are the top reasons why Bhutan is best for a Honeymoon Trip
- Fewer Crowds: Bhutanese are very much concerned about nature and their culture. Hence, the government allows a limited number of tourists in the country, keeping the place less crowded. Since Bhutan offers a sense of seclusion and privacy, it is an ideal honeymoon destination for couples.
- Peaceful Environment: The country’s serene vibe gives a perfect peaceful environment to couples to enjoy intimate moments and each other’s company.
- Scenic Vistas: Bhutan enchants its visitors with its natural beauty. People look for picturesque locations for their honeymoon trip, and Bhutan offers the same. Its beautiful landscapes of the Himalayan peaks, beautiful valleys, and sparkling rivers make a stunning and romantic setting for couples.
- Pleasant Weather: The weather remains pleasant with mild temperatures, which makes Bhutan a year-round tourist destination. This place is perfect for a winter or summer holiday. So, you can plan your trip for a summer retreat or a snow experience in the winter season.
- Cultural Immersion: Bhutan is replete with ancient monasteries, temples, and dzongs (fortress/castle). Couples will visit these places for a spiritual and cultural immersion, which is a perfect start to their married life.
- Romantic Accommodations: Plenty of eco-luxury resorts in Bhutan offer the best accommodation with beautiful views and top-class amenities, allowing couples to experience nature and romance without compromising on luxury.
- Adventure Activities: The beautiful Bhutan is not only brimming with natural beauty, but the country also offers a plethora of activities you and your partner can indulge in for a thrilling experience.
Last but not least, Bhutan is a kingdom of heaven, brimming with loads of tranquil villages, picturesque locations, ancient monasteries, and mighty mountains that will leave you speechless. Planning a honeymoon in Bhutan offers a truly unique and serene start to your married life, providing an intimate escape into the “Land of Happiness”. With careful planning and the best Bhutan tour package, your Bhutan honeymoon will not just be a trip, but a transformative journey you will cherish forever.