A Guide to Planning Travel in Bhutan

Demand for travel to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” continues to grow, especially in the luxury sector. And as more travelers open their wallets for the Kingdom of Bhutan's high lodging costs, that means more commission for travel advisors. 

Planning a trip to far-away Bhutan can be challenging for agents who haven't visited the country. But learning how to match client interests to the right hotel brand and activities can go a long way. Any traveler to Bhutan will get their fill of nature and monasteries, but that doesn't mean all itineraries look the same. 

Here’s a guide to booking the best Bhutan itinerary for your client.

Travel Package vs. Building a Booking a la Carte

One of the easiest ways to sell Bhutan is with a luxury lodge travel package. Six Senses Bhutan and Amankora, for example, offer lodge circuits complete with licensed guides and drivers, while &Beyond's Punakha River Lodge offers a package itinerary. 

Although there’s certainly an ease to predetermined itineraries, their polished, well-trodden travel style isn't a fit for everyone. Running into the same fellow travelers on parallel trips might make some clients feel like they're on a rinse-and-repeat tour rather than a singular experience.

Travel advisors who want to finesse each aspect of the trip for their clients should consider working with multiple vendors or a destination marketing company. Building a la carte itineraries takes more work, but agents can charge a service fee for the added value of this high-touch service.

Matching Client Interests With Bhutan's Unique Offerings

Package itineraries in Bhutan focus on the western half of the country and typically include these stops: Paro, the international point of entry; Thimphu, the capital; Punakha, a river valley that boasts the country's second-largest dzong, or monastery; and Phobjikha Valley, a farming area known for its bird life and spectacular scenery.

Even package itineraries can be customized by adding an extra night in an area that appeals to your client or removing a stop that doesn't match their interests. Here are a few things to consider when planning trips for these different types of clients:

- Wildlife lovers and photographers. Bhutan is not a significant wildlife destination, but it is home to Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, wild pigs, Sambar deer and the delightfully strange-looking takin. Clients have the best chance of seeing wildlife on one of Bhutan's many Himalayan trekking routes, says Dorji Bidha, a Bhutan guide, but informing your client's guide in advance about their interest in wildlife might make it easier to plan small side trips and shorter walks in the forest on driving days.

- Birdwatchers. The kingdom has an incredible diversity of bird life. If your client is an avid birdwatcher, consider suggesting a November or December trip; at that time, there's a chance to spot the critically endangered, white-bellied heron and black-necked crane in Phobjikha Valley. (The five-star Gangtey Lodge makes an incredibly cozy home for this trip.)

RELATED: Hotel Review: Gangtey Lodge Bhutan

- Wellness aficionados. Consider the Six Senses lodge circuit bookended by a stay at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, the country's first wellness-inclusive all-inclusive. Wellness is integrated into every Six Senses property, and sticking to the brand for most of the trip ensures a seamless experience, as guests' spa preferences can be passed from one lodge to the other. It's worth noting that couples from all over the world travel to Pangri Zampa Monastery to receive fertility blessings.

- Spiritual seekers. Bhutan is considered the world's last Buddhist kingdom. The country offers several experiences for spiritual discovery, including private astrology readings at Pangri Zampa, a riverside monastery in Thimphu and private blessing ceremonies at several monasteries.

- Adventurers. For second-time visitors to Bhutan or adventurous travelers interested in hiking and homestays, east Bhutan is the next frontier, according to nearly every guide I consulted during my trip. The recent introduction of domestic flights from Paro to Trashigang in eastern Bhutan has opened up new opportunities, Bidha notes.

For clients who want to see off-the-beaten-path Bhutan, Bidha recommends a homestay in Merak and Sakteng, where nomads live at some 10,000 feet above sea level with their yaks. Merak is also home to Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, the only place in the world established to protect the natural habitat of the yeti. (Yes, you read that right.)

Optimizing a Bhutan Booking

Here are a few final tips for travel advisors selling Bhutan for the first time.

- Pick the best guide for your client. Outside Paro and Thimphu, Bhutan requires tourists to travel with a guide. Your client's guide will be their partner on the ground, so when first connecting with a supplier, do your due diligence to pair your client with a guide who will fit their travel needs and style.

- Gauge clients' interest in Buddhism. A traveler could spend weeks visiting Bhutan's monasteries and temples, but not every client will want to. Have an honest conversation about how much your client wants to delve into Bhutan's spiritual side. If there's only enough interest for one monastery, make it Punakha Dzong.

- Save Tiger's Nest for the end. Not only is this iconic hike a great grand finale, but travelers often need a few days to adjust to Bhutan's altitude. Don't make the mistake of scheduling a strenuous hike on the first day when clients are still dealing with jet lag.

Best Times to Go to Bhutan

Bhutan's high seasons are spring (March through May) and fall (September through November). Summer is the monsoon season, while in winter, most of the country is coated in frost or snow. However, Bhutan is diverse enough to be considered a year-round destination, according to Anouk Cleven, director of sales and marketing for Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. 

"It is certainly much cheaper for people to visit during winter and summer,” she said.

Bhutan guide Bidha recommends early winter to experience some of the kingdom's best offerings, including cultural festivals, hot stone bath culture, archery and clear skies for mountain views.