What to Expect from Bhutan’s Hospitality?
Bhutan is a proud Buddhist nation with solid spiritual beliefs and a rich traditional heritage. These values are reflected in its hospitality, characterized by immense respect for guests and travelers. You can expect kind behavior from locals and well-managed accommodation ranging from basic lodges to luxury hotels. Furthermore, this country's accommodations prioritize sustainability, local materials, and incredible architecture. So, if you plan to visit, you will experience exceptional hospitality with quality resting places among the heavenly beauty of nature.
Overview of Accommodation Types in Bhutan
Bhutan offers a range of accommodation types to match your preferences and budgets. These include luxury hotels and resorts, boutique hotels and inns, mid-range hotels, guesthouses, eco-friendly lodgings, homestays, monastery stays, camping, and glamping. Each provides a different quality of services, and the prices differ significantly among them. Below is a detailed description of these accommodation types, an in-depth review of services and amenities, and top recommendations.
Luxury Hotels
Luxury hotels in Bhutan provide top-end accommodation services. These hotels offer travelers the most comfortable and personalized services and stunning views of natural wonders, including mountains, rivers, and forests. These establishments blend ancient architecture and modern amenities perfectly, providing a luxurious experience. Additionally, high-end hotels and resorts offer exceptional Bhutanese cuisines, spa facilities, guided tours of cultural and natural sites, Cultural programs such as traditional dances, and outdoor activities like archery, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Top Luxury Hotels: Amankora (Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang), Six Senses Bhutan (Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, Gangtey, and Bumthang), Taj Tashi (Thimphu), COMO Uma Paro (Paro), Zhiwa Ling Heritage (Paro)
Boutique Hotels and Inns
These smaller establishments often reflect the charm of Bhutanese culture and traditions, focusing on personalized service and local experiences. Boutique hotels and inns are usually located in scenic areas, providing guests with beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Travelers go for these accommodations because they offer personalized attention, cultural immersion, and a calm atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience of the journey.
- Popular Boutique Hotels: Norkhil Boutique Hotel and Spa (Thimphu), Dewa Retreat (Paro), The Postcard Dewa (Thimphu)
Mid-Range Hotels
Most travelers choose mid-range hotels in Bhutan, as they perfectly balance comfort and affordability. These hotels provide amenities like comfortable beds, hot showers, and Wi-Fi. They are the perfect option for those who want essential services at an affordable rate without overspending on luxury.
- Best Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Thimphu Tower (Thimphu), Kichu Resort (Paro and Bumthang), Tenzinling Resort (Paro), Hotel Galingkha (Thimphu), Wangchuk Hotel (Mongar)
Eco-Friendly Lodging
Bhutan has long focused on sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. Various hotels and resorts are in service throughout the country to promote such initiatives. They support local communities by utilizing regional resources and promoting energy-efficient techniques. These eco-friendly accommodations allow travelers to enjoy their time in Bhutan at an affordable rate, blending nature and modern amenities without hampering the surroundings.
- Renowned Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts: Dhensa Boutique Resort (Punakha), Gangtey Lodge (Phobjikha Valley)
Guesthouses
Bhutan offers various lodges, which provide a budget-friendly experience. These accommodation modes bring you closer to traditional Bhutanese culture and customs, as local communities often operate them. Lodges are renowned for warm hospitality and personal insight into the daily lifestyle of Bhutan. Although affordable lodges are less lavish than hotels, they provide basic amenities like comfortable beds, delicious foods, and a homely environment.
- Best Guesthouses: Dewachen Guesthouse (Gangtey), Rema Guesthouse (Paro), Swiss Guest House (Bumthang)
Homestays
Homestays are the best accommodation option for living like a local and immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture. These stays allow travelers to live with local families and experience their daily lifestyle. Homestays support the local communities and help them earn a living from tourism, promoting Bhutanese customs, traditions, and daily routines to attract more tourists. Apart from this, you can enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines, connect with host families, and learn more about the local customs and rituals.
- Best Homestays: Aum Om Homestay (Paro), Yueloki Homestay (Haa Valley), Chimi Lhakhang Village Homestay (Punakha)
Monastery and Spiritual Stays
Bhutan is a spiritual country with a rich Buddhist heritage. Thousands of travelers visit this country to experience its unique heritage, peaceful atmosphere, and meditation centers. Monasteries are the best accommodation options for delving into such spiritual activities. These sacred sites combine modern life with religious values, offering the inner peace everyone craves. Some monasteries in Bhutan allow travelers to stay and participate in monastic activities. This provides a rare opportunity to witness monks' daily routines, attend prayer sessions, and participate in meditation practices. Apart from this, they focus on meditation and yoga, conducting meditation sessions and yoga classes in the beautiful countryside of Bhutan.
Camping and Glamping in Bhutan
Bhutan offers traditional camping and glamping options for those who want to be closer to nature. Camping is ideal for adventurous travelers exploring Bhutan’s diverse landscapes and unique flora and fauna. Similarly, glamping is a perfect blend of nature and luxury, which provides a more comfortable experience among the natural wonders. It’s a luxurious form of camping with amenities, including a cozy bed, reliable tents, and delicious meals.
Popular Camping Spots: Druk Path Trek, Jomolhari Trek
Accomodation along the Route
We have discussed a wide variety of accommodations available on your Bhutan Tour. However, the Tourism Council of Bhutan only allows accommodation providers with 3-star or above services to serve the tourists. Here’s a list of accommodation modes based on the quality of services and locations, including Paro, Thimphu, Haa, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, Phuentsholing, Gangtey, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Gelephu.
Paro
This historic town is located in the Paro Valley of Bhutan, serving thousands of tourists with the following hotels and resorts.
- Tashi Namgay Resort
- Khangkhu Resort
- Tenzinling Resort
- Hotel Gangtey Palace
- Amankora Resorts
- Zhiwaling Hotel
- Nak-Sel Resort & Spa
- Hotel Tashiling
- Hotel Olathang
- Metta Resort
- Janka Resort
- Rema Resort
- Kyichu Resort
- Deyked Resort
Thimphu
Thimphu is Bhutan's capital and largest city, providing excellent accommodation with stays listed below.
- Namgay Heritage Hotel
- Pamtsho Homestay
- Hotel Migmar
- Hotel Druk
- Hotel Jhomolhari
- Yeedzin Guest House
- Hotel Taj Tashi
- Amankora Resorts
- Hotel River View
- Hotel Pedling
- Hotel Phuntsho Pelri
- Hotel Dragon Roots
- Peaceful Resort
- Wangchuk Resort
- Hotel Galingkha
Haa
This agricultural center of Bhutan allows travelers to enjoy an exceptional time with the following accommodation modes.
- Rigsum Hotel
- Lechuna Heritage Lodge
- Punakha
- This beautiful town in the Himalayas of Bhutan has some quality hotels and resorts, including:
- Meri Puensum Resort
- Hotel Zangto Pelri
- Amankora Resorts
- Dochula Resort
- Damchen Resort
- Hotel YT
Wangdue Phodrang
This architectural masterpiece town consists of the following beautiful accommodation options.
- Dragon's Nest Resort
- Hotel Lobesa
- Dewachen Hotel
- Thegchen Guest House
- Kichu Resort
- Amankora Resorts
- Punatsangchu Cottages
- Hotel Kingaling
Trongsa
This religious center of Bhutan offers exceptional hotels and resorts, as listed below.
- Tashi Ningey Hotel
- Puenzhi
- Yangkhil Resort
- Raven Crown
Bumthang
Bumthang is an iconic town with ancient temples and sacred sites, which serves tourists with the following accommodation options.
- Yugharling Resort
- Kaila Guesthouse
- Hotel Peling
- Amankora Resort
- Rinchenling Lodge
- Jakar View Guest House
- Wangdicholing Resort
- Hotel Wangdicholing
- Jakar Village Lodge
- Swiss Guest House
Mongar
Mongar, located in the Eastern part of Bhutan, has quality stays, including:
- Shongar Lodge
- Druk Zhongkhar Lodge
- Hotel Wangchuk
- New Lee Hotel
- Samling
Trashigang
This small town leading to Phuentsholing consists of the following basic accommodation.
- Kelling Lodge
- Hotel Doejung
- Lingkhar Lodge
Phuentsholing
Phuentsholing is on the southern border of Bhutan, where the hotels listed below are available.
- Hotel Druk
- Central Hotel
- Hotel Lhaki
- The Hotel Orchid
Gangtey
Gangtey, home to the famous Gangtey monastery, serves travelers with the accommodation options below.
- Hotel Dewachen
- Thegchen Phodrang
- Yue-Loki Guest House
- Gakiling Guest House
Samdrup Jongkhar
This town borders Assam in the southeastern part of Bhutan and has accommodation options listed below.
- Hotel Peljorling
- Hotel Dekling
- Hotel TLT
- Friends Hotel
- Tashi Longched Trokhang
- Lingkhar Lodge
Gelephu
This small town bordering India has basic guest houses, including:
Tshenden
Tips for Choosing Accommodation in Bhutan
Here are tips while choosing the best accommodation for your Bhutan Tour.
- One of the primary factors to consider while selecting accommodation is the location. Choose your stays according to the places you want to explore and ensure they offer easy access to tourist attractions.
- Plan a budget and choose your accommodation accordingly. You can choose from various stays, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.
- If you want to experience the rich Bhutanese cultural and traditional heritage, select a homestay or boutique hotel focusing on local customs.
- Bhutan offers incredible eco-friendly lodges that minimize environmental effects. Select these options to preserve nature for future generations and promote sustainability in tourism.
- Choose favorable seasons like spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for your Bhutan Tour. However, these times are considered peak season, so we recommend booking your accommodation in advance.
- During your stay in Bhutan, support local communities, minimize waste production, and respect the local customs and rituals.
Why Choose Outfitter Nepal?
Outfitter Nepal is an excellent option for booking your stay if you're planning a trip to Bhutan and need help arranging accommodations. We have over 15 years of experience managing tours in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, with excellent client reviews. Our team of expert guides knows the country inside out, from the landscapes and availability of accommodation in the different areas, which makes it easier for you to travel without any worries. Apart from this, our company offers customizable itineraries and ensures your safety throughout the journey. So, please get in touch with us for an unforgettable trip, blending Bhutan's natural and cultural aspects to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
