Accommodation

Accommodation in Bhutan ranges from basic to luxurious – we’re happy to recommend suitable hotels for you depending on your taste and budget.

Broadly speaking there are three options: standard hotels, luxury hotels and standard hotels with upgrades. 

For more details, contact us for a copy of our guide to hotel accommodation in Bhutan.

Standard hotels

Standard hotels are generally comfortable and characterful but can be fairly basic, especially as you travel further east. In the main tourist destinations they are of three star standard and have rooms with private bathrooms, hot water (at least at some stage during the day), telephone and electricity. 

Plumbing is not always up to the standard you may be used to and the standard level hotels don’t have central heating. Heaters of some sort will generally be provided, but you may find yourself making good use of thermal underwear and thick socks!

Standard hotels are included in your daily rate. Standard hotels with upgrades offer larger rooms, perhaps a better view or a bit of extra comfort and are available in the main towns from US$25 – US$50 a night (or more for some higher room categories).

Luxury hotels

If you are hankering after a bit of luxury, you could treat yourself to a stay at one of the 5-star establishments. These include Uma Paro, Hotel Zhiwaling and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary in Paro, Taj Tashi and The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Uma Punakha in Punakha, Gangtey Lodge in Gangtey and Amankora and Six Senses (in Paro, Punakha, Thimphu and Gangtey and Bumthang). 

Other than Zhiwaling these are overseas owned, resulting from a government decision to allow limited foreign investment in Bhutan. 

All offer something quite different from any local accommodation – but be prepared to pay for the privilege! If you are interested in sampling the delights of these hotels let us know and we can arrange it for you.  There are other mid-level luxury hotels available as well – please ask us for details.

Home stays

At the other end of the spectrum, Blue Poppy can arrange for you to spend a night in a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. The facilities are very basic, often with just a mattress on the floor and there may not be an internal bathroom. This is not for everyone, but some of our clients find it an interesting experience and it will give you the opportunity to get an insight into traditional village life and try locally cooked food.  Ask us if you want to include this in your itinerary.