Travel off the Beaten Path on a Bhutan Honeymoon

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A Bhutan honeymoon is the perfect choice if you're looking for a unique place to visit; a top honeymoon destination none of your friends have gone for their honeymoons and a place where the culture and history pervade your every experience.

This South Central Asian destination is a tiny country situated in the Eastern Himalayas between Nepal and Tibet. A Buddhist country with a small population, Bhutan takes the exclusivity of a South Asian destination and turns things up a notch, welcoming under 100,000 tourists per year—making it an amazing honeymoon idea for newlyweds who want to immerse themselves in Bhutan culture. But that hardly means the country isn't well-equipped to treat you and your new spouse to a luxurious couples vacation as you embark on your first days of married life—intimate hotels, unique homestays and romantic experiences abound.

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Here's everything you need to know about planning an adventurous honeymoon in Bhutan.

Bhutan Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Bhutan
• Bhutan Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Bhutan Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Bhutan Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Bhutan Honeymoon

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Best Time to Honeymoon in Bhutan

Every season in Bhutan comes with its perks. Springtime, March through May, is filled with mildly warm temperatures around 70 degrees with only a little rainfall and lots of blooming flora—making it a fantastic time for a Bhutan honeymoon.

Summertime is less crowded (though no time of year is necessarily "crowded" in Bhutan) and rainy, with most of the rainfall occurring in the afternoon or at night, so it won't really impact your travel plans.

Fall and winter bring colder temperatures (though still mild at around 50 degrees) and the lack of clouds means excellent views of the Himalayas. Fall and winter are also some of the best times to visit if you want to experience some of Bhutan's cultural festivals, such as Thimphu Tshechu.

Best weather: March to May.
Festival highlights: Bhutan is known for its colorful and spiritual festivals, called Tshechus, which take place throughout the year in various dzongs (fortresses) across the country. These festivals are a vibrant display of Bhutanese culture, with masked dances, traditional music and religious performances that date back centuries. Try to line up your honeymoon to experience either the Paro Tshechu in spring or the Thimphu Tshechu in autumn.

Bhutan Honeymoon Planning Tips

Bhutan is incredibly unique as a honeymoon destination. If you're looking for exclusivity, this is the place to go. The country also offers a wealth of culture and history, in case that's something you value in a vacation destination. Additionally, Bhutan's location in the middle of South Asia makes it desirable if you've considered planning a multi-country honeymoon. You could easily pair a Bhutan trip with side trips to nearby countries like Vietnam, India, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

All that exclusivity comes with a price and some potential headaches; Bhutan isn't necessarily a cheap vacation. The country also puts strict limits on its tourism industry, meaning you'll need a tour operator to book a Bhutan tour package on your behalf.

You'll also need a visa, and tourists are required to pay a minimum daily travel fee while in the country, which covers the cost of basic accommodations, meals, a tour guide and internal transportation (all of which must be arranged by your tour operator). Upgrading from these basic provisions is an additional fee. If you still want to visit Bhutan in spite of these restrictions, you can learn more about Bhutan honeymoon tour protocols on the Tourism Council of Bhutan website.

Entry requirements: A US passport that is valid for at least six months following the date of your arrival to Bhutan, along with a Bhutanese visa to enter and exit Bhutan (which will cost $40 USD or Nu.2500). You will also need to provide two passport photos.
Language: Dzongkha.
Location: Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Central Asia, nestled in the eastern Himalayas.
Currency: Ngultrum (BTN).
Flight time to Destination: From major US cities, traveling to Bhutan typically involves flying to either Bangkok, Singapore or Kathmandu, followed by a flight to Paro (Bhutan's international airport). The total travel time can range from 20 to 30 hours, depending on layovers.
Getting around: Travel within Bhutan is usually arranged through your tour operator, with private drivers for road travel between cities and towns. This is due to the country's tourism policy of encouraging guided tours.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert to ensure smooth travel to Bhutan. You can find a travel agent near you on The Knot Marketplace.

Best Bhutan Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, including luxurious hotels with honeymoon suites. Many will provide stunning views of the Himalayas and valleys, and offer unique experiences like traditional hot stone baths or private meditation sessions—perfect for a memorable honeymoon.

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Le Méridien Thimphu

For a conveniently located hotel in the capital city, look to Le Meridien Thimphu from Marriott. The property blends classic Bhutanese style with the modern amenities today's jet-setting travelers desire, leading to a winning combination. The hotel is also close to many of the city's top attractions, including Buddha Dordenma, Clock Tower Square, and the Changangkha and Phajoding Monasteries.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Gangtey Lodge

For something a little more remote, try Gangtey Lodge. This small property only offers 12 suites, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in style. Luxurious and breathtaking from every angle, it's sure to wow even the most discerning travelers. Even though the location is remote, it's nothing to look down on; the property overlooks a large valley that's a protected reserve for Bhutan's black-necked cranes.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Six Senses Bhutan

If you plan on traveling around the country, consider staying with Six Senses Bhutan. The internationally renowned luxury hospitality brand boasts five separate lodges in five of Bhutan's valleys. Each is unique and reflects the high level of luxury Six Senses fans have come to expect. Enjoy plenteous on-property experiences, from guided forest treks to lamp-lighting ceremonies, as well as much-appreciated amenities, such as five-star spa treatments and daily breakfast.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: If you're looking for accommodations that'll provide you more privacy or lower prices, talk to your tour operator about booking a romantic Airbnb or VRBO.

Bhutan Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

For adventurous honeymooners, Bhutan offers a mix of exploration, culture and relaxation. Couples can visit ancient monasteries and fortresses, hike through breathtaking landscapes and enjoy traditional Bhutanese spa treatments. Here are some ideas to get you started.

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Explore the Country's Sacred Sites

As a Buddhist kingdom, Bhutan is filled with sacred sites that are as gorgeous as they are culturally fascinating. One of the most worthy of your time is the Tiger's Nest Monastery, a temple situated on a steep cliffside in Paro. Hiking to and around the monastery is an all-day affair, but one you and your spouse will never forget.

Another top site is Buddha Dordenma in Thimpu, one of the largest gilded Buddha statues in the world; go inside, and you'll find more than 125,000 smaller Buddhas contained within. Lastly, if kiddos are in your future, you might want to join the many pilgrims who travel to Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery known as the Temple of Fertility that draws thousands of people each year who are hoping to channel its powers.

Immerse Yourself in the Himalayas

Bhutan is renowned for its natural beauty. Experience it for yourself by sightseeing at popular places like Dochula Pass, a Himalayan mountain pass that sits at nearly 10,000 feet and offers spectacular views on a clear day. For animal lovers, the Motithang Takin Preserve is a must-visit to see the national animal of Bhutan, the takin, a vulnerable species that looks like a cross between a mountain goat and a moose.

For outdoor adventurers, Bhutan delivers with whitewater rafting experiences on Mo Chhu river, and the nearly 600-foot-long Punakha Suspension Bridge, a popular tourist attraction covered in prayer flags.

Experience Bhutan's Historic Side

If you'd rather stay indoors, you can still explore thanks to Bhutan's various museums and historic sites. The National Museum sits within a watchtower from the 1600s and details the history of the country.

The National Library and Archives of Bhutan displays traditional Bhutanese architecture and literature, as well as one of the largest books in the world, weighing in at nearly 133 pounds. In Bumthang, you might be interested in visiting Yathra Weaving Center, where you can learn about the history of Bhutan's woolen textile industry.

Pro tip: Include Bhutan honeymoon experiences and activities so your loved ones can contribute to your big adventure as newlyweds. And don't forget to post honeymoon photos to your wedding website and social feeds—your guests will want to see what you're up to!

What to Pack for a Bhutan Honeymoon

Photo: Singye Wangchuk | Getty

Make sure your packing checklist includes comfortable clothing and shoes for hiking, as visiting some of the more remote areas and sacred sites around Bhutan does require a bit of trekking.

When picking your clothing, you'll want to opt for layers to fit the fluctuating temperatures. Bringing sunglasses and sunscreen in your honeymoon luggage is also advisable due to the high altitude.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.