Family Holidays
Bhutan with Children
Shorter drives, hands-on days and plenty of space to run around — a gentle, curious introduction to Bhutan for families.
- Duration
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Route
- Paro → Thimphu → Punakha → Paro
- Activity level
- Easy
- Best time
- Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
Children tend to love Bhutan: the prayer wheels to spin, the dogs in every courtyard, the archers who dance when they hit the target. This journey is built around those moments, with shorter drives, flexible days and a guide who knows how to keep young travellers curious.
Parents get the Bhutan they came for too — the dzongs, the mountain passes, the Tiger’s Nest — just at a pace that works for everyone.
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Paro
Highlights
- Try traditional archery with a local team
- Raft gently past Punakha Dzong
- Cook momos with a family in their farmhouse
- Meet takins, Bhutan's national animal
- Bounce across one of the longest suspension bridges in the country
Day by day
- Day01
Welcome to Bhutan Paro → Thimphu
A relaxed arrival and drive to Thimphu. Short walk to the National Memorial Chorten, where children can help turn the giant prayer wheels.
- National Memorial Chorten
- Prayer wheels
- Day02
Takins, paper and painting Thimphu
Visit the takin preserve, watch paper being made by hand at Jungshi, and try your hand at painting at a local studio. Buddha Dordenma at sunset.
- Motithang Takin Preserve
- Jungshi paper workshop
- Painting session
- Buddha Dordenma
- Day03
Over the pass to Punakha Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha
Stop at Dochula for hot chocolate among the chortens, then descend to warm Punakha. Afternoon at the dzong and an easy walk across the suspension bridge.
- Dochula
- Punakha Dzong
- Suspension bridge
- Day04
River and rice fields Punakha
A gentle rafting float on the Mo Chhu (suitable for most children over seven), a picnic by the river, and a short walk through rice fields to a village temple.
- Rafting float
- Riverside picnic
- Village walk
- Day05
Back to Paro Punakha → Paro
Return to Paro with stops for snacks and views. Afternoon archery lesson with local players — expect singing and dancing when someone hits the target.
- Archery lesson
- Day06
Farmhouse day Paro
Spend the day with a farming family: help in the fields or kitchen, learn to fold momos, and finish with a hot stone bath for the grown-ups.
- Farmhouse visit
- Momo cooking
- Hot stone bath
- Day07
The Tiger's Nest (or a shorter walk) Paro
Older children love the Tiger's Nest hike; for younger ones we suggest the walk to the viewpoint, or the shorter trail to the cliff temples of Dzongdrakha. Visit the National Museum in the afternoon.
- Tiger's Nest or Dzongdrakha walk
- National Museum
- Day08
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- Family-friendly hotels with interconnecting or family rooms where available.
- Meals
- All meals included. Bhutanese food can be spicy — our cooks are happy to prepare milder dishes for children.
- Transport
- A spacious private vehicle with child seats on request.
- Your guide
- A licensed guide experienced with families, who will tailor the pace to your children.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) — children aged 6–12 receive a reduced rate and under-6s are exempt
- Accommodation in family rooms where available
- All meals in Bhutan
- Rafting, archery session and farmhouse visit
- Private guide, driver and vehicle
- Entrance fees
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
March–May and September–November. School holidays in spring and October half-term work beautifully.
- January
- February
- March — recommended
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June
- July
- August
- September — recommended
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December
Before you travel
- Passports valid for at least six months for every family member
- Travel insurance for all travellers
Along the way
Questions about this journey
What age is Bhutan suitable for?
Families travel with children of all ages. Altitude is moderate in the valleys we visit, and we keep drives short. For babies and toddlers we will suggest the best hotels and pacing.