Golf in the Clouds: Planning a Golf Holiday in Bhutan

Most golf trips are about the course. In Bhutan, the course is only half the story. Our two golf journeys, Swing Into The Hearts Of Bhutan, pair rounds on two of the highest and most scenic courses in the world with dzongs, mountain passes, hot stone baths and the hike to Tiger's Nest. Here is what a golf holiday in the Himalayas actually looks like.

Two courses, two very different rounds

Both itineraries include a round at Drakpoi Golf Course and a round at the Royal Thimphu Golf Course.

At Drakpoi you can choose 9 or 18 holes among rolling hills with monasteries in view. Lunch is served in a tent right on the course, which turns a round of golf into a relaxed Bhutanese picnic.

The Royal Thimphu Golf Course sits beside Tashichho Dzong, the great fortress at the heart of the capital, and is one of the highest courses in the world. You have lunch at the club with views over the valley and the dzongs, then visit the Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu's best-loved spiritual landmarks, in the afternoon.

Choose your length: 8 days or 5 days

<strong class="font-semibold">Swing Into The Hearts Of Bhutan (7 nights / 8 days).</strong> The full journey gives you time for both courses and much more. After landing at Paro and driving 1.5 to 2 hours to Thimphu, you visit Buddha Dordenma on your first afternoon. Golf fills days two and three, with a dinner at The 19th Hole, a golf bar with an indoor simulator and billiards, after your first round. Day four is a cultural day: a presentation on Gross National Happiness, traditional dance, archery, khuru (Bhutanese darts), dressing up in Bhutanese attire and an authentic Bhutanese lunch.

Then the trip opens up. You cross Dochula Pass (3,100 m) with its 108 chortens and Himalayan views, visit Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong at the meeting of two rivers, and walk the Punakha Suspension Bridge. Back in Paro, there is a tasting at Namgay Artisanal Brewery, and on day seven the 2 to 3 hour hike to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest Monastery, followed by a well-earned hot stone bath.

<strong class="font-semibold">Swing Into The Hearts Of Bhutan, A Short Escape (4 nights / 5 days).</strong> Built around a Monday arrival and Friday departure, this version is designed for foreign nationals living in Dhaka, using Drukair's direct flights between Dhaka and Paro. You still play both Drakpoi and the Royal Thimphu Golf Course, enjoy an evening cultural program with music and dance, cross Dochula Pass to Paro, visit Drugyel Dzong and see Tiger's Nest from its base without the full hike. The trip ends with a traditional hot stone bath and a Bhutanese dinner before you fly out.

Tips for golfers heading to Bhutan

• Pack for altitude and changing weather. Mornings in the valleys can be cool, so bring layers you can peel off as the day warms up, plus sun protection.
• Plan your shoes. Bring golf shoes for the courses and comfortable walking shoes for dzongs, town strolls and, on the longer trip, the Tiger's Nest trail.
• Respect the dress code at dzongs. Visiting dzongs needs modest clothing. If you wear Bhutanese dress, men also need a ceremonial scarf and long socks.
• Tell us your pace. Your trip is completely private, and your guide can adjust the order of visits, swap a monastery for a museum or a nature walk, or give you extra time where you want it.

</ul><h2 class="text-2xl font-bold text-gray-900 mt-10 mb-6">What is taken care of</h2>

Both golf journeys include your Bhutan visa fees, a licensed English-speaking guide, a private driver and vehicle, all meals unless otherwise stated, 3-star hotels with upgrade options, daily bottled water, and taxes, service charges and the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). International airfare, travel insurance, alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses are not included. Your trip is confirmed within two weeks of your down payment, a little longer in peak season.

Ready to tee off in the clouds?

Whether you have a long weekend from Dhaka or a full week to explore, Bhutan is one of the few places where you can play a round beside a fortress in the morning and sit in a hot stone bath by evening. See both golf itineraries on our [tours page](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/tours), then [send us a booking request](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/booking) or [get in touch](https://wel.cometobhutan.com/contact) and our team will help you plan your dates.