Nine days through the length of a country that never lets you settle on a Vietnam trip for women: ancient towns like Hoi An, karst bays at Ha Long, imperial cities like Hue, hill tribe villages in Sapa, and food that will ruin you for everything else, all on a women only trip to Vietnam. Vietnam gets under your skin fast, on a Vietnam group trip for women or a solo female trip to Vietnam.
What if you could start the new year in another country without going halfway round the world? There is, in fact, a country right on our doorstep which is quite a different proposition altogether. Mountain roads wind through the clouds, monasteries hang off cliffs, prayer flags flutter above deep valleys, and people have a completely different idea of what a good life is.
Welcome to Bhutan.
A whole new country, a fresh calendar and a whole load of new experiences to look forward to. The highlight perhaps is that you're going to do it with a whole bunch of other women who are just as keen to get away from the known world and see what's out there. It's the Bhutan New Year trip for women. It's not really about making resolutions; it's about starting afresh in a beautiful way.
Bhutan sits between India and Tibet in the Eastern Himalayas and is often called the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It's also famous for Gross National Happiness, a development philosophy that values well-being, culture, and the natural environment as much as economic development.
Our journey starts in Paro, a lovely valley nestled between mountains, with traditional Bhutanese houses and fields that change with the seasons. Here, you'll also find one of Bhutan's most remarkable landmarks: Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger's Nest). Perched on a cliffside, it's said to be where Guru Rinpoche came to Bhutan on the back of a tigress to establish Buddhism.
Next we head to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It's a city where tradition and modernity coexist in their own very particular way. No traffic lights, traditional dress is still very much part of day-to-day life, and the weekend markets are a real thing, with farmers, craftspeople, and families all coming together. You can wander around to look at hand-woven textiles, pick up a few souvenirs, take in the architecture, or just see where the afternoon takes you.
Punakha offers yet another change of scene. It's in a warm, fertile valley and is home to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, which sits at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. With its white walls, exquisite woodwork, and very nice setting, it is widely regarded as one of Bhutan's most impressive dzongs. The drive takes us over Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand against the backdrop of the Himalayas.
Whether this is your first time travelling abroad or you’ve been on plenty of adventures already, a women-only trip for New Year 2027 is a lovely way to celebrate. If you’ve been thinking about a Bhutan solo trip for women, joining a group means you can enjoy the freedom of travelling without organising every detail yourself. You’ll have a Flapper Coach and local coordination along the way, plus a group of women to share the discoveries, the long drives and the inevitable photo stops with. It’s also a wonderful option for your first international trip with a women's group, or if you’re looking for group trips for solo travellers that feel more like travelling with friends than joining a tour.
You could begin the year with another party, another countdown and another familiar celebration. Or you could begin it in Bhutan, somewhere between the mountains and the clouds, with a passport stamp, new friendships and stories you haven’t heard yet.
We know which beginning we’d choose.
Everything you might want to ask before you book this journey.
No visa is required. Indian nationals do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. Instead, the Royal Government of Bhutan provides an Entry Permit upon arrival, and Indian travellers can present either a valid passport with at least six months' validity or a government-issued Voter ID card. This makes Bhutan one of the easiest international destinations for women travelling from India. A Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) does apply per night, which is included in The Flapper Life's trip pricing.
The classic circuit covers Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, and each has its own character. Paro is home to the Tiger's Nest, one of the most iconic hikes in the world. Thimphu captivates with its mix of natural beauty, history, and culture — from the lively Weekend Market to the historic Tashichho Dzong and the majestic Buddha Dordenma Statue. Punakha is breathtaking in its river valley setting and home to one of Bhutan's most magnificent fortresses. Beyond these, Phobjikha Valley and Dochula Pass are the kind of places that stay with you long after you leave.
Late December and early January in Bhutan is winter. Temperatures in the valleys range from around 5 to 15 degrees Celsius during the day and can drop below zero at night, particularly in Thimphu and at higher elevations. Paro and Punakha are slightly warmer. The skies are typically clear and bright, offering spectacular mountain views including the Great Himalayan range from the Dochula Pass. Pack warm layers, a good down jacket, thermal innerwear, and comfortable walking shoes. The cold is dry and manageable and the clear winter light makes for some of the most beautiful photography of the year.
Most of the classic Bhutan itinerary is accessible to women of all fitness levels. The one experience that requires preparation is the Tiger's Nest hike — a round-trip hike of approximately four to five hours to reach the monastery. It is rewarding rather than extreme, and many women across age groups complete it comfortably with the right pacing. The Flapper Life plans all trips with different energy levels in mind, so no one feels left behind.
Bhutan is a deeply spiritual country and modest dressing is important, particularly at religious sites. Covering shoulders and knees when visiting dzongs, monasteries, and temples is expected and respectful. Pack for diverse conditions and layer up, as Bhutan's weather varies significantly across regions and elevations. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Casual and smart-casual clothing works well everywhere else — Bhutanese towns are relaxed and stylish in their own way.
The national language is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken across tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and among guides. English is a widely spoken language in tourist areas, making it simple for visitors to communicate and receive assistance. For women travelling from India, communication is easy and comfortable throughout the trip.
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the official currency and is pegged to the Indian Rupee, which means Indian Rupees are usually accepted for purchases in Bhutan, although most shopkeepers may not accept denominations above ₹100. ATMs are available in Thimphu and Paro. Carrying a mix of cash and card is advisable, and all major trip expenses are covered within The Flapper Life package.
Absolutely. Bhutan is a safe and easy country to travel as a single woman, and the majority of women who attend curated group retreats come by themselves — leaving with new, lifelong friends. The Flapper Life's women-only journeys are built specifically so that first-timers feel fully supported from the moment they land, without needing to figure out a single logistical detail on their own.