As Bhutan doesn't allow individual travel,all have to deal with a travelagent. It is advised to contact a local agent, as this saves the payment for the foreign agent. All tours have to be pre-arranged, and also pre- paid. And most tours are customised.There is a surcharge for a group of less than 4 people.
First, get a general idea about Bhutan on these official websites:
www.abto.org.bt/tour-operators
On these sites there is a list of recognised tour operators.On the T.A. forum you can get recommendations for some.Have a look at their proposed itinaries.
Look at the articles mentioned on Tripadvisor, and get an idea, what you want to see and do.
Your flight to and from Bhutan has to be with the national carrier, Drukair.Usually they fly from Bangkok or Delhi.The flight from Kathmandu to Paro is fantastic and right along the many 8-thousanders of the Himalayas. As they have only a few planes, they fill up very fast and it is advisable to reserve (means pay in full) at least 4-5 months ahead.The local agent will organise this, so start to find one at least half a year before you plan to go or more if you plan to attend a festival.
Start to write mails to some operators, asking for tours with your preferences, and look at their answers.The price is fixed,(240$-200$ per person per nighthalt) so it is more important to see what you can get for that. Ask what kind of accomodation they use.Mind that the Amankora and Uma are not on the list of hotels normally used. You can ask to stay there for a large extra payment, or, reserve directly with them and they'll have their own guides for their guests.
Take into account that the roads are narrow and with a lot of curves.( As a matter of fact, the longest straight paved road is the landingstrip in Paro).Therefore, driving is slow . As the countryside is beautiful and invites a lot of stops,plan relatively short distances per day.Even better to plan is at least two nights in most places, and have time to absorb .. the atmosphere, the air.
If you are short of time,it is better to see less places, but get the feel of the country, and not try to squeeze in a lot of driving and running around. .
For treks the price is the same as for hoteltours. Your agent will organise tents, cook, all meals and horses for carrying your luggage.You only have to bring a sleepingbag and a small personal backpack.
After fixing your itinary, your agent will need all the passportdetails, of all people traveling, to get your visa ready.The passes have to be valid at least 6 months after your return from Bhutan.
Payment is about one month before your tour,mostly by bank, as creditcards are not accepted for this transaction. You'll receive your visa, which you have to show when boarding theDrukair-plane. On arrival in Paro you'll get the visa-stamp in your passport.
