Bhutan Introduction
Bhutan is an exotic land of high mountains and lush valleys, snow-clad peaks and clear running springs and a well preserved Himalayan Buddhist culture. Bhutan lies between India and Tibet in the eastern Himalayas. The country is sparsely populated with about only six hundred thousand people. For a long time Bhutan has remained inaccessible and mysterious to the outer world. Now that the country is open, but still the number of visitors allowed is limited. We welcome you to explore this fascinating and mysterious land of Bhutan, often called the last Shangri-La.
All our Bhutan tours originate at Kathmandu, with a flight from Kathmandu to Paro airport in Bhutan. However, upon request, we can operate your tour even if you land in Bhutan from elsewhere.
Bhutan Travel Basic Information
Visa
Every travelers must possess a visa for Bhutan which is usually granted for 14 days. Later on the visa can be extended in Thimpu for up to six months While the actual visa is stamped on arrival in Bhutan, visitors need to obtain visa clearance from the Tourism Authority of Bhutan (TAB) in advance.(which we will obtain for you).
Getting there
The national carrier of Bhutan, Druk Air, operates flights to Paro from Bangkok, Kolkata, Dhaka, Kathmandu and New Delhi. The flight is not daily and the operation days often get changed. Before planning your trip , consult us for the schedule during your trip.
If you are entering by surface from India, Phuntsholing in southwest Bhutan is the entry point. Phuntsholing is four hours’ drive from Bagdogra, the nearest Indian airport, and seven hours’ drive from both Sikkim and Darjeeling. The drive from Phuntsholing to Thimpu takes six hours.
Best season to travel to Bhutan
March-May and September-November are the high season months, while June, July and December-February comprises the low season. Bring cotton or light woolen wears in summer (maximum temperature 30 degrees Celsius) and heavy woolens and down jacket in winter (minimum 1.1 degrees Celsius).
Tour Price and other expenses
Unlike in many countries, the Bhutanese government’s tourism ministry has set minimum tariffs which is rather high for budget travelers.However good resorts , private vehicles, English speaking private guides and all meals are included in the tariff. Individuals and groups of less than four persons must pay a surcharge. The rates are the same for both cultural tours and the treks.
Besides the tariffs here are other expenses.
Visa fee: USD 40
Tourism Development fee( TDF ) : USD 10
Kathmandu to Bhutan airfare: USD 448 in winter (Round trip)
lower season we have lower fare.
Bhutan Tour Packages
Below are some of the most popular Bhutan tour packages with us.
Glimpses of Bhutan Tour
4 nights / 5 days</strong
Day 01 : Arrival in Paro , transfer to hotel
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing – visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. Late after noon drive 2 hours to Thimphu (65 Kms) which is the capital of Bhutan. Evening free time. Overnight at Hotel
Day 03 : Before noon, Thimphu sightseeing – visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery and the new Drupthob nunnery temple, Indegenous Hospital. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at hotel
Day 04: Drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest university. Overnight inn hotel.
Day 05 : Transfer to airport for departure( around 8 am)
Explore Bhutan Tour
7 nights /8 days
Day 01 : Arrival in Paro/Bhutan, transfer to hotel
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing – visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort Drive back and hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley. Late after noon drive 1 & 1/2 hours to Thimphu (65 Kms) which is the capital of Bhutan. Evening free time. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : AM Thimphu sightseeing – visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery and the new Drupthob nunnery temple. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at hotel .
Day 04: Today will be a long drive almost 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. After one and half hours from Chendebji Chorten arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was con trolled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight at Karma Tobden GuestHouse or similar.
Day 05 : Bumthang altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its
visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing – Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Drive back to Wangduephodrang via Gangtay Valley (9/10hrs).
Overnight at at hotel.
Day 07: AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight Kichu Resort or similar.
Day 08: Transfer to airport for departure.
Cost quoted Includes:
07 nts package on full board on room sharing basis, airport transfers in Bhutan, all other transfer & s/seeing with an English speaking guide as per the program, TDF, entrance fees, visa fee.
Cost excludes :
2 passport sized photos required at Paro airport, airfare, airport tax, beverages, tips & expenses of personal nature.
Chomolhari Trek
1o nights day /11 days
One of the most popular walking tour in Bhutan, the Chomolhari trek introduces you to the rich history of the Paro, Punakha and the Thimpu valley and the exceptional beauty of Mt.Chomolhari (7311m) . Mount Chomolhari is one of the most magnificent mountains in whole of Eastern Himalayas and the trek to Chomolhari is a rewarding experience for the trekkers.
