The Bhutan Tour offers a journey where tradition meets modern life in perfect harmony as you explore this beautiful Himalayan kingdom. You will be amazed at the richness of the culture and the beautiful landscapes. The moment you begin your trip, you will feel the magic of Bhutan. Colorful prayer flags fluttering and festivals full of music and joy create a cultural experience second to none.
The journey begins farom Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. It includes a visit to the magnificent Tashichho Dzong and a stroll around vibrant local markets. Later in the day, you will be driven to the Paro Valley. It hosts the fabled Tiger's Nest Monastery, perched atop a cliff. The view from above of this iconic site, situated on the side of a cliff, makes the hike upwards so well worth it.
From Paro, you will be taken to Punakha. It’s home to the breathtakingly beautiful Punakha Dzong. You can go nature walking on the banks of the rivers or simply enjoy interacting with the people for more insight into the life of the Bhutanese. Every day on this tour is a different experience, be it the visits to quaint villages or the enjoyment of ethnic Bhutanese cuisine.
This tour is quite true to Bhutan's philosophy of Gross National Happiness. It allows one to get deep into the culture with activities ranging from archery to traditional dance. Day by day, each day of the tour brings you different cultural experiences that will make your tour unforgettable. It combines scenic beauty with profound cultural awareness. You have to see it yourself to really understand.
Highlights of The Trip
- A breathtaking flight over the stunning Himalayan mountains
- Explore Dzongs (fortresses), Memorial Chortens and beautifully designed temples
- Hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), which takes 2.5 hours of hike situated at an elevation of 3180m
- Enjoy scenic drives through high mountain passes with amazing views of the Himalayas.
- The warm hospitality of the people of Bhutan will allow you to enjoy delicious local food.
Currency and Budgeting Bhutan Tour
Planning to go to Bhutan is pretty exciting. However, you need to plan your currency and budget very efficiently. The official currency that is used is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). One Ngultrum is approximately 0.014 US dollars, meaning you will have to pay around 71 to 72 Ngultrum per dollar. At the spot, there are demands for daily expenses like snacks and drinks. Costing around 800 to 1,000 Nu, it is also better to carry 5,000 to 10,000 Nu, which is $70 to $140 worth of Nu.
While most of the expenses, such as accommodation, meals, etc., are included in your tour package, keep some extra money aside for added costs. The minimumdailypackageisUS$250perday for peak seasons, and a guide, meals, and transport are included in the package. Additionally, be prepared to spend an extra $11 to $15 per day on snacks and drinks.
Although not compulsory, you may also tip your guide or driver for better service. Bring extra money for souvenirs, tips, and activities that may interest you on the way. In Bhutan, cash is popularly used compared to other mediums of money. Nonetheless, some places will also accept international credit cards. You can bring US dollars and exchange at the best rate when you arrive at the airport or any other money exchange center. You can also carry Indian Rupees with you since this is a widely acceptable currency.
Best Time to visit Bhutan
The prime time to travel to Bhutan is during the Spring and autumn seasons when nature is at its greatest. During the spring season, the temperature ranges between 10°C to 25°C, and the landscape is also painted in colors with the blooms of flowers like rhododendrons and magnolias. Vibrant festivals like Paro Tshechu are also decorated with flowers during this time. Hence, a treat for visitors is a must.
The autumn weather is quite pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging 22° C. The skies are clear and offer excellent panoramic sky views of the Himalayas. It's a great time to join in on the major festivals like Thimpu Tsechu. These are displays of their history and cultural heritage.
This summer season, from June to August, will have monsoon rains and higher humidity, with temperatures reaching 25°C. The landscape will still be lush green, but the heavy rains may impede travel. Therefore, carrying rain gear is highly recommended if one travels during this season.
During the winter months, from December to February, temperatures typically drop below 0°C. Cold conditions at higher altitudes make it quite chilly. The view of the peaks covered by snow is thrilling as the skies are foggy on a bad day, but on a good day, you see a horizon of glacier view. Quiet seasons offer solitude and the view of rare wild animals. There are dark-throat cranes in Phobjikha Valley. Plan the trip based on your preferences and preferred times.
Necessary Permits and Visa Requirements
If you are planning a trip to Bhutan, Nepali citizens require a visa and a few permits to visit the country. You will need to apply for your visa through any registered Bhutanese tour operator or travel agent. They process your visa online within 15 to 20 days, so make sure the process is submitted one month prior. The visa costs approximately USD 40 per head.
You need two major permits. First, there is the Entry Permit, which allows you to enter the most popular places, such as Thimphu and Paro. When you enter Bhutan, you can get the permit at the immigration office in Phuentsholing. Your tour operator will be able to organize this permit for you. The minimum daily package permit costs about USD 250 per day.
If you want to visit places like Punakha, Wangdue or Bumthang, you need a special area permit. You can get it at ThimphufromImmigration. Normally, your tour price includes the cost of these permits, and your tour operator takes care of everything for a comfortable and smooth journey.
What to Pack for the Tour?
- Always keep your important documents like your passport and visa. Ensure they are valid and easily accessible.
- A must is your travel insurance for peace of mind during your journey.
- Keep handy some of the few copies of the Itinerary if any inquiry happens.
- For clothing, you can carry lightweight and quickly drying pants, moisture-proof shirts, warm fleece layers and down jackets.
- Carry a waterproof jacket for rain gear as an essential item during times of heavy rainfall or snowfall.
- Sturdy and comfortable hiking boots as well as flip-flops for relaxation.
- Remember to wear comfortable clothing like long pants and sleeves, especially when you visit monasteries.
- Personal care items like sunscreen, lip balms, moisturizers, and toiletries are required. Any personal medications that include basic supplies, like bandaids and pain relievers, are also required.
- If you like taking memories, carry crucial technologies like cameras and phones along with power banks and chargers.
- Carry miscellaneous essentials, such as snacks like energy bars. Also, use reusable water bottles to stay hydrated while being environmentally conscious.
- Always carry some local currency called Ngultrum. Since not everyone accepts cards, it's a good idea to have cash on hand.