Bhutan

Bhutan is a Himalayan kingdom that has preserved its rich culture, unique traditions and religion until today. This East Asian country is also known as the “Land of the Thundering Dragon“. However, travel to this country is not entirely easy, as tourism is heavily regulated. You can only visit Bhutan with the support of local travel agencies. It is not possible to enter the country as an individual traveller without having arranged and paid for services in advance. We will be happy to work with our Bhutan partner to arrange a trip for you focusing on one of the following programmes:

• sightseeing
• sightseeing with light hiking
• combined hiking and sightseeing
• trekking

Take inspiration from our already developed programmes:

BHUTAN AND NEPAL – AN ACTIVE PROGRAMME FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

BHUTAN AND NEPAL – HIKING UNDER THE HIMALAYAN WALL

BHUTAN, INDIAN SIKKIM AND WEST BENGAL

BHUTAN – KINGDOM OF THE THUNDERING DRAGON

FROM INDIAN ASSAM TO BHUTAN

What to visit in Bhutan?

• Paro – is a picturesque landscaped town where the only international airport is located. The Paro dzong (monastery), the administrative and spiritual centre of the city, is the dominant feature here. The National Museum is also located in Paro.
• Thimpu – is the capital of Bhutan and the seat of the king. In Thimpu you can visit the Tashi ji dzong, the palace that is the seat of the government and the chief cleric. As you enter the Thimpu valley, you will be greeted by a 51 m high gilded statue of Buddha Dordenma.
• Taktshang “Tiger’s Nest “Monastery – an important Buddhist monastery located on a rock massif at an altitude of 3120m. It is one of the symbols of Bhutan.
• Punakha – is the former capital, in its vicinity there are a number of temples. Punakha dzong also known as the Palace of Supreme Happiness is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Not to be forgotten is the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery – a fertility temple associated with the legendary monk-prophet Drukpa Kinley.
• Bumthang – is an area of four valleys located at an altitude of 2600-4000 m, also called the “heart of the country”. The picturesque landscape with its many small temples, orchards and groves is sure to enchant any visitor.
• Haa Valley – is a narrow mystical valley, opened to tourists only in 2002. The valley is decorated with untouched forests and mountain peaks. In many small villages it is still possible to observe the traditional life of the local nomadic herders.
• Mongar – is the gateway to eastern Bhutan. Besides the youngest monastery in the country, we can visit traditional weaving villages and the Lhuntse area (the most isolated district in the country). Here we will discover a spectacular landscape with narrow incised gorges and dense coniferous forests.
• Wangdue Phodrang, Phobjikha valley, Jakar, Dochu La pass and others.

FAQs:

• Is it possible to visit Bhutan independently?
  Bhutan can only be visited with pre-arranged and pre-paid services (called a day package). The package always includes accommodation in a standard hotel (3 stars) in a double room, full board, transport around Bhutan, entrance fees to museums and monuments, the services of an English-speaking guide and tourist tax. In the case of a trekking tour, extra trekking equipment (e.g. tents and mattresses), a cook and a trekking assistant.

• When is the best time to visit Bhutan?
  The ideal time is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and visibility is great. Moreover, rhododendrons bloom in spring and the autumn months are ideal for trekking.

• Is Bhutan suitable for trekking?
  Yes, Bhutan is a trekker’s paradise. It offers innumerable trekking routes of varying lengths. You can head to the immediate vicinity of the Himalayan giants, to eastern Bhutan to discover rural life and indigenous ethnic groups, or just get a taste of a short trek with a series of enchanting lakes near Thimphu.

• Is Bhutan family-friendly?
  Yes, although the country may seem to focus more on experiences for the more adventurous solo traveller, it also offers action-packed programmes for the whole family.

• Do I need a visa?
  Yes, a visa is required and is arranged as part of a package through an authorized tour operator

You can easily combine your trip to Bhutan with any of the following destinations:

NEPAL

INDIA