Bhutan Culture Tour

Trip Facts

Duration: 7 Days
Challenge level : Moderate
Max Altitude:3120
Group size :3-16 People
Best TimeSpring / Autumn
Destination :Bhutan

About Bhutan Culture Tour

Bhutan tour provides unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Immerse yourself in this one of a kind experiences by playing the local sports, sampling the delicious home-cooked cuisine and enjoying traditional songs and dances all while imbibing the heady local liquor. Explore ancient temples, majestic dzongs, and breathtaking valleys as you journey through the heart of Bhutan.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Bhutan with our meticulously crafted seven-day tour. From the scenic landscapes of Paro to the bustling streets of Thimphu, immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this mystical kingdom. Witness the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery perched on a cliff and marvel at the stunning vistas of Gangtey Valley. Indulge in leisurely walks through traditional villages and savor the warm hospitality of the Bhutanese people. With our expert guides and comfortable accommodations, embark on a transformative journey that promises unforgettable memories.

Discover the essence of Bhutan with us and create lifelong memories in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

Day 1:Paro To Thimpu

Arrive at Paro Airport (PBH) by Air and transfer to Thimphu. After immigration and baggage collection, our representative will drive you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Thimphu, the center of government, religion, and commerce, offers a blend of tradition and modernity with temples, dzongs, chortens, museums also known as tourism hub. Admire the three(Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese) different styles of stupas at the confluence. Upon arrival, check into the hotel, followed by an evening stroll around Thimphu's main street and market area.

OVER NIGHT AT THIMPHU

Day 2:THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

In Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan, start your day with breakfast. Situated in the western central part of Bhutan, Thimphu is nestled in the Thimphu District, at an average elevation of nearly 2400 meters. Explore key attractions including Buddha Point, BBS Tower, Tashicchhoe Dzong, The Memorial Chorten, National Library, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Centenary Farmer Market, and Changlimithang.

OVER NIGHT AT THIMPHU

Day 3:THIMPHU TO GANGTEY

After breakfast, we drive to Gangtey for an eight-day tour of the historical and cultural highlights of central Bhutan. Paro offers a cultural experience with its ruined fortress and museums, and panoramic view, leaves an indelible cultural experience while Thimphu boasts ancient monasteries and stunning valley views in 7000-meter peak in the background. Gangtey Valley, known for its ancient monastery and rare Black Necked Cranes, offers breathtaking views. Enjoy a leisurely drive past Punakha, immersing in cultural delights. Optionally, trek or horse ride to Taktsang Monastery, embodying Bhutanese religious beliefs.

OVER NIGHT AT GANGTEY

Day 4:GANGTEY TO PUNAKHA

This morning, we explore the town before embarking on a scenic drive to Punakha (77km, Approx. 1 hr). Passing through picturesque villages, waterfalls, and the majestic Black Mountains and the everchanging vegetation, we reach the warm valley of Punakha. After a short rest at the hotel, we visit the highlight of the day - Punakha Dzong. Situated at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, it showcases stunning Bhutanese architecture.

OVER NIGHT AT PUNAKHA

Day 5:PUNAKHA TO PARO

After a short drive from Punakha, we stroll through paddy fields to reach Chimi Lakhang, dedicated to the saint Drukpa Kuenley. Then, we proceed to Paro via Dochula Pass, visiting at Simtokha Dzong en route. Upon hotel check-in, you can also visit Ta Dzong, housing the National Museum, and explore Paro Dzong, also known as Rinphung Dzong.

OVER NIGHT AT PARO

Day 6:PARO

After breakfast, we'll journey to Taktsang Lhakhang, Bhutan’s iconic landmark perched on a sheer cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley. Known as "The Tiger’s Nest," this sacred temple was built in 1692 at the cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop a tigress and meditated for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours to subdue evil demons. Taktsang Lhakhang, located 10 km north of Paro town at an altitude of 3,120 meters, requires a 2-3-hour trek through scenic pine forests. No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

OVER NIGHT AT PARO

Day 7:PARO DEPATURE

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What's included

Included

All Hikes & Sightseeing
A minimum of 3 Star Government approved Accommodation in twin sharing basis
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with Evening Tea & Snacks
We have our own convoy of Imported Foreign vehicles like (Toyota SUV Cars for FIT & Toyota H1, HiAce Bus, and Coaster Bus for Group with driver) for all internal Transfers & sightseeing (excluding internal flights).
All Entrance Fees of museums and cultural sites
A licensed English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide
3 Star Hotel
All Local Taxes and Charges
Extra Services: Mineral drinking water
All Entrance fees are as per program
All Parking Fee
Single room supplement
Cultural Program as a Surprise Program (Bhutanese Dance)

What's Excluded

Excluded

One time Visa fees of US$ 40 (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
Round Trip Air fare/ Train Fare & Airport Taxes not included
5-star accommodations and meals
Travel Insurance
Luxury hotels & separate vehicles
Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff
Trekking Accessories like sleeping bags & shoes are not included
Personal related expenses like calls, Beverages, Alcohol, laundry, donations to Monasteries and Temples, Souvenirs, shopping, etc.

Tourism council of Bhutan states in its directive:

''While tourism may be important as a revenue earner, Bhutan sees no gain in succumbing to over commercialism. It recognizes that a small country emerging from isolation must do so in its own time and at its own pace. The Tourism council of Bhutan is clear that its policy of high value, low volume is the right policy because Bhutan is just too small for mass tourism. And as the world begins to discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon, many go away with a sense of having been in a special place, far from the insanity of modern living. Here is a land where life may not be materially luxurious, but it provides much that is good for a society that is not yet caught up with the global rat race”

VISA FORMALITIES

All the Visitors MUST obtain Visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan otherwise you cannot embark Bhutan.

Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.

At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Important Note:

A scanned copy of your original passport with clear details should be sent to us in advance.
Visitors must bring 3 number of latest color Passport size Photo for visa.
For processing Visa, we should have received your details at least two weeks in advance, because time taken to process Visa is almost two week.
All passengers are advised to check their passport validity which should not be less than 6 months from the date of travel.
Bhutan Visa will be issued and stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan.

Payment Procedure

Prior to your trip to Bhutan, you will be asked to make the full payment (in terms of US Dollars) for your trips to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s bank account at the Bhutan National Bank, with Bhutan Travel Express as the Ultimate Beneficiary of the funds. You must make the tour payment calculated by Bhutan Travel Express as well as USD 40 (one time visa fee) to the Bhutan National Bank.

Tour payment must be sent 1 month prior to date of arrival in Bhutan and visa is cleared by the Royal Government of Bhutan subject to advance payment only. For high seasons, it is advisable to remit payment 6 months in advance or earlier. That will give us ample of time to arrange all the amenities for your tour to Bhutan. Once the trip is confirmed we will send you the instructions for making payment.

Your money is held in the government’s account and will not be released to Bhutan Travel Express until you return from Bhutan after your tours. Your money is always secured, therefore.

Note: We will share you our bank details once you confirm you travel booking with us.

HOW TO GET TO BHUTAN

There are only two ways to enter Bhutan – by air and by road/ land.

Entering by Air: Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. Paro is situated at a height of 2,250 m (7382 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876 m (16,000 ft approx). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Royal Bhutan Airlines (Druk Air) and Bhutan Airlines. And there are domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operates regularly to/from India (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gaya, Guwathi, and Bagdogra), Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore (Changi), Bangladesh (Dhaka) and Nepal (Kathmandu). We are also an authorized International Air Ticketing Agency. Therefore, for both Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines you can rely on us for Air Tickets to reach Bhutan any time you wish.

Entering by Land (Road): Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar are the only land border areas open to tourists. If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway of Phuentsholing into the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately six hours drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, about 170 km (106 miles Approx) away from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal (Darjeeling District).

Gelephu in south-central Bhutan is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 250 km (155 miles Approx) from Thimphu and the journey will take you through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. One will have to traverse across three districts and the travel time will be about 9 hours.

The district of Samdrup Jongkhar in south-east Bhutan borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam and is approximately 150 km (93 miles Approx) away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. It is 3-hour drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to the Indian airport of Guwahati. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang and then finally into capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 km (435 miles Approx) and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu. This is usually preferred by those flying into Paro in the west and touring across eastern Bhutan without back tracking.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy

We genuinely hope that you will successfully complete your Bhutan trip making most enjoyable memory of Bhutan. We assure you to provide every effort to make your experience in Bhutan a memorable one. We do realize at time due to unavoidable circumstances a trip to Bhutan may need to be cancelled or postponed. Thus we have our judicious cancelation policy to protect but the parties.

Tour programs that are cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows depending on how close to the arrival date to Bhutan that the cancellation is done.

GENERAL REMARKS:

The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.
Extra supplement will be charged if the rooms are to be upgraded.

The complete tour payment must be made no later than one month prior to your trip in US$ as per the wire payment instructions. This is to ensure that we secure visas, hotel reservations, transportation, and guides.
The complete flight payment must be made before the expiry date of the flight reservation done on behalf of you. You have the flexibility to send either both the payment together and the trip payment later.