Bhutan Getaway

4 days Total Duration

Kathmandu Trip Start Point

Kathmandu Trip Finish Point

3,120m/10,236ft (Tiger's Nest) Highest Point

Easy Difficulty Level

Enjoy the finest of the land of the thunder dragon. The trip will, in a week, enable one to experience the essence of Bhutan. With the hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery as the highlight of your holiday, BHUTAN GETAWAY will take you through a spiritual and cultural extravaganza of the valleys of Western Bhutan, spicy Bhutanese cuisine, unique culture and traditions, temples, monasteries, stunning landscape, warm and hospitable people.

Highlights

	Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery- a spectacular sight in terms of location, setting and history and is one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist arena.
	Excursion of Thimphu Valley – combination of the ancient and the modern
	Excursion of Paro valley – the old capital of Bhutan

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

JanFebMarAprMayJun

JulAugSepOctNovDec

Summers start from mid-April onwards and last through early-September, bringing heavy rains, humidity, and dramatic clouds throughout the country. There are chances of floods, and flights could be affected during this time. There’s greenery all over the country, making the surrounding hills scenic with blooming wildflowers.

Paro: 14°C/57.2°F (min) to 26.8°C/80.2°F (max), Thimpu: 15°C/59°F (min) to 25.9°C/78.6°F (max), Punakha: 20°C/68°F (min) to 30.4°C/86.7°F (max)

Group Sizepax	Fixed Departureprices per person	Regularprices per person
2	USD 1730	USD 1750
3 - 5	USD 1580	USD 1600
6 - 8	USD 1550	USD 1570
9 & up	USD 1520	USD 1540

Upcoming Fixed Departure: 27 Dec 2025

	3 hotels
	3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
	Reserved vehicle 2 way flights

Prices valid until Dec 31st, 2025

Scroll to price details

Download Map

Day 1	Paro - Thimpu (your first glimpse of Bhutan)
Day 2	Thimpu valley excursion (combination of the ancient and the modern)
Day 3	Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest)
Day 4	Departure

Day 1

Paro - Thimpu (your first glimpse of Bhutan)

Drive from Paro International Airport to Thimpu 1 hrs

Step into the kingdom of Bhutan by landing at Paro International Airport. Depending on the arrival time, we will have a quick lunch or coffee break in Paro town and continue on a picturesque one-hour drive to Thimphu. At Thimpu, immerse yourself in the vibrant streets, lively markets and the pulse of the town. We conclude our day at our hotel in Thimpu. If you arrive early, we take you to Tachogang Lhakhang enroute Thimpu. This spiritual haven pays homage to Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as 'The Iron Bridge Builder’. We walk past the iron suspension bridge and explore the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 2

Thimpu valley excursion (combination of the ancient and the modern)

Explore the vibrant city of Thimpu

Today, we have a line up of interesting exploration and cultural immersion waiting us including Kuensel Phodrang / Buddha Point – 51.5 meters Shakyamuni Buddha statue and view of Thimphu valley. You can also opt for an hour’s hike around the Buddha. Besides, we also visit Memorial Chorten / Stupa – Congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk, Bhutan Postal Museum -make your personalized stamps with your photo and use them to send postcards to your family and friends around the world, Takin Preserve – Takin the national animal of Bhutan, Centenary Farmers Market/Kaja Throm, Craft Bazaar – single line of shops selling traditional made in Bhutan arts and crafts. If time permits, we will also explore Tashi Chho Dzong/ Fortress of Splendid Religion - office of the Golden Throne of the Dragon King.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 3

Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest)

	Drive from Thimpu to Paro 1 hr
	Hike to the iconic Takstang - The Tiger's Nest (3139m / 10300 ft) 4 to 5 hr After breakfast, we gear up for an invigorating hike to the most important cultural icon of Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery. The hike is a 3-hour uphill journey rewarded with a 2-hour downhill trek. On the way, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, an ancient temple dating back to the 7th century.
	Archery and exploration Later, you have the options to engage in traditional archery for some Bhutanese fun, and delve into the culinary culture with a Bhutanese cooking experience, either learning the craft or creating your own delectable meal.
	Farmhouse experience with traditional hot stone bath We end our trip with a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse in Paro - white round stones picked up from the riversides are roasted in fire until red hot and then immersed in a wooden tub of fresh spring water sprinkled with herbs. These hot stones baths are supposed to be very curative with numerous medicinal and healing properties and has been the practice since the ancient times in Bhutan. We have a farewell dinner with our team at the hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 4

Departure

Drive from hotel to the Paro International Airport

We have out breakfast at the hotel and drive to Paro International Airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Expand | Download Map

Kathmandu Hotel and Transfers

USD 185 per person

Airport pick up and drop off, facilitated by an English-speaking representative
2 nights in a four-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Shankar or similar) on bed & breakfast plan and twin-sharing basis

Group Sizepax	Fixed Departureprices per person	Regularprices per person
2	USD 1730	USD 1750
3 - 5	USD 1580	USD 1600
6 - 8	USD 1550	USD 1570
9 & up	USD 1520	USD 1540

Upcoming Fixed Departure: 27 Dec 2025

Prices valid until Dec 31st, 2025

Includes

	Accommodation 3-star comfortable hotels on all 3 nights on double/twin-sharing basis
	Transportation Round trip International flight (KTM-Paro-KTM) Reserved vehicle throughout the trip as per the itinerary Airport pick up and drop off
	Food 3 breakfasts 3 lunches 3 dinners
	Crew An experienced guide with medical kit Driver and vehicle on each day (ferrying trekkers and luggage)
	Misc Sustainable Development Fees (USD 100 per person per day) Visa fees (USD 40 per person) All entry fees for visiting museums & dzongs as per the itinerary Government Taxes Traditional hot stone bath

Excludes

Non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages
Additional food
Travel Insurance
Phone calls (sim can be arranged for a separate fee)
Gratuity to service providers like field staff (guide, driver, bellboys, etc.),
Any item not mentioned in Price Includes
Any expense incurred in itinerary changes that are beyond our control.

Getting to Bhutan

Visa

Except for citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, all other nationalities are required to obtain visa clearance before entering Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by a registered Bhutanese tour operator, either directly or through a foreign travel agent. Required documents include a scanned color copy of your passport, a passport photo taken within the last six months, proof of travel insurance for the intended duration, and a visa fee of US $40.

We handle the visa process on your behalf. The processing time typically ranges from 3 to 5 official working days. As long as all the requirements are met, visas for Bhutan are guaranteed. If you are traveling in a group, applications must be processed at the same time and visas will be granted together. The actual visa will be stamped into your passport upon presenting your visa clearance letter at the point of entry.

Sustainable Development Fees (SDF)

Bhutan levies a mandatory SDF on all foreign nationals entering the country. As of the last update in August 2023, the fees are USD 100 per night. These fees contribute to a pool of resources that help Bhutan fund its development projects.

Note: The SDF is waived for citizens of three countries – India, Bangladesh, and Maldives, who are only required to pay USD 15 per day.

International Flights Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines are the two main airlines operating in Bhutan. Flights to Bhutan connect from various cities, including Kathmandu, Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore, Dhaka, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bagdogra, and Bodhgaya. While Druk Air offers regular flights, Bhutan Airlines operates only a few days a week. Due to the limited availability of flights, it is advisable to book in advance. If you need assistance with flight booking, please let us know, and we can make the arrangements for you.

Insurance It is mandatory to have travel insurance before flying to Bhutan. In fact, you are required to submit a copy of your travel insurance covering the trip duration when applying for your visa.

Logistics

Accommodation

As the default selection, our itinerary features government-endorsed 3-star hotels. These are clean and hygienic hotels with charming architecture, offering a very comfortable stay accompanied by warm hospitality. Prices for hotels are on a double or twin-sharing basis, which means there will be two people to a room. For families with kids, room allocation depends on your preference and availability. A separate single room can be arranged for an additional charge.

Accommodation options in Bhutan span a wide range, from traditional farmhouses to luxurious five-star hotels. Options become limited and more basic as we go into the Eastern regions and remote areas. If you wish to book a specific hotel or upgrade to luxury lodging, let us know and we will make the necessary arrangements.

Vehicle We provide comfortable reserved vehicles to drive you around for sightseeing and pick-ups/drop-offs as per the itinerary. The vehicle type (Creta, SUVs, Toyota Hiace, Coaster, etc.) will be allocated depending on the number of people and terrain.

Food

Given the nature of travel in Bhutan, all meals are included in the prices. We will have a buffet with a selection of food on most parts of our trip. You will also get to enjoy a variety of local Bhutanese cuisine. Locals love spicy food, but we will tone down the level of spice for you. Feel free to bring along light snacks and energy bars for the days when we go hiking. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us at the time of booking so we can make arrangements.

Here’s some insight into the local food. The national dish is Ema Datshi (a spicy mix of chilies, veggies and cheese). Other delicacies to try are red rice served with meat or vegetables, buckwheat pancakes, momos (tibetean-style dumplings with pork or veggies), phak sha laphu (stewed pork with radishes), nor sha huentse (stewed beef dish with spinach), phak sha phin tshoem (pork with rice noodles), etc.

Water Carrying your own water bottle/hydration pack is recommended. It is always best to have a bottle (1.5-2 liters). You can refill your bottle with filtered or bottled drinking water.

Cellular Network For cell service, you can consider purchasing an international calling plan from your home country. If you want to get a local SIM card, it can be brought at the Airport or in the town. Bhutan Telecom is a good option. Please bear in mind that mobile connectivity is good in all major cities, but can be limited in valleys, small towns and remote terrains.

Internet Hotels, shopping malls, as well as cafes and restaurants in larger cities have free wifi. If you have a local sim card or roaming service, you can buy an internet data pack. Both cellular network and internet may be limited in the remote areas.

Toilets While you will find western-style toilets in hotels and some tourist areas, squat toilets are commonly used in most places, especially the countryside and rural areas.

Crew

Guide One lead tour guide and assistant guides (depending on the group size) will accompany you on the trip, all the way from your arrival in Bhutan to departure. All our tour guides speak fluent English, and are highly experienced with an in-depth knowledge of local culture. They are licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Driver As the tour involves a lot of driving, you will be accompanied by a driver most of the time. The vehicle and driver may vary from day to day.

Money

Extra Costs to Expect Most of your expenses are covered when you book the trip. Possible expenses could be extra food and drinks, tipping, laundry and shopping. Make sure you check the price inclusions carefully and plan accordingly.

Currency Bhutan’s currency is called Ngultrum (Nu). Besides, Indian Rupees and US dollars are also widely used in the cities. You can cash travelers cheques at any bank and the foreign exchange counter at the airport. You are advised to exchange currency in advance and carry cash. You can use Ngultrum for small payments and US dollars for big purchases.

ATMS and Credit cards You will find ATMs in large cities, but they do not accept foreign cards. In most areas outside the cities, cash is the only payment option. While city hotels and major stores do offer the choice to pay by credit card, you should note that a substantial fee (3-5%) will be applied on top.

Tipping A service charge with tips is included by most hotels and eateries in their bills. For the crew, you are welcome to give some gratuities if you like their service. A good reference is around USD 15 per day for the guides and USD 10 per day for the drivers. Feel free to tip higher if you love their service. Generally, you chip in money as a group and tip the crew on the last day of your trek over dinner.

Emergency Fund Our trips are planned to the last detail. However, there might be unforeseen circumstances arising from factors beyond our control (like political unrest, strikes, bad weather, natural calamities, bad road conditions, airport closures, flight cancellations, etc). For this reason, please set aside USD 500 as reserve fund.

Cancellations and Refund Visa fees, once processed, are non-refundable. Cancellations and refunds will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Any additional costs resulting from flight cancellations/delays, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, and food, will be the traveler’s responsibility.

Health & Safety

Altitude Sickness The risk of altitude sickness during this tour is very low since all the overnight accommodations are below 3000m/9842ft. Nonetheless, we will take precautions by staying hydrated and ascending gradually. If you experience dizziness or a headache, please contact our guide immediately.

Trail Safety While Bhutan is generally very safe, there is still a possibility of pickpocketing in touristy areas. Pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and all your valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please don’t bring or carry expensive items like jewellery etc or a large sum of cash while travelling for security reasons. Mind your own safety when you are travelling without a guide. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, kindly let us know when booking.

Drinking Water Water safety is very crucial as one can easily contract waterborne diseases. Drinking tap water is not advised and we recommend drinking boiled/ filtered or bottled water only.

Immunization The immunizations recommended before for Bhutan are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies. There’s no specific checking but it is for your own safety.

Emergency Contacts If you have any issues or emergencies during the trip, please contact the lead guide or anyone from the team. They will help you contact the nearby hospitals, transport, ambulance, police office, army checkpoints, embassy, and even facilitate rescue operations. We will also send you a list of relevant emergency contacts before the trip.

Outfit

•	Good hiking shoes
•	Cotton or quick dry layer for days
•	Warm clothing for evenings
•	Wind proof jackets and pants
•	Fleece layer
•	Headgear or sun hat
•	Extra pair of shoes (preferably, slip-ons)
•	Gloves or handwarmers
•	Warm hat
•	Warm socks

Accessories

•	Day bag
•	Duffel bag/suitcase
•	Sunglasses
•	Rain gear
•	Water bottle
•	LifeStraw filter or purification tablets
•	Locks for your backpack/luggage
•	Walking poles (optional)
•	Trail snacks and energy bars (optional)
•	Binoculars

Electronics

•	Camera with charger and extra batteries
•	Phone with charger
•	Power bank
•	Travel adapter (type C, D and G)

Toiletries & Meds

•	Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above)
•	Sanitizer
•	Bug / Insect repellent
•	Personal first aid kit
•	Prescription Medications
•	Medicines for motion sickness
•	Rehydration salts or tablets

Documents & Money

•	Original passport
•	1 passport sized photo
•	Photocopy of passport page
•	Flight tickets
•	Visa clearance
•	Insurance
•	Money (Ngultrum/INR/USD)
•	Credit card (VISA & MasterCard)

How to pack

Anything that you will need during the day, like rain gear, a warm layer, a water bottle, sunscreen, basic toiletries, your phone, and camera, money, important documents, and a few snacks, goes in your day bag. A 15-25 liters bag is your ideal daypack. It is advised to buy a good quality bag with adjustable waist straps, as good load distribution makes all the difference while hiking.

1. Fill up the Booking Form

Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.

2. Pay to confirm

We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.

Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.

A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.

3. Prepare for mountains

Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!

Bhutan Getaway
4 days | Easy
A short getaway to experience the magical land of the thunder dragon.
--
HIGHLIGHTS
- Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery- a spectacular sight in terms of location, setting and history and is one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist arena.
- Excursion of Thimphu Valley – combination of the ancient and the modern
- Excursion of Paro valley – the old capital of Bhutan
--
More details on the trip, logistics and photos at:
https://vonkathmandu.com/trips/bhutan-getaway/
--
For Booking and Inquiries:
Call/ WhatsApp: +977-9843376717
Email: vonkathmandu@gmail.com
Find your zen.
#vonkathmandu #findyourzen #everest #everestbasecamptrek #everestbasecamp #trekkingadventures #scenichikes #peakexperience #naturelovers #trekkinginnepal #nepal

Hi! Thanks for joining Bhutan Getaway! Hope you had a good time.

Please spare a couple of minutes to review us online. It will help us grow. Thanks and until next time!

Review us on Google: https://vonkathmandu.com/write_google_review

Review us on TripAdvisor: https://vonkathmandu.com/write_tripadvisor_review

Your favorite trail race is back!

to go for the next Snail Trail! Follow trail markings and move at your own pace... Hike, run, sprint or fly!
·
Full details: https://snailtrailseries.com
The website contains sign up, schedule, directions, trail map etc
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Event and Date: Snail Bhutan Getaway | | TBD
Distances: 10km, 6km and 3km
Format: Recreational trail race and group hike
Venue: Bhutan Getaway, located in Culture / Bhutan
Venue Google Pin:
Deadline: , Friday 1pm, one day before the event (late fees applicable thereafter)
·
WHAT IS SNAIL TRAIL SERIES?
Snail Trail is a fun outdoors event for you and your loved ones, open for folks with all kinds of trail experience (you do need to be fit for the distance you choose). With plenty of time to finish at a comfortable pace, you could either run the whole thing or do a leisurely brisk hike. Snail Trail is a running race for sure - there are winners - but it's purely a fun, social day out on the trails. As with any outdoor activity, there is an element of physical risk at Snail Trail, so please take it slow and easy on this small and fun event.
·
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP COMMUNITY
One-way messaging feature, not a group chat. We send three notifications for each event (race launch and reminders). We never spam. Click to join via WhatsApp:
https://snailtrailseries.com/community
·
TREKS, HELI, WIDLIFE & CULTURE WITH VON KATHMANDU
Browse all trips for private departure: https://vonkathmandu.com
Explore the finest of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet
·
Organized and Directed by: Von Kathmandu Adventures
Admin and Coordination: Wild Medallion
Marketing and Logistics: Bishnudole Farmhouse
.
SNAIL TRAIL SERIES | Hike, run, sprint or fly!

Namaste,

Your registration for Snail Trail Bhutan Getaway is confirmed.

Full details on the event available on the website https://snailtrailseries.com/ but here's a summary.

1. SCHEDULE
10K show up at 7:00am, and 6K/3K show up at 7:35am in Bhutan Getaway, located in Culture / Bhutan. Medal ceremony and cut-off at around 9:45am. We hold the rights to delay the start or medal ceremony time without prior notice or explanation.

2. DIRECTIONS
Venue Google pin:

Venue Directions pin (Ring Road to venue):

IMP: Please do not park inside or pull into the venue. Parking is at a turning 100m before the venue. There will be someone in neon jacket to show you the parking spot. If you are being dropped off, please get off at the parking spot, and do not bring your vehicle inside the event premises at any point of the event. The compound is our start/finishline and your car will be a safety hazard and a bottleneck.

3. TRAIL GPS MAP DOWNLOAD
Please download the route GPS/KML map on your phone, to be carried with you on the trails. This is MANDATORY.

4. FULL DETAILS at https://snailtrailseries.com
- Overview
- Schedule
- Directions to startline
- Startlist
- Trail Map and GPS/KML File Download
- What to bring
- Food and bev
- Crew

4. Code of Conduct
From our experience of organizing over 30 of these events, we know the importance of having everyone follow rules and that no individual is allowed to ruin the experience or worse compromise the safety of other participants. Here are the most important ones:
- If you miss the deadline, you will be subject to Rs. 500 late fees (surcharge on the entry fees). The bib will be handwritten (and my handwriting is a little too tough to the eyes). We cannot make exceptions to this rule, as this is the single deciding factor if the race starts on time.
- For no-shows or late shows, the payment is non-transferable across races and between participants, as all costs will have been incurred.
- Photography and your result is not opt-outs and will be published online. Event photos will be published on Social Media. Your result will be published along with your nationality and age category. All other other data you provide to us will be kept confidential, unless government authorities ask for the same verbally or in written form.
- Absolutely no form of swearing or yelling (we had this misfortune before). There will be kids around, and we want to make sure nobody is exposed to nasty behavior. If you are not content with the race, you can express your concerns in a civil manner, but no form of swearing, shrieking or rowdy behavior will be tolerated at the slightest.
- Make sure your physician clears you for outdoor activities. Snail Trail welcomes and encourages people with all kinds of fitness level, but you need to be in physical shape to finish the race in within the cut-off times (see Schedule section on the website).
- The trail can be steep, flat, undulating, wide, narrow, slippery, rocky, thorny, sandy, muddy, uneven and can also be on the roads on some parts with some traffic. Please be alert at all times, and follow colored ribbons and spray that match the color of your bib.
- The best way to enjoy the Series is to register/pay on time, show up on time (avoid late fees) and follow the trail markings from start to finish. If you take a wrong turn, check the GPS track that you'd load on your phone before starting the race. Any pace is fine.
- All kids 12 years or below must be accompanied by a guardian. If is the guardians responsibility to make sure the kids are safe on the trails and not push them too hard for a medal. The kids must have proper running/hiking gear, including protection from the sun and rain.
- And finally, there will be music playing. Please do not change the music or volume. We had someone play sleazy songs before.
- Snail Trail is a small, recreational trail race/hike that's widely loved, so let's keep it slow, easy and fun on the trails.

See you all tomorrow on time at Bhutan Getaway.

Join our WhatsApp Community
One-way messaging feature, not a group chat. We send three notifications for each event (race launch and reminders). We never spam. Click to join via WhatsApp:
https://snailtrailseries.com/community

SNAIL TRAIL SERIES by Von Kathmandu Adventures | Hike, run, sprint or fly!

Organized and Directed by: Von Kathmandu Adventures
Admin and Coordination: Wild Medallion
Marketing and Logistics: Bishnudole Farmhouse

Namaste,

Thank you for participating in Snail Trail Bhutan Getaway.

For results and photos:
https://snailtrailseries.com/recap

Please tag @snailtrailseries on Instagram and Facebook. We will reshare your posts, stories, reels, highlights.. what have you!

Please let us know your thoughts on the event. We will definitely consider your feedback.

Join our WhatsApp Community
One-way messaging feature, not a group chat. We send two or three notifications for each event. We never spam. Click to join via WhatsApp: https://snailtrailseries.com/community

Thanks again for showing up!

SNAIL TRAIL SERIES by Von Kathmandu Adventures | Hike, run, sprint or fly!

Organized and Directed by: Von Kathmandu Adventures
Admin and Coordination: Wild Medallion
Marketing and Logistics: Bishnudole Farmhouse

Overview

Highlights

Best time to go

Itinerary

Customize this trip

Kathmandu Hotel and Transfers

Prices

Includes

Accommodation

Transportation

Food

Crew

Misc

Excludes

Important Details

Getting to Bhutan

Logistics

Crew

Money

Health & Safety

Checklist

What to pack

Outfit

Accessories

Electronics

Toiletries & Meds

Documents & Money

How to pack

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

2. Pay to confirm

3. Prepare for mountains

July

August

September

October

November

July

August

September

October

November

Annapurna and Pokhara

Bardia Wildlife

Chitwan Wildlife

Everest

Kathmandu Valley

Langtang

Lowlands

Manaslu

Mustang

Remote

Bhutan Getaway

Overview

Highlights

Best time to go

Itinerary

Customize this trip

Kathmandu Hotel and Transfers

Prices

Includes

Accommodation

Transportation

Food

Crew

Misc

Excludes

Important Details

Getting to Bhutan

Logistics

Crew

Money

Health & Safety

Checklist

What to pack

Outfit

Accessories

Electronics

Toiletries & Meds

Documents & Money

How to pack

Sign Up

1. Fill up the Booking Form

2. Pay to confirm

3. Prepare for mountains