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Culture / Bhutan Bhutan GetawayNext tentative Date: Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
A short getaway to experience the magical land of the thunder dragon. |
Overview
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
Being a country rich in both nature and culture, Bhutan makes an all-year-round destination. However, depending on your preferences and purpose, it is advised to understand the weather patterns before you go.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
JanFebMarAprMayJun
JulAugSepOctNovDec
Spring lasts from March to mid-April. As the snow melts, the temperature becomes milder. The clarity is on point, and you can witness the grandeur of the snow-capped mountains. It is one of the best times to visit Bhutan and also to trek in the high elevations. The blooming rhododendrons add charm to the trails.
Paro: 2°C/35.6°F (min) to 23.5°C/74.3°F (max), Thimpu: 4°C/39.2°F (min) to 24.5°C/76°F (max), Punakha: 10.4°C/50.7°F (min) to 29°C/84.2°F (max)
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)
Paro: 1.4°C/34.5°F (min) to 23.4°C/74.1°F (max), Thimpu: 5°C/41°F (min) to 23.1°C/73.5°F (max), Punakha: 9.6°C/49.2°F (min) to 27.5°C/81.5°F (max)
Paro:-2.6°C/27°F (min) to 14.5°C/58°F (max), Thimpu: 5.8°C/21.5°F (min) to 13°C/55.4°F (max), Punakha: 4.3°C/39.7°F (min) to 19°C/66°F (max)
| Group size | Price per person* |
| 2-3 people | USD 1300 |
| 4 people & above | USD 1250 |
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Valid until Dec 31st, 2023
Itinerary
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Day 1 |
Paro - Thimpu (your first glimpse of Bhutan) |
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Day 2 |
Thimpu valley excursion (combination of the ancient and the modern) |
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Day 3 |
Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest) |
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Day 4 |
Departure |
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Day 1 |
Paro - Thimpu (your first glimpse of Bhutan) |
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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
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Day 2 |
Thimpu valley excursion (combination of the ancient and the modern) |
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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
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Day 3 |
Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest) |
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Drive from Thimpu to Paro 1 hr |
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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Day 4 |
Departure |
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Drive from hotel to the Paro International Airport We have out breakfast at the hotel and drive to Paro International Airport. |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prices
| Group size | Price per person* |
| 2-3 people | USD 1300 |
| 4 people & above | USD 1250 |
Valid until Dec 31st, 2023
Important
Includes
Accommodation
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Transportation
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Food
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Crew
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Misc
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Excludes
- International Flights (KTM-Paro-KTM flights: USD 500 per person)
- 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.
Important Details
Getting to Bhutan
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.
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.
Logistics
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.
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.
Crew
Money
Health & Safety
Checklist
What to pack
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
Responsible Travel
Etiquette & Culture: The Bhutanese hold their tradition and culture in high regard and it’s important to make sure we are respectful towards their customs and rituals. When encircling temples, chortens, and prayer flags, always remember to walk in a clockwise direction. Besides, a respectful way to greet the elderly is by slightly bowing down. ‘Kuzuzangpo La’ is the common greeting in the country.
Dress code for entering heritage sites: Dressing in a respectful manner is important while entering heritage sites. You are advised to wear full pants/long skirts, and full-sleeved tops/shirts. Kindly avoid half pants/skirts or any kind of revealing clothes. Do not wear hats and remove shoes while entering a holy site.
Leave no Trace: Bhutan’s commitment to environmental conservation is commendable. Please don’t litter, and also dispose any trash properly (you can hand them to your guide). Plucking flowers and vandalizing trails is off limits. We’ll leave the beautiful trails as we found them.
A Few Rules: Any form of physical violence or verbal abuse, harassment, solicitation of prostitution, or possession or use of illegal drugs or illicit materials is strictly prohibited. Respecting wildlife is a must.
Photography and Drones: It is permitted to photograph outside monasteries, dzongs, and heritage sites, but not inside. It is also advisable to ask permission of the locals before taking their photos, although by experience we can tell that they are happy being photographed. Do not take a picture of a member of the royal family even if you see them in public. Flying a drone is strictly prohibited.
Travelling in a Group: What makes group travel fun is the diversity. This also means that there will be people of all different ages, physical fitness, and walking pace. Please be mindful and respect the time allocated by your lead guide to avoid any inconvenience to the group.
Sign Up
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!
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