Culture / Bhutan

The Essence of Bhutan Tour

7 days

Moderate

USD 2385

Enjoy the finest of the land of the thunder dragon.

Overview

7 days Total Duration

Paro Trip Start Point

Paro Trip Finish Point

3,150m/10,334ft (Dochu La Pass) Highest Point

Moderate 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 and excursion of Punakha and Wangdue valleys as the highlights of your holiday, THE ESSENCE OF BHUTAN TOUR will take you through a spiritual and cultural extravaganza of the valleys of Western and Central 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 Punakha valley – the old capital of Bhutan
	Dochula pass (3150 meters / 10,334 ft) offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Eastern Himalaya range

Best time to 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)

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)

The temperature becomes very pleasant with the start of autumn. The skies are bright, clear, and sunny, making it a perfect time to visit Bhutan and also for trekking. The mountains look simply breathtaking.

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)

Generally, the Eastern regions and areas above 3000 meters are affected by harsh snow conditions, and it is not advisable to trek during peak winter. However, the weather is much milder and tolerable in the Western and Central Bhutan (although it can get close to freezing point at times), and you can always opt for touring and short hikes.

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 people	USD 2385
4 people & above	USD 2300

	6 hotels
	6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
	Reserved vehicle

Valid until Dec 31st, 2025

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Itinerary

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	Thimpu - Punakha and Wangdue valleys (enjoy the ride through the Himalayan ranges)
Day 4	Excursion of Punakha valley (The old capital of Bhutan)
Day 5	Punakha - Paro (Retrace the trails)
Day 6	Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest)
Day 7	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

Thimpu - Punakha and Wangdue valleys (enjoy the ride through the Himalayan ranges)

Drive from Thimpu to Punakha with exploration on the way

Set off on a captivating 2-hour drive to Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Along the way, we catch your breath at Dochula Pass, 3,150 meters high. On clear days, one can witness the awe-inspiring snow-capped Himalayas. We will also explore the 108 chortens, Lobesa market and the famed Chime Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility. Marvel at the newly renovated Wangdue Dzong and take a leisurely stroll through quaint market pockets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 4

Excursion of Punakha valley (The old capital of Bhutan)

Explore Punakha

Embark on an enriching 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel, treated to captivating valley vistas, terraced paddy fields, and a meandering river. Explore the awe-inspiring Punakha Dzong, a Fortress of Great Bliss, and cross the longest iron suspension bridge on foot. Behold the breathtaking valley from Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where engaging interactions with English-speaking nuns await. The day wraps up with a comfortable night's stay at your Punakha hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 5

Punakha - Paro (Retrace the trails)

Drive from Punakha to Paro

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive back to Paro. We check-in at the hotel and catch a quick rest.

Explore Paro and visit Zuri Dzong

Prepare for an enchanting Zuri Dzong Hike, treating you to sweeping panoramic views. Explore the historic Drugyal Dzong, symbolizing victory. Later, we meander through the quaint Paro town and the vibrant markets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 6

Taktsang excursion (Hike to the Tiger's Nest)

Hike to the iconic Takstang - The Tiger's Nest (3139m / 10300 ft)

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.

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 7

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

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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.

Hiking and trekking with vonKathmandu has been the highlight of my life since moving to Nepal. The trek I went on with this company was an amazing experience and I can’t say enough about how wonderful everything was planned.

Cameron Monti

VonKathmandu provides a personal touch. They want you to have a wonderful time because they are passionate about the mountains and trekking themselves.

Tom Pellens

They really went above and beyond to ensure we had an epic journey, from making sure we had all our needs met, to celebrating special occasions, to making sure we had the closest table to the warm stove!

Cabaku

I have used several other trekking guides in Nepal and although nearly all of them have been very good, vonKathmandu is the best.

Sally Templeton

I’ve been taking hikes with them for three years, and they just keep getting better. Always great views and great company. Totally recommend vonKathmandu.

Bindi Borg

Thank you introducing us to Tanzing. We had awesome time with him. He is a great guy and so much fun. Rich

Rich and Pat

We had the most fantastic time! Thank you so much for everything!!!!! We are blown away by the beauty of the country, the hospitality of the people, the rich culture and nature. Phunu is just fantastic!!!

Verena Eberhard

Von Kathmandu was so good to us and took us on so many fun adventures. We hiked with them to Namobuddha, Bungamati, and Pilot Baba Ashram, all of which were stunning

Georgia R

Wonderful experience and exceptional organization! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and will definitely be signing up for another hike.

Curiosity30697130296

We had a most outstanding 9 days trip to Mohare and around Pokhara. Congrats also for the very knowledgeable and smart organizational skills of team vonkathmandu that made these days very special to us. We will come back!

Stephan and Malena Grabherr

Von Kathmandu looked after every detail from the start to the end of our wonderful trek up to Kanjin at the top of the Langtang trail. We had an excellent guide (Ramesh Tamang who spoke good English and was extremely knowledgeable). We will come again and use their great services soon.

Andy Brown

The hike was absolutely fantastic. Great team, great views and landscape, professional organization, super care… You guys do a perfect job. It can’t get more professional than that.

Carolin Spannuth Verma

Outside the busy season, we had the opportunity to sit with the locals around the wood fire ovens and to listen to their stories about bears raiding the village..

Sabrina Schmidt Koschella

And we received the best care ever from our guide Phura Sherpa as well as the porters Suresh and Uttarman. (While I don’t speak Nepali, I loved listening to Phura sing while we hiked. An added bonus!)

Anna Ruth

Amazing hikes with great people. You can tell a lot of thought and planning goes into creating the most interesting route possible.

Chris Hofmann

Good friendly and safety conscious guides and the bonus is that the guides are snapping away all day taking high quality photos which they share after the walk.

David Masters

They were well-organized, effective, and fun in their approach!

Sonya Martin

Super well organized- you don’t have to think- just enjoy the incredible scenery. Great chance to meet new folks. What a great way to spend the day- out of the city in nature.

Kimberly Waller

Vonkathmandu knows how to accommodate your wishes and tailors the programme accordingly with great flexibility and a personal touch. We had a great trek to Pikey Peak!

Arjanne Rietsema

They know the best trails in Kathmandu valley, honed with week after week of recce hiking. Together they bring some of the best crew and do not compromise on the quality of service.

Raj Gyawali

The thing that I love about vonKathmandu is that they take care of each and every small detail for you, you just have to show up for an adventure. They know the hills / mountains, they know the good spots to take in the views and they really make the whole thing worth your while.

Shruti Sharma

Throughout the whole trip I always felt well supported by vonKathmandu, whenever I had a question they answered it right away and they were always caring about how I was doing. I would highly recommend to do your Nepal trip with those guys, they are just great

Milan Marck

Glad to discover new places to hike through local villages and the different ridges, very professionally done from the pre-trip info, briefing, logistics etc! Thank you!

Katherine Mah

Huge fan of the day hikes! They offer a fantastic break from the city to hike for hours through beautiful, pristine landscapes, but you still sleep in our own bed afterwards.

Erika Hoffman

Well organized, friendly people, great safe trails and you get to meet lots of interesting people. Plus the views are always spectacular!

Tara Ealy

Stunning views of sprawling terraces and seas of yellow mustard flowers. Highly recommend, and will be certain to travel through von Kathmandu on my next trip.

Nathaniel Glidden

Amazing experience! One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve been on, and I never would have been able to find it by myself.

Anna Hamilton

Fun hike, the crew members are very accommodating participants’ needs, well-organised, great way to discover the beauty of the Valley. Highly recommended!

Pungky Utami

Great team and amazing landscapes! Highly recommend this experience. Very well prepared guides were always kind and helpful.

Gabriel de Carvalho Morand

Perfect intro to the wonders of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding moutain ridges. A nice, friendly and well organised group.

Rob Fielding

	Accommodation 3-star comfortable hotels on all 6 nights on double/twin-sharing basis
	Transportation Reserved vehicle throughout the trip as per the itinerary Airport pick up and drop off
	Food 6 breakfasts 6 lunches 6 dinners
	Crew An experienced guide with medical kit Driver and vehicle on each day (ferrying trekkers and luggage)
	Misc Sustainable Development Fees (USD 200 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

•	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

•	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

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

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

The Essence of Bhutan Tour