Bhutan Tour

Why is the Bhutan Tour a trip to the Joyous Land?

Bhutan is widely known as the country that pioneered the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a measure of national well-being instead of the traditional Gross Domestic product (GDP). This unique approach reflects the importance Bhutan places on the happiness and well-being of its citizens, beyond just economic development.

GNH considers various aspects of life, such as mental health, work-life balance, and preservation of culture and environment, in addition to economic prosperity. Due to this philosophy, Bhutan has earned the reputation of being one of the happiest countries in the world.

Its focus on individual and collective well-being, along with its commitment to cultural and environmental preservation, makes Bhutan an inspiration to many nations seeking a more balanced and sustainable approach to development.

Weather and Best Time for Bhutan Tour

Bhutan’s magnificent landscape can be experienced in three different climate zones. If you travel north towards the soaring Himalayan mountain range, you will experience an arctic climate.

In the south of Bhutan, there is a tropical climate. Here, the monsoon rains are fierce and the temperature reaches 40 degrees in the summer months.

The country’s capital, Thimphu, and Paro, on the other hand, have a temperate climate. They offer brief temperate winters (December- February) and lively wild summers (June- August).

However, there may be monsoon rains during the summer periods, but these are generally difficult to avoid during the Bhutanese summer. Here, the temperature rarely reaches 25 degrees with the average heat revolving around 14 degrees.

You will therefore find the best weather conditions for the Bhutan tour in the periods March-May/Spring and September-November/Autumn. Especially during the autumn, Bhutan is a blooming wonder, where the clouds have often withdrawn and the temperature is pleasantly temperate.

However,  our Butan tour is centrally focused on Paro and Thimphu, so this tour can easily take place all year round.

Bhutan Terrain

The landscape of this small nation is quite diverse. The southern region is characterized by dense, impenetrable tropical jungles, while the northern area features river valleys where local inhabitants cultivate rice in the fields.

Mountain ranges are decorated with forests, displaying uniquely shaped trees with broad roots. At an altitude of 4,000 meters, the lush vegetation transitions to snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Centrally located are the urban centers of Thimphu and Paro, framed by distant mountains.

Difficulty of the trip

Our four days long Bhutan tour is one of the easiest and shortest journeys you can ever take in any Himalayan realm. It is the perfect introduction to the mystic land of Bhuta with comprehensive insights into its two main towns: Paro and Thimphu.

The travel itinerary incorporates a balanced mix of flights, private drives, and short walks for the beguiling experience in their Gompas and key landmarks.

However, an hour or two hike up to the Taktsang can be moderately arduous as the difference in altitude is over 800 m and is covered on mountain paths. The first stage up to the cafeteria takes an average of 1 hour and can also be done on horseback.

From here to reach the summit takes an average of 1 hour, and the return takes an average of 1 hour and a half for the two stages. Therefore, our Bhutan tour requires good health and the ability to do some walking.

Who can come on this trip?

We have designed our Bhutan tour to suit a diverse range of individuals, from senior citizens to young children. This short four-day adventure into the stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and towering Himalayas also gives you an exceptional level of comfort, making it one of the finest journeys available in any high-altitude area.

In addition, we have managed your comfortable stay in a three-star tourist hotel authorized by the Government. Most of the journey will take place at altitudes below 2,500 meters, with the exception of the visit to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is situated at 3,120 meters. So we can say the altitude sickness is almost absent in this trip.

Moreover, in Bhutan, no one is illiterate, everyone has access to healthcare, and crime rates are practically zero. So we invite everyone to join our Bhutan tour today, whether you are a solo female traveler, a family with young children, or seniors looking to embrace life once again.

Why take this short Bhutan Tour?

Located in the eastern Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan has preserved its unchanged tradition, culture, art, and religion to this day. Tourists visiting this country have the impression that they have found themselves in a mythical land hidden in the heart of the Himalayas – Shangri-La.

The Bhutanese do not strive for modernity at all costs, they do not blindly submit to the influence of the commercial culture of the West. And, the most important purpose of the Bhutanese government is to increase the life satisfaction of citizens.

In Bhutan, everyone will find something for themselves: spectacular Himalayan landscapes, beautiful greenery and vibrant forests, crystal clear air, impressive traditional architecture and art, non-commercial religion, and of course friendly, smiling residents.

All this makes Bhutan enchanting to visitors and remains in their memories for a long time.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is caused by the body’s failure to adapt to high altitudes. The first symptoms generally appear around 3,500 meters, but there may also be cases at lower altitudes (2,000-2,500). therefore, we should acknowledge the possibility of altitude sickness during our Bhutan tour.

However, the duration of our trip is relatively short, and most of our participants from previous tours have not encountered any issues. Still, in just an hour, our Bhutan tour will take us from 1300 m elevation of Kathmandu to 2200 m of Paro, 900 m elevation gain in just an hour.

Although the journey is by flight, we can still be subject to altitude sickness especially if we make our pace faster and do not give time for adequate rest.

You may feel slight headaches, insomnia, fatigue, and nausea. Some rest in your hotel room, with plenty of intake of liquid (more importantly electrolyte drinks) will eliminate the conditions in 2 to 3 hours.

Taking Diamox when you are already in Kathmandu can help you acclimatize faster.

Accommodation, Food, and Drinks

Bhutan is progressing in its infrastructure while also maintaining its unique traditions and architectural styles. The country today has a variety of lodging options, ranging from affordable hotels and lodges to five-star hotels and traditional Bhutanese residences.

On our Bhutan tour, you will be accommodated in a government-authorized three-star hotel, sharing a room with another guest of the same gender. These are the best hotels, comfortable and clean with rooms equipped with bathrooms and hot water.

All meals cost, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, are incorporated in our itinerary cost. Bhutanese cuisine is said to be very spicy, however, restaurants offer normal meals for tourists and spicy ones for locals.

The food will be served in a buffet style where you can choose between Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepali, Tibetan, and Chinese Dishes.

Transportation

You can experience the beauty of Paro and Thimphu in our comprehensive Bhutan tour package which includes all transfer services in a private vehicle from the moment you arrive. This includes airport transfers and all travel within Bhutan.

However, please remember, that you will need to take care of the flight cost from Kathmandu to Paro and back. If you need assistance with these arrangements, we are here to help.

Languages in Bhutan

The national language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, but Bhutan is also a country full of dialects. The language of Bhutan is closely related to Tibetan, which is also the language for the Bhutanese use in writing.

The country also has a population who speak Nepali, and Hindi. With a 72.1% literacy rate, almost all population can speak, write, and understand English.

In the eastern part of Bhutan live a number of mountain tribes. Their language is related to similar people in the northeastern Indian state of Assam.

Currency and Credit Cards in Bhutan

In Bhutan, you can use both Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) and Indian Rupees (INR). You get the best exchange rate by bringing Euros or American Dollars to the country. There are several money convert counters in Paro and Thimphu but we advise you convert your money at the airport in Paro.

Please keep the exchange receipt as any leftover local or Indian currency can be exchanged at the airport. There are also ATMs in Thimphu and Paro but far apart.

Credit cards can be used for purchases in larger shops and hotels, but high commissions will be applied when using them.

Flight information to Bhutan

The most convenient way to get to Bhutan is by flight: Druk Air, Bhutan Airlines, and Buddha Air are the only airlines that arrive in this country. Flights depart only from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Thailand, and this year routes from the United Arab Emirates have been added. At certain times of the year, there are also flights from Malaysia and Indonesia.

The only international airport in Bhutan is Paro, about 1 hour from the capital Thimphu. Therefore, first of all, you need to fly to one of these countries and then board a flight to Paro Airport.

Reason for the costliness of the Bhutan Tour

Bhutan is often regarded as the priciest destination in Asia, because of the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) imposed by the Bhutanese government on every foreign tourist to the nation.

The fee is USD 100 per day now which will remain so till 2028. But immediately after the global pandemic of COVID-19, it used to be USD 250 per day.

In other words, you pay this fee per day you stay there, just to be there. There are two main reasons why this rate has been imposed: the first is that tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income and with this money, they guarantee education, security, etc.

The second reason is that in this way they maintain the status of a more isolated country and a more preserved culture, with fewer cultural shocks.

Communication, Electricity, and Internet

You can make international calls in Bhutan from all major hotels although few have direct dial phones in the rooms. Rates are high and it is not possible to make collect calls.

The cheapest option is to buy local Bhutanese SIM cards from B-Telecom (Bhutan Telecom) or TashiCell in Thimphu and Paro, where 4G/LTE coverage is available.

These SIM cards can be purchased at sales outlets, or the Paro airport. They come with a 4G data plan valid for a month and generally offer faster internet than hotel WiFi.

When it comes to WiFi, they are accessible at hotels but will be very unstable.

Bhutan has a standard voltage of 230 V with plugs and sockets of D, F, and G. So bring along a multi-socket adapter to charge all your devices all at once.

Permits, Rules and Regulations

Gaining access to Bhutan much like Tibet is quite a challenge due to its strict regulations. Independent travelers are strictly denied entry unless they are from Maldives, India, or Bangladesh.

All other nationalities have to secure a Tourist Visa through a licensed travel agency, such as ours. Unlike most countries, Bhutan’s visa is not processed through the consulate or its Embassy but through a certified tour and travel agency.

Remember that your visa application should be completed at least 15 days before you leave. We will need a copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least six months from your entry into Bhutan, along with two recent photos of yourself.

Once we have your documents, we will send them to our travel operator in Bhutan, who will take them to the Bhutan Tourism Department for approval.

After your application is accepted, the immigration authorities will issue your visa when you arrive at the airport for a fee of 20 US$. This visa will be valid for 15 days, and if you want to extend your stay, you can apply for an additional 15-day extension while you are there.

Is smoking and alcohol prohibited in Bhutan?

Bhutan has a clear law regarding smoking: the purchase and sale of tobacco and products are entirely forbidden. As a foreign traveler, you can bring in up to 200 cigarettes, but be prepared to pay 200% tax and import duty.

And, please keep the custom receipt as the security officials may ask you for the receipt. Failure to show them can result in your landing at the prison.

You are allowed to smoke, but not everywhere in public. The government has assigned specific areas where smoking is permitted.

Alcoholic beverages are freely available in every hotel, bar, and restaurant.

What to bring with you on the Bhutan Tour?

Certainly a good mood and a smile on your face, because that is how cheerful and friendly Bhutanese people are. In Bhutan, a neat appearance of tourists is welcomed.

To enter dzongs, monasteries, and temples we must have long trousers and long sleeves. Interestingly, a blouse with a collar but with short sleeves, e.g. a polo shirt, replaces long sleeves.

It is worth thinking about comfortable, non-slip footwear and something warmer, e.g. a fleece, which may be useful in the evenings or on a colder day. Regardless of the season in which we visit Bhutan, it is best to remember a thin jacket with a hood, which will protect us from possible rain.

Travel Insurance for Bhutan tour

Regarding our Bhutan tour, travel insurance is not mandatory, but it is still recommended that no one visits the country without this item. When traveling outside, weather conditions, geographical distance, and eating habits can turn small setbacks into major losses.

Therefore, if you need emergency evacuation, medical care, or repatriation for medical reasons, simply contact your insurance company so that the necessary procedures can be taken care of.

Furthermore, you will also protected in more common situations, such as lost luggage, canceled flights, and early returns, among many others.