Bhutan Tour 4N/5D - 5 days

What to expect during the Bhutan Tour?

Bhutan Tour promises an unforgettable cocktail of spectacular natural beauty plus cultural heritage and hospitality. However, it's also a very spiritual atmosphere filled with the features of pure untouched nature, accented by ancient monasteries in Bhutan.

Expect to see:

Breathtaking Scenery: The lofty Himalayas and verdant valleys will give you some of the most stunning landscapes that can be seen anywhere in the world-from dramatic mountain views to beautiful monasteries perched on cliffs, all the way to traditional villages.

Cultural Immersion: Bhutan is deep-rooted in tradition and spirituality-ripe, rich times spent in monasteries and dzongs, rituals, daily life of Bhutanese, and not to mention, the color and sound of live festivals (if you come at the right time).

Serene Nature: It is perhaps one of the quietest in the world, wherein the very spirit seems to encourage close relationships with nature and spirituality. Very soothing, calm, and relaxing, thus the ideal escape from everyday life.

Some Unique Experiences: The trek to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktshang), meetings with monks, tasting traditional Bhutanese food, and delving into the tales and history of the country are just some of the experiences you have to enjoy here. Bhutan is indeed one of the rarest treasures in which a truly international experience can be found.

Warm Hospitality: Bhutanese people are known as friendly and hospitable people in the world. Even if you visit the tiny villages or isolated monasteries, you are welcome in every nook and corner of Thimphu, the capital city. 

Sustainability and Conservation: Bhutan is one of the few countries in the world that economically emphasizes environmentally friendly and culture-keeping things. Expect unspoiled pristine surroundings, with sustainable tourism practices.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

The time to visit Bhutan is dependent on the season and activities to experience. 

Spring (March-May): It is one of the popular seasons in Bhutan because the climate is mild and pleasant. During this period, flowering rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom to give a colored landscape within these valleys. The skies clear up quite often, making this time well-suited for trekking as well as sightseeing. It is also the time for the Paro Tsechu festival, a great time to experience Bhutan culturally.

Autumn (September-November): This is that time again to visit Bhutan with beautiful bright cool crisp weather providing blue skies and views that are most breathtaking across the Himalayan ranges- and time when many of the major Bhutanese festivals, such as Thimpu Tsechu, are happening, thus making it a great time for cultural enthusiasts. Cool temperatures also herald outdoor activities including trekking.

Summer/Monsoon (June-August): Drenched, physically very low footfalls but when Bhutan is in its peak time for rainfall, trekking is restricted and a few of the mountain trails would slip too much to cross. The rich green is nice, but expect to see it wet. However, the rain during this time also allows for lower prices from hotels and tour operators, making it a more affordable option for budget-minded travelers who don't mind the rain.

Winter (December-February): Well, winter in Bhutan can be very cold, particularly in the higher altitudes, where snow is a common phenomenon. Though it is extremely cold and mostly boasts clear azure skies that give breathtaking views of the mountains, this is also the off-season, thus one would find this visit quite peaceful, with not many tourists around. However, brace yourself for bitterly low temperatures, especially in the higher regions. Heavy snowfall would also affect access to some places, particularly at higher elevations.

What to Pack for the Tour

Packing appropriately is crucial for a smooth and comfortable Bhutan tour. Here’s a list of what to bring:

• Layered Clothing

• Comfortable Walking Shoes

• Rain Gear

• Traditional Bhutanese Attire

• Sunscreen and Lip Blam

• Personal medications

• Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes

• Personal Items 

• Camera

• Water Bottle

• Power Bank

Health and Safety During Tour

Impulse Sickness: Bhutan is the highest altitudinal destination, filled with lots of attractions such as Tiger's Nest Monastery located at great altitudes. Therefore, very frequent symptoms of mild altitude sickness like headache or dizziness are experienced. These are all things that can be done to avert or minimize a condition:

• Take it easy for a couple of days while the body gets adjusted.

• Drink lots of water.

• Avoid overexertion during the first few days.

Travel Insurance: Very much recommended to have travel insurance to cover possible medical emergencies, accidents, or evacuation in case of illness above altitude.

Insect Protection: Bhutan is quite clean compared to other countries and unpolluted; however, when going to the rural areas during hot seasons, you may want to use an insect repellent.

Emergency Medical Care: In cities like Thimphu and Paro, hospitals or medical facilities are pretty good; however, one has to take care of remote areas that are not well catered for. One should carry their medicines along and take necessary precautions on food and water hygiene.

Food during the Bhutan Tour

The Bhutan tour food makes for a fantastic experience surrounding the whole culture and nature in the country. Bhutanese food is very rich in flavor-hot-spicy flavor, with chili being the most common ingredient used in the preparation of their dishes. 

The national dish is Ema Datshi-an interdependent compilation of chilies and cheese, served with red rice. Another known dish is Phaksha paa, which is pork cooked with radishes and chilies. For someone who loves dumplings, momo filled with vegetables or meat is commonly served as a snack or appetizer. Most meal times include 'butter tea' or suja, warm, salty butter tea, rich in salt and tea and mostly taken during the cold months. Though Bhutanese food can be spicy, most hotels and restaurants provide international options for those who prefer milder flavors. 

Whether it is street food or food at the local restaurant, Bhutan's food offers a unique taste of whatever its rich culture can provide in connection with Mother Earth.

Accommodations during Tour

During your trip to Bhutan, you can expect all varieties of accommodation, be it comfortable hotels or more private and traditional places of lodging, ensuring that each of the different visitors can experience something special. 

In cities such as Thimphu and Paro to Punakha, some hotels stand out in blending modern facilities with traditional Bhutanese architecture. These hotels would usually provide the following for their guests: hot water, wi-fi (however, limited), and western-styled bathrooms so that they can spend the time at ease without hampering the local charm and grace. You have also high-end luxury resorts in Bhutan, fantastic mountain views, spa services, and warm Bhutanese hospitality. There are guesthouses and homes in rural areas that reflect an original local experience in which you would connect with Bhutanese families and live their mundane lives. 

Whether it is a resort or a family-run guesthouse, hospitality in Bhutan is environmentally friendly and traveler-comforting enough to make anyone's stay a memory in this tranquil Himalayan kingdom.

Travel Permits for Bhutan

Visa Requirement: Every nationality outside of Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals needs to obtain a visa to enter Bhutan. However, it is compulsory to secure a visa beforehand through a registered tour operator in Bhutan as it is processed by the tour operator. The tour invoice is also processed for the visa and, after that, it is issued.

Tourism Surcharge: Bhutan has a minimum daily tariff, which includes a visa fee, lodging, meals, guiding, and transport. This applies to the whole year but varies with the different periods of the year. As the country has a tourist limit, the pressure from tourism on infrastructure cannot be great.