Pay Online
Cart (0)
Wishlist (0)
EBC Helicopter Tour – Daily Departures Guaranteed! Book Now
EBC Helicopter Tour – Daily Departures Guaranteed! Book Now
The Bhutan Cultural Tour will take you on a voyage to witness the cultural beauty of Bhutan. Secluded from the modern world, it is an unspoiled and pristine nation situated in the Eastern region of the Himalayas. If you are amongst those people who are seeking to explore this cloistered nation, which is drenched in natural beauty and cultural enigma then this is the best tour package, which will serve you the best touring experience in a very short time. The beautiful monasteries, religious monuments, culture and traditions, and majestic views of mountains and rugged hills in Bhutan are waiting to please you with its extravagant display of beauty. Embark on the Bhutan Cultural Tour, which will take you to the 4 major cities of Bhutan; Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, and Punakha, and savor the obscured delicacy of natural and cultural beauty of this eastern Himalayan nation with Breakfree Adventures one of the leading tour operator.
Bhutan, The Land of Thunder Dragon, is a rather obscured and overlooked nation, sandwiched between two rising global powers, India and China. Despite being inundated with overflowing gifts of nature and culture; it has remained very less visited. Due to the government policy to seclude itself from modern influence to preserve its culture and nature, the nation has adopted a “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy. This can be attributed to fewer tourist visits despite its beauty. Nonetheless, in recent years the unconcealable beauty of this nation has been revealed to the outer world. Due to the seclusion, the culture and tradition are as pristine as it could get and nature is as flourishing as it could have. It is the only nation in the entire world that is carbon-negative. This means, that Bhutan absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits, all the more reason to witness the unblemished culture and nature of this enigmatic nation.
Bhutan is the only Buddhist Kingdom in the world with Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, as a “Druk Gyalpo” in other words King. With its deep-rooted connection to Tibetan Buddhist history, the culture, tradition, lifestyle, architecture, and arts have prominent Tibetan influence. The monasteries, shrines, gompas, and stupas are as beautiful and grand as one found anywhere in the world if not more. The vibrant festivals that can be observed throughout the year display the distinct, fascinating, and unspoiled cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of Bhutanese people. Beautiful monasteries, chhorten, stupas, and gompas scattered all over the country will provide tourists with unparalleled cultural exploration opportunities.
It is also known as Land of Thunder. As its name suggests, due to the presence of high hills and mountains, thunder is a common phenomenon. The hill ridges that originate from the Himalayas, on the northern side of the nation extend to the southern border of the nation. Due to this, It has very little flat land, and most of its population resides on valleys formed between these hill ridges. This unique characteristic of Bhutan has become another selling point for its tourism. Bhutan Cultural Tour provides one of the best views of the eastern mountain peaks of the Himalayas. The lush forest, roaring rivers, beautiful hills and majestic mountains that a tourist will come across during the Bhutan Cultural Tour also ensure natural exploration to the full extent. You will also get to witness how Bhutanese people have been able to survive and thrive in these treacherous geographical regions.
This Bhutan Cultural tour spanning 6 days and 5 nights is the best tour package for anyone who wants to witness the beautiful culture of Bhutan in a short span of time and with a small budget without compromising the exploration opportunities. We Breakfree Adventures have been serving our clients with Bhutan Tours for 15 years and have prolific experience in operating Bhutan tours. You can book a Bhutan Cultural tour from anywhere in the world.
As it is compulsory to book a tour with a registered travel and touring operator to obtain a travel visa to Bhutan, Breakfree Adventures, one of the best Bhutan tour operators will arrange and process your visa for Bhutan travel no matter what part of the world you are from. You can call us at 9851014557 or email info@breakfreeadventures.com to book or inquire about the Bhutan Cultural Tour or any other service we provide to our invaluable clients. You will be guaranteed the best service and exploration experience with Breakfree Adventures.
Paro City
Paro is the first city any tourist will encounter. This city has the only international airport in the nation. The Paro city has luxurious hotels equipped with all the modern amenities. There are also newly constructed tourist establishments that can be found in Paro. Along with these modern establishments, the architecture of Paro City carries its bucolic beauty. Resembling the Tibetan form of architecture, the buildings, houses, and monasteries are beautifully constructed and never fail to allure visitors.
Paro Taktsang, one of the most important monasteries for Vajrayana Buddhists holding high religious significance, is situated 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles away from the heart of the city. Kitchu, Drugyel, Paro Dzong, Sangchoekhor, Tachog Temple, Tenchen Choeling Nunnery, Gorana, Kila Goenpa, Tsheto Goenpa, Dzongdra kha, Bumdra, Dangkala, Tara monastery, Kuenga Choling Goenpa, Tachog Temple and many other religious sites can be found in Paro. The presence of these religious sites makes Paro City a major attraction site, which a tourist must visit during their visit.
Thimphu City
Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan is situated between Paro and Punakha city. Surrounded by hills on both sides Thimphu Chu River flows piercing the capital. You can observe people working in farms and fields in Thimphu and get glimpses of the lifestyle of Bhutanese people. Thimphu is characterized by the presence of Dzong and Monasteries established in and around the city. Tashichhoe Dzong, Simtokha Dzong, Tango Monastery, Dechen Phodrang Monastery, and Cheri Monastery are prominent ones amongst many others. Buddha Dordenma is a religious complex, where one can find 59 meter of 169 feet tall Buddha statue. This Buddha Statue is believed to have been constructed to fulfill the prophecy. All in all, Thimphu is a beautiful capital, where a tourist can immerse themselves in exploration of the culture, tradition, and lifestyle of local people.
Punakha Dzong and Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Punakha Dzong is the administrative center of Punakha district. It is the second largest and second oldest Dzong of the nation. Punakha Dzong is the most significant majestic structure of Bhutan. The architecture is impeccable and intricately beautiful. It is the place where the Royal wedding took place. The Punakha Dzong is a popular tourist attraction, which has historical significance to the citizens and rulers of the nation.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is a fortress made on the hill ridge below which two rivers; Dang Chu and Puna Tsang Chu culminate. Upon reaching Wangdue Phodrang Dzong you will feel like you have arrived at the Hollywood set, where a film shoot is going on the medieval period fortress made on the hill where a general is preparing for the upcoming battle. However, in 2012 there was a catastrophic fire that partially destroyed the fortress, but the renovation has been completed and has restored the glory of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. It is a must-visit cultural, religious, and historical landmark for all visitors.
Dochula Pass and Dochula Chhorten
You will come across Dochula Pass and Dochula Chhorten on your way to Punakha from Thimphu. It is situated at an elevation of 3,100 meters or 10,170 feet. From Dochula Pass you can see the mountain panorama on the northern side and the hilly landscape that spans throughout the nation. Upon reaching Dochula Pass, you can visit Dochula Chorten, which comprises 108 small stupas made in memory of 108 soldiers who lost their lives in a conflict with evil terrorists. Dochula Chhorten and Dochula Pass is a major stop point for every tourist traveling from Thimphu to Punakha. The extravaganza of natural beauty, and historical and cultural ties of people of the nation is flawlessly displayed here.
Phobjikha Valley
Situated east of Punakha Valley, Phobjikha also known as Gangtey Valley can be reached after driving 60 km on Wangdue Phodrang – Nobding Highway, passing through curved and snaking roads up and over the hill. Phobjikha Valley is renowned for its natural and cultural beauty. It consists of marshland and is best known for its faunal diversity. 14 globally threatened species including Black Necked Crane can be found here. Due to the presence of these threatened species, the valley has established a protected area for the conservation of these species. Besides the faunal diversity and natural beauty of the Gangtey Valley, there are many culturally significant sites in Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey Monastery is a major tourist attraction of Phobjikha Valley, a must-visit religious complex.
Yes, this tour package is for you. But if you don’t like visiting an obscured yet beautiful country inundated with natural, and cultural wonders then it might not be for you. For everyone who wants a different taste, Bhutan Cultural Tour will just give them that. The Buddhist Culture and tradition that one will find here cannot be found anywhere else in the world, the beautiful monasteries with wonderful architecture and deep historical and religious ties, magnificent Dzongs, Gonpas, Buddhist Shrines, lively city, and pristine village life never fails to amaze visitors. Along with cultural beauty, natural wonders are enviable as well. The rugged hilly landscape with tall mountains on the northern side is a magical sight in itself. Verdant forests, gushing rivers, and mesmerizing hills are a few of the many things to look forward to during the Bhutan Cultural Tour. Considering the exploration opportunities both cultural and natural, gives us full confidence to say that a mesmerizing tour of the cloistered nation spanning 6 days and 5 nights is without any doubt for you.
However, if you are looking for something more adventurous tour like a higher altitude trekking in the Himalayas, rafting, wildlife safaris, etc. then this tour package might not be the one for you. However, Breakfree Adventures has been catering to visitors satisfying their unique needs. We have operated mountain climbing expeditions, trekking in the Himalayas in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, safaris, short hikes, day tours, and special interest tours for 15 years. You can book your next adventure or a relaxing vacation with us, to know more about other similar trips and tours click here. If you need assistance in deciding which tour/trek to choose from then click here or call us at 9851014557 or email us at infor@breakfreeadventures.com.
If you are thinking of visiting “The Land of Thunder”, either with family or friends or with your special person, this Bhutan Cultural tour will not disappoint you. Bhutan Cultural Tour sits on a sweet spot of not being either long or short. It is just perfect for traveling with your family, friends, or partner. If you are touring Bhutan with your family, then your children will be amazed by the fascinating culture of Bhutan, elderly people of your family will get to feel the spiritual aura that the whole nation radiates, and the majestic monasteries, Dzongs, Gonpas, and beautiful landscape of Bhutan will surely please any adult who appreciates nature, culture, and arts. There is everything for each family member on this Bhutan Cultural Tour. Likewise, if you are planning to visit Bhutan with your friends then this tour is also going to be a mesmerizing one. You and your friends having a drive for exploration of hidden treasures will not be disappointed with this tour. Similarly, if you want to savor the cultural and natural beauty of this beautiful nation, then look no further. Whether you want to propose to your girlfriend for marriage, spend your honeymoon, or just escape of hustle and rush of the draining urban life. The Bhutan Cultural Tour will rejuvenate the ecstasy between you and your partner.
All in all, the Bhutan Cultural Tour is the perfect tour/escape with your family, friends, or partner. We request our clients to inform us about who they are traveling with to Bhutan, so we can make arrangements and add our touch to customize your tour to make your touring experience unequalled.
Numerous touring agencies are operating the Bhutan Cultural Tour. It’s plausible to ask, why choose Breakfree Adventures, what do we offer that other operators don’t? These questions need to be answered so that we make it clear to our clients how we stand out in this competitive market.
Apart from exploration of natural wonders, and cultural enigma, touring with Breakfree Adventures will allow you to have stress free trekking experience. Breakfree Adventures will be dealing with the visa process, documents and permit arrangements, hotel bookings, and other possible issues that might occur during the Bhutan Cultural Tour. Our diligent team of experts will make sure that you will have the best touring experience with us. Our experienced guides, cognizant of the cultures, religions, monuments, geography, and all its adversities will resolve any of your queries throughout the tour.
We at Breakfree Adventures are always on our marks to resolve your questions regarding the service we provide. Our responsive communication team will reach out to you as soon as possible with answers if not immediately. Breakfree Adventures has been successfully able to established as a name to be reckoned with in this industry. With over 15 years of experience in satisfying clients with travel and tour services, we are more eager than ever to serve more clients. We at Breakfree are break-free providing brake-free service to our invaluable clients. You can find us at Trip Advisor and see for yourself reviews left by the invaluable clients we have served here and decide by yourself.
Breakfree Adventures also operates other highly rated tours and trekking such as Bhutan Highlights Tour, Jumolhari Circuit Trek, Dagala Thousand Lake Trek, Punakha Tshechu Festival Tour, Enter The Dragon Tour, etc.
Bhutan doesn’t issue tourist visas to an individual with no booked travel package or itinerary. To acquire a travel visa, a person has to book a tour with a registered touring operator. Breakfree Adventures is a registered touring operator, that can acquire Bhutan travel visas for tourists. Upon booking the Bhutan Cultural Tour with us, you will be asked for documents’ scan and photocopies, and we will fill up forms and dispatch necessary letters to the tourism department of Bhutan, within 10-14 days you will get your travel visa. Yes, it’s that easy when you book the tour package with us. Click here to learn more about the processing done to acquire a travel visa.
You might be wondering how to book this tour, as we are based in Kathmandu Nepal. Don’t worry you can book the Bhutan Cultural Tour no matter where you are in the world. After booking the Bhutan Cultural Tour you will be asked for documents and necessary details to advance your visa processing. You will also get information about flight booking to Bhutan, as flights only operate from select airports in South East Asia.
After a 1.5 – 2 hours scenic flight overlooking Himalayas, you will land on the beautiful city of Paro. Nestled among the hill ridges expanding from northern mountains, Paro is the largest valley in the entire Bhutan, due to which only international airport of the country was established here. Our tour operator will be waiting at the airport to welcome you the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.
After having a satiating lunch, you will be driven off to Thimphu. On the way, you will be stopping to visit couple of beautiful places. The Buddha Point where you can find 51.5 meter or 169 feet tall statue of Buddha and also giving you a comprehensive view of Thimphu. Subsequently, you will be taken in an exploration of King Memorial Chorten, Farmer’s Market, Folk Heritage Museum and Tashicho Dzong, all with their unique charm and beauty.
The day despite being first one, will be a solid start of you exploration of mesmerizing nation of Bhutan. You will be checked in at a hotel at capital where you will spend the night.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu (Lunch/Dinner)
Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, where you will wake up at the morning. From the window of your bedroom, you will get another glance of the city, its street, people and surrounding, a rather different perspective from the previous day tour. Without further ado you will embark on the exploration of the beautiful Bhutan, to be specific, Punakha.
Right after Breakfast, you will be chauffered to Punakha which was the old capital. You will be passing through the highway that will take you up and over the hills separating Thimphu and Punakha through Dochulo pass (3,140m/10,301ft). If it happens to be a clear day, then we get lovely views of the snow-capped Himalayan Peaks to the north from Dochula Pass. Dochula Chorten that you can visit while in Dochula Pass is another major attraction of this entire trip. Upon reaching Punakha, you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley. Afterwards we visit the Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, where the Royal Wedding of King of Bhutan took place. After visiting the major sites and monuments, you return to Thimphu and stay the night at a hotel.
After descending long and winding road you will be checked in at a hotel in Punakha.
Overnight at Hotel in Punakha (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Waking up in the beautiful Punakha city, you will get yourself ready for the upcoming exploration of the valley east to Punakha city, Phobjikha valley.
After breakfast you will get on a vehicle which will take you to Phobjikha valley through Wangdue Phodrang – Nobding Highway. En route you will get spectacular view of mountain peaks on the norther side and surrounding geography from Lawa La. Afterwards descending down following the highway you will reach Phobjikha Valley. In Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley you will visit Gangtey monastery, the most prominent monastery of the valley. Later in evening you will be checked in at hotel in Phobjikha valley.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast you will be driven from Phobjikha/Gangtey to Paro. This 172 km drive will take you through Punakha and Thimphu, finally to Paro. There will be several stops for lunch, rest and at high passes for another chance of relishing the beautiful sightseeing of the region.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Your second last day at Bhutan and last day of exploration. You will be hiking to one of the major monasteries of the whole Bhutan and another beautiful Lhakhang in Paro. The perfect denouement of this Bhutan tour.
After breakfast you will be taken to the base of Taktsang Monastery. From there your hike will commence. The hike will take you uphill, until you reach Taktsang Monastery cafeteria which takes about 2 hours. From here, you will get a good glimpse of Taktsang Monastery which is believed where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. The further hike will take you to the monastery, you will explore in and around the monastery. After exploring the monastery, you will hike down to the base of the monastery.
Then drive to Paro town en route we will ‘Kyichu Lhakhang’, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Also visit Paro Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Afterward back to the hotel in Paro.
Overnight at Hotel in Punakha (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Your final day in Bhutan, will be on Paro. Getting an opportunity to visit and observe the hidden beauty of Bhutan is on itself a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many people regret not having booked a longer stay, but we Breakfree Adventures will do our best to extract all the juices from your beautiful 4 day in Bhutan.
Depending upon your flight time you will be dropped off at the International Airport three hours prior your departure for check in formalities. Our representative will be there assisting you, bidding you farewell and wishing you a safe flight back home as you head back towards your homeland with unforgettable experience and tons of memories you made while exploring the untouched Himalayan gem.
At Breakfree Adventures we are always seeking ways to improve travel and trekking experiences of our clients. We want to provide best service in an unbeatable price.
All our hands are on deck to make your travel and trekking in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan an experience to last lifetime. You are a call/email away from booking a The Best Holiday with us.
The itinerary mentioned and explained above is a standard itinerary. Depending upon your requirements and need we can tweak things here and there to either shorten or lengthen the duration of your Bhutan Cultural Tour. Please inquire us at: info@breakfreeadventures.com or call at +977-9851014557 for more information regarding Bhutan Cultural Tour.
We also operated private trips.
Bhutan, in an attempt to preserve its culture and nature, had secluded itself from the outer world for the majority of the 20th century. It was only in 1974, that it was opened for tourists to visit. The attempt was successful. The nation hasn’t been spoiled by external influence either culturally or naturally. It is the only country in the world that is carbon-negative. The culture, religion, and tradition are also unblemished.
Bhutan emphasizes on “High Impact, Low Volume” tourism policy. Due to this, the visa acquisition process is also a bit complicated and expensive. You have to book a tour with a government-registered tour company, to obtain your visit visa. You will be accompanied by a touring guide throughout the tour so that it will be well-regulated. Due to the rather complicated visa process and expensive pricing, Bhutan tours are often overlooked which has resulted in it being less visited.
Well, another question that might appear on a tourist’s mind before traveling to a country with a monarchy is, “Is it safe?”. The simple answer to that question is, Yes! It is a democratic nation, with the King being the Head of the state and executive power exercised by a cabinet led by the Prime Minister. As we have already mentioned the nation intends to preserve its nature and culture, and tours are well-regulated. So, as long as you don’t break the rules, don’t offend the locals, hamper the natural resources, and follow your guide your tour to Bhutan will be the safest tour. We suggest our clients do research regarding Bhutan before booking a tour so that if there is some specific place you want to visit that might not have been included in the tour itinerary you can make a special request. We will check the feasibility of that activity and do our best to fulfill your requirements.
The citizens of Bangladesh, Maldives, and India do not require VISA to enter Bhutan. People from other countries except Bangladesh, Maldives, and India need a VISA permit while traveling to Bhutan. The VISA processing for Bhutan requires a readable color copy of the passport via email that has at least six months of validity from the date of exit from Bhutan. The file Scan Copy should be forwarded via email in JPEG or PDF format. The passport number and picture of the applicant should be visible in the e-document.
The application should be processed at least 10 days before the date of entry to Bhutan. The Tourism Council of Bhutan then issues a VISA clearance letter and fax or email it to the local travel agent. Please note that the VISA service is not offered in Bhutan, travelers have to buy a full-service package from the local tour operator. Travelers traveling by air are required to produce a printed VISA clearance copy at the time of check-in for the Druk Air flight. People traveling by land to enter Bhutan via Phuentshoking or Samdrup Jonkhar are required to produce a VISA clearance letter at the immigration center. The actual VISA is stamped in your passport on your arrival in Bhutan.
Several cities have direct flights to Bhutan. There are two airlines Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines running the flights to Bhutan. Druk Air is the national carrier of Bhutan. With its fleet of Airbuses A319-115 and ATR 42, the airlines fly from different Asian countries to the Paro International Airport, Paro (PBH); which is only the international airport in Bhutan. There are daily direct flights from Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to Paro International Airport.
The flights from Indian cities to Paro International Airport with the airport name and their codes are listed below:
Likewise, there are flights from other countries with the codes are as follows:
Note: The flight schedule and timings are subject to change. If you want to know more about the flight schedules and tour to Bhutan please feel free to contact us. We can also help to find you the cheapest fares available.
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan lies in south Asia between China and India. Climate and weather vary according to the altitude, season, and place of visit. Bhutan is open all year around for visitors but it is better to make the travel arrangements as per your preference and nature of visit.
The ideal time to visit Bhutan is spring (March-May) and Autumn/fall (September-November). These are considered to be the best times to visit Bhutan to get the maximum adventure and trouble-free experience. Summer and winter also have their specialties that could draw the attention of tourists during these seasons. During the spring the weather mostly remains clear and the climate is fantastic. It is also the best time to visit for nature lovers to experience the mystifying beauty of nature. Varieties of flowers and plants bloom in this season which makes your adventure an exotic one. The route opens for Jomolhari and Druk Path treks from mid-April to May.
Summer (June-August) on the other hand could get tricky at times due to the early arrival of monsoon. The month of June would be great for traveling if the monsoon is pushed further. Usually, the monsoon is in full swing by early July. Travelers who would strive to get some trekking experience on the muddy trail while witnessing swollen rivers, green forests, and flourishing paddy fields could choose late summer to plan their adventure. The view of the open clear blue sky after the rain is something that strikes you with its mystifying beauty.
Fall (September-November) is another favorable and crowded season after spring. The weather gets mild despite cold mornings and evenings. Tourists from all around the world thong to Bhutan during this season to witness Black-Necked-Crane festival. The month of October has its significance and the valley turns into a shade of gold as the farmers prepare to harvest their rice crops during this month.
The winter season (December to February) is not that crowded with tourists in comparison to other seasons. Planning your adventure during the winter could be a better idea if you want to avoid the hustle-bustle of the peak season. During the winter Bhutan may see some snowfall. The temperature level goes down (even below freezing point) during some winter days.
Bhutan lies in South Asia between China and India in the Himalayas, weather in Bhutan depends upon the altitude. In the northern parts of the country where mountains rise to 7,000m/22,965ft, weather conditions are similar to arctic. Southwards, closer to India, the weather is hot and humid in the summer and cool in winter. The monsoon rains are usually heavy. Winters can be a good time to visit the lower parts, but then the highest areas are freezing.
The best times to visit Bhutan are Spring (March-May) and autumn (late September – November) when the weather is warm, dry, and sunny but always throw in a couple of warm clothes into your traveling gear when you travel to Bhutan regardless of the season.
Layering Clothing
Bring your clothes according to the season and region of your travel. Based on your activity and the weather, you can make quick adjustments, by putting on more clothing if it is cold or taking off layers as it warms up. In the summertime, days can be quite warm, especially in the lowlands of Punakha and Phuentsholing, light cotton clothing is recommended for the daytime. But in most of the tourist and trekking areas, light woolen clothes for evenings and heavy woolen / down jackets for winter are necessary. A waterproof windbreaker is important for trekking and outdoor activities.
Comfortable and Sturdy shoes.
You have a lot of opportunities to walk around in Bhutan, you will be glad you wore sturdy shoes that keep your feet comfortable. Good shoes will let you explore the rural and allow you to have a long day walk. Bring sandals or slip-ons to take off easily when entering temples.
Long pants/skirts
Wear particularly conservative clothing in the towns, women should wear long pants or long skirts, men should wear long pants and shorts are not appropriate for anyone. In the dzongs and temples, the legs and arms must be covered, and even three-quarter-length capri pants are not acceptable for women.
Rain gear
Be prepared for the occasional shower. A folding umbrella is a good idea to bring with you.
Hat, Sunglass, Sunscreen & lip protection.
The sun can be scorching in Bhutan. Be sure to apply sunscreen in the morning and throughout your day.
DIFFERENT CURRENCY ACCEPTED BY BHUTAN BANK:
Credit cards are accepted only in major international hotels and high-end shops in Bhutan.
Bhutan travel requirements
Below are some points which you need to consider before your travel to Bhutan.
Traveling to Bhutan takes you to beautiful Buddhist monasteries and huge dzong fortresses, and see the vibrant cultural heritage and the mystic mountains. Here are 10 things you know before traveling to Bhutan.
Flights to Bhutan massively depend on the weather conditions. Flights aren’t operated in poor weather conditions or at night, so there can be delays or flight cancellations. Paro airport is especially dangerous due to its location in a deep valley, which is surrounded by mountain peaks as high as 18,000 ft. Keep necessities with you through any possible delays or unexpected stop-overs.
Accidents might happen due to the poor road conditions of Bhutan. Always wear your seat belt and driving by night isn’t suggested since roads are poorly lit and have many blind corners. If you have booked your trip with a travel agent, you will already have a car with a driver, so you don’t have to drive. Don’t leave your valuables inside the car when parking near tourist sites or villages.
B-Mobile SIM and Tashi Cell are the two mobile network provider companies in Bhutan. Your guide can help you get a SIM Card on arrival. 2G, 3G, and 4G connectivity are available and WiFi is available in most hotels in major cities but connectivity might be touch-and-go.
A dzong or monastery is a sacred site for Bhutanese so you need to dress appropriately. Don’t wear jeans, wrap your jacket around your waist, or notice if your jacket is unbuttoned or unzipped. No hats, shorts, short skirts, flip-flops, or T-shirts are allowed inside. Make sure your clothing covers your arms and legs.
Only the major towns have ATMs. Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank, and Druk Punjab National Bank are the three banks that accept foreign credit cards. You can withdraw cash from an ATM (Visa or MasterCard) but beware of the fees. You can exchange foreign currency for Nu, Bhutanese currency. USD 100 has a higher exchange rate compared to lower denomination bills.
Tiger’s Nest is closer to Paro town and is the most popular visited site in Bhutan among foreigners. It’s the most sacred Buddhist site located at 10,000 ft above sea level and was built in 1692. It can be reached upon 20 minutes drive from Paro to its base then hike above for about 4-5 hours. Using hiking boots and a walking pole will help the walk. Drink lots of water during the hike. Alternatively, you can also take a pony ride until halfway, as it is also too steep to walk for ponies.
You can travel to Bhutan through only the registered travel agency which shall provide you with a guide throughout your tour. Bhutan is in a remote location so having a guide to accompany you and also connect with the locals is a good idea and also important to enjoy your Bhutan journey.
Bhutanese food is spicy but delicious too. Bhutan’s most popular food is Ema Datshi which is rice and spicy chilies topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Kewa Datshi is made up of sliced potatoes and cheese and usually with chilies, too. You can try shakam paa, dried beef cooked with chilies and radish. Dumplings or momos are everywhere in Bhutan if you love them. If none of these sounds appetizing, you can try fried fern stalks or a tasty yak curry.
Ara is the traditional beverage in Bhutan which is a hot, highly alcoholic drink. It is also the national drink of Bhutan. The drink is made with yak butter, and eggs over rice whisky which is heated and then served. Ara is normally creamy, clear, or white.
The popular route tourist follows for the Bhutan tour is to visit Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha and fly back. If you want to discover more then traveling to the southeast from Paro to Samdrup Jongkhar town is the ideal choice. From Samdrup, you can also cross the border to India via the Assam plains.
The eastern side of Bhutan is rarely visited by tourists which has so much to offer with secluded valleys and nature reserves, home to the very rare black-necked cranes. Localities like Trashigang and Mongar have local festivals that are far different from the touristy festivals that occur in and around Paro.
