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Bhutan Highlights Tour

Based on 1635 reviews in trip-advisor

Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 6 Days
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Trip Difficulty
Easy
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Max. Altitude 3,899m/12,791ft
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Destination Bhutan
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Activity Tours
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Best Season March-May (Spring), mid Sept-Nov(Autumn)
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Region Thimphu, Punakha, Paro and Haa Valley
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Nature of Trip Tours and Excursions
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Meal B, L, D (all included)
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Accommodation 3-Star Hotels
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Transportation Vehicle Transfers

Highlights of Bhutan Highlights Tours

  • Vibrant and Colourful Paro town.
  • The tiny yet beautiful capital Thimphu.
  • Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan and Wangdue Phordeng Dzong, a fort on the hill ridge where two rivers culminate.
  • Kyichu Lhakhang – the oldest & most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
  • The beautiful Haa Valley and amazing vantage point of Chele La pass.
  • Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ hike, one of the most significant monasteries in Bhutan.
  • Bhutanese culture & tradition with majestic mountain views.
  • Spectacular bird’s eye view of the world’s tallest mountains during the flight in/out of Paro.

Trip Overview

Bhutan Highlights Tour takes travelers to unravel the obscure beauty of Bhutan.

Secluded from the modern world, Bhutan is an unspoiled nation situated in the Eastern region of the tallest mountain range in the world. If you are amongst those people who are seeking to explore the cloistered nation, drenched in natural beauty and cultural enigma then this Bhutan Highlights Tour is the best tour package, serving you the best touring experience in a 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. Bhutan Highlights tour package, which will take you to the 3 major cities of Bhutan; Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, and savor the obscured delicacy of natural and cultural beauty of this eastern Himalayan nation with Breakfree Adventures one of the leading and best Bhutan tour operator.

Bhutan, The Land of Thunder Dragon, is an obscured and overlooked nation sandwiched between two rising global powers, India and China. Despite being inundated with overflowing gifts of nature and culture, Bhutan has remained very less visited. Due to the government’s “High Value, Low Volume” tourism policy, it secludes itself from modern influence to preserve its culture and nature. Which 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 they could get and nature is as flourishing as it could have. Bhutan is the only nation in the entire world which is carbon-negative. This means, that Bhutan absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it emits, all the more reason to witness the flourishing nature of Bhutan.

Bhutan is the only Buddhist Kingdom in the world with Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuk, as a “Druk Gyalpo” in other words King. Because of its deep-rooted connection to Tibetan Buddhist history, the culture, tradition, lifestyle, architecture and arts have heavy 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 culture, tradition, and lifestyles of Bhutanese people. Beautiful monasteries, chhorten, stupas, and gompas scattered all over the country will provide tourists with unparalleled cultural exploration opportunities.

Bhutan is also known as the 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 Bhutan has very less 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 Tours 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 6-day 5-night Bhutan tour provide 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 Highlights tour of 6 days and 5 nights is the best Bhutan tour package for anyone who wants to explore beautiful Bhutan in a short period 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 this Bhutan Highlights 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 Highlights Tour or any other service we provide to our invaluable clients. You will be guaranteed the best service and exploration experience with Breakfree Adventures.


Major Attractions of Bhutan Highlights Tour for 2024/2025

Paro City

Paro is the first city any tourist will encounter, who are flying in Bhutan. This city has the only international airport found in Bhutan. 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 Bhutan Visit.

Thimphu City

Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan is situated between Paro and Punakha city. It is also the administrative capital of Bhutan. 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 an 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 Bhutan’s second-largest and second-oldest Dzong. 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 the people of Bhutan are flawlessly displayed here.

Chele La Pass and Haa Valley

Situated at the western side of the Paro, Ha Valley is yet another beautiful valley in Bhutan. With an elevation of 2,740 meters or 8,989 feet, Haa Valley is a high-altitude valley in Bhutan. Haa Dzong is one of the major tourist attractions in Haa Valley. In addition to that, there are numerous Gonpas, Monasteries, and Buddhist shrines one can visit while in Haa Valley, which will provide you with the tranquility that you might be seeking the whole time. There are also modern establishments in Haa Valley especially made for visitors. Shopping malls, Luxurious hotels with golf courses, shops, and many more, where one can relax and enjoy their visit. Haa Valley was only open to visitors from 2002. Due to the strategic location of this valley, it holds importance not only for Bhutan but for India and China as well. So much so that, India has a military base in the Ha Valley. Both the government and its citizens have done a terrific job of protecting its natural and cultural beauty.

Chele La Pass is reached after climbing the western hill ridge of Paro through snaking roads. Standing at an elevation of 3,800 meters or 12,467 feet, Chele La Pass is the highest elevation one will reach during this Bhutan Highlights Tour. You will be passing through Chele La pass while traveling from Paro to Haa Valley. No visitor can resist the spectacular view of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and adjoining peaks to the northwest. Overlooking Ha and Paro Valley, you will get to witness the beauty of these cities from different perspectives and a comprehensive idea of the geography of these regions.


Bhutan Highlights Tour for Family, Friends, and Couples- 2025 & 2026

If you are thinking of visiting “The Land of Thunder”, either with family or friends or with your special person, this Bhutan Highlights Tour will not disappoint you. This Bhutan Highlights 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 in this Bhutan Highlights 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 Bhutan, 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 Highlights tour will rejuvenate the ecstasy between you and your partner.

All in all, the Bhutan Highlights 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 exploration of Bhutan unequaled.

Short Itinerary of Bhutan Highlights Tour

Day 1: Arrival at Paro (2,250m/7,381ft) - Thimphu (2,350m/7,709ft)


Day 2: Thimphu-Punakha (1,310m/4,297ft)


Day 3: Punakha - Thimphu (2,350m/7,709ft)


Day 4: Thimphu - Day Excursion to Haa Valley (2,740m/8,989ft) - Paro


Day 5: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3,120m/10,236ft)


Day 6: Paro depart


Bhutan Highlights Tour Itinerary

1

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 lunch at Paro town, our guide will take you on the exploration of beautiful Paro City. You can visit sites like Rinpung Dzong, National Museum of Bhutan, Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Dzong Drakha Temple, Drukgyal Dzong, Zuri Dzong fort, Tago Lhakhang, Drak Po etc. Depending upon the available time and your preference our guide will take you to visit above mentioned place. If you arrive at Paro during weekend, you will get an opportunity to visit Paro Weekend Market, where people from surrounding localities come to Paro to sell and buy goods. Exploration of Paro city, indubitably is going to familiarize you with the vibrant culture, rich history, mesmerizing arts and reverend religious belief or Bhutanese people.

After exploring Bhutan, you will be driven to the capital of the Bhutan, Thimphu through Paro-Thimphu highway. The day despite being first one, will be a solid start to your 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)

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Distance

49.8 km or 31 miles
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Max Altitude

2,350m/7,709ft
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Meals

Lunch and Dinner
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Accommodation

3-Star Hotel
Trip Note:

At Breakfree Adventures we are always seeking ways to improve travel and touring 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 touring 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 Highlights Tour. Please inquire us at: info@breakfreeadventures.com or call at +977-9851014557 for more information regarding Bhutan Highlights Tour.

What is Included/Excluded on Bhutan Highlights Tour Package.

What is included?

  • Private transportation.
  • All necessary travel permits.
  • English speaking local guide.
  • Accommodation on a twin room basis (3-star hotels).
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary.
  • All meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
  • Bhutan Visa fee.
  • Government royalty and all the taxes.
  • Bottled drinking water.

What is excluded?

  • Flight fare.
  • Travel/Medical Insurance.
  • Additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Personal expenses such as drink, guide tips & etc.
  • Luxury 4–5-star hotels/resorts with an extra cost.
Have a question?
Note:

We also operated private trips.

Essential Information for Bhutan Highlights Tour.

Bhutan Highlights Tour for Family, Friends, and Couples- 2025 & 2026

If you are thinking of visiting “The Land of Thunder”, either with family or friends or with your special person, this Bhutan Highlights Tour will not disappoint you. This Bhutan Highlights 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 in this Bhutan Highlights 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 Bhutan, 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 Highlights tour will rejuvenate the ecstasy between you and your partner.

All in all, the Bhutan Highlights 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 exploration of Bhutan unequaled.


Why Do Bhutan Highlights Tour with Breakfree Adventures?

Numerous touring agencies are operating the Bhutan Highlights Tour. It is 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 Highlights Tour. Our diligent team of experts will make sure that you will have the best Bhutan 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.


Bhutan Visa Processing for Tourists and Booking the Trip.

Bhutan doesn’t issue tourist visas to an individual. To acquire a travel visa to Bhutan, 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 5 night 6 day Bhutan 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 to Bhutan. Yes, it’s that easy when you book the Bhutan Highlights Tour with us. Click here to learn more about the processing done to acquire travel visa to Bhutan.

You might be wondering how to book this tour, as we are based in Kathmandu Nepal. Don’t worry you can book this tour no matter where you are in the world. After booking this 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 to Bhutan only operate from select airports in South East Asia.


Why has Bhutan remained less visited? Is it safe to travel to Bhutan in 2025/2026?

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 Bhutan was opened for tourists to visit. The attempt was successful. Bhutan 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, tours to Bhutan 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! Bhutan is very safe. Bhutan 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 Bhutan 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.


Is the Bhutan Highlights Tour for me?

Yes, it 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, visiting Bhutan 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 Highlights tour. Considering the exploration opportunities both cultural and natural, gives us full confidence to say that a mesmerizing tour of Bhutan 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 Bhutan Highlights tour 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 of Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, safaris, short hikes, day tours, and special interest tours for 15 years. You can book your next adventure or relaxing vacation with us, Breakfree Adventure offers a plethora of trekking and touring options from which you can choose. If you are looking for Bhutan Trek we operate popular Bhutan Trek such as Jumolari Circuit Trek, Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, Druk Path Trek, etc. If you need assistance in deciding which tour/trek to choose from then click here or call us at 9851014557 or email us at info@breakfreeadventures.com.

Bhutan Visa Information:

The citizens of Bangladesh, Maldives, and India do not require a 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.


Flights to 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:

  • Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB)
  • Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)
  • Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (BOM)

Likewise, there are flights from other countries with the codes are as follows:

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand (BKK)
  • Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh (DAC)
  • Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore (SIN)

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.

Best time to visit Bhutan:

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 trails 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.


Weather in BHUTAN:

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, weather conditions are similar to the 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) 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.


What to wear and bring:

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 an 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.

  • A Bhutanese visa is required to enter Bhutan. All visas are approved when you book a tour with a locally licensed tour operator or it’s a foreign travel agent.
  • Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival to Bhutan. Two passport photos are required.
  • Regarding COVID-19 in Bhutan, Bhutan is open for travel for vaccinated or non-vaccinated travelers with no quarantine and no PCR test required.
  • Though crime is uncommon, petty crime like pick-pocketing is occasionally reported.
  • Driving under the influence could take you directly to jail.
  • Carrying cash or traveler’s checks is suggested but credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Bhutan.
  • Indian rupees are usually accepted in Bhutan, although shops do not accept Indian rupees in denominations above 100. Bhutan’s main cities have a limited number of ATMs.
  • The main cities like Thimphu and Paro have medical facilities but may be limited or not in rural areas.
  • Medical services may not meet Western standards, and some medicines can be in short supply.
  • If you are trekking in Bhutan then travel insurance is highly recommended which should cover evacuation, and medical expenses if affected by altitude sickness.
  • Bhutan government recommends vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, and rabies before Bhutan travel. The influenza vaccine is also recommended.
  • General road conditions besides the main cities are poor. Due to the mountainous terrain, roads will have steep drop-offs and blind curves.
  • Flights into and out of Paro are dependent on weather conditions.
  • Flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather, especially in the monsoon season between May and September.
  • Travelers are advised to allow at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights to and from Paro.
  • Travelers transiting through India to Bhutan will need a transit visa if they are planning to leave the airport in India or spend a night in India.

Bhutan travel tips

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

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.

Road Safety

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.

Spotty Internet connections

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.

Dress code

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.

ATMs and cash transactions in Bhutan

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. $100 has a higher exchange rate compared to lower denominations bills.

Tiger’s Nest Hike

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.

Guided tours only

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

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.

Beverages in Bhutan

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.

Go for off-the-beaten tracks and travel Eastern Bhutan

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.

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