Bhutan might not be known for mass tourism, but that makes this country so unique and definitely worth visiting. Bhutan has always tried to protect its environment and getting there isn't the easiest. The country is known for its colourful Dzong's, impressive festivals, beautiful and friendly people and untouched nature.
Bhutan is like no other country and our 5-days Classic Bhutan tour is a great introduction to this wonderful country. With the hike to Tiger’s Nest and excursion of Punakha valley as the highlight of your holiday, we will take you through a cultural extravaganza of the valleys of Western Bhutan.
Discover the enchanting beauty of Bhutan on our 10-day Autumn Journey, led by our founder, Iris, who shares a deep love for this magical kingdom. This tour invites you to experience Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage through the vibrant celebrations of the Thimphu and Gangtey festivals, alongside visits to breathtaking monasteries, fortresses, and serene valleys. From the iconic Tiger’s Nest hike to engaging with local artisans and farmers, this trip offers an intimate and immersive exploration of Bhutan’s timeless traditions and natural wonders, all during the crisp and colorful autumn season.
Bhutan might be undiscovered by most travellers but it's such a gem. The happiness tour will allow you to take a moment for yourself and refuel yourself. With the hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest and excursion of the beautiful glacial valleys of Gangtey and Phobjika you will really feel at peace at the end of your trip.
Our Himalaya Highlights tour is perfect for travellers wanting to see all of the famous highlights of the region but also searching for a spiritual connection. You will be indulged in the culture and history of the region and stunning architecture mixed with beautiful landscapes will leave you in awe.
Experience the wonder of Bhutan. From landing in Paro, amidst Himalayan grandeur, to exploring vibrant monasteries and serene landscapes, each step unveils a new marvel. Enjoy warm hospitality, local delicacies, cultural experiences, and 5-star accommodations at AndBeyond Punakha River Lodge and Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary. Discover the magic of this Himalayan kingdom, where every moment invites you to embrace wonder.
Our wellness tour is designed to help you reconnect with nature, rejuvenate your body and mind, and discover the ancient wisdom of Bhutanese culture. Embark on a journey of self-discovery, where you'll experience daily yoga and meditation sessions, indulge in organic farm-to-table cuisine, and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding landscape. Let us guide you toward inner peace and well-being, and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Experience the wonder of Bhutan. From landing in Paro amidst Himalayan grandeur to exploring vibrant monasteries and serene landscapes, each step unveils a new marvel. Enjoy warm hospitality, local delicacies and cultural experiences. Visit one of the most unique and remote festivals in the world, the Royal Highland Festival in Laya. Discover the magic of this Himalayan kingdom, where every moment invites you to embrace wonder.
Embark on a 10-day Spring Journey through the magical landscapes of Bhutan, guided by our passionate founder, Iris. This immersive tour takes you deep into the heart of Bhutan’s culture, from the vibrant Paro Tshechu festival to serene hikes through pristine valleys. You’ll visit iconic sites like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, explore charming villages, and connect with the warm-hearted locals. With Iris's deep connection to the country, this journey offers an intimate look at Bhutan's traditions, natural beauty, and spiritual heritage, making it a truly unforgettable adventure.
Bhutan is a country like no other, tucked in the Himalayas mountains, it makes a perfect destination to recharge yourself again. Our Ultimate Bhutan tour will take you to all the hidden corners of the 5 valleys including Gangtey and Bumthang valley. You will get a chance to interact with the locals in markets, enjoy a traditional farm stay, enjoy your own homemade delicious Bhutanese food after a cooking class, participate in a game of archery, trek to Tigers nest, and of course visit many of the temples including the fertility temple.
Bhutan journeys were impossible for a long time due to the mountainous terrain, no airport, and no motorable road into Bhutan. Road construction from India was started only in the mid-1960s, so the road construction from the south (bordering India) to the interiors (Thimphu & Paro) took many many years. These are the reasons why Bhutan was isolated from the rest of the world until the 1970's when the Paro International Airport opened and motorable roads reached Thimphu. Up to today, the government still makes every effort to ensure that the country does not get in the grip of mass tourism. Since the 1970s, however, the borders are no longer closed and under certain conditions, you have the opportunity to discover this unique country, where no western influences are tolerated. Thanks to its location in the Himalayas alone, you will marvel at the most beautiful panoramas, but the cultural highlights are just as impressive. In short: traveling through Bhutan means traveling through a completely different world, where you seem to go back in time!
In Bhutan, no value is attached to material things. This is evident only from the fact that the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck coined the term Gross National Happiness as a counterpart to the Gross National Income. The GNH Philosophy was a response to critical voices about the country's poor economy and is determined by factors such as sustainable socio-economic development, the preservation and promotion of cultural values , and the natural environment.
Anyone who decides to travel to Bhutan will therefore not find elements that have blown over from the west, such as large cities with modern infrastructure or luxury facilities for tourists. What do you get in return? Monastery festivals with traditional dances and instruments, competitions in archery, all kinds of temples and other holy places ... No flats and neon lighting in the capital (Thimphu), but small picturesque streets, special architecture, and traditional costumes.
Choose one of the most special destinations in the world and enrich yourself with a tour of Bhutan!
Itineraries While it is our intention to adhere to the route described in your contract, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
The contract is a general guide to the tour, region and proposed itinerary any mention of specific wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be encountered, as we can never guarantee what mother nature has to offer us.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Accommodation If a hotel is unexpectedly fully booked, we will always contact you before booking an alternative. We will always offer alternatives of the same level and value for money.
Kindly note that water is scarce in many parts of the world, so we always recommend taking short showers and reuse towels if possible.
Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Your Travel Nation during a situation of dire need. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. We have an emergency line, which will connect you directly with our office.
+1 757 656 3391
Luggage You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be restricted to one medium-sized rolling bag, duffle bag or backpack, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited.
Packing list
Documents:
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the immigration)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
• Copy of your contract
Essentials:
• Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhoea;
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat and lip balm.
• Your electronic devices and chargers.
For camera and lenses; we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures; Renting a camera is not possible. Please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for weather conditions;
• Clothes: Comfortable and casual clothing. You should pack T-shirts, shirts with long sleeves, jeans, a sweater and a jacket (for the cold mornings), swimwear (if the accommodation you selected has a pool or if you do a beach extension) and comfortable hiking shoes;
• Insect repellent;
• Refill water bottle;
• Adaptor for D, F and G type plugs.
Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the hotels where you will stay. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your hotels may also have a laundry service available at an additional fee.
Visa & Entry requirements For Bhutan, we will arrange the visa for you. The cost of the visa is included in the tour price. The Bhutanese visa is issued to your passport on arrival. No passport photos are currently required for this, but it's always good to travel with a couple of current photos.
In order to arrange the Bhutan visa, you must provide us with the following:
- Arrival and Departure flight details for Paro, which we can book for you as well.
- Scanned colour passport copy, which must meet the following requirements: the image must be extremely clear with no obstructions covering any part of the passport; it must have all details (including background letters) on the passport page in readable print, and there must be absolutely no reflections (due to flash photography) on the image itself.
We will then arrange the Bhutanese visa for you. The visa letter will be forwarded to you 2-5 business days before departure. We cannot get the visa letter issued any sooner, as it is issued by the Bhutanese government. Please print out the visa letter, you will be required to show this before boarding your flight to Paro.
Insurance A Travel insurance is highly recommended when travelling. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that we highly recommend good medical coverage and repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. We don’t issue any insurances; however, we recommend using www.worldnomads.com
Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least three months before departure or in case of a last-minute tour, as soon as you confirm your travels. Travellers are also advised to carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitisers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your local guide of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling. Your local guide will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
Allergies and dietary restrictions This is something we take very seriously. Upon booking with us, we will send you a form in which you will be able to indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have. We will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels.
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, bank cards, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of your group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local guides have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Photography and drone laws Please refrain from taking photos of police stations, airports, bus stations, immigration or border crossings, army barracks and personnel, or any government building. It is against the law and will result in the minimum of your film and camera being confiscated. Drone use is prohibited in Bhutan.
Electricity In Bhutan the power plugs and sockets are of type D, F and G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Religion Buddhism is the largest religion in Bhutan.
Climate Temperatures can vary between 15-30 degrees Celsius (59- 86 degrees Fahrenheit). In the Central parts of the country which consists of temperate and deciduous forests, the climate is more seasonal with warm summers and cool and dry winters.
Best time to visit from October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies.
January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly, flooding the valleys with colour.
Heat and humidity increase from May, and from June to September the monsoon rains cover the mountains. If you're interested in seeing the rare black-necked cranes, we recommend visiting the Phobjikha Valley between late October and mid-February.
Plastic bags Plastic bags are banned from entering Bhutan. However, plastics carrier items known as “Ziplock bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.
Money and currency The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutan Ngultrum (BTN). The symbol for the Ngultrum is Nu. The currency is divided into 100 chhertum. The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee at par. The only currency with which the Bhutan Ngultrum can be exchanged is the Indian Rupee.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. We always recommend carrying enough cash in case you would like to pay for something in a remote place and the credit card machine is not able to connect to any network.
Dress code People of Bhutan dress in their traditional outfit most of the time. You can spot men wearing Gho and women wearing Kira on all formal occasions and places like government office, temples, Dzongs, monasteries etc. For travellers, there are few dress codes that need to be followed. When you enter Dzongs you should wear full covered clothes. Sleeveless tops, skimpy clothes, shorts aren’t allowed in these places. When you wear sleeveless, the easiest option is to always carry a jacket or shrug and just wear it when needed.
With our partners being on the ground and getting the best prices for you, we assure you that our prices are unbeatable.
Not only do we care about our guests and their experience, the world itself is one of our main concerns.
Everyone is different and therefore no request is too crazy. Customise your trip down to the finest detail.
Need any help booking? Call us anytime: +1 (757)-656-3391