Visit Bhutan, Asia
Land of the Thunder Dragon
Huddled between India and China, Bhutan rests on the sub-Himalayan foothills, between the greater and inner Himalayas. What makes Bhutan truly mesmerizing is the rich blend of the ancient and modern. It’s a fun and magical land, where you are bound to find monks with smartphones amidst divinity. High-altitude trekking trails, spectacular flora and fauna, forest hikes, hillside strolls, rhododendron blooms, spotting Takins (national animal) or blue poppies – and much more makes Bhutan truly a place worth a visit once in a lifetime.
The capital of Bhutan is Thimpu and is situated 50 km from the town of Paro. All international flights arrive in Paro, which is about an hour drive from the capital city. Bhutan tour can be considered any time of the year. All the four seasons can be witnessed in its full splendor and different charm. You can enjoy the colourful spring, pleasant summer and cold winter with snowfall experience in all parts of the country.
BHUTAN QUICK FACTS
Best time to visit Bhutan
A trip to Bhutan can be planned any time of the year.
Bhutan local time
Bhutan is 30 minutes ahead of IST, so tourists should adjust their watches accordingly to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
Road travel to Bhutan
Bhutan is accessible from India by road through West Bengal and Assam. In Bengal, one can take the road to Phuentsholing from Bagdogra which stretches about 170 km and in Assam head to Samdrup Jongkhar from Darranga about 50 km from Guwahati.
Bhutanese Currency
The currency used in Bhutan is called Ngultrum and 1 INR approximately equals to 1.15 Ngultrum.
Best monasteries to visit in Bhutan
There are some remarkable monasteries scattered throughout the landscape of Bhutan. Taktsang in Paro, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, Tango, Cheri, Chorten in Thimpu and Tamshing Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang are a few must-visits monasteries in Bhutan.
Airports in Bhutan
Bhutan has four airports out of which three are domestic and the international airport lies in the valley town of Paro. It serves as the entry point to the country and the capital city. It connects the cities in Bangkok, India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Singapore. Currently there are two airlines that fly to Bhutan: DrukAir and Bhutan Airlines. There are flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bagdogra.
Carbon neutral Bhutan
In Bhutan, by law, 60% of the country is supposed to remain forested and currently the percentage is well above 70%. It absorbs more carbon than what it emits.
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Destination
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Destination
Bhutan -
Departure Time
Please arrive by 9:15 AM for a departure at 9:30 AM. -
Return Time
Approximately 8:30 PM. -
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hat and light jacket. -
Included
Accommodation on 2 Star Twin Sharing BasisSingle bottle Mineral water per person per dayMeal: Breakfast + dinnerNon-a/c vehicle for transfers and sightseeingPlease note vehicle will not be at disposal it will be available to guest as per itinerary only (point to point basis)All permit fees & hotel taxes (as per itinerary)Rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only -
Not Included
5 % GSTAir-Fare/Train farePersonal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water, soft & hard drinks, raftingAdditional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itineraryEntrance Fees & Guide chargesAny cost arising due to natural calamities like, landslides, road blockage, political disturbances (strikes), etc. (to be borne by the client, which is directly payable on the spot)Any increase in taxes or fuel price, leading to increase in cost on surface transportation & land arrangements, which may come into effect before departure.Travel InsuranceAnything which is not include in the inclusion
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Destination
DAY 01: HASIMARA - JAIGAON/PHUENTSHOLING
On arrival, you will be received at Hasimara Railway Station... You will be driven/transferred to Jaigaon (the last town in India before entering Bhutan)/Phuentsholing – the gateway of Bhutan. Check-in at the hotel on arrival, in the afternoon, you can enjoy the local sightseeing by our dedicated vehicle. Overnight stay, at Jaigaon.
DAY 02: PHUENTSHOLING - THIMPHU (176 KMS)
After breakfast, you will go to the immigration center to complete the immigration formalities, to get the permit. Then by 6-hour drive, we drive you to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
DAY 03: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Home to the royal family, Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. After breakfast you will visit Tashichho Dzong which has been a seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. The view of the Thimphu valley from Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Tower is very captivating and introduces Thimpu perfectly. After this you will visit National Memorial Chorten, one of the most visible landmarks in Thimphu, and for many Bhutanese it is the center of daily worship. Next you will visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest monastery. National zoo and National Library are other attractions of Thimpu. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
DAY 04: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA / WANGDUE (77 KMS)
After breakfast we drive from Thimpu to Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang (4,300 ft.) in central Bhutan, via Dochu-La-Pass (10,170 ft.). We continue towards Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang – The Temple of Fertility built in the 15th century. We also visit Punakha Dzong, which is the administrative center of the Punakha District in Punakha, Bhutan. On arrival, we check in at the hotel. Evening time free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha.
DAY 05: PUNAKHA TO - PARO LOCAL SIGHT SEEING
After breakfast we check out from hotel and visit the renovated ancient Ta Dzong building, which was once a fortified lookout tower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Then walk down the trail to visit the Buddhist monastery and fortress Rinpung Dzong, which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. Next we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there we will visit Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro District, Bhutan. It was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314meters. Overnight stay at Paro.
DAY 06: PARO SIGHTSEEING (TIGER’S NEST)
After breakfast we trek the Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (the great spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Overnight stay at Paro.
DAY 07: PARO TO PHUENTSHOLING
After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. After which we drop you at Hasimara station. This concludes your package tour. From here, you will embark on your respective return journey.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS/VISITORS
Adjust to local timeTourists should adjust their watches and make 30 minutes ahead of IST (Indian time) as drivers/guides will follow the Bhutan time and NOT Indian time. This should be done to avoid any miscommunication during the stay and sightseeing of the places.
Smoking prohibited in public placesThe Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor export of cigarettes as Bhutan is non-smoking country, however tourists can smoke at private places only and have to inform authority when they carry cigarettes that is taxable. Please note, Smoking at Public places/vehicle is punishable offence.
Dressing etiquetteTourists visiting Dzong (for all Dzong), have to wear full sleeve cloths and covered shoes. Half sleeve cloths and sandals are prohibited including head caps while visiting Dzong. Photography is strictly prohibited inside Temples and Dzong.
Documents required for Indian NationalIdentification required for entry to Bhutan (for Indian nationals) include either Valid Passport or Election ID Card (Voters Card) issued by the Election Commission of India. For children (up to 15 yrs.) travelling with their parents – school ID proof or birth certificate copy is required. Tourists are also to carry 02 copies of passport size photo and photocopy of original ID proof of each person. A special area permit from the RGoB in the capital city, Thimpu is required for visiting towns other than Paro and Thimpu. If you are making an entry to Bhutan via road, then you need to present a permit issued by the office in Phuentsholing.
Bhutan ImmigrationThe Immigration office remains opened from 8:30 A.M to 3:30 P.M from Monday to Friday. It remains closed on Saturday, Sunday and Govt. Holidays.
Regarding CurrencyThe Bhutanese unit of currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.). The Ngultrum is pegged to the value of the Indian Rupee. Though Indian Currency is legal tender in Bhutan, denominations of INR2000 are not accepted in some place in Bhutan. Please note that very few businesses in Thimphu accept credit cards (only Visa) and there are few ATMs in Thimphu and Paro town. Charges are quite high for credit card/ATM transactions. It is advisable to carry some cash during travel. Indian Nationals can carry INR up to one lakh per person and foreign national can carry USD 10,000 Per person without declaration.
Getting SIM cardOn your arrival at Bhutan (at Phuentsholing border or Paro airport), you can purchase tourist SIM card (charges applied). Tourist prepaid SIM card is valid till one month. Domestic and international calls will likely be far cheaper than using your own phone on your current plan.
Cautious shoppingVisitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items. Customs authorities will not allow any old/used items to be taken out of the country if they have not been certified as non-antique.
Hotel/accommodation policyHotels are very strict with the child policy. Please carry the age proof so that it can be produced when required.
- Children above 12+ years will be charged 100% as per Adult Rate
- Children of 5+ to 11 years sharing parent’s room will be charged as per CWB or CNB
- Children below 5 years Complimentary
CustomsThe following articles are exempt from duty:
- Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
- 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)
- 200 cigarettes (Only for above 18 yrs.), on payment of import duty of 200%
- Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
- Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use. You have to complete the passenger declaration form at your port of entry.
- Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance; as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.
- If importing any items to Bhutan, which are for sale or gift, they may be liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to fill out a departure form, which will be asked for by Customs authorities.
- Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:
- Arms, ammunition, and explosives
- All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
- Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
- Antiques
- Importing of plants, soils, etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.
PermitsInformation regarding permits as below:
- On Arrival Permit has to be obtained at Paro International Airport for tourist travelling by Air or at Phuentsholing border while travelling by road.
- Permit issued from Phuentsholing & Paro is Valid for Thimphu & Paro Only. For Indian National, Bhutan entry permit is given maximum for 7 days and it can be extended up to 30 days and extension of permit can be done from Immigration Office Thimphu.
- Special Permit for Punakha, Wangdue, Phobjika, Trongsa, Bumthang, etc. is issued from Department of Immigration Office Thimphu.
- Department of Immigration Office Thimphu may remain closed without prior notice & immediate declaration of Holidays.
- Permit procedure at Department of Immigration, Phuentsholing may take time and patience until the permit is done. Tourists should be aware of this fact.
Entrance Fee For MonumentsEntry fee to monuments as on date is as below (subject to change) per person basis:
- National Memorial Chorten, Thimphu: INR300.00
- Takin Preserve Centre, Thimphu: INR100.00
- Traditional Paper Factory, Thimphu: INR 50.00
- School of Arts and crafts, Thimphu: INR 100.00
- Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu: INR 300.00
- Punakha Dzong, Punakha: INR 300.00
- National Museum, Paro: INR 50.00
- Tiger’s Nest Temple, Paro: INR 500.00
- Rimpong Dzong, Paro: INR 300.00
- Kyichu Lhakhang: INR 300.00
- Nunnery-Punakha: INR 100.00
- Folk Heritage Musuem, Thimphu: INR 150.00
- Textile Musuem, Thimphu: INR 50.00
- Traditional Medicine, Thimphu: INR 150.00
- Botanical Garden Servithang, Thimphu: INR 100.00
- Lamperi Botinical Garden: INR 100.00
Holidays/Closing Days of some monumentsIt’s better to take note that some of the monuments mentioned in the itinerary may remain closed on some holidays and particular time period of the year:
- Ta Dzong – Paro (national museum): closed on Government Holidays
- National Library – Thimphu: closed on Sat, Sun and Government Holidays
- Folk Heritage Museum – Thimphu: closed on Government Holidays and on Sat open from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and on Sun open from 11.30 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
- Textile Musuem – Thimphu: Closed on Government Holidays and on Sun and on Sat open from 9.00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Institute of Zorig Chusum (Arts and Crafts School) – Thimphu: Closed on Sunday & Government Holidays and on Saturday open from 10 a.m. to 12 o’clock. Also closed in winter (Dec-early March; summer mostly in June)
Travel tips
- Please carry umbrellas or raincoats, walking shoes, covered slippers that come off easily when you visit monasteries, torches for power cuts and trekking gear.
- Do pack a blend of light clothes to heavy winter garments if you are visiting the southern regions, which can get really cold.
- Also, be prepared for the monsoon and carry windcheaters or raincoats for safety.
- Carry heavy winter garments to survive the sub-zero temperatures.
- It is advisable to carry hand SPF creams, sunglasses, hat, thermals, adequate water, woolen socks and gloves to tackle the frost.
- Also carry necessary medication to fight common cold, cough and fever.