The land of the Thunder Dragon, also known as Shangri-La, is a land-locked country which lies between Tibet to the north and India to the south, east and west. Bhutan's landscape ranges from subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan heights in the north, with some mountain peaks exceeding 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). The state population is 691,141, the majority being Buddhist with the second largestgroup being Hindu. Thimpu is the capital of Bhutan. The climate of Bhutan varies with altitude, from subtropical in the south to all-over snow in the north. Bhutan has five different seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. Western Bhutan has the heavier monsoon rains; southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters; central and eastern Bhutan is temperate and drier than the west.
Our journey, the Bhutan Cultural Tour, begins in the Paro Valley, Thimphu, an unique capital city that has a mix of traditional and modern lifestyles. We drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha and Gangtey. Punakha valley offers great views of Himalayan ranges during clear weather. We also take you to Fertility temple, the Dzong, and to the chorten, which is located on the top of a hill. This tour ends in Paro for your departure to your next destination.
Trip Includes
- All meals, TeaCoffee and snacks
- Government approved A category hotels on twin sharing basis
- Airport transfer (Pick up and drop)
- Land transportation with comfortable vehicle
- An experienced English speaking guide and other staff if required
- Monument entrance fees and museum entrance fees
- Visa and all government taxes.
Trip Excludes
- Airfare (to Paro and return)
- Personal nature expenses ( personal equipments, phone calls, internet, laundry, hard drinks etc)
- Insurance (Trip cancellation, medical and rescue evacuation)
- Tips
Useful Information
Important Trip Notes & Activities
We are very pleased to acknowledge that you are joining us for an adventure trip in remote Himalayan region, where weather conditions, health and fitness of the member or unexpected natural disaster can compel us to change the itinerary and if so you have to understand it but we would try our level best to keep the suggested itinerary as per the original schedule. Your safety and satisfaction of the trip is our prime concern while travelling with Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition P. Ltd and we ensure you our best team, logistics, professional services to make sure that you would have an amazing trip of lifetime with us. Also note that Guide deserved the final decision if the trip has to amend, change the route or cancel due to the extreme conditions for the safety precaution. However, we will try our best to ensure that the trip runs as according to the stated plan but be prepared for flexibility if necessary.
Our Guides, trip and safety
This trip takes you to the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified leader for the safe and successful trip. We have local guide working with us who is trained and qualified on the trip. At this trip, there would be one Bhutan Guide. Also we would have helpers to upload bags.
Accommodation
All hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified from the Government. These hotels are equivalent to 34 star basis. So as per availability at the time of booking, we will provide you a grade hotel in Paro and Thimpu. In Paro, hotel TASHI NAMGAY RESORT or similar and in Thimpu hotel MIGMAR or similar and Meri Puensum Resort or similar in Punakha. Note that, accommodation which we provide you is on twin sharing basis but if you prefer having single room, single supplement is chargeable.
Meals
All meals are included during your trip. There are variety of foods are available which you can pick up from the menu as per you interest. Our advice is to ask hotel or restaurant that they can suggest fresh food.
Pack list
You can carry maximum of 20kg while you fly to Paro by Druk Air. You can carry aprox 56 kg on your hand. Your carry-on bags are restricted to one piece, and the size should not exceed 17" x 13" x 8". The packing items are divided in to two different items. One if Trek items and another is non trek items. Your trek items will be locked at our office if you carry them.
Here under tour list items
A pair of lightweight long pants
Pair of dress pants / dresses for evening
pairs shorts
short-sleeved shirts/blouses
long-sleeved shirt for sun protection (also while visiting dzongs, temples & monasteries).
Underwear
Socks
Sleepers
Warm jackets (if trip falls in Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan & Feb)
sweater or light weight jacket
windbreaker
pair comfortable walking shoes
pair of sandals
pair of dress shoes
Personal toiletries
Insect repellent
Spare nylon duffel for purchases
Sunscreen rated 20 SPF or higher
Lip Balm
Sunglasses
Prescription glasses
visor/sun hat
Flashlight
Daypack/Hip pack for day trips
Beach Towel
First-Aid kit with pain medications, antiseptic/anesthetic for sunburn, prescription medications
Other optional gears
Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
Electronics/battery charger
Spare contact lenses or glasses
Reading and writing materials
Passport pouch or money pouch
Motion sickness remedies
Necessary official documents
Passport with minimum validity of 6 months
Copy of first page of passport
Airline tickets
Visa approval for Bhutan (bring with you)
Some essential issues
Always check that your pack contains essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage.
Gifts: Please don't bring extra gifts which might be a burden to you. If you wish to show your appreciation to the staff, the best gift would be through conversation or tips where appropriate.
Cultural Sensitivity: It`s better for women to wear pants (or Capri length pants) and/or a skirt (mid-calf or longer. Tights, hiking shorts and sports tops are not advisable. For men, pants are best. Men may wear longer hiking shorts that come near the knees. Never go shirtless.
For women: Women are advised to bring their necessary health supplies with them, as such items might not be available in Bhutan.
Boots: Wear boots that are broken-in. To minimize the risk of blister, wearing thin liner socks under regular hiking socks may help.
Clothing: Cotton is the most favorable in warm weather. Once wet, cotton also drains body heat. Better to bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene, MTS and Thermax.
Layers: Always test your layers before a trip. See if the outer layer fits easily over the inside ones.
Toilet Kit: For trekking & sightseeing, bring your own "toilet kit," and a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Always remember to discard the toilet tissue a waste basket and not along a trail or in the toilet.
Heating: In Bhutan, portable electric heaters are generally provided for heating in rooms. Blankets are also provided. Bring an extra set of long underwear for extra warmth.