Bhutan
Region map
General information
Bhutan Reopening
Updates: The Bhutanese government has done away with the requirement that international visitors must book package tours before being granted a visa. Instead, you can now make your own travel arrangement, as long as you pay USD 200 per day per person directly to the government, plus USD 40 for a visa.
The 430km Trans Bhutan Trail, recently rehabbed after 60 years of abandonment, is now open to international trekkers.
From Apr 04, 2022, tourists from all over the world can now visit Bhutan but are required to undergo a 5-day quarantine for the fully vaccinated or 10-day quarantine for the unvaccinated. Travelers will need to bear the cost of accommodation and COVID-19 tests. All entry into Bhutan requires approval from the relevant authorities. Full reopening is expected in autumn 2022
As the announcement from Drukair - Royal Bhutan Airline https://www.drukair.com.sg/news/covid-19-updates-bhutan-travel-announcement-as-at-apr-2022/
General information
Bhutan, a remote mountainous country called Druk Yul in Bhutanese (Land of the Thunder Dragon), has little contact with the outside world. Bhutan is the world’s last Buddhist kingdom. Bhutan, wedged between India and China in the eastern Himalayas, is a mainly Buddhist nation of about 750,000 people. It is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies, dating from the 8th century, and has close military and diplomatic ties to Delhi.
Bhutan is a small, land-locked country with few national resources aside from hydropower. Latent ethnic tensions, the lack of modern infrastructure, and a small domestic market add to unfavorable structural conditions for successful transformation. Although the government places a heavy influence on the preservation of its Tibetan Buddhist culture, Bhutan is slowly emerging from self-imposed international isolation and is in the process of evolving into a constitutional monarchy with a representative government.
Adventure Asia offers a myriad of great adventures and excursions in Bhutan. You can Trek in Thimpu through Gangtey-Gangtey-Gogona – Khotokha-Shazam and experience a unique culture in Bumthang.
Bhutan itineraries
Trekking in Bhutan Through the Tsaluna Path
This trek is also one of the short Bhutan trekking routes. It is a moderate trek and is popular with those who wish to do a shorter version of the Druk Path trek and also features an in-depth cultural tour. The Tsaluna trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes abundant with fish.
Bhutan Jomolhari Mountain Festival and Trekking Adventure
This tour takes the same trekking route as Jomolhari Loop Trek. The only difference is you get to halt 2 extra days in Jangothang to mingle among the people who live a nomadic life herding yaks at an altitude ranging from 2,500 meters to nearly 5,000 meters and celebrate their 2-day annual mountain festival which offers great opportunity to explore and experience local culture and cuisine. The highlight of this trek is not only the fascinating mountain festival but also the spectacular view of majestic Mount Jomolhari from the Jomolhari base camp accentuated by splendid landscapes, flora and fauna. Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can choose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop by retracing their steps from Jangothang instead of taking harder routes through spectacular high ridges while still having the majestic impressions of mount Jomolhari.
Bumthang Ura Tsechu Tour
Enjoy an intimate Tsechu experience set in the Ura district of the Bumthang Valley, Bhutan's spiritual heartland. Festivals are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. There will be both mask dances by the Buddhist Monks as well as songs and dance from the local villagers. It is an important event as all related folks from across the country comes together and discusses the important issue and prays together for a successful year. Also visit sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey.
Masutake Mushroom Festival in Bhutan
This 11-day Matsutake mushroom festival will enable the guests to taste one of the most coveted mushrooms, the Tricholoma Matsutake, in all its freshness and succulent flavor. The prized mushrooms, harvested annually from the forest, provide a major source of income for the local people of the secluded village in Thimphu. During the Bhutan festival, you will see various folk dances and mask dances being performed in the open ground, and you will also be able to interact with the local people. During this trip, you will also visit many traditional, cultural, religious and natural heritage sites of Bhutan, all of which were kept in isolation from the rest of the world until the 1960s when the country slowly embarked on a modern development. You will also get to explore Bhutanese art, the Bhutanese livelihood, activities, cuisine, and many interesting places during your trip.
Enchanting Festivals Of Central Bhutan
This trip is specifically designed to highlight the beautiful Bumthang valley by witnessing 2 popular festivals – the Kurjey Tsechu and the Nimalung festival, combined with Bhutan’s other main attractions. It is a 11-day leisurely paced cultural trip that is designed to give you most of what Bhutan has to offer. It provides a fairly complete and an indulging experience with something for everyone- a glimpse of our living culture and traditions, rich history, stunning nature walks through virgin forests, interaction with friendly people whose natural sense of hospitality is renowned and a genuine reason to tick Bhutan as one of your favorite destinations. Every new place is a hot spot for tourism, laden with attractions to enliven your senses-be it an exquisite ancient fortress or the breathtaking scenery from the Tiger’s Nest, from Paro’s golden paddy fields to Bumthang’s local delicacies.
11 Days Black Necked Crane Festival tour In Bhutan
This Black Necked Crane Festival tour is an intriguing trip that will take you to the most popular places in Bhutan, such as Paro, Thimpu, Punakham Gangtey Valley, Bumthang Valley etc. You will not only attend the unique Black Necked Crane Festival, but also visit plenty of amazing heritage sites along the way, to deeply discover the rich culture and fascinating landscape of this mysterious kingdom. This festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic birth which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives during the winter months. This annual festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black-Necked cranes.
10 Days Thangbi Mani Festival Tour
In this 10 days tour, you will cover Thimphu, Punkha, Phobjikha and Paro. You’ll be motivated with wonderful opportunity to explore urban and rural Bhutan. This tour will also take you to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan ie. Bumthang to witness Thangbi Mani festival. The four-day festival is a display of the rich tradition and it celebrates the cultural heritage of the ancient Thangbi Lhakhang. The main highlight of the festival is the Mewang ceremony. Mewang ceremony ( Fire Blessing) is performed in an open ground. The monks perform purification rituals while all the people and guests jump over the flames to get themselves purified from their sins and evil deeds. It is believed that if one is able to jump over the flame three times, he or she is protected from ill luck and misfortunes, and are removed for that entire year. This tour offers you a chance to marvel at several vibrant masked dances professionally performed by monks. Besides joyfully attending the colorful festival, you can indulge in natural beauty in the country.
10 Days Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour
Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is a five-day event grandly held around the beautiful valley of Bumthang in Bhutan, It is one of Bhutan’s most important festivals to commemorate an establishment of Jambay Lhakhang temple in 7th century and also to honor Guru Rinpoche. During this 10-day Jambay Lhakhang festival tour, you can enjoy various interesting festivities like traditional mark dances, naked dances, as well as the highlighted fire blessing. In addition to the festive event, you will also visit the major cities of Bhutan, like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and see sacred monasteries and temples including Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong etc. Also, you will enjoy the fine natural landscape of Phobjikha valley and Bumthang valley. You will also not miss the popular trek experience to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), the holiest temple in Bhutan.
8 Days Druk Wangyel Festival Tour
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or lay people. It is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan. It also celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and the stability of the country. This one of a kind tshechu is performed against the backdrop of the magnificent Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range.This festival is performed primarily to retrace and retell the story of great deeds, sacrifice and bravery of heroes in three parts; the farewell of the heroes, the combat of the heroes and the return of the heroes with creative new costumes and choreography the dance of the heroes tells the tale of the hero’s journey and return. Enjoy this 8-day tour, visitors will have a valuable opportunity to experience both the breathtaking vista of the Himalayan mountain range while standing at an altitude of 3.116m and the the vibrant ambiance of the festival.
Classic 22 days Laya Trek
This trek has a variety of trekking trails that cover everything from picturesque farmland and ancient forest , to alpine pasture and challenging high mountain passes. It also covers the Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks such as Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. The trekking offers numerous isolated dzongs and their scattered dwellings with a great deal of cultural value en route. The Punakha Gorge has a magical origin via the imposing Dzong and the magnificent hot springs at Gasa adds extra value to this trek.
Trekking in Bhutan Through the Tsaluna Path
This trek is also one of the short Bhutan trekking routes. It is a moderate trek and is popular with those who wish to do a shorter version of the Druk Path trek and also features an in-depth cultural tour. The Tsaluna trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes abundant with fish.
Bhutan Jomolhari Mountain Festival and Trekking Adventure
This tour takes the same trekking route as Jomolhari Loop Trek. The only difference is you get to halt 2 extra days in Jangothang to mingle among the people who live a nomadic life herding yaks at an altitude ranging from 2,500 meters to nearly 5,000 meters and celebrate their 2-day annual mountain festival which offers great opportunity to explore and experience local culture and cuisine. The highlight of this trek is not only the fascinating mountain festival but also the spectacular view of majestic Mount Jomolhari from the Jomolhari base camp accentuated by splendid landscapes, flora and fauna. Trekkers who want to avoid high passes and high altitude can choose an easier version of the Jomolhari Loop by retracing their steps from Jangothang instead of taking harder routes through spectacular high ridges while still having the majestic impressions of mount Jomolhari.
Bumthang Ura Tsechu Tour
Enjoy an intimate Tsechu experience set in the Ura district of the Bumthang Valley, Bhutan's spiritual heartland. Festivals are one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. There will be both mask dances by the Buddhist Monks as well as songs and dance from the local villagers. It is an important event as all related folks from across the country comes together and discusses the important issue and prays together for a successful year. Also visit sacred sites in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey.
Masutake Mushroom Festival in Bhutan
This 11-day Matsutake mushroom festival will enable the guests to taste one of the most coveted mushrooms, the Tricholoma Matsutake, in all its freshness and succulent flavor. The prized mushrooms, harvested annually from the forest, provide a major source of income for the local people of the secluded village in Thimphu. During the Bhutan festival, you will see various folk dances and mask dances being performed in the open ground, and you will also be able to interact with the local people. During this trip, you will also visit many traditional, cultural, religious and natural heritage sites of Bhutan, all of which were kept in isolation from the rest of the world until the 1960s when the country slowly embarked on a modern development. You will also get to explore Bhutanese art, the Bhutanese livelihood, activities, cuisine, and many interesting places during your trip.
Enchanting Festivals Of Central Bhutan
This trip is specifically designed to highlight the beautiful Bumthang valley by witnessing 2 popular festivals – the Kurjey Tsechu and the Nimalung festival, combined with Bhutan’s other main attractions. It is a 11-day leisurely paced cultural trip that is designed to give you most of what Bhutan has to offer. It provides a fairly complete and an indulging experience with something for everyone- a glimpse of our living culture and traditions, rich history, stunning nature walks through virgin forests, interaction with friendly people whose natural sense of hospitality is renowned and a genuine reason to tick Bhutan as one of your favorite destinations. Every new place is a hot spot for tourism, laden with attractions to enliven your senses-be it an exquisite ancient fortress or the breathtaking scenery from the Tiger’s Nest, from Paro’s golden paddy fields to Bumthang’s local delicacies.
11 Days Black Necked Crane Festival tour In Bhutan
This Black Necked Crane Festival tour is an intriguing trip that will take you to the most popular places in Bhutan, such as Paro, Thimpu, Punakham Gangtey Valley, Bumthang Valley etc. You will not only attend the unique Black Necked Crane Festival, but also visit plenty of amazing heritage sites along the way, to deeply discover the rich culture and fascinating landscape of this mysterious kingdom. This festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic birth which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives during the winter months. This annual festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black-Necked cranes.
10 Days Thangbi Mani Festival Tour
In this 10 days tour, you will cover Thimphu, Punkha, Phobjikha and Paro. You’ll be motivated with wonderful opportunity to explore urban and rural Bhutan. This tour will also take you to the spiritual heartland of Bhutan ie. Bumthang to witness Thangbi Mani festival. The four-day festival is a display of the rich tradition and it celebrates the cultural heritage of the ancient Thangbi Lhakhang. The main highlight of the festival is the Mewang ceremony. Mewang ceremony ( Fire Blessing) is performed in an open ground. The monks perform purification rituals while all the people and guests jump over the flames to get themselves purified from their sins and evil deeds. It is believed that if one is able to jump over the flame three times, he or she is protected from ill luck and misfortunes, and are removed for that entire year. This tour offers you a chance to marvel at several vibrant masked dances professionally performed by monks. Besides joyfully attending the colorful festival, you can indulge in natural beauty in the country.
10 Days Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival Tour
Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival is a five-day event grandly held around the beautiful valley of Bumthang in Bhutan, It is one of Bhutan’s most important festivals to commemorate an establishment of Jambay Lhakhang temple in 7th century and also to honor Guru Rinpoche. During this 10-day Jambay Lhakhang festival tour, you can enjoy various interesting festivities like traditional mark dances, naked dances, as well as the highlighted fire blessing. In addition to the festive event, you will also visit the major cities of Bhutan, like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and see sacred monasteries and temples including Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong etc. Also, you will enjoy the fine natural landscape of Phobjikha valley and Bumthang valley. You will also not miss the popular trek experience to Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest), the holiest temple in Bhutan.
8 Days Druk Wangyel Festival Tour
The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army rather than monks or lay people. It is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan. It also celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and the stability of the country. This one of a kind tshechu is performed against the backdrop of the magnificent Jigme Singye Wangchuck mountain range.This festival is performed primarily to retrace and retell the story of great deeds, sacrifice and bravery of heroes in three parts; the farewell of the heroes, the combat of the heroes and the return of the heroes with creative new costumes and choreography the dance of the heroes tells the tale of the hero’s journey and return. Enjoy this 8-day tour, visitors will have a valuable opportunity to experience both the breathtaking vista of the Himalayan mountain range while standing at an altitude of 3.116m and the the vibrant ambiance of the festival.
Classic 22 days Laya Trek
This trek has a variety of trekking trails that cover everything from picturesque farmland and ancient forest , to alpine pasture and challenging high mountain passes. It also covers the Bhutan’s most impressive mountain peaks such as Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake. The trekking offers numerous isolated dzongs and their scattered dwellings with a great deal of cultural value en route. The Punakha Gorge has a magical origin via the imposing Dzong and the magnificent hot springs at Gasa adds extra value to this trek.
Gangtey Lodge-Phobjikha Valley
Our award-winning Lodge, with its stunning design and sweeping views of the valley, offers the weary traveller the perfect blend of luxury through adventure, spiritual enlightenment and deep connections with the culture and community of rural Bhutan
Gangtey Lodge-Phobjikha Valley
Our award-winning Lodge, with its stunning design and sweeping views of the valley, offers the weary traveller the perfect blend of luxury through adventure, spiritual enlightenment and deep connections with the culture and community of rural Bhutan
Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront
Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is the perfect destination which offers life time opportunity to live and experience the country’s exotic culture and natural beauty with a mix of luxury and comfort. Located 10 minutes from Paro International Airport, Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is situated on the edge of the Paro River, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, making it a perfect stopover for anyone visiting Bhutan
Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront
Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is the perfect destination which offers life time opportunity to live and experience the country’s exotic culture and natural beauty with a mix of luxury and comfort. Located 10 minutes from Paro International Airport, Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront is situated on the edge of the Paro River, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, making it a perfect stopover for anyone visiting Bhutan
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
For the traveler who is searching for balance, who wants to learn about culture and history, who wants to benefit from pristine nature, for that traveler, we developed a place: a sanctuary. A place where you can find the peace to let go of the daily craziness, find balance between body, mind and spirit, and experience the essence of Bhutan.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
For the traveler who is searching for balance, who wants to learn about culture and history, who wants to benefit from pristine nature, for that traveler, we developed a place: a sanctuary. A place where you can find the peace to let go of the daily craziness, find balance between body, mind and spirit, and experience the essence of Bhutan.
DusitD2 Yarkay
Designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan’s captivating capital, dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu welcomes guests with smart style and local charm.
Set on Chorten Lam near the main Thimphu Traffic Circle, the hotel enjoys an inner-city location within easy reach of Thimphu’s main attractions.
DusitD2 Yarkay
Designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan’s captivating capital, dusitD2 Yarkay Thimphu welcomes guests with smart style and local charm.
Set on Chorten Lam near the main Thimphu Traffic Circle, the hotel enjoys an inner-city location within easy reach of Thimphu’s main attractions.
Why Adventure Asia
The company aims to serve soft/medium vacation options to the experienced adventure customer seeking uniquely styled expeditions, rather than traditional tourist-oriented itineraries that are prevalent.
Event Festival
Browse a month-by-month breakdown of suggested itineraries, seasonal activities, climate considerations and festivals.
Pelden Lhamoi Drupchen
The Pelden Lhamoi Drupchen is a festival dedicated to the dominant female protective deity of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo (Mahakali). The festival was first introduced in Thimphu Dzong in 1710 by Kuenga Gyeltshen, who is recognised as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. According to legend, Pelden Lhamo appeared in Kuenga Gyeltshen’s dream and showed him some tantric teachings through dances. In 1988, the festival was introduced in Trongsa Dzong by His Majesty the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the 68th Je Khenpo His Holiness Tenzin Dendup. Different dances are performed during the festival, including a Nangcham (secret performance) that is performed exclusively in the shrine with dancers circumabulating the mandala. Other dances are showcased to the public.
Weather and Climate
Overall the seasons in Bhutan are similar to Nepal but the weather is cooler and more unpredictable. The trekking seasons are from late September until early December and from March to end of May. During the monsoon (June to September), trails are very wet and the clouds obscure views, making trekking unsuitable.
The most popular time to trek and travel is Autumn (October and November) after the monsoon. The air has been washed crystal clear by the rains, the weather is more stable and daytime temperatures are warmer, nights are cool and skies often clear.
If you are going up to very high altitudes, you may not want to plan your trek for the heart of Winter (December to February). Night temperatures can be bitterly cold up high and it is often cold and wet in Thimpu and Paro.
In the Spring (March to late May), expect warmer day temperatures, but hazy visibility and cloud cover are also more likely, especially in the afternoons. However, it is the season when the spectacular wildflowers blossom, including the wonderful rhododendrons.
Travel FAQs
Essential Information
Situated in the eastern Himalaya, bordered by India to the South and Tibet (China) to the North, Bhutan has never been colonised and is proud of its heritage and traditions. A small buddhist populution, a strict tourism policy and a strong policy of environmental and cultural preservation has protected Bhutan from the ravishes of tourism, modernisation and globalisation. Bhutan is a “closed” country, but with the correct permits small groups of tourists are allowed to travel in Bhutan. We work closely with our Bhutanese partner to create fascinating and spectacular itineraries often coinciding with Buddhist festivals to share our passion for this unique country.
Getting There
Flights into Paro depart from Kathmandu, Calcutta and Bangkok. Flights into Bhutan do not depart everyday and schedules often change so its wise to plan a contingency dy at the end of your trip before connecting with you international flight.
Getting Around
There are taxis in Phuentsholing, Paro, Jakar and Thimphu. Taxis may have meters, but drivers rarely use them. For long-distance trips they operate on a flat rate that is rarely open to negotiation. Taxi drivers have a habit of charging foreigners, including Indians, as much as they can – one of Bhutan’s few rip-offs. You should expect to pay Nu 70 for a local trip within Thimphu, Nu 1000 to Nu 1500 for a full day. If you are travelling between Thimphu and Phuentsholing, look for a taxi that is from the place to which you want to go (vehicles with BT-2 number plates are from Phuentsholing and those with BT-1 number plates are from Thimphu or Paro) – you may be able to negotiate a lower price. Because Bhutan does not have a centimetre of passenger railway track, the only way to see the country is either by foot or by road, or the rather limited domestic air service, which is restricted to Paro, Bumthang and Gelephu at the time of research. There is one main road: the National Highway, a stretch of tarmac that winds its way up and down mountains, across clattering bridges, along the side of cliffs and over high mountain passes. At the time of research the National Highway was in the process of being widened to double lanes. Until you experience the mountain roads of Bhutan you may not be able to fully appreciate the immensity of this undertaking. Nevertheless, rivers, mudflows and rockfalls present continual hazards, especially when it rains – and this won’t change with the new wider road. Roads can easily become blocked due to snow or landslides and can take anywhere from an hour to several days to clear. Take plenty of reading material.
Visa and Permits
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)). All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent. You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Local Customs
Culture of Bhutan: Explore the Mysterious Nature of the Himalayan Kingdom A serene place which has holy monasteries, lush valleys, rocky mountains and pristine rivers holds a lot more than what meets the eye. Bhutan Culture fascinates every person who comes across it. And even the better part is the people and the government’s determination to preserve and promote their cultural values. This is why we can still see its essence in every nook and corner of the country. Religion of Bhutan – Traditional Beliefs and Practices in Bhutan’s Culture The predominant religion in Bhutan is Buddhism, followed by Hinduism. As a result, Bhutanese culture is very much influenced by sacred Buddhist values. Bhutanese live by their religious values and respect their gods and deities a lot. Hence, there is no dearth of monasteries, chortens, lhakhangs etc in the country. There are colourful prayer flags on hillsides, at the entrance of monasteries etc, which are considered sacred. The Dzong, a unique combination of a fortress and a monastery is present in every district or Dzongkhag of the country. Buddhist monks reside in monasteries located high in the mountains. They lead a very simple life, with no luxuries. A monk is generally admitted in the monastery at the age of six to nine and takes his lessons under a headmaster. In common families, a small morsel is kept on the floor as an offering to deities before eating. So, religion plays a very important role in deciding the lifestyle of people. Birth, Marriage and Death in Bhutan Culture of Bhutan is quite festive when it comes to the birth of a child. It is one of the very few countries in the world which does not discriminate between a boy and girl. However, no outsider is allowed to enter the house for 3 days after a baby is born. It is only after a purification ritual that the guests can enter. Name of the baby is kept by a local lama, and there is no family name as such. Instead, the name is a combination of two traditional names, and the gender is usually indicated by the second name.
Events and Festivals
February – Pelden Lhamoi Drupchen The Pelden Lhamoi Drupchen is a festival dedicated to the dominant female protective deity of Bhutan, Pelden Lhamo (Mahakali). The festival was first introduced in Thimphu Dzong in 1710 by Kuenga Gyeltshen, who is recognised as the reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, son of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. According to legend, Pelden Lhamo appeared in Kuenga Gyeltshen’s dream and showed him some tantric teachings through dances. In 1988, the festival was introduced in Trongsa Dzong by His Majesty the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the 68th Je Khenpo His Holiness Tenzin Dendup. Different dances are performed during the festival, including a Nangcham (secret performance) that is performed exclusively in the shrine with dancers circumabulating the mandala. Other dances are showcased to the public. March – Kharphug Lhasol Kharphug Lhasol is a traditional offerings are done on this day to thank and pray for continued peace and well-being, good health of animals, good harvest and timely rainfall for a bountiful harvest. April – Rhododendron Festival The festival celebrates the rhododendron flower, which blossoms abundantly in Bhutan. It features the rhododendron garden walk and exhibition, local culture and cuisines, arts and crafts, traditional games, cultural programmes, guided walks and activities. The festival displays different species that are in full bloom in their natural habitat. July – Nimalung Tshechu The Bumthang Nimalung Tshechu Festival last for three days happening at the Nimalung Buddhist Monastery. Bumthang Nimalung Tshechu Festival is a yearly occasion. Tshechu are constantly led or consummation on the tenth Day of a Bhutanese Calendar month as the term Tshechu implies the tenth, which is generally celebrated as the Birth Anniversary of Guru Rimpoche, the Second Buddha. Tshechu’s are sorted out in every one of the 20 Districts of Bhutan and each region performs at ious months from each other and it’s more like a New Year Celebrations and it’s both cheerful festivals for the subjects and additionally enormous day of the contributions to the Guru Rimpoche and other nearby divinities. There will be both cover moves by the Buddhist Monks and also the melodies and move from the nearby villagers. It is an essential occasion as every single related people from the nation over meets up and talks about the vital issue and implores together for an effective year. Come be a piece of the enormous yearly festivals at Nimalung Monastery. You can get Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, National Flag Carrier departure from Bangkok, Kathmandu, New Delhi, Kolkata, Dhaka and Singapore. Try not to miss the celebration of Bumthang Nimalung Tshechu Festival. August – Mushroom festival An annual mushroom festival takes place in Genekha. Locally known as sangay shamu, Genekha is famous for producing matsutake and chanterelle mushrooms. It is during this festival, when the native mushroom and other local product, cultural programs by the school and local community is showcased. The mushrooms here are usually categorised into four parts including edible, edibility unknown, poisonous and inedible. Also tourists can even indulge in buying kilos of mushroom as the locals sell it at a cheaper rate during the event. Supported by the tourism council of Bhutan, the tourism festival is organised by the Gewog administration and mushroom management group in collaboration with the national mushroom centre, DOA and MOAF. The prime objective of the festival is to educate and create awareness amongeq the locals on the sustainable harvesting of the mushroom in order to relish the organic flavors of nature. Also, the festival doesn’t only bring the locals together but also is becoming successful in gathering an increasing number of tourists every year. September – Tour of the Dra Tour of the Dragon is not a road bike race or a classic mountain bike race, nor is it a gravel grinder, because it doesn’t fit into any of the categories defined by the International Cycling Union. Since the distance of the race is 200+ km, we would categorize it as an ultra-marathon mountain bike race on roads that happen to be extremely challenging. Tour of the Dragon starts in Bumthang (Saturday, September 7th, 2019, 2:00 AM,) and travels 268 km over 4 mountain passes before finishing in Thimphu town square. It’s one of the toughest one-day mountain bike races in the world. October – Jomolhari Mountain Festival This mountain festival combines one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan with a cultural festival celebrated at the base of the Mount Jomolhari. The festival is a community based initiative aimed at promoting and raising awareness of the conservation of the snow leopard and also celebrates the highlander’s life and unique culture. The event also aims at improving economic opportunities for the highlanders; The festival includes cultural performances, traditional sporting activities such as dart, horse riding and also sampling of the local delicacies of the highland. During the trek, tourists will come across picturesque landscape and diverse flora and fauna however the highlight of the trek remains the spectacular view of the Mount Jomolhari from the basecamp. November – Black-Necked Crane festival The annual Black-Necked Crane festival is celebrated at the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha valley. The festival is an occasion for the locals to rejoice and celebrate the arrival of this endangered and majestic bird which becomes an inseparable part in their daily lives during the winter months. The annual blacknecked crane festival is organized to generate awareness and understanding on the importance of conserving the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. The festival includes cultural programs such as folk songs and dances (some with black-necked crane themes) and mask dances performed by the local people, crane dances and environmental conservation-themed dramas and songs by school children. December – Nabji Lhakhang festival The Nabji Lhakhang festival, takes place in a charming little village, Nabji. A short trek from Reotala ( Located between Trongsa and Zhemgang) leads to Nabji Village. The highlight of the festivals includes the Tercham ( Dance of the treasure) and Mewang ( Fire Dance), in addition to other sacred mask dances related to Terton Pema Lingpa. The Tercham is believed to bless infertile women with a child and performed by naked dancers with a facial mask at night, over a bonfire.
What will it cost for a…?
Due to Bhutan’s unique tourism regulations, all meals are included for all travel within Bhutan. Use local currency to buy small items like snacks and soft drinks and use US dollars to buy larger items like souvenirs. Expect to pay: Prayer flags = US$1 Hand made coin purse = US$5-10 Gofur (wooden bowl) = US$10-15 Ceremonial mask = US$20-40
Are credit cards accepted widely in Bhutan?
International credit cards are not widely accepted in Bhutan. Some souvenir shops may have credit card facilities; however, credit cards aren’t generally accepted elsewhere. Be prepared by carrying enough cash to cover your purchases.
What is ATM access like in Bhutan?
ATMs are very rare in Bhutan. Be sure to carry enough cash to cover your purchases as you won’t be able to rely on ATM or credit card access.
Bhutan Reopening
Updates: The Bhutanese government has done away with the requirement that international visitors must book package tours before being granted a visa. Instead, you can now make your own travel arrangement, as long as you pay USD 200 per day per person directly to the government, plus USD 40 for a visa. The 430km Trans Bhutan Trail, recently rehabbed after 60 years of abandonment, is now open to international trekkers. From Apr 04, 2022, tourists from all over the world can now visit Bhutan but are required to undergo a 5-day quarantine for the fully vaccinated or 10-day quarantine for the unvaccinated. Travelers will need to bear the cost of accommodation and COVID-19 tests. All entry into Bhutan requires approval from the relevant authorities. Full reopening is expected in autumn 2022
What's your refund policy ?
Below is our cancellation and refund policy: 🔸 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge for the land cost. We guarantee 100% of the land cost back. The airline cancellation fees are applied according to the airline's policy. 🔸 59 - 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge + airfare cancellation fees 🔸 29 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% + airfare cancellation fees. 🔸 14 - 8 days prior to arrival date: 40 + airfare cancellation fees. 🔸 7 days prior to arrival date: 100% 🔸 No show: 100% Please note that the domestic flight tickets in the package are non-refundable