Luxury Bhutan Tour: Cultural Adventure in 5 Days

Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure

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Overview

On this adventure-filled journey through Bhutan, you can experience marvelous landscapes, the rich Bhutanese culture, and several wonderful temples, including the breathtaking Taktshang "Tiger's Nest" Monastery built on the face of a sheer cliff. In five days, voyage through the country’s important cities, Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the Bhutanese as you journey through this land which remains relatively untouched by the outside world.

Itinerary

DAY 1

PARO / THIMPHU

Welcome to Bhutan

You are welcomed upon arrival in Paro by our friendly representative who takes you on a one-hour drive directly to Thimphu. Check in to your hotel, and if time permits, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu where you may visit the Handicrafts Emporium, Zilikha nunnery and the Dechen Phodrang Monastic School.

DAY 2

PUNAKHA / THIMPHU

A scenic journey to Punakha

This morning, enjoy a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts, Folk Heritage Museum and the 12th century Changagkha Temple. Later, drive to Punakha over the scenic Dochula Pass, which reaches an elevation of 3,200 meters. If the weather is clear, you may be able to see a marvelous panoramic view of the entire Himalayan mountain range toward the northern border. Enjoy your lunch en route at Dochula Cafeteria. This afternoon, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the beautiful temple of fertility, and later this evening visit the serene Punakha Dzong fortress, the second-oldest dzong in Bhutan.

DAY 3

PARO / PUNAKHA

Hike to the Khamsung Yulley Monastery

Take a morning drive towards the north end of the valley, and enjoy a refreshing hike to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery on the ridge of the hill. Pause to enjoy the view of the long narrow valley. After your hike back from the monastery, visit the souvenir making center supported by the Youth Development Fund in Bhutan, and then return to Paro.

DAY 4

PARO

Hike to the Tiger’s Nest

Early this morning, prepare yourself for a 2-hour hike to the famous Taktshang “Tiger’s Nest” monastery which hangs on a cliff 700 meters from the valley floor. Its nickname comes from the legend that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew there on the back of a tiger. Take some time to visit the temples within the monastery, and then head back to town to visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong. You may also have the opportunity to visit Kichu Temple and the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. Dinner is served at the Red Rice Restaurant or somewhere similar.

DAY 5

PARO

Farewell, Bhutan

Check out of your hotel this morning after breakfast and prepare for your departure flight back home. Transfer to the airport, where your tour guide bids you a fond farewell.

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Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT TERMS:
(i) 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking
(ii) 75% or balance no later than 65 days prior to date of the first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

CANCELLATION FEES:

(i) 20% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS
(ii) 50% of the total tour value if cancelled 64-30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

(iii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 29-0 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

Inclusions & Exclusions

Please Note: Supplemental charges may be applicable during ALL Bhutan Festivals.

Your tour cost includes:

04 Nights accommodation in standard hotels or guest house on double room basis approved by the Tourism Council Board only
All meals, local drinks and refreshment wherever possible
Service of a full time English speaking guide, who will point you on your way, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and try to look after your every need
Admission to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated on the itinerary
All land transportation via SUV, minibus or bus, depending on the group size
Taxes and royalties to the government
Bhutan visa fee
Tourism development fund

Your tour cost does not include:

Domestic or international airfare
Airport departure taxes
Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, hotel service, etc.
Travel Insurance
Any items not specifically mentioned as Included

Five star hotels can be provided in Paro and Thimphu at an additional cost. Please call or e-mail us for details.

Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

1 How long is Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure and which towns does it visit?

Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure is a 5-day, 4-night tour. You arrive in Paro, drive to Thimphu, cross the Dochula Pass to the Punakha valley, return to Paro for the hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery, and fly out of Paro on Day 5.

2 What is Tiger's Nest Monastery and how hard is the hike?

Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest, is a monastery clinging to a cliff about 700 metres above the Paro valley floor. Legend says Guru Rinpoche flew there on the back of a tiger. The hike on Day 4 takes around 2 hours each way on a steady uphill trail, so a reasonable level of fitness is needed.

3 What is included in the Bhutan cultural tour price?

The price includes 4 nights in standard hotels or guest houses approved by the Tourism Council, all meals, local drinks and refreshments wherever possible, a full-time English-speaking guide, admission to the listed sites, all land transport by SUV, minibus or bus depending on group size, government taxes and royalties, the Bhutan visa fee and the tourism development fund.

4 Is the Bhutan visa fee included on this tour?

Yes. The Bhutan visa fee and the tourism development fund are both included in the tour price. After booking, you are sent a visa application form to complete, and the visa is processed ahead of your arrival in Paro.

5 What is not included in Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure?

The price does not include domestic or international airfare, airport departure taxes, gratuities for your guide, driver and hotel staff, travel insurance, or anything not specifically listed as included. Flights into and out of Paro are booked separately.

6 Are all meals included on the Bhutan tour?

Yes, all meals are included throughout the tour, together with local drinks and refreshments wherever possible. Lunch on Day 2 is taken at the Dochula cafeteria on the pass, and dinner on Day 4 is at the Red Rice Restaurant or a similar venue in Paro.

7 What will I see in Thimphu?

On arrival, time permitting, you visit the Handicrafts Emporium, Zilikha nunnery and the Dechen Phodrang Monastic School. On Day 2 you see the School of Arts and Crafts, the Folk Heritage Museum and the 12th-century Changangkha Temple before driving on to Punakha.

8 What is the Dochula Pass?

The Dochula Pass lies at about 3,200 metres on the road from Thimphu to Punakha. On a clear day it offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan range along Bhutan's northern border. You stop there for lunch on Day 2 of the tour.

9 What are the highlights of the Punakha valley on this tour?

In Punakha you hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, and visit Punakha Dzong, the second-oldest dzong in Bhutan. On Day 3 there is a morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery on a ridge above the long narrow valley, followed by a visit to a youth-supported souvenir centre.

10 What is visited in Paro besides Tiger's Nest?

After the Tiger's Nest hike, you visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong, and you may also see Kichu Temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, and the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. The day ends with dinner in Paro.

11 What kind of hotels are used on the Bhutan cultural tour?

The tour is offered in Silver class, using standard hotels or guest houses approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan on a double room basis. Five-star hotels can be arranged in Paro and Thimphu at an additional cost; contact us for details.

12 Do prices change during Bhutan's festivals?

Yes. Supplemental charges may apply during all Bhutan festivals, when demand for hotels and guides is highest. If your dates coincide with a festival, our travel specialists will confirm any supplement before you book.

13 How do I get to Bhutan for this tour?

The tour starts and ends at Paro, Bhutan's international airport, where our representative meets you and drives you about one hour to Thimphu. Flights to Paro are not included; our travel specialists can advise on connections that fit the tour dates.

14 Are there scheduled departure dates for Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure?

No departure dates are listed on this page right now. The tour is arranged for your chosen dates, subject to hotel and flight availability, so contact us with your preferred travel window and we will confirm the fare.

15 How much deposit is required for the Bhutan tour?

A 25% deposit is required to confirm your booking, and the balance is due 65 days before departure. If you book within 65 days of travel, full payment is taken at booking so the visa can be processed in time.

16 Can children travel on the Bhutan cultural tour?

Yes. Child rates are based on age at departure, with a band for children under 5 and another for children aged 5 to 11. Keep in mind that the Tiger's Nest hike is a 2-hour climb each way, which suits active older children best.

17 Can a solo traveller book Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure?

Yes. The tour is priced per person sharing a double room, and single rooms are available on request with a supplement. Contact us with your dates and we will quote the single fare.

18 How much walking and hiking is involved on this Bhutan tour?

There are three hikes: a walk to Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha, a hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, and the 2-hour climb to Tiger's Nest. Much of the tour is at altitude, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended and you can take the hikes at your own pace with your guide.

19 When is a good time of year to visit Bhutan?

Spring and autumn usually bring the clearest skies for Himalayan views from the Dochula Pass and comfortable hiking to Tiger's Nest. Summer is the monsoon season and winter is cold at higher elevations. Festival dates attract crowds and may carry supplements, so ask us about your preferred month.

20 How do I ask a question or book Bhutan: A Cultural Adventure?

Email travel@palacetours.com, call 786-408-0610, or message us on WhatsApp at https://wa.me/17864080610, where a travel specialist or our AI assistant will reply. When departures appear on this page they can be booked directly online; otherwise send us your dates and we will arrange the tour and your visa paperwork.

What are the visa requirements for visiting <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Visas are required for entry into <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place></st1:country-region>. After booking your tour, you will be sent our Visa Application Form, and two weeks prior to your arrival into <st1:country-region w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:country-region>, you will be sent a visa clearance letter which will let you board your flight to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place></st1:country-region>. The actual visa is approved upon your arrival at the airport. I am flying to Bhutan from India. Do I need a re-entry permit for India? If you are planning to enter India multiple times within a 2-month period, recent updates to Indian visa regulations may impact your travel. Further clarification was issued stating that if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary, no permit is needed, as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of their itinerary to show the Immigration Officer upon their first entry to India. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the best time of year to visit <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place></st1:country-region>? <o:p></o:p> Peak seasons are from mid-February to mid-June and August to mid-November. The weather is a bit cooler from November to February, but the views of the snow-capped peaks during this time are stunning. Mid-June to mid-August is monsoon season, where the landscape changes dramatically with greener trees and paddy fields everywhere. Our tours run year-round.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Are there any particular monuments or sights that are closed on specific days?<o:p></o:p> Yes, the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">National</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">Museum</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> in Paro is closed on Sundays and Mondays. The <st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Painting</st1:PlaceName> <st1:PlaceType w:st="on">School</st1:PlaceType> and National Library in <st1:place w:st="on">Thimphu</st1:place> are both closed on Sundays.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is your policy on children taking the tour?<o:p></o:p> Children ages 5 and under may travel free of charge with their parents. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 enjoy a 50% fare. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is there a timed itinerary available?<o:p></o:p> There is no timed itinerary currently available, which means that you can vary the time spent at a particular monument/sight. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> How strenuous are the hiking excursions?<o:p></o:p> The hiking excursions, specifically to the "Tiger's Nest" are quite strenuous, and are not recommended for guests in poor health. For an average hiker, this steep uphill hike will take approximately 2 hours.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What type of vehicle transport is utilized?<o:p></o:p> For 1-2 passengers, we use a new Toyota Prado, Hyundai Tuscon or Santa Fe SUV. For 3-7 passengers, we use a Toyota Hiace minibus. For groups larger than 7 passengers, a Toyota Coaster bus is utilized. As <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place></st1:country-region> is a mountainous country with cooler temperatures, air-conditioning is not necessary; however, all of our vehicles are equipped with heaters.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What type of cuisine is served on the tour?<o:p></o:p> During the peak touring season, the hotels we will stop at have buffet meals consisting of at least five dishes with dessert. During dinner, soup is also served. If you have special dietary requirements, please inform Palace Tours at the time of booking so that we may ensure that your requests (ie: vegetarian) can be accommodated. The food served throughout the tours is mostly continental mixed with Chinese, Indian or Bhutanese.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is the water safe for drinking?<o:p></o:p> We recommend that you do not drink the tap water. Bottled water will be provided in all of the hotel rooms and in the sightseeing/touring vehicles.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is there internet or telephone access?<o:p></o:p> Internet facilities are available at most of the hotels, and you may make international calls at the hotels as well (on your own account). Cell phone service may be limited in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bhutan</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the recommended gratuity?<o:p></o:p> Gratuities are at your discretion and should be extended based on your enjoyment of the journey and quality of service provided. As a general guideline, you might expect to tip approximately $50-$100 per week, per couple.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the recommended currency? Are there currency exchange facilities available?<o:p></o:p> International currency can be exchanged at Bhutan Bank to the local currency, however, the US dollar bill ($) is accepted everywhere, including the small shops. The exchange rate for smaller USD bills ($1-$20) has less value than larger bills. Unfortunately, there are no ATM's. The only credit card that is accepted is Visa, and this is at only very few of the larger stores.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is there a dress code or recommended clothing for the tour?<o:p></o:p> There is no dress code; however, you must wear clothes that fully cover your body when visiting the temples. Please dress according to the weather conditions for your time of travel. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Are there any customs to be aware of?<o:p></o:p> Yes. Shoes are not permitted inside temples and photography is not permitted inside the temples. It is considered highly disrespectful to point fingers at others. Your guide will inform you of other customs as you are taking the tour.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What types of electrical outlets are there?<o:p></o:p> The electric outlets are mainly 220v and use round pin. You will be required to bring your own converter, as they are not provided at the hotels. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is travel insurance required?<o:p></o:p> It is not required for the cultural tours, but is absolutely ESSENTIAL if undertaking a tour that involves trekking.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the level of safety that passengers can expect?<o:p></o:p> We have a very clean history with no robberies, etc. Your baggage is safe in the hotels and in the vehicles, however we do advise that you carry your passports and wallets with you at all times.