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| ⏱ Duration | 5 Days |
|---|---|
| 🛫 Flight Route | Kathmandu → |
The Best of Bhutan Tour is the ideal introduction to the last Himalayan kingdom — a land where tradition meets tranquility. This 5-day Bhutan tour lets you explore the cultural heart of Thimphu, the historical charm of Paro, and the spiritual serenity of Punakha.
Known as Druk Yul – The Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan blends ancient Buddhist culture with subtle modern development. Plastic bags are banned, tobacco is restricted, and there are still no traffic lights — yet, you’ll find monks scrolling on smartphones and children debating in perfect English.
Bhutan is the only country that values Gross National Happiness more than Gross Domestic Product. During this trip, you’ll witness the perfect balance between spirituality and progress. You’ll visit iconic sites like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, explore beautiful valleys, and experience the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality.
Operated by Dream Bhutan, this all-inclusive Bhutan travel package covers everything — flights, Bhutan visa, accommodations, meals, guides, and transfers — ensuring a seamless journey through the kingdom of happiness.
Standard twin rooms in reputable local hotels (clean, comfortable, ensuite). Luxury upgrade options to 4- or 5-star properties available on request (price supplement applies). Farmhouse stays can be arranged for cultural immersion (subject to availability).
All foreign visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi, Maldivian nationals) require a Bhutan visa and must book through a licensed Bhutan operator. Dream Bhutan handles visa approval through Tourism Council of Bhutan once full payment or deposit is received.
Bhutan Government Royalty / Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is collected per person per day — this is included in the package price.
Permit processing requires a clear copy of passport photo page at least 3–4 weeks before travel in peak season; earlier in high season recommended.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Menus combine Bhutanese specialties (Ema Datshi, red rice, momos) with international dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and common allergen adjustments can be accommodated with prior notice. Special dietary needs should be communicated at booking.
The trip is easy grade but includes a moderate half-day hike to Tiger’s Nest. Hikers should be in good general health; the trail is steep in sections.
Carry personal medications; bring altitude medicine if advised by your physician (Tiger’s Nest is not extreme altitude, but acclimatization to the climb helps).
Travel insurance with emergency evacuation and medical coverage is mandatory.
Respect local guidance: the guide and local officials have final say on safety decisions (e.g., weather cancellations).
Light daypack (for hikes), comfortable walking shoes, light trekking shoes or good trainers.
Layered clothing: base layer, fleece, light down jacket, wind/waterproof shell.
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm.
Reusable water bottle, small personal first-aid kit, necessary prescription meds.
Power bank, universal adapter, camera, copies of passport and travel documents.
Modest clothing for religious site visits (shoulders/knees covered); women may prefer long skirts or trousers.
Remove shoes and hats inside temples; speak quietly and ask permission before photography of people or rituals.
Accept blessings/ceremonial offerings with both hands.
Avoid public displays of affection and respect monastic spaces.
Tipping is appreciated but modest; use local currency (BTN) or USD small notes.
Farmhouse overnight & hot-stone bath (extra cost) for an authentic homestay experience.
Luxury hotel upgrades (4–5 star) in Thimphu/Paro.
Extend to Punakha overnight with rafting (seasonal) or more in-depth cultural visits.
Combine with short treks (Druk Path, Gangtey day hikes) or longer packages (e.g., 7-day Bhutan circuits).
Deposit: typical 30% to confirm booking; full payment deadline often 30 days before arrival (depends on operator policy).
Cancellation: fees vary by timing; late cancellations and no-shows may forfeit deposits or entire payment depending on supplier rules (airline ref, visa fees, hotel penalties). Dream Bhutan will provide a detailed cancellation policy at booking.
Morning / Midday: Land at Paro International Airport. Your Dream Bhutan representative will welcome you and complete arrival formalities. The Paro approach over the Himalaya is one of the world’s great mountain flights — keep your camera ready.
En route: Drive to Thimphu. Stop at Chuzom where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet; admire three different chorten styles (Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese).
Afternoon: Check into your Thimphu hotel; take a short rest. Later, take a gentle walk through Thimphu’s town center to get a first glimpse of daily life. Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.
Overnight: Thimphu (3-star standard; upgrade options available).
Morning: After breakfast visit Memorial Chorten, an active place of prayer. Proceed to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Dordenma) — the enormous bronze Buddha and lookout over Thimphu valley.
Midday: Explore Changangkha Lhakhang (12th century), then head to the Takin Reserve (national animal) for a short visit. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Deep dive into Bhutanese arts and crafts: National Library, Institute of Zorig Chusum (painting & crafts school), Textile Museum and Folk Heritage Museum. Finish at Trashichhoe Dzong, the seat of government and monastic body.
Evening: Optional cooking demonstration or cultural talk. Stroll the local craft bazaar if time permits.
Overnight: Thimphu.
Morning: Depart early. Stop at Dochu-La Pass (3,088 m): enjoy the 108 chortens and, in clear weather, sweeping views of the highest Himalayan peaks. Photo stop and short walk among mani walls.
Midday: Continue to Paro. Visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest dzong), check into hotel and have lunch.
Afternoon: Explore Ta Dzong (National Museum) — thangka, regalia, and Bhutanese history; walk down to Rinpung Dzong and cross the traditional Nemi Zam bridge. Free time in Paro town for shopping and café time.
Evening: Briefing for the next day’s Tiger’s Nest hike. Optional early bed for hikers.
Overnight: Paro.
Morning: After an early breakfast drive to the Taktsang trailhead. The hike takes 2–3 hours up (depending on fitness), with well-maintained trails, resting points, and viewpoint cafés. For those who prefer, horses are available to the cafeteria viewpoint (extra cost).
At the Monastery: Time for quiet reflection and a guided walk around the complex (monastic rules apply: modest dress; no photography inside certain shrines). Enjoy spectacular views across Paro valley.
Afternoon: Hike back down, lunch at viewpoint café or hotel. Visit Drukgyel Dzong ruins, then Kyichu Lhakhang — an ancient 7th-century temple. Optional farmhouse visit / hot-stone bath (extra).
Evening: Farewell dinner or free time in Paro.
Overnight: Paro.
Breakfast and last-minute shopping or quiet time. Transfer to Paro International Airport according to flight schedule. Your Dream Bhutan representative will assist with departure formalities. End of tour.
Frequently Asked Questions (detailed)
A — Yes, most nationalities require a Bhutan visa. Your tour operator (Dream Bhutan) will arrange the visa approval letter after booking and full or partial payment as required. The e-visa approval is presented upon arrival for stamping at Paro. India, Bangladesh and Maldives nationals are exempt from this visa process but need to carry valid ID.
A — Moderate: the hike is a steady uphill of about 4–5 hours round trip from the trailhead. There are rest houses and a cafeteria midway; horses are available to the viewpoint for those preferring to ride part way (extra cost). The path is well-travelled but steep — good footwear and a reasonable fitness level are recommended.
A — It covers private transfers, licensed English-speaking guide, twin-share hotel rooms, all meals as indicated, museum/dzong entrance fees, Bhutan royalty/SDF, and visa processing. It does not include international flights, travel insurance, tips, or optional extras.
A — Yes. Dream Bhutan offers tailor-made modifications: longer stays in Punakha, additional trekking days (e.g., Druk Path), farmhouse stays, or luxury upgrades. Tell us your preferences and we’ll provide a custom quote.
A — Urban hotels and some shops accept major cards, but in smaller towns and markets cash (Ngultrum or INR) is preferred. ATMs are limited; carry cash for small purchases and donations.
A — Bhutan is generally very safe. Licensed guides accompany non-group travelers. Solo female travelers are common and find Bhutan welcoming, though standard travel precautions apply.
A — Tipping is discretionary. A guideline is USD 10–15 per day per person for guides and less for drivers, to be pooled if you prefer. Tipping shows appreciation but is never mandatory.
A — Mountain flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather. Your operator will re-arrange schedules, but please allow flexibility in international connections. Insurance covering trip disruption is strongly recommended.