Bhutan
The land of the Thunder Dragon and our neighbor to the east …
Dancers at the Bumthang festival A combination of serene landscape, unspoiled beauty and tranquility makes Bhutan a prized destination in the Himalayas. By setting minimum rates, the tourism department has managed to control tourist flow and thus avoid negative effects of mass tourism. In any case, this country offers an intriguing Buddhist culture and Himalayan grandeur.
We offer both treks and tours in Bhutan. And we would be more than happy to customize a private trip to Bhutan for you.
Note, it is important to book trips to Bhutan well in advance. There is only one airline, Druk Air, that flies into Bhutan. Druk Air has one daily flight from Bangkok to Paro and one flight four times a week from Kathmandu to Paro. Also, during the festivals in Bhutan it is quite difficult to secure hotel rooms, vehicles and guides.
Sample itineraries:
Tours in Bhutan:
- Bhutan at a glance (5 days, 4 nights) - March, April, May, September, October, November & December
This short Bhutan visit includes tours of Paro, the second largest town in Bhutan, and Thimpu, the capital. Also includes a hike to the famous Tiger's Nest (Taktsang monastery).
- Bhutan Sampler (7 days, 6 nights) - March, April, May, September, October, November & December
In addition to Paro, the second largest town in Bhutan, and Thimpu, the capital, this tour includes a visit to Punakha and the impressive Punakha dzong in central Bhutan.
- The Dragon Tour (12 days, 11 nights) - March, April, May, September, October and November
A comprehensive tour in Bhutan. Includes Paro (the second largest town in Bhutan), Thimpu (the capital) and Punakha. Also includes visit to Bumthang in eastern Bhutan. Bumthang is referred to as the "Switzerland of the east".
Treks in Bhutan:
Both treks listed below are rated strenuous (1,2,3,4,5)
- Druk Path Trek (12 days, 11 nights) - April, May, September, October and November
This short five-day trek from Paro to Thimpu is along an ancient route that connects the two major towns in Bhutan. Also includes visits to major sites in Paro, Thimpu and Punakha.
- Chomolhari Trek (14 days, 13 nights) - April, May, September, October and November
This is a ten day trek to Chomolhari (23,990 ft.), the holiest for the Bhutanese people. A trek that involves hiking through high altitude lakes, pastures and remote villages. Also includes visits to major sites in Paro, Thimpu and Punakha.
The itineraries listed above can be modified to suit your travel schedule.
Being in Bhutan during one of the festivals adds to your cultural experience. Download 2009 tentative festival dates for Bhutan here>>
2009 Featured trips in Bhutan:
A very popular tour among our friends. All places visited on this trip were once kingdoms and include Lhasa in Tibet, Kathmandu and Pokhara in Nepal and Paro, Thimpu and Punakha in Bhutan.