-
Trip Style : Cultural tour Driving adventure
-
Trip Difficulty : Leisure Holidays
-
Max Altitude : 2550
-
Accomodation: Hotel & Lodges
-
Food : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
Highlights
Itinerary
What to Expect
Photo Gallery
Useful Info
ReviewsTravel through the mystical mountains, visit the magical Dzongs and Buddhist Gompas, drive along some of the most scenic roads you could imagine, and discover the enchanting ‘Dragon Kingdom‘. Immerse yourself into the stunning Himalayan mountain views and experience genuine cultural interactions at a local farm.
Imagine a country where value is measured differently, instead of Gross Domestic Product, imagine measuring the value of Gross National Happiness, welcome to the unexplored mountain Kingdom of Bhutan, a place with no comparison. Unparalleled beauty is revealed at every Dzong and Gompa, an abundance of wisdom and love can be felt, especially through the eyes of every smiling Buddhist monk that you will meet. Whilst trekking the gentle and remote trails through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, nature lovers, photographers, trekkers and cultural enthusiasts alike will uncover a purity, tradition, and lifestyle brimming with kindness and color.
Alpine Eco Trek carefully designs your holiday to take your interests into account and work with flexible guides who accompany you throughout your trip and will modify your daily activities to suit you.
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy ancient Bhutan, a beautiful country the Last Shangri-La
- Explore the unique landscapes, mountains and tropical valleys
- Learn exclusive Buddhist culture and primitive lifestyle of Bhutanese people
-
Outline Itinerary
- + Show More
On a clear day the panoramic view of the Himalayas is sensational including the Mount Everest, but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. Meet Alpine Eco Trek’s representative upon arrival and leave for Thimphu, the capital city. The drive takes about 2 hours and follows the Pa-Chu (river) down to its confluence with the Wang-Chu. Check into your hotel and after lunch; visit some of the interesting places like the school of fine arts, National Memorial Stupa and the Handicrafts emporium.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Paro
After breakfast, visit the National Library, Zilukha Nunnery and the general post office. After lunch, visit the handmade paper factory. Evening, walk around the main square of Thimphu.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD Thimpu
Leaving Thimphu, drive up the mountains and over the 3500m Dochu-la (pass). On clear day, you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the snowcapped eastern Himalayas and the magnificent 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten (Stupa). Gradually descend through varied forest finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Check into your hotel and after lunch; visit the Punakha Dzong, the district civil and religious centre for Punakha. This is one of the most impressive Dzong in the country located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river).
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Punakha
In the morning, drive to Phobjikha. This valley is well known as one of the last winter grounds of the black necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau. Arrive at Gangtey Gompa where you can see the small Gangtey village and the Gangtey monastery.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Phobjikha
After breakfast, take a long but stunning scenic drive (about 7 hours) to Bumthang. This is the road where the movie "Travelers and Magicians" was filmed. The road winds its way up and cross two high passes at Yotong-la and Pele-la pass and arrive at the famous Bumthang Yathra weaving region. For the more adventurous, we can arrange a 3 days trek in the splendid Bumthang Valley. This trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through the Bumthang countryside and provides an exceptional opportunity to interact with the Bhutanese rural life.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Bumthang
Today, you explore the Tamshing valley by hiking. The hike starts from Kurjey and ends at the Swiss Farm. On the way, visit the Tamshing Monastery, founded in 15th century and the Konchogsum Temple. The late evening is spent strolling around Bumthang.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Bumthang
Early breakfast, drive back to Punakha re-crossing the Yotong-la and Pele-la pass. The journey would take around 7-8 hours with picnic lunch on the way.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Punakha
Drive back to Paro on the way lunch at Thimphu
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Paro
In the morning visit the Drugyel Dzong which is now in ruins after a fire in 1951. Continue to the National Museum, housed in an ancient watch tower and visit the Paro Dzong, the district administration and the religious centre for Paro. After the visit, walk down the gentle slope and over the traditional cantilever bridge to downtown Paro.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Paro
This morning, we make an excursion to Taksang Monastery - this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face 800 m above the ground, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery.
-
Accommodation: Hotel
-
Meals: BLD
-
Place: Taksang monastery
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
- 11/12 day's full board package in Tourist standard Hotel in Bhutan
- Arrival Pick up and Departure drop from Paro Airport.
- All land transportation by luxury vehicle, depending upon group size
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the tour.
- Accommodation of Hotel during the tour
- All kind of Permit, National Park entry fee, and movement charge
- Guide and Private Vehicles will be available for sightseeing as per above Itinerary
- Escorted English speaking tour guide during the tour period as per Itinerary.
- Entrance Fees to museum and monuments.
- Bottle of mineral water during long road drive.
- Evening tea with snacks
- All hotel taxes/ service charges
- Farewell Dinner before departure.
- Alpine Eco Trek’s service charges
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
- International and domestic Flight Ticket
- Alcoholic beverages, Bhutan visa fee & Personal nature expenses
- Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
- Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
International and domestic Flight TicketPhoto Gallery
Useful Information
Bhutan is renowned for its natural beauty, forest conservation, gross national happiness, great culture and heritage, and biodiversity. Bhutan covers 72 percent forest area of the country which is one of the large biodiversity places in the world.
Visa for Bhutan
Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity. You will also make sure that you have an additional page for a visa for Bhutan, as well as space for the visas for any countries you are visiting en route. If you need to get a new passport please do so well before your planned trip so that there is no delay in applying for your Bhutanese visa. The visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within Bhutan as Bhutan has very few embassies abroad. No foreign missions abroad grant Bhutan tourist visas. You may apply in advance through a tour operator such as Alpine Eco Trek and receive confirmation that your application has been approved before you travel to Bhutan.
We recommend you apply early for the visa because the process takes a little more time than a normal visa application. Once you send your personal information, Alpine Eco Trek submits your application first to the Department of Tourism (DOT) and then to the Foreign Ministry, both based in Thimphu. The visa is not issued until the DOT has checked that the tour payment has been received into its bank account. The confirmation and reference number then sent to Alpine Eco Trek and a copy will be sent to you. You have to show this at the check-in desk for Druk Air. You cannot board the Druk Air flight without this document so it is very important to have it along with your passport.
Upon your arrival in the country, either at Paro Airport or at Phuentsholing/Samdrup Jonkhar (if you are entering by road) the actual visa is stamped on the passport. At this time at the place of entry you have to present a passport photo with your passport number written on the back and pay the visa fee, directly to the immigration officer. The going rate is US$50 cash. Before departing for Bhutan you have to prepare the cash in advance. Please keep in mind that the visa is issued for exactly the same number of days and dates as booked by you. If circumstances arise for a visa extension once you are in Bhutan it can be arranged.
Customs
The Bhutanese authorities strictly monitor the export of any religious antiquities or antiques of any kind from the Kingdom. Personal videos, cameras, personal computers, portable telephones or any other electronic device should be registered with the customs authorities on arrival at Paro and will be checked by the same on departure.
Accommodations in Bhutan
There is no star categorization of hotels in Bhutan but five-star standard accommodations are also available in Bhutan. We at Alpine Eco Trek provide the best hotels available. There are comfortable hotels built in traditional design at all tourist destinations. Read more about hotels in Bhutan
Meals in Bhutan
Traditional Bhutanese food is hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares are also served. The more adventurous can try hot Bhutanese dishes. Meals are normally served buffet style in the hotels but you can always order your own meals of your choice at all the restaurants and hotels.
Bhutan Cuisine & Food:
- Cucumbers with Onion and Cheese
- The Bhutanese serves soothing side dishes like this one to temper pepper laden entrees.
- Buckwheat Dumpling with Bok Choy & Poppy Seed
- The spicy filling provides a sharp contrast to the subtle flavor of the pasta
- Buckwheat Noodles with Egg Strips and Scallion
- Tossing the noodles with egg, scallion, and tomato gives this delicious dish a shot of color.
Climate in Bhutan
Temperatures vary according to elevation. Temperatures in Thimphu, located at 2,200 meters above sea level in west-central Bhutan, range from approximately 15° C to 26° C during the monsoon season of June through September but drop to between about -4° C and 16° C in January. Most of the central portion of the country experiences a cool, temperate climate year-round. In the south, a hot, humid climate helps maintain a fairly even temperature range of between 15° C and 30° C year-round, although temperatures sometimes reach 40° C in the valleys during the summer.
Time Difference
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of GMT and 15 minutes ahead of Nepal.
Transportation in Bhutan
The country has a fairly good internal road network, measuring about 3,200 km. The main routes consist of an east-west highway and four north-south highways. The road network connects all dzongkhags and 16 dungkhags. Major towns and villages are also connected by motor roads. However, some areas can only be reached by mule tracks, foot trails, cantilever and suspension bridges.
Social Conventions
The lifestyle, manners, and customs of the Bhutanese are in many respects unique to the area. The strongest influence on social conventions is the country’s state religion, and everywhere one can see the reminders of Buddhism and the original religion of Tibet, Bonism. There are no rigid clan systems and equal rights exist between men and women. The majority of the Bhutanese live an agrarian lifestyle.
Major Bhutan Holidays
Nov 11th, Birthday of HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Dec 17, National Day of Bhutan
Photography in Bhutan
The photography opportunities on the trip are immense. Carry plenty of films and batteries. Photo-shops in Bhutan does not sell equipment or accessories. Places to photography in Bhutan
Travel Insurance
TO protect against unforeseen accidents and mishaps, we advise you to have a travel insurance policy from your country. Alpine Eco Trek regrets the unavailability of such policies in Bhutan.
Currency in Bhutan
Currency used is 1 Ngultrum (NU), broken into 100 chetrums (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee (which is also accepted as legal tender). Notes are in denominations of NU100, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of NU1, and 100, 50, 25, 10 and 5 chetrum. Leading foreign currencies are accepted but travelers’ cheques are preferred as the exchange rates are better. These can be exchanged in any Bank of Bhutan branches or at all BTCL hotels. You are advised to carry your money in the form of Traveler’s Checks (preferably American Express) OR cash (US Dollar) which might be needed for incidental expenses.
Banks in Bhutan do not accept credit cards. Visa Card and American Express credit cards are accepted in a few shops. No other credit card is accepted so far.
Communications in Bhutan
Bhutan country code is + 975. Telephone communication is very reliable. Free Wi-Fi, Internet service is available in every tourist lodge/hotel as well as in town Cafes at cheaper rates.
Night Club in Bhutan
Thimphu has around five licensed night clubs that operate on a weekly basis, on Saturday night and some of them on Wednesday as ladies’ night.
Tipping in Bhutan
Small gifts, such as pictures or objects from your home country, are appreciated. For guides, drivers, cooks, and porters on tours and treks, cash is appropriate, as is clothing or items you wish to give.
Shopping in Bhutan
Traditional handicrafts, textiles, jewelry, baskets, and masks. Paintings and woodcarving make good buys. The Handicraft Emporium is a nice place to shop, located on the main street of Bhutan’s capital city. It is open daily except for Sunday and offers a magnificent assortment of hand-woven and handcrafted goods.
Equipment for Bhutan Tour
Casual clothes are fine. Use a layering system, starting with thermal underwear and adding a shirt, pile jacket, and windbreaker or parka as necessary.
- Backpack
- Woolen/Cotton trousers (warm clothes for mornings and evenings)
- Down jacket (wind stopper) – especially for higher altitudes
- T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts (not sleeveless) • Sandals or flip flops
- Sun hat
- Comfortable shoes (sneakers)
- Pairs of socks and vests
- Torch (flashlight)
- Sunglasses, spare glasses and contact lenses
- Sunscreen lotion
- Insect repellent cream and your personal medical kit
- Thermal underwear and long jorns will be of essential use
You will be outside a lot, and much of this time is at altitudes above 2,500 m (7,800 ft); so there is plenty of sun and wind. Bring a supply of sun cream and some lip protection, such as Blistex; these items are not available in Bhutan.
Essential extras
- Be sure to carry earplugs (and spares) to reduce the noise from the barking dogs at night. The Bhutanese are Buddhists and do not euthanize or pound stray dogs.
- There are occasional electric outages throughout the country; so you should always keep a torch (flashlight) beside your bed. You will also need while visiting some monuments and monasteries as some monasteries do not have electricity in order to protect the artworks and paintings.
- Carry a pair of sunglasses (as protection from high altitude glare).
- A Swiss army knife has many uses, such as cutting cheese and opening bottles.
- You will also want a small rucksack or backpack to carry your camera, water bottle and other essentials in the vehicle and when you are hiking or visiting monuments.
Tours Booking
- Tours must be booked through a recognized Bhutanese Tour Operator such as Alpine Eco Trek, with entire land arrangements provided by one and the same operator.
- For cultural tours, booking arrangements must be completed 60 days in advance, but for cultural tours during festivals, arrangements must be completed 90 days in advance. The spring and autumn festivals are our prime times for tourism; if the booking is not done early it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels.
- Booking arrangements should be completed at least 90 days in advance for trekking groups, as this activity requires a lot of detailed planning. Alpine Eco Trek offers you a choice of the most excellent and finest organized holiday experiences in the entire Himalayas.
Trip Reviews
We take great pride in taking care of our guests
-
December 27, 2022
Amazing tour company
Surprisingly, I was recommended to travel Bhutan with a friend who has been with Alpine Eco Trek, and I would definitely recommend anyone to go with this agency. Great communication, great travel, great accommodation, great food. Excellent guide and driver.
-
Jacob t34
Canada
Why Alpine Eco Trek
Local Experts
Our local experts ensure you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells...
Happiness Guaranteed
When traveling through us, you will perhaps realize that ‘Happiness’ with us is not only a practice…
Easy Payment Options
We have made easy payment options a priority. Pay only 20% deposit via bank wire transfer...
Book with confidence
When you book your trip with us, you are a close colleague like a family member and all our safety...
Can I Book This Trip?
Sure, please fill-up this booking form or speak to one of our tour specialists.
Ram Kumar Adhikari
Manager/Owner
Sangita Adhikari
Management Head
Ram Gopal Adhikari
Trip Co-ordinator
Trip Advisor Recognations
Our goal at Alpine Eco Trek is to deliver the most unforgettable and epic journeys to our clients. We create memories that are to be remembered for a lifetime. Memories you can be proud of and can share with everyone around you...
Can I Customize My Trip?
Sure, speak to one of our specialists to start customizing your tailor-made holidays
Ram Kumar Adhikari
Manager/Owner
Sangita Adhikari
Management Head
Ram Gopal Adhikari
Trip Co-ordinatorNeed a Reference ?
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 
France -
Associations:
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sister Concern:
-
-
