5 Days Cultural Tour in Bhutan Overview
Bhutan Cultural Tour is a unique discovery of the remote culture, traditions, and architecture of ancient civilizations. Explore the grand Buddhist monasteries, adorned with flags and shrines. Enjoy a phenomenal landscape with sights such as the snowy dome of the sacred Mt. Chomolhari, known as the ‘Mountain of Goddess’. Immerse in a preserved culture and feel the genuine overwhelming friendliness of the local people.
This is the perfect tour for those that are short on time but would like to experience the gem that is Bhutan. It covers the two most popular tourist destinations in Bhutan, the capital city Thimpu and Paro. We will take a hike from Paro to the cliff-edged jewel of Bhutan, the Tiger Nest Monastery (Taktsang). These two glorious destinations will provide a flavor of Bhutan’s rich cultural history and customs, marvelous arts and crafts, ancient history, and daily life of Bhutanese people.
Alpine Eco Trek carefully plans 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 as needed.
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.
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, cantilevers,s and suspension bridges.
Visa for Bhutan Tour
Your passport must have at least 6 months of 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 are 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.
Good News: Bhutan is re-opening this September (2022) with stress-free travel protocols. Drukair and Royal Bhutan airlines have announced their flight schedules to/from the Paro International airport. We are excited and eager to welcome you to the land of the thunder dragon, royal Bhutan. Please free to contact us for more information on the Bhutan tours and flight booking. We are available on +977 9851036844 (WhatsApp 24/7).