Tour

16 Days Amazing Bhutan From East to West

16 days

Easy

Minimum age: 12

Explore deep inside Bhutan from the remotest alpine village in the east to the capital city in the west giving you insights into the food, cultural and linguistic diversity of a small Kingdom of less than 800,000 population.

 

Explore deep inside Bhutan from the remotest alpine village in the east to the capital city in the west giving you insights into the food, cultural and linguistic diversity of a small Kingdom of less than 800,000 population. There are around 20 languages spoken across the country and on this trip, you will come across communities speaking 7 different languages, enjoy stunning landscapes dotted with secluded ornate temples and pristine environment rich in countless flora and fauna.

You'll travel through the hearts of 4 eastern districts - Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Mongar & Lhuentse; 2 central districts - Bumthang & Trongsa; and 4 western districts - Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha, Thimphu & Paro. In Trashigang, you'll visit the remote village of Merak and spend 2 nights with the local community to understand their unique customs and culture, explore the pristine village. Merak and its neighboring village Sakteng was opened to tourism only in 2010 with great caution to safeguard its uniqueness.


What's included?
    • Visa Fee & Processing. You'll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 business days.
    • Sustainable Development Fee
    • All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
    • One-way domestic flight from Paro to Yonphula in Trashignag, eastern Bhutan on Day 2.
    • Twin-sharing accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
    • All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
    • Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide.
    • Entry fees to national parks
    • National costumes (Gho for men & Kira for Women). The costumes must be returned to the guide.
    • Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries within Bhutan
    • All internal taxes for the services listed above
    Exclusions
      • Travel insurance is mandatory.
      • Entry fees for monuments and sacred sites
      • International flights. Let us know in advance if you need help with arranging Bhutan.
      • Tips to Guide and Driver
      • Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
      • Any other expenses of personal nature
      • Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
      • Emergency evacuation
      Please note
        • This tour can be customized and run on a private basis just for you and your group. 
        • We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. To process the visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
        • There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, and Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
        • After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passport copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival.
        • Youth between the ages of 12-18 years old MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply. Youth MUST also be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.
        • We will send a copy of your e-Visa and before traveling, you'll need to print a copy and show it at the check-in counter of your flight to Bhutan. Without proof of your e-Visa, you may be denied boarding the flight. Your e-Visa copy will also serve as the entry ticket to all attractions in Bhutan.
        • Our guide and the driver will pick you up from Paro International Airport
        What to bring

          This amazing journey spans 16 days covering eight districts of Bhutan from the far east of the country to the west offering you once-in-a-lifetime to explore Bhutan and gain firsthand experience on its food, culture and linguistic diversity. You will be on the move most of the time, so we recommend you to pack as lightly as possible.

          Recommended packing list

          • A comfortable small backpack/daypack
          • Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes (break them in because new boots are often uncomfortable and may cause blisters)
          • Lightweight hiking pants
          • Hiking shorts
          • Windproof rain jacket
          • Raincoat & Rain pants
          • Fleece top/sweater
          • Wool socks
          • Hiking poles (recommended)
          • Reusable water bottle
          • Sunglasses
          • Headgear for sunny days
          • Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
          • Powerpack to charge phone and camera battery
          • Insect repellent
          • Small foldable umbrella
          • You may also want to bring lip balm, sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Throat Lozenges, antibacterial/hand sanitizer gel or wipes, antiseptic cream, etc.

          Clothes

          Please ensure that you bring comfortable and appropriate clothes. You may wear shorts only while hiking and not during cultural tours as it will restrict you from entering any sites of religious significance, national monuments or government offices. The weather is cold from the end of October to late February. From March to early June, the weather is quite favourable but it can still get cold in high mountains and the weather is subject to change in high altitudes. It is expected to rain sporadically from mid-June through mid-August and light shower in early September.

          Health

          This trip is easy but the duration is long and the journey from one place to another can often be a long drive. Having some level of physical fitness lets you get the most out of your trip!

          We recommend that you carry hand sanitizers gel/wipes, antibacterial as well as any personal medical requirements. If you are under medication, please bring enough supply to last the whole duration as the same drugs may not be available at the local pharmacies.

          Cancellation Policy
            • Tour once booked can be postponed to any future date, rebook or change the tour without any fees. Your booking with us will never expire. 
            • To postpone or reschedule the trip, you must let us know at least 30 days before the date of departure.
            • Cancellation fee of 0% is charged if cancelled 30 days or more before the date of departure.
            • Cancellation fee of 15% is charged if cancelled 29 days or less before the date of departure.
            • Cancellation fee of 50% is charged if cancelled 14 days or less before the date of departure.
            • Cancellation fee of 100% is charged if cancelled 7 days or less before the date of departure.
            • Visa fee is non-refundable if the visa is already issued or the visa application is already submitted.
            • If you are prevented from entering the country due to travel restrictions imposed by the Royal Government of Bhutan, 100% of the tour cost including the visa fee will be refunded or the trip can be postponed to any future date.
            Your payment is protected

              Have peace of mind knowing that your payment is protected. Payment processed on this website is financially protected by Trust My Travel and they will release the payment to us only after the tour has taken place. Our membership no. is TMT2599. Click here for more information on financial protection.

              Payments made through bank transfers are protected by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and they will release the payment to us only after you safely depart from Bhutan upon completion of the tour.


              When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

                The best time to visit is from March to May and September to November. While some tours demand good weather, many of our tours are operated throughout the year.

                Cancellation & Refund Policy?

                  If for some reason you would like to cancel your confirmed booking, you must let us know at least one month before the tour start date to receive a full refund. You will find our cancellation policy just below the tour description. For your convenience, you can access our "Manage your booking" where you can cancel, reschedule or print a booking confirmation note all from one place without having to contact us.

                  Do you arrange flights to and from Bhutan?

                    Yes, we can help you with the booking of flights to and from Bhutan. There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world. We recommend you book the flights at least a few months in advance, especially during the peak season. If you need assistance with flight booking, please do let us know and we will be happy to help you.

                    Will I know the names and details of accommodation before arrival?

                      We always inform our guests about where they will be staying at each destination prior to their arrival. All our partner hotels are inspected and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.


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