Tour to Bhutan From Kathmandu Nepal

Tour to Bhutan is one of the mesmerizing tours that let you explore the unique heritage and culture along with the natural landscape in Bhutan. Bhutan is a small kingdom on the Himalayas popular for its monasteries and Buddhist culture. It is a landlocked country in the eastern Himalayas bordered by Tibet in the north and India in the south-east and west. Popular for its distinctive cultural heritage, Travellers define Bhutan as a religious, pleasant valley that exists together with nature. Despite being a small nation, Bhutan is home to over a thousand monasteries and Gompas Bhutan Tour is all about an antique visit to different traditional and overwhelming places having historical Significance

The tour lets you explore various culturally rich cities in Bhutan including the capital city, Thimphu. Besides, it offers the rare sides of popular cities in Bhutan, Paro, Punakha, and Thimphu. Similarly, the tour lets you witness a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich religious and cultural heritage all along the way. Apart from the cultural exploration, this tour presents you the incredible landscapes, high mountain passes, Lush green valleys, beautiful countryside, alpine meadows, and farmlands. Besides, one can explore the typical life of Bhutanese people along with their natural landscapes. Thus, because of its diverse culture and natural landscapes, this tour draws a lot of attention. 

The Bhutan tour is mostly favorable for people of any age group as it is one of the easiest tours in Bhutan.  This tour covers an area of scenic grandeur and cultural specificity displaying the best of Bhutan. Therefore, visitors are simply amazed by the splendor and cultural uniqueness that is offered by Bhutan. The trip starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu over the Himalayas to Paro International Airport. Then, explore several monasteries and heritage sites in Paro including the Haa valley and Taktsang monastery. Then visit Punakha and Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and explore different cultural sites there and return to Paro. And the tour ends with a flight from Paro International Airport to Kathmandu.

Best time to Visit Bhutan

Bhutan is one of the blessed countries that have seasonal variations. There are definite months of summer, winter, spring, and fall, making the climate in Bhutan a perfect destination all around the year. Bhutan offers unique and magical views to visitors depending on the time of their arrival.  The climate, weather, and temperature play an important role in the success of the tour. So, the high tourist season is during the season with the best weather and temperature. So mostly people prefer traveling in Autumn and spring. The spring months start with March to May. The valleys come alive with flowers in bloom during the spring. Whether it is festivals or festivities, clear skies and glimpses to the Himalayan peaks, flourishing Himalayan flora, and fauna, or simply beautiful snowfall, Bhutan is a perfect destination for you. Bhutan ensures you have a great time amidst nature as well as cultural exploration. 

Summer

Summer starts in June and extends up to August. If you want to catch a closer and clear look at the Himalayan Mountains then summer is the best season to visit Bhutan. The temperature in Bhutan ranges between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius approximately during summer. The weather is often clear and crisp with mild humidity. There is a misconception during the summer that Bhutan is surrounded by rainy clouds of the monsoons in summer. However, that’s not the case as Monsoon in Bhutan is narrowed to mild afternoon showers that happen once every two or three days only.

Summer is the beginning of the Haa festival, and It is usually the celebration of the Bhutanese way of life, local cuisines and delicacies, and cultures. You can see the places more relaxed during summer and get a chance to interact with the locals. Besides, you will get to know more about the culture and traditions of the Bhutanese communities. It is also the time when the weather is clear for perfect views of the Himalayan Mountains and a rush of birds and animals.

Winter

The winter season in Bhutan starts in December and lasts till February. Winter in Bhutan can vary from one region to another. However, on average the temperature ranges approximately between 10 degrees to minus 5 degrees Celsius. Most of Bhutan remains comparatively dry in most regions during winter. On the other hand, in the northern regions, where high-altitude mountain peaks exist, the temperatures can get sub-zero. You can experience mild snowfall in cities like Thimphu and Paro in late January and early February. 

Winter seasons holds festival like Punakha Dromche and Tshechu  – a festival that marks the founding of Bhutan during the16th century. This is usually the time the locals come to the festival to actively participate in the festivities. The weather is amazing, in winter, and you will have the chance to experience snowfall in Bhutan during winter.

Fall

Another popular time to visit Bhutan is the fall season, which starts in September and lasts up to November. The average temperature varies between 10 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius approximately. However, the temperature depends upon the places. The weather at this time is mildly sunny and chilly, making it the second-best season after spring in Bhutan. There is no rainfall and nature is majestic and rewarding and refreshing at this time. Black-Necked Crane Festival that happens around the Phobjikha Valley and the Thimphu, Tshechu around Thimphu. Hotels are packed in this season because of indigenous festivals that happen across the country. The deeper you explore, the more festivals you will find.

Spring

Spring in Bhutan starts in March and lasts till May. The temperature in spring varies according to regions but usually remains 3 degrees and 25 degrees Celsius approximately. Spring is one of the peak seasons to visit Bhutan, where the weather is dry and less humid. It is a perfect time to explore Bhutan on foot and also indulge in some trekking activities. Spring is the time when nature acts as the most beautiful one. It is a time when Mountains come to their best forms, flowers blooms. Likewise, Spring is the time the Jacaranda flower blooms in Bhutan. Also, it is a season for the treks to Jomolhari and Druk path. The Paro Tshechu festival unfolds in spring.

Apart from the flowers and Himalayan peaks, during this season one can see Bhutan’s king during the Paro Tshechu. The King himself will be taking part in the festivities. 

Visa procedure for tour to Bhutan

Bhutan is a small country in southern Asia. It is one of the popular destinations for natural and cultural exploration for visitors. So, yearly thousands of visitors make their way to travel to Bhutan. There is a certain visa procedure for getting a permit to Bhutan. You need a visa to travel to Bhutan. Except for visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all the other travelers need a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry. They need to have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals can also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).  

• Apart from the tourist of these three countries, All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance before they travel to Bhutan.  Your licensed Bhutanese operator can process your visa through an online system directly or through a foreign travel agent.
• You need to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator, they will then apply for your visa.  
• The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  
• Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.  

• you will be required to show your visa clearance letter at your point of entry, then the visa will be stamped into your passport.  

Online Regional Permit System

To facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India, and the Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. This system facilitates the online processing permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and also TCB-certified hotels. 

Flight details

Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. Flight to Paro can be boarded in 5 countries in Asia and Nepal is one of them. Like Paro, Nepal also has one international airport. So, everyday Nepal boarded to Paro in the afternoon. 

Nepal to Bhutan Flight:

The Tribhuvan International Airport lies around 5 kilometers from the capital city of Kathmandu. Paro lies 404 kilometers from Kathmandu. The flight takes a total time of around 1 hour and 20 min. The flights cost US$ 230 per person for a one-way and decoy flight. Flights from Kathmandu to Paro run daily with Drukair, departing at 2:30 pm arriving at around 3:50 pm. Bhutan Airlines also run daily except Monday, departing at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm and arriving in Paro at 11:55 am and 4:15 pm. The return flights from Drukair leave at 7:40 am and arrive in Kathmandu at 8:40 am daily. Also, the return flights from Bhutan Airlines run daily except Monday and Wednesday, which depart at 8:30 am and 10:30 am, arriving at 9:20 am and 11:15 am in Kathmandu.

Also here is the list of the airports which has flight connection to Bhutan:

Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu (KTM)

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand (BKK)

Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore (SIN)

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL)

Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB)

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU)

Shahjalal International Airport, Bangladesh (DAC)

How long to stay in Bhutan

Combining two beautiful countries into one itinerary takes you to the beautiful natural landscapes, cultural exploration, and lifestyle of two unique countries. So during your trip to Bhutan, you will be spending some time in Kathmandu as well where you will explore several heritage sites in Kathmandu. From Kathmandu, you will fly to Paro international airport. So, it takes about 8-10 days for the tour to Bhutan.

Days in Kathmandu

Your stay in Kathmandu normally depends on what you want to explore in Kathmandu. You can extend your days in Kathmandu. However, a day is enough to explore the cultural place in Kathmandu.  As the majority of the treks take up to 10 days, so, if you rush through a country in a hurry, you will miss the best of the culture and people. So, you will be spending 2 days in Kathmandu at a minimum. Explore several UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Kathmandu that are Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Boudhanath stupa. Then fly to Paro in Bhutan.

Days in Bhutan

Bhutan is a country, where one can explore several amazing dzongs, temples, and sacred sites, as well as tourist attraction sites. You can see the unique history of this ancient kingdom, and know more about the culture and people of Bhutan. Bhutan is now a hot spot for tourists. So there are several hotspots in Bhutan for international travelers. You will obtain a visa for 30 days. Almost your tour to Bhutan will be up to 10 days. However, if you want to extend the tour you can as you will have the remaining 20 days according to your visa.  

You can visit major cities in Bhutan such as Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.

Best Itinerary for Tour to Bhutan

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Paro International Airport

Your journey to Bhutan starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro International Airport. Then in Paro, our Airport representative will pick you up from the Airport terminal and transfer you to the hotel. On your way to the hotel, get a glimpse of Bhutan and the lifestyle of the people. Upon reaching the hotel, we will hold a pre-trek meeting where we will be giving you a short briefing about the preparation of the tour and introduce you to your guide. After that, you can either rest in the hotel or can even go for a leisurely walk to explore the city in Paro. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Exploration Around Paro Valley

Early morning after breakfast you will spend your day in and around Paro. Paro is known for many sacred sites in Bhutan. So, we will start our tour with a drive to Drugyel Dzong, a ruined fortress (16km from Paro Town). It was built in 1646 to honor Bhutan’s victory over Tibetian invaders during the 1600s and carries its historical significance. Likewise in case of clear weather, you can see Mt Chomolhari, the 2nd highest peak in Bhutan at 7,314m. Furthermore, as you explore the beautiful valley Paro, you will see the watchtower, locally known as Ta-Dzong, outlook tower which is now a national museum. Similarly, the next on the list is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan Kyichu Lhakhang. 

Apart from this take a short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong, the administrative center and school for monks. Also, observe the typical Bhutanese farmhouse. In the evening stroll around the Paro town. Overnight at Paro.

Day 04:  Excursion of Haa Valley -Paro to Thimphu

One of the must-visit places in Bhutan is Haa valley. If you are into nature and live in natural surroundings then this is a perfect place for you to explore. Early in the morning, drive over the Chelela pass(3899m) from where you witness the stunning view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. Afterward, continue to drive towards Haa. Haa is a valley surrounded by the Himalayas which was opened to the outside world only after 2002. The people, the natural landscapes, and the simplicity of the local people in this valley never failed to amaze the visitors. You can enjoy excellent local food here as well as explore the Buddhist culture and tradition. 

Besides, visit Wangchuck Dzong and Lhakhang Nakpo built-in 7th century by King Songsten Gampo. 

After an excursion to Haa valley, drive continuously following Parchu downstream and witnessing the beautiful scenario of the river stream to Thimphu. The Parachute river confluence with Chuzom and passes several villages such as Bondey, Shaba, Isuna. From Chuzom, the trail follows the Wangchu river through villages and to the capital, Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu sightseeing

Thimphu has a lot to offer to the visitors as the city is known for its Buddhist sites which are true, home to approximately 100000 inhabitants including the Royal family. The very first thing you can do in the capital is to visit Buddha point for the stunning view of the city. However, spare some time to Takin- home of Bhutan’s national animals and then afterward visit Tashi Choe Dzong-the castle to the illustrious religion. The castle was originally constructed in 1641 and later rebuilt in the 1960s by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Besides, explore Centenary farmer’s markets, craft bazaars and institute traditional medicine in Thimphu. Visit the museum which is a 300-year-old traditional house. Therefore, Thimphu is the main center of commerce, religion, and government and one can surely enjoy the tour to the capital. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 05: Thimphu to Punakha

The fourth day of the trek is to another culturally rich city Punakha. After breakfast enjoys a scenic drive to Punakha. The distance between Thimphu to Punakha is approximately 84 km and takes about 2 and a half-hour drive. Then, climb up to the Mt road to Dochula La pass at 3140m. It is a mountain pass where Ashi Dorji Wangmo built 108 memorial Chortens or stupas. In case of clear weather, witness the wonderful panorama of the eastern Himalayas. In particular, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang monastery built in honor of Jigme Singye Wangchuk.  

Then the road passes through the Rhododendron forest reaching the highly fertile land of Punakha. From the pass descend through the forest of Rhododendron emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. After lunch, hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley and also a pilgrimage site for childless couples in Punakha. Similarly, visit Punakha Dzong, an administrative center of Punakha District and the second oldest and largest Dzong in Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha to Paro

Early in the morning, hike to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery in Punakha. The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery sits atop a hill from where one can have a view of the wonderful Punakha and Wangdeuphodrang valley. Moreover, get an opportunity for bird watching and witness the rare and interesting natural phenomenon. Later, drive to Paro. The distance from Punakha to Paro is about 125km which takes about 3 and a half-hour to drive. However, if you want you can stop at Thimphu for lunch. We will then pass through several villages that come along the way, explore several monasteries and Gompas on the way. 

Similarly, the scenic drive from Punakha to Paro offers you a stunning view of lush green valleys, as well as the view of the High Himalayas. Moreover, you can explore the typical life of Bhutanese people on your way. Upon reaching Paro, we can either rest in the hotel or stroll around the market in Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro

Day 7: Hike to Taktsang Monastery-Paro
Today you will explore the Taktsang monastery, also known as Tiger’s nest monastery(3120m). Taktsang monastery is one of the ancient monasteries in Bhutan and a sacred site of Buddhists. Early morning after breakfast, we will drive to Satsam Chorten and from there we will hike for 2 hours to Taktsang monastery. Likewise, the hike offers a wonderful platform for the culture and heritage side of Bhutan. Located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan, It was first built in 1692. However, it is believed that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava had flown on the back of the Tigress and meditated in the cave. This is why the lace is famous as Tiger Nest monastery. 

After Taktsang Monastery hikes back to the road and drives to Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple. Later, visit Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist fortress featuring several Shrines and Chapels, wall paintings, and grand architecture. In the evening you can explore the marketplace in Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 8: Fly back to Kathmandu
Today you will be bidding farewell to your tour in Bhutan. Our representative will drop you off at the Paro International Airport and wish you your safe journey.

Cost includes

• Pick up and Drop-off from the airport/hotel by our private vehicles.
• 3-star accommodation of Lodges, Hotels, or homestay if required
• Entrance fee to the tourist area
• Bhutan Visa fee with all necessary processing
• A licensed tour guide and driver
• Three meals per day during your stay
• Sightseeing as included in the itinerary
• All land transportation fees.
• Internal taxes and charges
• Entry fee to monasteries and monuments (if required)

Cost excludes

• International Airfares and Travel insurance
• Extra porter and extra luggage Charges
• Any beverages (Alcohol or Juice)
• Tips and Gratitude for guide and drivers
• Your expenses such as laundry and telephones bills, Shopping, etc

For more Bhutan Tour Packages please call us at +977 9851032316.