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Bhutan Cultural Tour 5 Days Trip Fact

5 days cultural excursion in Bhutan
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    Trip Style : Cultural Tour Driving Adventure
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    Trip Difficulty : Leisure Holidays
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    Trip Guide : Guided Tour
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    Destination : Bhutan
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    Max Altitude : 2500 Meters - 8,202 Ft
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    Daily Walking Hours : 5 to 6 Hours Sightseeing
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    Accomodation: Hotel & Resort
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    Food : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
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    Start-End : Paro or Kathmandu
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    Transport : Flights, Private Car or Tourist Coach
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    Best Season : Jan - June and Sept - December

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).

Trip Highlights

  • Explore some of the most important historical sites of Punakha Dzong and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
  • Explore the countryside of stunning Haa Valley.
  • Visit Museum and Handicrafts in Bhutan.
  • Enjoy and celebrate some of the popular Bhutan festivals such as Paro Tshechu, Thimphu Tshechu and Punakha Tshecu.
  • Visit Dochula Pass and relish the stunning panoramic sight of Himalayan Bhutan.
  • Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest) Excursion

Morning flight from Kathmandu or Bangkok to Paro by Bhutan Airline or Druk Air and transfer to Thimpu, while flying, you will have a great opportunity to see the spectacular views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. When you arrive in Paro our representative will be pick up you from paro airport after immigration formalities and baggage arrival then transfer you to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan which is 55Km far from Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Thimpu

After breakfast, you will be process to sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After lunch service in Thimpu we process to visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops. In the evening drive past Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. Overnight at Thimphu hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Thimpu

After breakfast, we drive Thimphu to Paro via Dochu-la pass (3,088m) to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If weather is clear, you may see Masagang, Tsendagang, Terigang, Jejegangphugang, Kangphugang, Zongphugang peak from on the way before arrive to Paro you may visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627. In the evening you may explore around Mini Street in paro and overnight at hotel.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Paro

After breakfast visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which is houses National Museum in Paro. After Ta Dzong you visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning which has a long and fascinating history. After lunch, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. You may take a short stop at Satsam Chorten for a view of famous Taktsang Monastery. You also explore 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at hotel in paro.

  • itinery-iconAccommodation: Hotel
  • itinery-iconMeals: BLD
  • itinery-iconPlace: Paro

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Alpine Eco Trek’s representative will help you with exit formalities in Paro airport.

Want to Tailor this itinerary?

  • small-thumbnails 4/5 day's full board package in Tourist standard Hotel in Bhutan
  • small-thumbnails Arrival Pick up and Departure drop from Paro Airport.
  • small-thumbnails All land transportation by luxury vehicle, depending upon group size
  • small-thumbnails 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the tour.
  • small-thumbnails Accommodation of Hotel during the tour
  • small-thumbnails All kind of Permit, National Park entry fee, and movement charge
  • small-thumbnails Guide and Private Vehicles will be available for sightseeing as per above Itinerary
  • small-thumbnails Escorted English speaking tour guide during the tour period as per Itinerary.
  • small-thumbnails Entrance Fees to museum and monuments.
  • small-thumbnails Bottle of mineral water during long road drive.
  • small-thumbnails Evening tea with snacks
  • small-thumbnails All hotel taxes/ service charges
  • small-thumbnails Farewell Dinner before departure.
  • small-thumbnails Alpine Eco Trek’s service charges
  • small-thumbnails All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
  • small-thumbnails International and domestic Flight Ticket
  • small-thumbnails Alcoholic beverages, Bhutan visa fee & Personal nature expenses
  • small-thumbnails Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
  • small-thumbnails Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
  • small-thumbnails Nepal entry visa fee, Visa issuance is easy at the arrival
  • small-thumbnails Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, internets.
  • small-thumbnails Tips, gifts, souvenirs.

Useful Information

A thoughtfully made Bhutan cultural tour itinerary not just offers tourists multiple exploration and experiences but also the chance to discover some of its unbelievably inspiring places and culture authentically. Like every culture, Bhutan has its own reasons and purposes. Bhutan is one of your ultimate travel experiences and a journey to the destination. A vacation to Bhutan will give you the whole freedom to build a unique and personal trip in fulfilling your desire to travel and to discover your new self.

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.

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 serve 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.

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, the Birthday of HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck
Dec 17th, 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 do 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

The 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 branch 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’s country code is + 975. Telephone communication is very reliable. Free Wi-Fi and 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 nightclubs that operate on a weekly basis, on Saturday night, and some of them on Wednesday as ladies’ nights.

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 visit 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.

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Trip Reviews

We take great pride in taking care of our guests

  • December 27, 2022

Recommended Travel Agency for Cultural tour in Bhutan

Everything on this trip was well organized, Ram and his team are extremely knowledgeable and professional. With timely email responses and confirmations, you can easily organize, change detailed information. Visas and hotel information arrive a few days before the scheduled time, and their website contains many important details and travel information. While in Bhutan, this trip was amazing, Alpine Eco Trek makes everyone feel like heaven. This is one of the best companies in Bhutan and all the staff are friendly, cooperative, supportive and friendly. Overall, because of the Alpine Eco Trek, we had an unforgettable experience for our lifetime memory.

  • Chan Chee
    Singapore
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Ram Kumar Adhikari

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Sangita Adhikari

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Ram Gopal Adhikari

Trip Co-ordinator
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