Weather and Best Season
Bhutan’s weather changes with altitude. The south is a warmer and more humid region, and the central and northern regions are cooler. This Bhutan Adventure Tour is best done in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). During these months, the skies are usually clear, temperatures are mild, and mountain views are excellent.
The monsoon season (June-August) brings rain and clouds, which can make trails muddy. Winter (December-February) can be very cold at higher passes, though days in the valleys are often sunny. Whatever the month, please bring a warm layer and a light rain jacket, as mountain weather can change quickly.
Food & Drink
Bhutanese food is warm, filling, and often spicy. Many dishes use red rice, potatoes, cheese, and chilies. The national dish, Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew), is worth trying at least once. You will also find momos (dumplings), noodle soups, and simple curries.
Your hotel will normally provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a mix of local and some basic Western choices. Vegetarian meals and other dietary needs can usually be arranged if you tell us in advance. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Tea and coffee are usually included with meals, while soft drinks and alcohol cost extra in the Bhutan Adventure Tour .
Preparation and Fitness
This Bhutan Adventure Tour includes several days of walking and hiking, but nothing extremely difficult. You should be comfortable walking 3–5 hours a day on uneven paths with some up and down. The hike to Tiger’s Nest goes up to about 3,120 m and includes many steps. It is not a race; the guide will set a steady pace.
Before your trip, try to do regular walks, light hikes, or climbing stairs to prepare your legs and lungs. Walking poles and good hiking shoes are very helpful and can reduce strain on your knees.
Visa and Permits
Most travelers need a visa to visit Bhutan (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives). Above the Himalaya will arrange your Bhutan visa approval before you arrive. You only need to send us your passport copy and a passport-size photo.
Bhutan also charges a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is already included in the tour cost. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens require only an entry permit, which we also help arrange. For this tour, no extra trekking permits are needed.
Health & Safety
Bhutan is one of the safest countries in Asia, with very low crime and a calm atmosphere. Still, please take normal travel precautions. No special vaccines are required apart from your routine ones, but you can talk with your doctor about any personal needs, such as altitude medicine. Drink only safe water (bottled or boiled).
Protect yourself from the strong mountain sun with a hat and sunscreen. Roads in Bhutan are generally well-maintained, and your driver is trained for mountain driving. Our guides carry a basic first-aid kit and know what to do in case of emergency. We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers medical care and evacuation.
Transportation
During this Bhutan Adventure Tour, all ground transport is by private vehicle. The flight into Paro, usually on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, offers wonderful views of the Himalayas when the sky is clear. Inside Bhutan, we use comfortable cars, vans, or 4×4 jeeps with experienced local drivers.
The drive from Paro to Thimphu is about 1 hour (around 50 km). Some journeys, such as between Punakha and Paro, can take 4–5 hours due to winding mountain roads. There are no trains, and we do not use public buses on this trip. All fuel, parking, and road taxes are included.
Network and Internet
Mobile coverage in Bhutan is good in towns and along major roads, but weak or nonexistent in some rural areas and during hikes. Primary providers include B-Mobile and TashiCell, and you can purchase a local SIM card in Paro or Thimphu using your passport.
Most lodges and hotels have Wi-Fi, often free, but this can be slow or limited to common areas. When the mountain rises and in valleys that are more distant, you might go without service hours or even days. It is quite common in the mountains, and it is all about adventure in Bhutan.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this tour. Please choose a policy that covers trekking and outdoor activities, as well as medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and baggage loss.
Rescue services and helicopter flights in the Himalayas are very expensive without insurance. Above the Himalaya may ask for proof of insurance before the trip. Having a good policy gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your holiday without worry.
Your Extra Expenses
Most main costs are included in the tour price, but you should bring extra money for personal spending. This could be for souvenirs (such as textiles, handmade crafts, incense, or tea), extra snacks, soft drinks, and tips for guides and drivers.
Optional activities like pony rides at Tiger’s Nest, spa treatments, or laundry are not included. ATMs are available in Paro and Thimphu, but are rare in smaller towns. Credit cards are only sometimes accepted, mainly in bigger hotels or shops. We suggest bringing at least US$200–$300 in cash for extras, in small notes.
Language & Communication
Although Dzongkha serves as the national language of Bhutan, English is commonly used in lodging, dining venues, and tourist attractions. The guide accompanying you will have good English proficiency and will bridge any communication gaps.
You will frequently hear phrases of greetings: “kuzu zangpo” (hello). A number of Bhutanese individuals are also fluent in Nepali or Hindi. The majority of the board and newspaper in tourist-centric regions are in Dzongkha and also in English, hence walking in such areas will be smooth and easy.
Internet & Charging Facilities
During the Bhutan Adventure Tour, you will be accommodated in a hotel and lodge that has electricity. In Bhutan, the standard voltage is 220V. Bhutan uses 3-pin plugs (Type D or M), so you may bring a travel adapter as well as a power bank to charge your phone or camera, especially when you are away on long travel or hiking days.
Major hotels often have free Wi-Fi (speeds can be slow). As you will be in remote locations, please plan to charge your devices at any opportunity, as internet service will be limited.
Attractions
This tour includes many of Bhutan’s classic sights. You will hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery, which sits dramatically on a cliff above Paro. You visit Paro’s Rinpung Dzong and the old temple of Kyichu Lhakhang. In Thimphu, you can see the Buddha Dordenma statue, the Memorial Chorten, and local craft shops in Thimphu.
At Dochula Pass (3,150 m), you can see the 108 chortens and, on clear days, the high peaks of the Himalayas. You can see the beautiful Punakha Dzong and walk across a long suspension bridge over the river in Punakha. There are a lot of different things to see and do in each place.
What to Expect
Each day usually begins with breakfast, followed by sightseeing, a walk, or a hike. Some days include drives between towns; other days are spent mostly in one valley. Lunch is usually taken at a local restaurant or at the hotel, and dinner is often family-style. The weather can change, so dressing in layers is important.
You will spend time both indoors (temples, museums) and outdoors (hikes, village walks). Bhutanese people are kind and polite, and you will often be greeted with smiles. The pace of the tour is relaxed, with free time in the evenings to rest.
Is This Trip Beginner-Friendly?
Yes, this itinerary is suitable for beginners with basic fitness. You do not need previous trekking experience. Most walks are at an easy to moderate level, and your guide will allow time for rest. The Day 2 acclimatization hike helps prepare you for the longer Tiger’s Nest hike.
If you feel tired, a pony can carry you part of the way on the Tiger’s Nest trail for an extra fee. If you can walk comfortably for a few hours and climb stairs at home, you should manage this trip well.
Solo Travel
Bhutan is very safe for solo travellers, including women. If you join a group, you will have company during sightseeing, meals, and hikes. You will always have a guide and driver with you when moving between towns or visiting sites.
Single travellers may pay a single-room supplement or choose to share a twin room with another group member of the same sex. Many solo guests appreciate the small group size and the chance to make new friends during the tour.
Photography & Drone Rules
Photography is generally allowed at outdoor sites such as valleys, dzongs from outside, and landscapes. However, please be respectful. Ask before taking close-up photos of people. Inside temples and some monastery rooms, photography is often not allowed or is restricted, and your guide will advise you.
Drones are tightly controlled in Bhutan, and tourists are usually not permitted to fly them. Using a drone without permission can cause problems with the authorities. We recommend enjoying and photographing Bhutan from the ground only.
Cultural Festivals on the Trail
During your Bhutan Adventure Tour, if your time coincides with a tsechu festival, you will be able to see the beautiful, ornate mask dances, the traditional costumes, and the music performed at the dzong or the temple. Among the festivals, the Paro and Thimphu Tsechus are very popular, and you may even find the smaller village festivals equally amazing.
If your time coincides with a major festival is unlikely, but you may still be able to observe local pujas and smaller religious ceremonies. Your guide will try to adjust the schedule so you can attend. Please dress modestly and try to remain silent and show respect during the religious ceremonies.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Bhutan is a very peaceful and traditional place. Politeness is important, so say “kuzu zangpo” and lower your voice when you talk in temples and monasteries. In all religious places, shoulders and knees must be covered, and people must dress modestly. Take some cash with you for small purchases and tips because there aren’t many ATMs and card machines outside of cities.
If you find yourself in rural areas, be prepared for very basic toilets. A small pack of tissues, as well as hand sanitizer, can be super useful. A flexible attitude and an open mind are the most important when traveling there. Things may not happen on a specific timeline, but that’s the whole point. The charm of Bhutan is in the slower and more gentle way of life.
Mental Preparation & Trekking Mindset
A balanced culture immersion with relatively light adventures. Certain days will require more activity than others. Being patient and positive will help. When hiking, don’t think about distance milestones and rather focus on taking one step at a time and looking at the surrounding landscape.
Remember to take breaks to drink water and enjoy the journey. This trip should be thought of as a holiday and as a gentle pilgrimage into a culture and landscape that is truly different. This will be the mindset that makes this trip worthwhile.
Accommodation & Meals
You will stay in carefully chosen 3–4 star standard hotels or lodges on a twin-share basis. Rooms are clean and comfortable, usually with private bathrooms, hot water, and heating. In smaller towns, the standard may be simpler but still comfortable. All three main meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included.
Meals often combine Bhutanese and basic Western dishes, such as rice, curries, noodles, soups, and some bread or eggs. Vegetarian and other special diets can be arranged if you let us know in advance. Electricity is available at all overnight stops, and Wi-Fi is often available in the lobby or dining area.
Group Size & Guide
Group sizes are normally between 4 and 12 people. This keeps the tour friendly and easy to manage. You will travel with a licensed, English-speaking Bhutanese guide and a professional driver. Your guide is trained in first aid and has good knowledge of local culture, religion, and nature.
The company is owner-managed, so quality and service are closely monitored. If you are travelling alone, we can often match you with another traveller of the same sex to share a room, or arrange a single room with an extra charge.
Clothing Advice
The temperature in Bhutan often varies, so the best way to stay comfortable is to wear layers. When the sun is out, it can feel pleasant throughout the day, but it might get cool in the morning and evening, especially in higher places like Dochula Pass. A good combination is a T-shirt, a warm fleece or sweater, and a light jacket that you can easily remove or put on.
Comfortable walking pants or track pants work well, and you may also want a pair of warmer trousers for the evenings. Avoid very tight or very short clothing, especially when visiting temples or monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered as a sign of respect.
Good walking shoes with proper grip are important because some paths can be rocky or slippery. Bring a pair of thick socks for cooler nights. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen protect you from strong mountain sun, while a light rain jacket is useful if there is a sudden shower.
In the evenings at the hotel, many travellers enjoy changing into soft, comfortable clothes to relax after a day of walking. Keeping your clothing simple, modest, and layered will help you enjoy your Bhutan Adventure Tour with ease.
What’s Included?
- All private transport within Bhutan is in a comfortable vehicle and with a dedicated driver
- Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis throughout the tour
- All main meals during your time in Bhutan (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- A licensed and experienced Bhutanese guide to accompany you on the trip
- All sightseeing activities mentioned in the itinerary, including monastery visits and rafting
- Entry fees to all monasteries, dzongs, museums, and cultural sites on the program
- Government taxes and the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- All required permits for travelling inside Bhutan
- Airport pick-up and drop services in Bhutan
What’s Excluded?
- International flights to and from Paro
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, laundry, phone calls, and shopping
- Alcoholic beverages and special drinks
- Optional services like spa treatments, pony rides at Tiger’s Nest, or extra nights in hotels
- Single-room supplement if you want a private room
Customize Your Trip 
Enjoy Himalayan scenery with the help of Nepal’s best guides with Government license holders and got training in first-aid, our Trip Leaders, know where you’ll find the best photos, most fascinating wildlife, and the best stream crossings.
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