Central Bhutan Tour

Itinerary of Central Bhutan Tour

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Best Season

Bhutan’s climate varies by region and altitude, but generally the best seasons to undertake a Central Bhutan Tour are spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). These are the seasons that are cool and stable and the weather has good views and is pleasant to travel and hike.

Spring (March-May): Spring is characterized by moderate weather (cold mornings and hot afternoons) and blossom flowers. Rhododendrons and wildflowers sprinkle the hilly slopes in the center of the valleys such as Bumthang, Phobjikha, and so on. There is usually good visibility (clouds becoming more of a feature towards May with the coming monsoon). Another event that can make your trip interesting is the major cultural festivals (Tshechus) in Bhutan that happen during the spring.

Autumn (late September – November): Autumn is a second best season. The air is clear and skies are usually crystal clear after summer rains. October is especially spectacular with snow-white Himalayan mountain ranges at elevated passes such as Dochula with some of the best mountain views of the year. The daytime temperature in central Bhutan is fair and pleasant and the post-harvest scenery of Bhutan is golden and beautiful. Autumn is also full of local festivals and usually well received by tourists (Bhutan never seems crowded because tourism in the country is controlled).

Winter (Dec-Feb): Winter is cold particularly at night, but is dry with sunny days and clear weather. A winter trip can be a satisfying one, however, whether you are prepared to face the cold or not, it is possible to get mountain views, and the number of tourists is also minimal (you can also find black-necked cranes in Phobjikha). Snow may block high passes, but most of the main routes in Bhutan are open in central Bhutan.

Summer (Jun-Aug): The least favorable period is monsoon with most of them being rainy and cloudy. Although the valleys are fertile, green and verdant, the trails may be muddy and there is danger of road disruptions due to landslides. The rainy season does not attract a good number of tourists.

In short, spring or autumn is the best time of the year to have pleasant weather and colorful scenery. These seasons offer the best balance of clear skies, moderate temperatures, and cultural events, ensuring you get the most out of your Central Bhutan Tour.

Transportation and Facilities

During your Central Bhutan Tour, all transportation (vehicles, drivers, flights) is pre-arranged, making travel hassle-free. The journey involves a mix of private road travel and a domestic flight.

Private Vehicle & Driver: You will have a dedicated private vehicle with a professional driver throughout the tour. For a small group or private tour, this is typically a comfortable SUV or minivan (for larger groups, a coaster bus) with heating/air-conditioning as needed. The driver is experienced in navigating Bhutan’s winding mountain highways, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Roads in Bhutan are generally well-maintained but can be narrow and curvy; travel between destinations often takes longer than the distance might suggest. Your driver will stop for rest breaks and photos as needed, ensuring flexibility during the journey. There is no use of public buses or shared transport – all overland travel is private and flexible to your needs.

Domestic Flight: This 13-day itinerary includes a short domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang. Typical flight time is 35 minutes (weather & schedule dependent), operated by Drukair/Bhutan Airlines. The flight, operated by Bhutan’s national airlines, offers stunning aerial views of the mountains on clear days. Our guide will assist with check-in and transfers, making the flight smooth and convenient.

Accommodation & Facilities

Throughout your Central Bhutan Tour, you will stay in government approved hotels or lodges (usually 3 star standard, unless you request an upgrade). These hotels are located in areas such as Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang with comfortable rooms equipped with private bathrooms, hot showers and traditional style.

In areas which are more rural, facilities may be modest but they are clean and comfortable. Hotels generally have Wi-Fi and standard electrical power points (230 V) so you plug in your chargers without problems. Hotels in larger towns can be used in case of necessity to arrange laundry service.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided on a daily basis. Most of your meals will be in your hotel or at approved local restaurants, and menus will be a blend of Bhutanese, Indian and continental. Dining is usually done in buffet form and food prepares to meet the tastes of the tourists (moderate levels of spices, etc.). The entire trip has safe drinking water and in case you have any dietary limitations, our guide will make sure that he or she supplies what you need.

What to Expect

This Central Bhutan Tour offers a pleasant mix of culture, nature, and gentle adventure. You will explore beautiful valleys, religious monasteries, and get to know nice local people. The tour is most suitable to most of the travelers with few hikes and moderate walking.

The ascent to Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the most difficult yet it is done gradually through rest and even horses can be hired along the way in cases of necessity. The altitudes vary between warm valleys with 1200 meters to cool mountain passes with 3800 meters and thus a layered dress will always make you feel comfortable.

Visitors to monasteries are expected to dress modestly and take off their hat and shoes when they get inside temples. People in Bhutan are very friendly and approachable and our guide will help you in this. All in all, you will be able to expect a relaxing and enriching experience of scenic beauty, cultural understanding, and authentic hospitality.

Guide and Staff

During your Central Bhutan Tour, our professional Bhutanese guide and a careful driver take good care of you. Our English-speaking guide is a certified member of the Tourism Council of Bhutan and has training in history, culture, and nature.

They will tell you stories describe traditions and make you comprehend the meaning of every place you visit. You get comfortable and safe transportation on the mountainous serpentine roads, and you get time to relax and enjoy the scenic view by your driver.

At restaurants and hotels, our guide will help in check in, meals, and communication and all that will be easy and smooth. They will deal with permits, timing, and daily plans throughout the journey and make everything work. Our guide and driver will provide you with a warm hospitality and your visit will be fruitful and memorable.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude sickness is rare on this Central Bhutan Tour because the highest point you reach is Chele La Pass (about 3,800 m), and you will not sleep at that altitude. The majority of the overnight stops are located between 2,200 m and 2,800 m, which is usually safe to most travellers.

Shortness of breath or mild level of fatigue in hikes may be present but tend to fade away quickly. The itinerary will allow your body time to adapt and our guide will tell you to walk slowly, drink lots of water and avoid hard liquor within the first few days. The altitude issues are extremely few in this route.

In case you are not feeling fine, our guide will carry a first aid kit and he will take good care of you. The mountain views can be enjoyed easily without any worry with a steady pace, proper hydration, and listening to what our guide advices.

Connectivity & Charging

It is not hard to keep your gadgets charged and connected throughout the tour, but the internet is often slow in remote valleys. Bhutan uses 230 V; sockets are commonly Type D/G (Type F sometimes found) and many hotels have multi-plug strips, carry a universal adapter.It is advisable to carry a universal adapter.

Electricity is available in all hotels in this tour and therefore you can recharge your phone and camera every night. The power supply is good and a power bank is convenient in case of a long drive. Most hotels have Wi-Fi, although in the countryside like Phobjikha, connection may be slow. To facilitate it, our guide can help purchase/activate a local SIM with data (often included in our packages; please confirm at booking).

Internet can be appropriate in messaging and email services, but uploading and streaming can be slow. The SIM will be configured at the beginning of the trip and organized by our guide. You will always remain well connected with minimal planning and remain charged on your devices during your trip.

Travel Rules / Permit Essentials

Bhutan’s SDF is US$100 per adult per night (concession: US$50 ages 6–11; under-6 free) and there’s a one-off visa fee of US$40 for most international visitors. Indian nationals pay Nu/INR 1,200 per person per night (6–11 half-rate; under-6 free). Bhutan’s visa and SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) procedures are handled by our company, so you don’t need to worry about formalities.

In order to travel outside Thimphu and Paro special route permits are required as well and these shall be arranged by our guide. Our guide will handle all paper work at any checkpoints between districts. A licensed Bhutanese guide is effectively required for sightseeing (dzongs/monasteries) and for travel beyond border towns, and will be listed on your permits and clearances.

During free time, you are free to visit markets or other areas nearby. Photography is usually prohibited inside chapels/inner sanctums of dzongs and monasteries (courtyards are generally fine). Drones are not permitted for tourists; BCAA authorizes government use only. You will not have to worry about any official issues as long as you listen to the advice of our guide, and you will be able to spend your time traveling and not worrying about any issues of the kind.

Your Extra Expenses

Your Central Bhutan Tour package covers most essentials, including accommodation, meals, transport, guide, and permits. But it is prudent to budget out a little money on personal expenses. Flights to and out of Bhutan are not part of the tour price though we can help you with making a reservation. Peace of mind strongly suggests the use of travel insurance.

Snacks, alcohol, and soft drinks during the non-meal time are your own expense. You can also consider purchasing souvenirs like textiles or handicrafts and in that case, it is better to carry a little cash in your hand as not all the smaller stores accept card payments.

Tipping is welcome but not mandatory – most travellers tip USD 10 per day to the guide and USD 5 per day to the driver, and this is distributed at the trip end. Minor personal expenditure is laundry, phone calls or additional data.

Attractions

This 13-day Central Bhutan Tour includes some of the country’s most beautiful and meaningful places, blending culture, nature, and local life:

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Visit Bhutan’s most famous monastery, built on a cliff with breathtaking views and deep spiritual importance.
• Paro & Thimphu Dzongs: Explore grand fortress-monasteries that show Bhutan’s rich history and unique architecture.
• Punakha Dzong: Admire the “Palace of Great Happiness,” a riverside fortress known for its elegant design and blooming jacaranda trees in spring.
• Chimi Lhakhang: Walk through rice fields to this small fertility temple, famous for its blessings and stories of the Divine Madman.

Dochula Pass: Stop at this scenic viewpoint with 108 white chortens and wide views of the Himalayan peaks.

• Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley: Enjoy this peaceful glacial valley, home to black-necked cranes in winter and the lovely Gangtey Monastery.
• Bumthang Region: Discover Bhutan’s spiritual heart with ancient temples and the hilltop Jakar Dzong.
• Trongsa Dzong: See Bhutan’s largest fortress, built on a ridge and linked to the country’s royal history.
• Villages & Farmhouses: Meet local families, visit markets, and learn about daily Bhutanese life and traditions.