Central Bhutan Tour – 10 Days

Day 01: Pick up from the airport and drive to Punakha

After arrival drive to Punakha over Dochula pass (3150m) one of the most spectacular passes on your tour with 108 Chorten and a Monastery on the hilltop. If the sky is clear this provides the best place to see and take photos of Himalayan snow-capped mountain ranges that borders Tibet(China), the following are the names of the peaks which can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.After that, we drive down the hill till we feel the warm air of Punakha valley.

Day 02: Punakha to Bumthang(2550 m)

After breakfast, we drive to Bumthang. On the way, we visit Gangtey one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains, east of Wangduephodrang. After crossing over the pass, you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the chosen winter home of rare black-necked cranes, which migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau. Many visitors refer to this place as heaven on Earth. We have lunch in a café (Chendebji Café) on the road to Bumthang. After lunch, we carry on with our drive. We pass through Trongsa town and slowly climb up towards the Yotongla pass, the highest pass in your journey.
After the pass, we descend to Bumthang through the pine forest. 

Day 03:  Bumthang sightseeing

Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. This region spans from an altitude of 2600-4500m. A region, famous for some of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the Tertongs(‘religious treasure discoverers) still linger in this region. Visit the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang: one of the 108 monasteries built to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. The inner shrine of the Future Buddha is believed to be there some 1400 years ago. Jambay Lhakhang festival is famous for Tercham, it’s also known as the Naked Dance. Indeed some dancers appear naked!  
Kurjey Lhakhang: Kurjey Lhakhang comprises of three temples. The exciting thing here is comparing the 17th-century structure on the right side with the 20th century on the left(built by the Grand Queen Mother). 108 Chorten walls surround these three temples. Kurjey is very special as the kings of Bhutan and other Royal Family members are cremated here. The name Kurjey translates into ‘Kur’ means body and ‘Jey’ means print. Guru Rinpoche has left his body print on a rock inside the main, old Kurjey Lhakhang. The big cypress tree is believed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. The great Guru also created a holy water hole beside the temple which people frequent either for religious or medical purposes.
Tamshing Lhakhang: This Lhakhang (temple) was founded in 1501 by Tertong Pema Lingpa, a reincarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, take a torch with you. 
Bakar Dzong: Constructed in 1549 as a monastery by the great grandfather of the first Zhabdrung and upgraded in 1646 when the Zhabdrung had firmly established his power. The Dzong is now used as the administrative center of Bumthang valley and also houses the regional monk body. Overnight in the same Guest house

Day 04: Drive to Mongar

Today you drive from Bumthang to Mongar(194km). You will drive through Ura valley. Here the people mostly live out of potato farming, mushroom business, and dairy farming. They also have an annual festival in the spring. Once you leave Ura valley you are traveling towards the highest point of your tour, Thrumshingla pass. The passes in Bhutan are adorned with beautiful prayer flags. After the highest point, you slowly climb down to the warmer valley of Lingmithang. Just before you get to Lingmithang in the valley of Thuethangbi the view of Zhongar Dzong is visible. Covering a total of 8 acres, it once represented the powerhouse of eastern Bhutan. For many years these ruins lay as a forbidden spirit-infested area. The locals are very superstitious and an atmosphere of fear looms in the vicinity of the ruins. Stories of the presence of certain malevolent spirits and gigantic snakes guarding a treasure of gold and silver are only whispered. Beyond piles of stones and mud, it echoes past life to connect us to the future. Embedded inside is a life frozen in time, a wealth of history that can be still recounted orally by those who also heard it from their grandparents. From Lingmithang you climb up to Mongar. Mongar town is located on a hill. Depending on the time we have, we will visit Mongar Dzong, though the Dzong is modern compared to others in the kingdom it is constructed in the same way as the ones from the 17th-century Dzongs. The visit to the Dzong shows, how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries. 

Day 05: Day excursion to Lhuntse 

On this day you will do a day excursion to Lhuntshe. The 77km to Lhuntse from Mongar may not be so good and would take about 4 hrs. on the way so you should start early. Lhuntse is also referred to as Kurtoe. In particular, Kurtoe is the cradle of the Wangchuk Royal family. Their exact point of origin is the beautiful village of Dungkhar. Visit the Lhuntse dzong which was built in the year 1654 by the Trongsa Penelope (Governor) Minjur Tenpa. To see the Lhuntse district properly you need to explore it on foot and need a good amount of time. Also, visit the Guru statue built by Lama Karpo for the peace and prosperity of the world in general. Later drive back to Mongar.

Day 06: Drive back to Bumthang.

Drive back to Bumthang(219km). Before reaching Bumthang visit the Tang Membar Tsho(burning lake). 

Day 07: Drive to Punakha.

After breakfast drive back to Punakha. On the way back we visit the Trongsa Dzong, built in the year 1648. This Dzong holds great historical importance. It is customary for all the kings of Bhutan to be invested as Trongsa Penlop (governor) before ascending the throne. You will be thrilled by the massiveness of the Dzong which covers a hilltop. After the dzong in Trongsa, we continue our drive to Punakha with a stop for lunch at Chendebji café. Overnight in Punakha

Day 08: Drive to Thimphu (sightseeing) and later drive to Paro

After breakfast drive to Thimphu. In Thimphu we will take you through the National Memorial Chorten, here meet the elderly generation in the circumambulation of the Chorten. Chorten means “Seat of Faith” or the “Mind of Buddha”. Treat yourself to the fantastic depiction of Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and sculptures in this temple. As the name denotes this National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28th, 1947 in memory of the Third King.
Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, the institute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Enjoy a few moments with the future artists of the country. The Folk Heritage Museum, also known as Phelchey Toenkhyim is dedicated to connecting people of the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits. The house dates back to the 19th century. You can also see a traditional watermill. The national animal “Takin” you can see the national animal at the Takin preservation. It is a very fascinating animal with a very fascinating story about its creation of the animal.

Buddha Point: The Kuensel Phodrang or the Buddha point is the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Thimphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the city’s center. The word Kuensel means everything is clear and from this place, you will surely enjoy a great view of the Thimphu Valley on both sides. The statute will house a temple inside it, the statue, and its adjoining car park and recreational center. Depending on time availability visit the Post office and Handicraft emporium. Later in the evening drive to Paro. 

Day 09: Paro sightseeing

Today we are going for a hike to the magnificent Taktsang Monastery. Often called the Tiger’s Nest, perched on the cliffs, has awestruck many a visitor. “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one visitor. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you up in spiritual bliss. For those not choosing the spiritual side, it is the dramatic landscape and the artistically built monument that becomes a hiker’s delight. Let us take you to this dramatically set Buddhist relic hanging from a cliff. Experience the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave that is now inside the monastery. This site was recognized as the most sacred and was visited by Zhabdrung in 1646 wished to build a monastery and now almost every Bhutanese visits this monastery. It was built in 1692 and was mysteriously burnt down on 19th April 1998. The fire damaged the main structure of the building and some religious contents. The monastery has been renovated and restored to its former glory. It takes about 2-3hours to get to the monastery from the motor road end. Enjoy vegetarian lunch at the cafeteria while climbing back. 

On the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang which was built on the same day as Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. It is said that 108 monasteries were built on the same day. Later in 1968, the Royal Grandmother, built a second temple alongside the first one, in the same style. Inside the courtyard, there is an orange tree that bears fruits throughout the year, which is quite amazing because nowhere in the valley you can find orange trees bearing fruits except one more temple. Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels“ stands on a hill above Paro Township. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls. The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the Dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above. Overnight in Hotel Jigmiling.

Day 10: Departure to your onward destination

After Breakfast drives to Phuntsholing, exit from Bhutan, and enter India. Overnight in Jaigoan or drive to Kalimpong

Visa Information

Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6-month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.

You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator who 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. At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Weather Information

There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan’s warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Spring (March, April & May)

This time is considered the most beautiful time of the year, resplendent and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is the time when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation and fruit trees are blossoming – the time when locals are naturally mirthful and cheery; when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro tsechu festival.

Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is lovely with clear and crisp blue skies, providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate and you can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.

Monsoon (June, July & August)

During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a cup of warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.

Winter (December, January & February)

Winter in Bhutan is sunny, cool, and agreeable to say the least. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley where you can expect to see a wide expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.

Safety Guidelines

• Credit cards are not a convenient source of payment in Bhutan as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.

• You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.

• The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.

• Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)

• Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.

• When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.

1. Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is a land-locked country nestled between the world’s giants, India and the Tibetan region of China. Bhutan – Land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most exotic destinations in the world today. This kingdom often referred to as the last Shangri-la, is a land of outstanding people, remarkable scenery and natural wonders, and proud and vibrant culture. Moreover, it is now gradually opening to the world with a sensitive approach to tourism.

2. What is the time difference in Bhutan?

Bhutan Standard Time ( IST ) is 0600 hours (6 hours) ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+6).

3. How can I enter Bhutan?

There are several airports where you can fly into Bhutan from.  At present two carriers operate in Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines.

By Air, the Entry Points are:

Bangkok to Paro.

Dhaka to Paro.

Katmandu to Paro.

Kolkata to Paro.

Delhi to Paro.

Singapore to Paro.

By Land, the Entry Points are:

Also, there are three land border crossings through which you can travel into the kingdom overland.  All crossings are along the Indian border only - Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Bagdogra to Phuntsholing.

Bagdogra to Gelephu.

Guwahati to Samdrup Jongkhar.

Note: Exit can also be done through the same Entry Points.

4. How can I process Visa?

All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be pre-arranged through a licensed Bhutanese Tour Operator or one of their international partners.  Visa clearance must be obtained through your tour operator before travel.  For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals and persons from the Maldives may obtain a visa on entry. Visas are approved by the Immigration Department in Thimphu, with which you are allowed to enter Bhutan or board the Druk Air flight and Bhutan Airlines.

The actual visa is stamped on the passport upon arrival in the country, either at Paro airport or (if entering by road) at Phuentsholing. You just need to provide us a passport scanned copy by email which should be more than six months validity. There is no need to send the pictures or sign the visa application at this time.

5. What does Visa cost?

International tourist visas for USD 40 applies with TDF (Tourism Development Fund).  This can be paid in advance to your tour operator or travel agent.  For Indian passport (or VIC) holders, Bangladeshi nationals, and persons from the Maldives there is no cost incurred.

6. What is the best time to travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan is a year-round Tourist Destination and every season or month is the best time. However, depending on climate and festivals, the season is defined either as High or Low seasons. Hence, the best time could be season time and a good time can be low season time. However, if you are looking for a low-cost and good time, we consider the months of January, June, and July as the Best time. During this time, you will see fewer foreigners in Bhutan and you will have the luxury of enjoying your privacy. When it comes to Hotels, you have more choices and you will also receive special attention both from the Hoteliers and your Agent since there won’t be many guests and it can be well taken care of.

March-May and September – November is the best time to travel to Bhutan. The climate is good then and there are many festivals around this time.

7. Do I require travel insurance?

Yes, Book Bhutan Tour is committed to the careful preparation of the tour, but cannot foresee all risks and contingencies. Given these risks, participation is at your own risk. For the safety of the traveler take out luggage, accident, travel liability, and travel insurance that covers the costs of repatriation in case of accident or illness, as cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. These are not included in the tour price. In addition, Swiss nationals are recommended REGA patronage.

8. What currency shall I carry?

Bhutanese currency is known as the Ngultrum. Most currencies are exchanged by banks here. The most commonly accepted currencies are Ngultrum, US dollars, and Indian rupees. However Indian notes in 500 and 1000 denominations are not acceptable. Most handicraft shops accept US dollars. You can even exchange the currencies in some local shops. They give you a better exchange rate than the banks.

9. Is it safe to drink tap water in Bhutan?

Tap water is not considered safe for drinking and also ice cubes should be avoided. Mineral water is easily available throughout the country (but make sure that seal is not broken). At the same time, it is better to go with a trusted brand rather than pick local brands.

10. Do I have to worry about altitude sickness in Bhutan?

The altitude in Bhutan is higher than many people are habituated to. Although many people might not have any problem in adjusting, altitude sickness may be a problem for a few ones. If visitors do some simple preparations before leaving for Bhutan, most of the symptoms of altitude sickness can be avoided. Being healthy and in good shape, before you arrive in Bhutan will help greatly. It is also recommended that you talk to your local doctor about AMS and medicines in case of emergency.

11. Are there ATM s counters in Bhutan?

Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank, and Druk PNB Bank ATMs usually accept foreign credit cards; however, it would be prudent to get your cash in Thimphu or Paro before heading out into the countryside, particularly the far east. Transactions are limited to Nu 10,000 or Nu15,000.

12. Is the country safe to travel to?

Bhutan is safe for travelers. There is little crime in Bhutan and it is safe for women, families with children, and for solo travelers as well. However, women are advised to follow the same universal precautions when they are in crowded entertainment places at night, mainly when in discos or bars.

13. What is the electricity supply in Bhutan and what plugs are used?

240 volts AC – Flat round 2-pin plugs are the most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item. Power cuts are quite frequent in central and eastern Bhutan while western Bhutan has a stable power supply.

14. What is the electricity supply in Bhutan and what plugs are used?

240 volts AC – Flat round 2-pin plugs are the most common and a universal adapter is an important travel item. Power cuts are quite frequent in central and eastern Bhutan while western Bhutan has a stable power supply.