Bhutan, a renowned landlocked country known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” has firmly established itself as a leading tourist destination, captivating visitors with its unparalleled charm. Bhutan tourism packages offer a vast array of sightseeing, entertainment, and adventure options, yet it is serenity, tranquility, and happiness that truly define the essence of Bhutan. The peaceful allure of Bhutan tourism attracts travelers from all walks of life.
Whether it's a corporate retreat, honeymoon, family getaway, a relaxed resort stay, or an adventure-filled holiday, Bhutan's vibrant tourism offers something for every traveler.
Explore our wide range of Bhutan tour packages, carefully tailored to suit diverse interests and budgets. Embark on an enriching journey through Bhutan’s unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, spiritual retreats, thrilling adventures, sustainable tourism, delectable cuisine, and the unparalleled sense of peace and happiness that the country is known for.
Beyond its natural and cultural beauty, Bhutanese tourism also delights visitors with exceptional shopping and dining experiences. Whether you’re exploring charming attractions, indulging in thrilling activities, shopping for unique souvenirs and handicrafts, savoring the rich flavors of Bhutanese cuisine, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance, Bhutan promises an unforgettable experience.
Browse the most popular and best-selling tour packages for Bhutan, book your holidays, and get up to 30% off on Bhutan holiday bookings.
Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, WandguePhodrang, Haa, Gasa, Chukha, Samtse and Phuentsholing and an array of others are among the top Bhutanese destinations for tourists to savor all the celebrated attributes that Bhutan has to offer.
Bhutan can be explored for a variety of reasons. For sightseeing lovers, the country boasts natural beauty that encapsulates lush woods, abysmal valleys, soaring mountains, serene lakes and rivers.
For nature appreciators, Bhutan makes a home for healthy wildlife that includes a multitude of rich floral and faunal species.
For cultural aficionados, explore ancient monasteries and seek blessings, sample the unparalleled cuisine, experience the warmth of the local hospitality, witness joyous festivals that offer a fascinating glimpse into the vibrancy of its traditions and sight-see the National Museum to get acknowledged about the Bhutanese rich cultural heritage.
For adventure geeks, activities like trekking, hiking, mountain biking etc., can be enjoyed.
Last but not least, travellers seeking retreat and rejuvenation, the peaceful ambiance of the country, coupled with the easy provision of yoga and meditation facilities can be easily acquired. Otherwise, just to slow down and breathe in the fresh air, Bhutan makes an idyllic place for that as well.
The “Land of Thunder Dragon” makes a remarkable country for everyone, whether one is travelling as a couple, solo or with family, Bhutan is undoubtedly one of the most loved destinations, with the potential to fulfill one’s endeavors.
The land of Bhutan is replete with numerous attractions, from natural to cultural to spiritual wonders, offering a fascinating amalgamation of all. Raidak/Chuu river, Dechencholing Palace, Memorial Chorten, Clock Tower Square, Zuri, Paro Dzongs, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, DrukChoeding, Namgyal Chorten and National Museum are a handful of the plethora of Bhutanese top attractions.
The history of Bhutan is characterised by a unification of by-gone traditions, modernization, the influence of Buddhism, the rise of hereditary kings and the advancement of a unique national identity.
Paro is an alluring destination of Bhutan, renowned for being a home of natural beauty, spiritual serenity and cultural richness. This picturesque valley is positioned among the Himalayas, and exudes the charm with its traditional architectural marvels, peaceful environment, numerous ancient temples and monasteries. Taktsang Monastery, being one of the iconic landmarks, also known as Tiger’s Nest, along with quaint farmhouses, lush greenery, rice fields and snow-mantled mountain peaks marking the respective charming attributes of the Paro town.
Fascinatingly, Paro also abodes the kingdom’s only International airport. Paro has history and culture beautifully embedded with its fabric. Festivities like Paro Tshechu and The National Museum of Bhutan, housed in an ancient watchtower, highlight the town’s culture and history by offering a fascinating glimpse.
Thimphu, the city capital of the kingdom of Bhutan, marked as the largest city as well, promises a rich cultural exploration, serenity and traditionality. Being nested among the majestic Himalayas, adds to its natural allure as well.
The magnificence in its landscapes with Wang Chuu River flowing in its vicinity, bustling local bazaars that displays the country’s unique craftsmanship, joyous festivals, offering thrill-driven activities due to environing mountains and forests, like mountain biking, hiking and trekking, maintaining a strong native character, and the majestic monasteries such as Tashichho Dzong that offers a feast to the eye and soul like blend of being an architectural spectacle and a spiritual retreat are all the celebrated vibrant characteristics of Thimphu.
In a nutshell, Thimphu is a vibrant city that serves a harmonious amalgamation of Bhutanese culture with the elements of modern life.
Punakha, a city positioned in a valley between Mo Chuu and Pho Chhu rivers. The city is basically cherished for its natural beauteousness, cultural importance and historical landmarks. Its temperate climates makes Punakha an idyllic city for agricultural practices upon being nestled at an agricultural favourable altitude of around 1200 meters.
One of the most famed attractions of the city is Punakha Dzong, renowned as the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’ truly exemplifies the stunning Bhutanese architecture and remains as one of the most beautiful and significant Dzongs in the nation. Rice farms, mesmeric hiking trails, Talo Monastery and Nalanda Monastery are few of the other highlights of Punakha city, that attracts numerous pilgrims, cultural devotees, historical buffs and farming appreciators to the city.
Bumthang, also goes by the name Jakar, is revered as the spiritual heartland and the cultural hub of the landlocked country called Bhutan. Legend has it that Pema Lingpa, a Buddhist saint was born in Bumthang along with many other respected Buddhist Yogis lived as well as practised here. Thereby, the town makes in the company of the most historic towns in Bhutan with many sacred sites and ancient monasteries.
In addition to its spiritual and cultural allure, Jakar is a picturesque site due to environing verdant valleys and mountains filled with trees. The district is also famed for its intricate textiles and local cheese.
Ancient settings like Jambay Lhakhang that compliments the district’s spiritual ambiance, coupled with a sense of ancient legacy. Additionally, Bumthang hosts traditional festivals that include Jambay Lhakhang Drup and BumthangTshechu, that offers an opportunity to tourists for a fascinating glimpse into the kingdom’s cultural traditions.
Wangdue Phodrang, frequently referred to as Wangdi, is a town positioned on the western central part of the kingdom. Renowned as one of the largest Dzongkhangs of Bhutan and famed for encapsulating monasteries to temples and wildlife to rustic villages. The district is celebrated for its cultural, architectural and natural characteristics.
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, a majestic highlight, nestled on the confluence of two rivers, Punakha Chu and DandChhu rivers, finely exemplifies the Bhutanese architectural abilities followed by delivering panoramic vistas of the surroundings.
For the natural attributes, the diverse biological richness is evidently reflected from its Jigme Dorji National Park and Phobjikha Valley. And being characterised by deciduous woods and rugged terrains, makes it ideal for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts as well.
For cultural traits, the lively festivals, especially Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu truly envelopes the rich cultural beauty of Bhutan.
Haa is a quaint town located in the western region of Bhutan. Haa is marked as one of the kingdom’s smallest districts, with fewer people residing. An isolated picturesque valley known for its adventure activities like biking and hiking due to environing alpine woods and mountain peaks. Fascinatingly, the district offers beautiful panoramas of the entire Bhutan.
Bhutan’s cultural vibrancy can be easily noticed in the traditions and the festivals held in this region. Haa Summer Festival is among the most popular deeds to get a fine glimpse into the cultural tapestry.
Haa also makes an abode to monasteries and wildlife sanctuaries, which are Lhakhang Karpo and Torsa Strict Nature Reserve respectively. In conclusion, Haa is a secluded yet contrasty district of Bhutan that encompasses adventurous, cultural, spiritual, historical and natural characteristics.
Gasa is a beautiful district, positioned in the northwestern region of Bhutan. It borders Tibet in the north and is flanked by Thimphu and Punakha in the south. Gasa is cradled by snow-mantled mountain peaks and is characterised by lush forests, cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, geothermal hot springs and Glacial lakes, all reflecting the serene beauteousness of the district.
The district offers the opportunity for an awe-inspiring alpine hike, spy rare endangered species and cultural encounters with the indigenous Layap people.
Gasa’s pristine beauty offering a vast array of sightseeing options, coupled with adventure and wildlife activities are pretty much of what Gasa is famed to offer.
Chukha is a significant district nestled in the south west of Bhutan, a hot and wet region celebrated for its hydropower projects and subtropical forests. The two hydropower projects, which are marked as the key sources for the national income are Chhukha Hydro Power Plant and Tala Hydro Power Plant.
Additionally, Chukha is known for its religious significance as well, of having believed to be blessed by numerous revered Buddhist masters.
Karbandi Monastery, Bhutan Gate, ZangtoPelri Lhakhang and Chhukha Dzong are few of the settings that display the Bhutanese architectural brilliance coupled with an amalgamation of modernity and pleasant natural surroundings. The cultural jollification called ChhukhaTshechu Festival is an yearly celebration that unfurls the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom.
Samtse is a district located in southern Bhutan, endowed with abundant natural resources. Religious diversity characterizes Samtse, as Hinduism and Buddhismflourishes alongside each other in this religiously pluralistic district. Tourists and pilgrims will be welcomed by sacred shrines belonging to both the religions all over the mesmerizing forested district.
With Losar, Thrue and Lomba being the vibrant festivals celebrated by the Buddhist community, and Diwali and Dussehra by the Hindus, reflecting the cultural hues of the region.
Samtse is characterised by a rich diversity of floral and faunal species, and the main form of employment remains the agricultural practices. Daina Suspension Bridge, Gomtu Industrial Estate, Shivlaya Mandir, SidhokKhorlo Chorten and Tendu Community Temple are among the popular sites to witness in Samtse.
Phuentsholing is a magnificent viewpoint that serves as a gateway between Bhutan and India. Being positioned on the hilltop, delivers utterly majestic vistas of the Indian plains and the Bhutanese Himalayan foothills. The contrast between the two nations can actually be witnessed from this panoramic viewpoint.
The viewpoint can be accessed via a short hike, upon reaching, one will find a fascinating mix of architectural styles, which can be easily depicted from modern building structures and traditional bhutanese architecture. It is an isolated spot and is adorned with serenity. Enjoying the contrasts of the two nations either at sunrise or sunset, whilst the cold breeze running through the hair is what Phuentsholing's viewpoint is genuinely about. With the majestic backdrop of the mountains just enhancing the overall experience.
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All the festivals celebrated in Bhutan, are the jollifications of Buddhism culture and feature music, dance, religious rituals and special customs.
Along with other festivals like Haa Summer Festival, Thimphu Tshechu, Punakha Tshechu, Punakha Drubchen and DrukWangyel Festival, are all celebrated with great fervour either in monasteries, fortresses or temples, with masked dances performed by the monks and laymen being the highlight of Bhutanese festivals.
The core of adventure tourism in Bhutan revolves around trekking, due to environing stunning mountainous landscapes in its vicinity. Followed by other adventurous activities like mountain biking, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, paragliding, angling, rock climbing, camping and wildlife spotting.
The adventure tourism in Bhutan is a magnet that attracts innumerable adrenaline junkies for a fascinating amalgamation of nerve-wracking and fun-driven activities. Bhutan’s true essence can be appreciated by engaging in either of the mentioned adventurous activities.
The Wellness Tourism in Bhutan is characterised by deeply rooted Buddhist philosophy and its pristine natural environment. The warm and peaceful nature of locals coupled with ancient spiritual roots makes Bhutan an idyllic destination to explore and experience wellness-derived aids for recuperation and relief of mind, body and soul. Meditation, yoga, soaking in healing hot stone baths and using traditional medicine marks as the Popular activities for spiritual travellers and people looking for rejuvenation.
Sowa Rigpa, Hot stone baths and herbal steam therapy are a bunch of Bhutanese traditional healing practices which are featured by detoxifying therapies, herbal infusions and spiritual aids, all reflecting the deep-rooted traditionality of the kingdom. Yoga centers, that facilitate the provision of Yoga retreats through experienced instructors in the Himalayan backdrop.
Meditation retreats that are led by experienced monks as well as wellness experts, are retreats that help participants deepen their meditation practice. These are all the wellness practices that one can be a part of in Bhutan.
Bhutan makes a haven for nature enthusiasts due to its wildlife tourism that revolves around the kingdom’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to witness the flourishing diversity of wildlife.
As one might already be apparent, the wildlife tourism of the kingdom beautifully blends local conservation efforts and a unique environment encapsulating rich wildlife. Bhutan, upon being renowned for its rich biodiversity, offers a vast variation of wildlife tourism experiences to its visitors. Such wildlife tourism experiences include birdwatching, trekking, and sighting a vast array of floral and faunal species in wildlife sanctuaries that the country abodes.
Jigme Dorji National Park, Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Royal Manas National Park, Phobjikha Valley and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary are in the company of top wildlife settings to spot wild animals, endangered aerial species, sight see the vibrant floral species and to dwell in the tranquility of the wildlife.
Eco-Tourism in Bhutan is a path to address conflicts between humans and wildlife, and to improve the livelihoods of rural communities. It emphasizes responsible travel that safeguards the environment, honors the local culture and traditions, and improves the quality of life for its people, guided by the principles of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Bhutan, being a home to a vast network of protected areas, that encapsulates national parks and wildlife sanctuaries; having a diverse range of ecosystems, from subtropical to high alpine; having a vibrant traditional Buddhist culture and a strong commitment of sustainability towards its environment and people legitimately makes Bhutan an idyllic destination for eco-tourism.
In a nutshell, aiming to minimize the environmental impact and maximize benefits for both outsiders as well as the local community, whilst aligning with its Gross National Happiness philosophy (that emphasizes on balancing economic growth with environmental protection and cultural preservation) is what Eco-Tourism particularly in Bhutan is all about. Which ultimately magnetizes a plethora of travellers for such initiatives and vibrancy.
Shopping in Bhutan can be such a wonderful experience for regular as well as occasional shoppers. Norzin Lam Street marks as a celebrated shopping hub, a bustling shopping street positioned in Thimphu, is like a paradise that is flooded with a plethora of artsy elements, traditional clothing, lifestyle products inspired by the culture, along with Lunga Handicraft and Choki Handicrafts. Followed by other shopper’s stop that include Paro and Bhumthang, delivering exquisite jewellery and wool products and a variation of cheese respectively.
One can truly relish their shopping experience in Bhutan whilst having a massive taste of Bhutanese culture and tradition. Upon buying souvenirs and handicrafts, one gets to have an opportunity to support the local businesses as well, as you directly get to contribute to the livelihoods of Bhutanese communities and help preserve their traditional crafts.
Basically, shopping in Bhutan is like a meaningful amalgamation of authentic craftsman brilliance, cultural immersion, supporting the local lifestyle and a worthy retail therapy.
The best time to make a visit to the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” is March, April and May. As this time period marks the peak season to enjoy all the cherished activities that Bhutan has to offer, with mild weather conditions making it ideal for cultural explorations and outdoor activities like trekking, hiking etc. Additionally, the ice melts and the vicinity flourishes with flowers, making Bhutan, a sightseeing spectacle.
October to February, may also be an idyllic time period for cultural devotees, as the winter time period brings along various winter festivals. With cold weather conditions and comparatively less crowd, makes Bhutan ideal for honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway.
Although Bhutan can be reached either by Air, Road or Rail. But, the most efficient way to reach the landlocked country is via Air.
By Airways:Paro International Airport marks as the only airbase nestled in the Paro region of Bhutan. Flying directly to this airport is the most-convenient way to land in the landlocked country, as it connects regular flights from all the major cities of India.
By Railways: Since Bhutan does not have any train connectivity yet, one needs to reach either of the two railway stations in Northern Bengal called New Jalpaiguri and New Alipurduar. Once deboarded, embark on a car ride which will lead to Bhutan.
By Roadways: The road travel to Bhutan can be done via going through the Phuentsholing border, crossing from Jaigaon in India. India has three border points on roads with Bhutan, but Phuentsholing border is the most preferred. Road travel is a great way if someone wants to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
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According to the regulations for Indian citizens traveling to Bhutan, one does not require a Visa. But for visa-free access, a person still needs to have an entry permit to visit Bhutan. As the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949 facilitates unrestricted travel between the two nations, however, a need for a permit comes along, upon arrival at the Paro International Airport. Permits are issued by the Department of Immigration at the Phuentsholing Pedestrian Terminal upon presentation of a valid travel document.
Indian tourists are required to pay Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per person per night.
Basically, the gateway to Bhutan will necessitate a visa only for visitors from foreign lands accessing. International travellersmay apply for the Bhutan Visa online, Bhutanese Department of Immigration website, is marked as the most convenient online portal facility that allows oneself to submit the application through tour operators, hotels, and tour guides in Bhutan. Obtaining the visa requires a substantial amount of valid documentation, and processing a complete application takes up to five days.
Bhutan’s Official Visa Website - visit.doi.gov.bt
To apply for a visa online, one will need to submit the following documents:
In a nutshell, visitors from India require a permit. One may apply for this before expediting to Bhutan to avoid a long waiting list that depends on the number of applicants at the moment. If one is travelling with a tour operator or staying at a hotel, they can apply on your behalf. No advance fee is required to pay.
Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives, followed by other foreign land travellers will highly fall for a need of a visa. This process is identical to the one for Indian citizens. One may apply and pay the relevant SDF onlineand secure travel insurance prior to the departure, or can choose to handle this upon arrival.
It is always advised to arrange either a permit or visa beforehand, to eliminate the last-minute hassle.
The average cost of a Bhutan Tour Package is highly variable on several factors that envelopes; duration of the trip, type of accommodation, time of the year, number of members involved, followed by the package inclusions and customizations. A 7-day trip can start from budget friendly to mid-range to luxury packages, with approximate cost ranging from as low as 30,000 to as high as 1,50,000 per person.
The best time to visit Bhutan is generally considered to be the spring and autumn seasons. March and April makes an idyllic time for blooming of Rhododendrons for botanical enthusiasts, and the pleasant weather conditions make it perfect for adventure activities. Whereas, the sunny and bright weather from September to November makes it ideal for sightseeingand spotting wildlife. Also, spring and autumn is when most of the major Bhutanese festivals, like the Paro Tshechu and Thimphu Tshechu take place.
The guidelines for Indian nationals to visit Bhutan does not necessitate a visa. As the India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty of 1949 facilitates unrestricted travel between the two nations. However, one needs to have an entry permit to visit Bhutan. The permit can be issued by the Department of Immigration in the Pedestrian Terminal at Phuentsholing considering a valid Travel Document.
One can apply for the Bhutan Visa online in the most convenient way, Bhutanese Department of Immigration website allows oneself to submit the application through tour operators, hotels, and tour guides in Bhutan. The process is carried out by a requirement of a considerable amount of valid documents with the processing time of a correctly filed application of up-to five days for the provision of visa.
In order to truly relish the Bhutan Tourism which is embedded with tradition, culture and pristine beauty, most recommend spending 7 to 10 days in the country to appreciate all the comprehensive key highlights leading to lasting impressions and memories.
Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery), Punakha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong, The National Memorial Chorten, The Buddha Dordenma statue, National Museum of Bhutan and Dochula Pass are a handful of the plethora of top attractions you must visit on the Bhutan sightseeing tour.
Indeed, Bhutan is usually safe for solo travelers, women and any other type of traveller, as the country is renowned for its civic sense,hospitable locals and low crime rate. But considering the overall safety aids, one has got to be anyway aware of the surroundings and have got to stay vigilant. Hiring a guide may facilitate proper provision of enjoyment.
There is a wide array of direct flights from India to Bhutan. Delhi International Airport, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport are in the fold of top airbase in India that supports the regular departure of Direct flights to Paro, which is Bhutan's only international airport.
Bhutan has diverse weather conditions circulating all year round. The weather is usually not unpredictable, but varies significantly by altitude and geographical features. And is furthermore commonly influenced by the four seasons; spring, summer, autumn and winter.
Here are quick links to explore the Bhutan Tours Online website and find important information about Bhutan travel, tourism, and holiday packages.