Bhoutan Express
In the heart of the Himalayas, Bhutan reveals its suspended monasteries and sacred valleys preserved from time.
Duration
8 days
From
€2,490/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Bhutan has set aside the "profit at all costs" mentality, unlike many other countries on the Asian continent. This land preserves its tradition while opening up to the world and the flow of modernization. The country has, for example, chosen to measure its prosperity through the concept of Gross National Happiness rather than through GDP alone, a unique approach in the world that places the well-being of inhabitants at the center of public policies. Tourism itself is regulated by a daily tax intended to preserve the country's balance, voluntarily limiting visitor flows. Bhutan fiercely maintains its cultural heritage, its natural resources and its way of life closely linked to Buddhism. Forests cover more than 70% of the territory, a figure enshrined in the Constitution as a sustainable environmental commitment for future generations.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu
After settling into the hotel, we begin to discover the wonders of Bhoutan by touring the important sites of its capital Thimphu.
After lunch, we visit the Memorial Chorten, built in tribute to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the Buddhist temple of Changangkha Lhakhang dating from the fifteenth century. We continue our journey to the Textile Museum to learn about the national art of weaving. We then head to Bhoutan's learning school for local artists: the School of the Thirteenth Arts and Crafts.
In the evening, we explore the city of Thimphu, craft stalls and the century-old weekend farmers market.
We land at Paro international airport. We meet our guide who will accompany us on a short one-hour walk, through the valleys along the Paro and Thimphu rivers, to the city of Thimphu, capital of Bhoutan, at 2,320 m.
Hiking to Cheri Monastery
In the morning, we head north of the Thimphu valley (15 km) and enjoy a walk lasting 30 to 45 minutes to the Cheri monastery. This was founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is today an important teaching and retreat center for the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect.
After lunch, we visit a traditional papermaking industry, the Takin National Reserve and the Zihlukha convent. The latter boasts being an unmissable attraction in Bhoutan, ideal for taking beautiful photos and meeting the nuns. We also have the opportunity to learn more about the lifestyle of Bhutanese Buddhist monks.
Road to Punakha
Upon our arrival in Punakha, we visit the Chimmi Lhakhang, after 45 minutes of hiking. The name of the monastery literally translates to "Abundance of fertility".
In the afternoon, we explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, nestled between the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, and the Punakha suspension bridge which will surely delight photography enthusiasts.
After breakfast, we travel by car from Thimphu to Punakha. We take the national highway which crosses the cold region to reach the warm region of Thimphu, which takes on a tropical aspect in the Punakha Valley. Along the way, we stop at the Dochula pass to admire the wonderful 108 stupas and enjoy a coffee break.
Visit to Gangtey Valley, the Little Switzerland of Bhutan
After reaching Phobjikha, we visit the Gangtey Monastery. The building overlooks the wetlands surrounded by farms and forest areas. All of this makes Phobjikha an incredibly beautiful and sacred valley. Then, we continue hiking through the Gangtey natural trail for one and a half hours. It is the most beautiful and shortest of the natural trails existing in Bhoutan. In the evening, we visit the traditional house in the village.
After breakfast, we head towards Phobjikha, the valley where vast winter nesting grounds of rare and endangered cranes extend in Bhoutan.
Route to Paro
Day Excursion to Paro
Today, we have a full day to visit the Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. We continue our exploration at Ta Dzong (the watchtower), a clock tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. We also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred sanctuaries in the kingdom, dating from the 7th century. Finally, we head to Drukgyel Dzong built in 1646, with a charming village nestled at its feet.
Tiger's Nest Trek
After breakfast, we set off on a hike towards the Tiger's Nest, Bhutan's picturesque symbol. It is the most important site in the country, having once housed the famous Tiger of Taktshang. The site is located on the edge of a steep cliff, 300 m above the Paro valley.
In the afternoon, we rest at the hotel. Some of us choose to explore the nearby villages.
Good to see you again and see you soon!
We are dropped off at the international airport to take our respective flights.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Beverages not included / alcohols
- Phone calls
- Unlisted transports
- Excursions not mentioned
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- Accommodation in 3* hotels (based on 2 people per room)
- Full board
- Entry fees for activities
- Experienced English-speaking guide (a supplement is required for an English-speaking guide)
- All transportation
- Government tax and other taxes
- Visa fees
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below provides entry requirements for tourists traveling to Bhutan. Entry regulations may change, and you are strongly advised to verify all information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Bhutan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Bhutan for tourism purposes. There is no visa exemption for tourist stays.
The visa is issued exclusively through the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and only via an authorized tourism operator. Independent travel is not permitted: all tourist visits must be arranged through a certified travel agency, which will handle the visa application on your behalf.
The visa is granted for the duration of your planned stay, generally up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension upon request to the competent authorities.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All foreign visitors must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a daily charge established by the Bhutanese government to support sustainable development and environmental protection.
The current SDF rate is 100 USD per person per night. This fee is typically included in the package offered by the authorized tourism operator and generally covers:
basic accommodation,
meals,
an authorized official guide,
internal transportation.
Payment of the SDF is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Bhutanese visa.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own Bhutanese visa.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization or exit permit may be required depending on the regulations of the country of residence.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required for entry to Bhutan. However, due to the high altitude of many regions in the country, it is advisable to consult a doctor before departure to take appropriate precautions, particularly against altitude sickness. Travel and medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. All travelers are advised to verify the specific requirements for their country by contacting the embassy or consulate of Bhutan in their country of residence, or by visiting the Tourism Council of Bhutan website.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Supplementary Bank Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, all foreign travelers must obtain a Bhutanese visa and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (approximately 100 USD per day). The visa is obtained through an approved local agency (mandatory) before arrival. Our team handles all the formalities for you.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
Bhutan practices high-quality tourism with strong added value. Budget between €300 and €450 per day and per person, including the Daily Tariff, accommodation, meals, transport, English-speaking guide and activities. International flights (€1000-1400 return) via Delhi or Bangkok are additional.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You fine-tune every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Thimphu Capital
Keeper of Himalayan Traditions, based in Thimphu
Bhutan is a country that moves at its own pace, trying to preserve what truly matters. It's this harmony between nature, culture, and spirituality that I love sharing with travelers.
— Yangchen
