Bhoutan Express
In the heart of the Himalayas, Bhoutan reveals its hanging 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 mentality of "profit at any cost," unlike many other countries on the Asian continent. This land preserves its tradition while opening itself 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 heart of public policies. Tourism itself is regulated by a daily tax designed to preserve the country's balance, voluntarily limiting visitor flows. Bhutan fiercely upholds its cultural heritage, its natural resources and its way of life closely linked to Buddhism. The forest covers 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 Chorten Memorial, built in tribute to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and the Buddhist temple of Changangkha Lhakhang dating from the 15th century. We continue our tour at the Textile Museum to learn the national art of weaving. We then head to Bhoutan's apprenticeship school for local artists: the School of the Thirteen Arts and Crafts.
In the evening, we explore the city of Thimphu, the handicraft stands 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. It was built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is now an important teaching and retreat center for the Southern sect of Drukpa Kagyu.
After lunch, we visit a traditional paper-making industry, the Takin National Reserve and the Zihlukha convent. The latter boasts being a must-see 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.
Route 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 road that crosses the cold region to reach the warm region of Thimphu, which takes on a tropical appearance 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 in Bhoutan. In the evening, we visit a traditional house in the village.
After breakfast, we head to Phobjikha, the valley where vast wintering grounds for rare and endangered cranes extend across Bhoutan.
Route to Paro
One-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 valley wars in 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 the 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 Tiger's Nest, the picturesque symbol of Bhutan. It is the most important site in the country, having once sheltered 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 driven to the international airport to catch 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
- Transports non mentionnés
- Unmentioned Excursions
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- 3* hotel accommodation (based on 2 people per room)
- Full board
- Entrance fees for activities
- English-speaking experienced guide (a supplement is required for an English-speaking guide)
- All transport
- 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
Oui, tous les voyageurs étrangers doivent obtenir un visa bhoutanais et s'acquitter d'une Sustainable Development Fee (environ 100 USD par jour). Le visa est obtenu via une agence locale agréée (obligatoire) avant l'arrivée. Notre équipe s'occupe de l'ensemble des démarches pour vous.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Le Bhoutan pratique un tourisme de haute qualité à forte valeur ajoutée. Comptez entre 300 et 450 euros par jour et par personne, incluant la SDF, hébergement, repas, transports, guide francophone et activités. Les vols internationaux (1000-1400 euros A/R) via Delhi ou Bangkok sont en supplément.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
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
