Bhutan Encounters tour
Bhutan Encounters tour
Bhutan Encounters tour
8 Days Starting and ending in 27.426817,89.417515
Visiting: Bhutan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
150
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This 8-day adventure through Bhutan is a captivating journey through a land where ancient traditions meet modern aspirations. From the moment you arrive at Paro International Airport, often hailed as the world's most beautiful, you'll be immersed in a realm of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.
Explore historic fortresses like Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong, now a museum housing exquisite artifacts. Discover the art of incense making, hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery perched on a cliff, and witness the unique Takin, Bhutan's national animal. Journey over high mountain passes, visit sacred temples, and wander through bustling markets in the capital city of Thimphu.
But this tour offers more than just sightseeing. You'll experience authentic Bhutanese life with a homestay in the Phobjikha Valley, sharing meals and stories with a local family. You'll witness the resilience of Bhutanese architecture at the ruined Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and perhaps even catch the excitement of an archery tournament.
This is a journey that will awaken your senses, challenge your body, and nourish your soul. It's an opportunity to connect with a culture that values happiness and harmony, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
We've carefully selected some of our departure dates to coincide with Bhutan's vibrant tsechus – religious festivals that bring the dzongs (fortresses) to life with colorful masked dances, lively processions, and unique cultural performances. These festivals offer a rare glimpse into Bhutan's spiritual heart and are a truly unforgettable experience.
To ensure you fully immerse yourself in these captivating celebrations, we may adjust the itinerary slightly on these special departure dates. This allows us to maximize your time at the festivals and also takes into account the limited accommodation availability during these popular events.
Flights to Bhutan are available with Druk Air, the national airline, with convenient connections from Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kathmandu.
Want to extend your adventure beyond Bhutan? We offer a range of options to combine this tour with time in Nepal and/or India:
- Temples, Dzongs and Taj - This tour combines our Bhutan Encounters tour with an exploration of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and time visiting Delhi and Agra (including the Taj Mahal) in India.
- Himalayan Kingdoms - This tour add times in Nepal before and after our Bhutan Encounters Tour.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Day 1: Kuzuzangpo La! And Welcome To Bhutan. Afternoon Sightseeing To Ta Dzong: Paro Dzong And Learn The Art Of Incense Making
Prepare to be awestruck as your flight descends into Paro International Airport, a dramatic spectacle that unfolds amidst a breathtaking panorama of Himalayan peaks. This architectural gem, often lauded as the world's most beautiful airport, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the magic that awaits you in Bhutan.
Day 2 : Day 2: Journey Over The Scenic Dochu La Pass: Visit The Fertility-Blessing Chimi Lhakhang Temple.
Today, buckle up for an exhilarating adventure as we ascend the legendary Dochu La Pass, a winding mountain road that climbs through a tapestry of emerald forests to an elevation of 3,050 meters (10,007 feet). Feast your eyes on breathtaking vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks and verdant valleys that unfold with every twist and turn.
Day 3 : Day 3: Walk To Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten: Visit Punakha Dzong And Settle In To Your Phobjikha Valley Homestay
Lace up your boots and get ready for an invigorating morning walk. Our destination: the magnificent Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. But the journey is just as rewarding as the destination itself. We'll follow a scenic trail that winds along the gushing Mo Chhu River, passing through a kaleidoscope of terraced fields bursting with colorful chilies and vegetables. Keep your eyes peeled for playful monkeys swinging through the trees and vibrant birds flitting amongst the blossoms. Reaching the hilltop chorten, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas of the Punakha Valley – the perfect spot to snap some Instagram-worthy photos!
Day 4 : Day 4: Explore Phobjikha Valley On A Nature Walk: Visit The Revered Gangtey Monastery: And Experience Authentic Bhutanese Life With Your Host Family.
Today, immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural riches of the Phobjikha Valley. Embark on a leisurely nature walk through this breathtaking landscape, a haven for a remarkable variety of flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic black-necked cranes, which grace the valley with their presence from October to March after an epic migration over the Himalayas. These elegant birds hold a special place in Bhutanese hearts, and if you're lucky enough to visit in November, you might even witness the vibrant Crane Festival, a celebration of their arrival.
Day 5 : Day 5: Head To Bhutan's Modern Capital Thimphu: Via Wangdue Phodrang Dzong
Today, we embark on a captivating journey that takes us back over the majestic Dochu La Pass, where breathtaking mountain vistas and fluttering prayer flags will once again steal your breath away. But before reaching the bustling capital of Thimphu, we'll take a detour back in time with a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Day 6 : Day 6: Exploring Thimphu: Visit The Memorial Chorten: Folk Heritage Museum: School Of Arts & Crafts & Takin Research Centre
Today promises a captivating exploration of Thimphu's cultural treasures. We begin our journey at the Memorial Chorten, a revered monument that embodies Bhutanese spirituality and architectural grandeur.
Day 7 : Day 7: Hike To Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Drukgyel Dzong And Kyichu Lhakhang. Optional Hot Stone Bath
Rise early, as today we embark on a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most iconic landmark – the breathtaking Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. Prepare your legs and your spirit for an invigorating 2-3 hour hike that winds its way through pine forests and up a steep mountain path. But trust us, every step is worth it! As you ascend, the legendary monastery will slowly reveal itself, perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face 800 meters above the valley floor. This sacred site, steeped in history and legend, attracts pilgrims from all corners of Bhutan and beyond, all drawn to its spiritual aura and unparalleled beauty.
Day 7 : Day 7: Hike To Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). Drukgyel Dzong And Kyichu Lhakhang. Optional Hot Stone Bath
Rise early, as today we embark on a pilgrimage to Bhutan's most iconic landmark – the breathtaking Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. Prepare your legs and your spirit for an invigorating 2-3 hour hike that winds its way through pine forests and up a steep mountain path. But trust us, every step is worth it! As you ascend, the legendary monastery will slowly reveal itself, perched dramatically on a sheer cliff face 800 meters above the valley floor. This sacred site, steeped in history and legend, attracts pilgrims from all corners of Bhutan and beyond, all drawn to its spiritual aura and unparalleled beauty.
Day 8 : Day 8: Free Time In Paro Until Transferring To The Airport For Departure
Your time is free until we transfer you to the airport for departure. We can book your international Druk Air flights into Bhutan and extension options in Kathmandu, Delhi and Bangkok are available to enable connections to your onward flights.
What's Included
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus/people-carrier
Accommodation
3-4 star hotels
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Fully trained English-speaking Bhutanese guides are provided to escort you throughout this tour and many of our travellers consider them a highlight of their tour. Some tours (such as bird watching or trekking tours) will have specialist guides chosen based on the itinerary and activities included on the tour.
At Encounters Travel we only use local Bhutanese guides and drivers. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing. -
Are all entrance fees included in the price?
From September 2022, new Bhutanese government rules apply to both the pricing charged for tourisit visitors to Bhutan, and also to entrance fees. Formerly, entrance fees to Dzongs an dother sites were included in the government royalty charged to all tourists. This is no longer the case and the new USD 200 per night Sustainable Development Fee no longer covers entrance to sites visited. Instead, tourists will now need to pay new entrance fees for various sites visited during their tours. An approximate budget to allow for entrance fees visited on your tour is given in the 'Not Included' section of the tour page.
For your convenience, your tour guide will be happy to collect the entrance fees amount in US Dollars or local currency at the start of the tour and purchase the tickets on your behalf as you go along. However, as many of our tours are designed to be somewhat flexible, the budget given may change slightly depending on the sites visited during your trip. A more detailed list is given below.
USD 1 = approx. NU 80 (so NU 1,000 = approx. USD 12.50)
Commonly visited sites:
Taktshang (Tigers Nest monastery, Paro Valley) - NU 2,000
Kyichu Lhakhang (Paro Valley) - NU 1,000
Rinpung Dzong (Paro) - NU 1,000
Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu) - NU 1,000
Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu) - NU 1,000
Thimphu Memorial Chorten (Thimphu) - NU 1,000
Punakha Dzong (Punakha) - NU 1,000
Chimmi Lhakhang (Punakha Valley) - NU 1,000
Less visited sites:
Dobji Dzong (Paro) - NU 1,000
Jangtsa Dungtseg Lhakhang (Paro Valley) - NU 1,000
Simtokha Dzong (Thimphu) - NU 1,000
Trongsa Dzong (Trongsa) - NU 1,000
Jampa Lhakhang (Bumthang) - NU 1,000
Rinchending Goenpa (Phuntsholing) - NU 1,000
Palden Tashi Choling Shedra (Phuntsholing) - NU 1,000
Note: Children aged 0-5 are exempt from these entrance fees. Children aged 6-17 will pay 50%.
Note: Entrance fees may be imposed at additional sites over time. -
What should I know before I travel?
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information. -
Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary, plus on any additional days if you book your hotel room with us. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Nepal: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Bhutan: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Tibet: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting. In general the lowland regions Bhutan are considered malarial zones, while higher altitudes including central Bhutan including Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang are not. Nepal is considered mainly low risk with prophylactics not normally required.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary. Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
We will arrange your Bhutan for you in advance of your arrival. You will need to provide us with:
a scanned colour copy of your passport identity page (with your photo and personal details). This cannot be a photo showing fingers holding the passport. If you don't have a scanner, then place the passport completely flat and open on a white A4 piece of paper and take a photo of the whole piece of paper with the passport in the middle. That should suffice.
a scanned colour passport photo (digital versions are available from most passport photo machines or shops doing passport photos now)
a copy of your travel insurance policy certificate
Please send these to us as soon as possible after booking or at least 2 months before your arrival. The visa will normally be issued by the Bhutanese authorities around 10 days before your arrival and we will then email it to you. You will need to print the visa out and show it to the Druk Air staff when you check in. No payment is required from you for the visa at this stage or when you arrive in Bhutan - all costs are included in your tour price. .
If you are connecting the tour with Nepal, then Nepal visas are available for most nationalities on arrival in Kathmandu airport for a fee of US$25 for single entry, with an extra $20 charged for a multiple entry visa which will be required for most of our Nepal and Bhutan combination tours. This covers up to 15 days in Nepal (from first arrival to last departure). Single entry visas are also available for $40 (16-30 days) or $100 (31-90 days), again with an extra $20 fee to convert these to multiple entry.
If you are connecting the tour with time in India, then you will need to obtain an Indian visa in advance - these are not available on arrival in Indian airports. We recommend you allow a minimum of 4 weeks to apply for this visa.
If you are connecting the tour with time in Thailand, then many nationalities can arrange a free tourist visa on arrival in Bangkok airport.
Please contact us if you have any questions about visa requirements for your travel plans and nationality. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.