7 Best Tours in Bhutan and Vacation Packages

Bhutan is a land of magic and myth in the laps of the Himalayas which is one of the must-visit countries in the world. Thanks to the unique culture, value, and beautiful natural landscape, Bhutan's journey is unlike any other destination you could have been to.

A mountain paradise, also known as the Land of Thunder Dragon and the happiest country in the world, Bhutan is a treasure of alpine beauty, ancient architecture, untouched landscape and the greatest asset of loyal and helpful people.

Take a journey to this beautiful land and enjoy the Buddhist culture, explore the ancient and intriguing monasteries, walk through the lush forest with varied flora and fauna and interact with the locals. Get a chance to meet the King of Bhutan or hike to the mystical fort of Tiger’s Monastery and discover why Bhutan is the country with the highest Gross Happiness Index.

Here are the top best tours in Bhutan and Vacation packages listed below designed especially for those who want to explore Bhutan at its core. Let’s find out why you can do these trips?

Why Tours In Bhutan

Bhutan is a beautiful country in the high Himalayas whose landscape ranges from the forest in the South to subalpine forest and snowy mountains in the North. Bhutan is also known as the Land of Thunder Dragon where it is predominant by the Buddhists. Bhutan is famous for both the cultural and natural beauty and it is a great privilege to explore the land which is least visited in the world. Here are some of the reasons why you should tour Bhutan:

1. Home of Himalayan Trails

You can hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is situated at the edge of the 3120m cliff. The hike is a challenge yet a rewarding experience to explore the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and views the Paro valley below.

Bhutan is home to the Snowman Trek, one of the difficult trails in Bhutan's Himalayan region. Trekking and adventure enthusiasts can enjoy the Snowman hike or trek along the Bhutan-Tibet border where you have to cross 13 mountain passes.

2. Enjoy the Unique cuisine of Bhutan

Bhutanese cuisine is influenced by the neighboring countries of Nepal, India, and Tibet. You can enjoy food served in wooden kitchenware and relish the taste by hand. Bhutanese food has rice, curries/stews, and vegetables.

Locals love spicy and chili food to warm up their bodies in the cold temperature. Make sure you try out ema datshi- a famous Bhutanese dish with yak’s cheese served with chili peppers.

3. Positive vibes

Bhutan is the only nation in the world where the happiness index is measured. Here, happiness is regarded as more important than any monetary value.

The government of Bhutan takes good care to ensure people are happy and satisfied. The education and healthcare are free and there are various recreational areas for the locals to enjoy and have fun at. It is quite fascinating to see the locals respecting their values and priorities.

4. Off-the-beaten path

Bhutan is considered an isolated country with less than 70000 international tourists that visit Bhutan each year. Bhutan has recently opened for outsiders to explore its beauty. Many people have not discovered the beauty of Bhutan. The good thing is you can enjoy the trails, temples and museums in the lesser crowd during the off-season months such as December/January.

5. Ancient Traditions

Bhutan is untouched by modern technology and remains pristine in terms of its culture, traditions and values. You will feel yourself in a different place, perhaps transported back in time. You can find people using the traditional methods for cooking, farming and doing day to day tasks. The locals wear their traditional attire and ancient festivals are celebrated that have remained since the 16th century.

6. The Dragon Kingdom

Bhutan is a land of magic and myths dominated by the Buddhists. You can find different tales of Buddhism and the history of the country. You can explore the Tigers’ Nest Monastery which was built after Tibetan Buddhist Master Guru Rinpoche flew to this place on a magical tigress. You can find the most famous monk known as the divine madman who is believed to have fought the evil.

7. Green Landscape

Bhutan has strict environmental policies that are the major reason not many tourists are permitted to visit the country. The policy ensures that the surrounding is conserved and remains pristine as possible. Deforestation is only permitted with special permission from the government so that the natural forests cover more than 65 percent of the country.

The trekking trails are also restricted and trekkers are not allowed to wander around. The quality of air in Bhutan is also better due to which it is the only country with a negative carbon footprint. This means that the carbon emission is lower than the oxygen produced by the trees in the country.

8. Eco-tourism

Bhutan's government has a strict policy on tourism so that they can preserve the uniqueness of its natural and cultural beauty. This is the reason why Bhutan has less number of tourists each year as compared to the neighboring countries of India or Nepal.

Bhutan's policy named ’high value, low impact’ is mainly focused on reducing the negative effect of mass tourism. Also, the minimum daily tariff ranges from $200-250 which includes all the lodging, food, vehicle and guide fees.

 All in all, tourists in Bhutan are considered VIPs with quality services.

9. Better Climate

Bhutan has mainly four seasons- summer, winter, autumn, and spring but the temperatures and weather are suitable for exploring and enjoying the country to the fullest. Even during the summer, Bhutan does not have monsoon as harsh as India. You can find little rainfall during the day.

Spring and autumn are considered the best time to travel with warm and sunny weather. In winter, the temperature rarely goes below 10 degrees Celsius in the day meaning, the coldest season is also pleasant and suitable.

10. People and Festival

The Bhutanese are the friendliest and happy people you can ever find in the whole world. They love helping tourists to explore and enjoy the beauty of their country. The locals have a strong belief and respect towards their religion. Thus, they believe that being kind and helping is important. The tourists can feel assured and safe in Bhutan and enjoy their vacation with selecting the festival tour in this peaceful country.

Bhutan is full of captivating heritage and traditions. It has varied festivals every year celebrated by different religions. One of the most colorful religious festivals in Bhutan is Tsechus which is performed in the yards of dzongs of various cities such as Paro and Thimphu.

You can find festivals with traditional mask dance to folk music to unique rituals. You can enjoy the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival and Haa Summer festivals where you can dress in traditional attire, perform a local sport or try out their cuisine.

We have listed out the 7 Best Tours In Bhutan And Vacation Packages that offer the best tours in Bhutan and let you have an unforgettable experience.

1. A Glimpse Of Bhutan Tour - 4 Days

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Overview

The Glimpse of Bhutan Tour offers a rewarding experience to visit the cultural beauty of Bhutan. This tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, diverse culture, traditional architecture and ancient culture. The four-day tour offers an exotic getaway in the western and central region of Bhutan.

The tour covers Bhutan's major tourist attractions- Paro Dzong, Tiger’s Nest Monastery, King’s Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point and Motithang Takin Reserve. Enjoy the beautiful and ancient dzong at Paro and drive to Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu to explore the Kings’ Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicines and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory.

You can explore the cultural embrace and beauty of Bhutan which is untouched by the modern world. On the final day, you hike to the Taktsang Monastery which is situated on the top of the cliff and was a place where Guru Rinpoche meditated after flying on a tiger from Tibet.

Outline Itinerary

2. Bhutan Cultural Tour - 5 Days

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Overview

Enjoy the Bhutan Cultural Tour where you can explore Bhutan's cultural beauty and visit the ancient forts and monasteries that are believed to be built by Buddhist monks with supernatural powers. Relish natural beauty with the Bhutanese and share their stories. The tour offers great insight into the land of Thunder Dragon where you can know what Gross National Happiness really is. 

The journey starts with Paro's exploration and its museum houses where you can find old thangkas, stamps, festival masks, and many more. Later drive to Bhutan's capital city, Thimphu, where you can explore the Kings’ Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicines and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. Enjoy the traditional and local homestay and a hot-stone bath.

Step foot on the high mountain passes Dochula Pass and enjoys the Buddhist relics and murals on your way back. Finally, hike to the incredible Taktsang Monastery situated on the top of a cliff where you can view the Paro Valley below. 

Outline Itinerary

3. Grand Cultural Tour Of Bhutan - 6 Days

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Overview

Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan offers an exotic 6 days trip to witness the Buddhist culture, hospitality and natural vistas. The tour rewards you with the best of Bhutan which is also known as “Land of Thunder Dragon”. It covers the major points and cities such as Paro, Punakha and Thimphu. The tour begins at Paro's amazing valley and lets you visit the ancient monasteries, temples, and monasteries.

The tour package is perfect for those who want to explore and learn more about the Buddhist culture and other cultural sites of Bhutan's mystical country. Grand Cultural Tour of Bhutan tour 6 days is truly an experience to take in. Enjoy the city of Paro and explore the dzongs which are used as the religious, military, social and administrative center of the district. 

View the statue of Guru Rinpoche and Red Tara and move to Thimphu. Here, you visit the Kings’ Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicines and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. Step on the Buddha Point which has 169 foot tall Buddha standing. Later, visit Punakha Dzong and explore the best of Punakha. Step foot on the high mountain passes Dochula Pass and enjoys the Buddhist relics and murals on your way back.

On the last day, take a challenge and hike to the top of the cliff and explore the must-go tourist spot in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery which was a meditating spot for Guru Rinpoche.

Outline Itinerary

4. Western Bhutan Tour - 7 Days

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Overview

Western Bhutan Tour takes you to the important places in western Bhutan. Explore the Last Shangri-La, Bhutan and learn about Buddhism, Buddhist monasteries, arts and architecture. Witness the pristine beauty of nature and culture as you spend a week in the country.

The trip starts in Paro where you will cross the wooden bridge to Paro Dzong. Explore the dzongs which are used as the religious, military, social and administrative center of the district.  View the statue of Guru Rinpoche and Red Tara and move to Thimphu. Here, you visit the Kings’ Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicines and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. Step on the Buddha Point which has 169 foot tall Buddha standing. Later, visit Punakha Dzong and explore the best of Punakha.

Visit Bhutan where the Gross National Happiness is considered important. Hike to the top of a cliff and explore the Tigers’ Nest Monastery and view the Paro valley below. The monastery is said to be the place where Guru Rinpoche had flown on a magical tiger from Tibet. All in all, get the best of Bhutan in just 7 days.

Outline Itinerary

5. Bhutan Heritage Tour - 8 Days

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Overview

Enjoy the Bhutan Heritage Tour where you can explore the traditional architectures, monasteries and encounter the rare Black-necked Cranes. Interact with the locals as you spend the night in the homestay enjoying the Bhutanese hospitality. Explore the old fortresses and Buddhist temples believed to be built by the spiritual leaders. Hike to the lush forest and local markets to experience the culture and heritage of the country. 

The tour includes exploring the Buddhist temple and palace in the country- Kichu Lhakhang and Simtokha Dzong. Step foot on the highest pass in Bhutan, Chelela Pass and hike to the Sky Burial ground.

The trip starts at Paro where you visit the historic sites- Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century by Guru Rinpoche and Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built in the 7th century.

Later move to Thimphu to explore the Kings’ Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicines and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. The tour takes you to Phobjika that offers a site of black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to Bhutan in winter. Later sightsee in Gangtey and head to the Gangtey Monastery which is built in traditional Bhutanese architecture. It was built in the 17th century where you can visit the inner shrine and share stories with the monks. Visit Chimi Lakhang was built in the 14th century to bless women with fertility and is a vital pilgrimage site in Bhutan.

Take a visit to the sky burial ground at Haa via Chele La Pass. Here, you explore the place where the locals leave the dead and scavengers to feed on it. Finally, walk to the clifftop to explore the Taktsang Monastery in Paro where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have flown to on a tiger.

Outline Itinerary

6. Western And Central Bhutan Tour - 9 Days

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Overview

The Western and Central Bhutan Tour offers the cultural beauty of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan is filled with natural beauty and astonishing landmarks. Get the best chance to explore the major cultural sites, heritages and traditions of the Western and Central part of Bhutan. 

The 9 days tour lets you to King’s Memorial Chorten, Tashi Chhoedzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Buddha Point, Gangtey Goenpa, Jakar Dzong, Trongsa Dzong and Taktsang Monastery. The tour takes you to the beautiful Paro Valley and drives to Thimphu to explore the Kings’ Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicines and Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory.

Later, move to Punakha to visit the 108 memorial Chortens and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. Relish the view of the majestic Himalayas from the Dochula mountain pass. In Phobjikha valley, visit the Gangtey Goenpa for the valley's stunning view and encounter the Black Necked cranes moving to the valley in the winter.

Visit ancient sites such as Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, and Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang. On the final day, hike to Taktsang Monastery located in the cliff and is believed to be the meditating spot for Guru Rinpoche who flew on a tiger’s back from Tibet.

Outline Itinerary

7. Bhutan West-East Traverse Tour - 14 Days

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Overview

The Bhutan West-East Traverse Tour is perfect for exploring the beauty of Bhutan in just 2 weeks. It is an amazing journey to Bhutan's major tourist destination that lets you explore the lifestyle of the locals and the Buddhist culture. The Bhutan West-East Traverse is designed for people wanting to explore pristine Bhutan and enjoy the natural landscape and historical stories of Bhutan. Explore the Trashigang, Punakha, Thimphu and Bumthang. 

The tour starts from Guwahati, India where you can enjoy the beauty of the countryside and landscape on your way to Samdrup Jongkhar, Bhutan. Visit some ancient sacred sites of Bhutan namely Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Enjoy the monastery built in 1989, Rangjung Monastery founded by Guru Rinpoche.

Move to Mongar, where you later cross over the high passes of Bhutan, Kori La Pass. Enjoying the serene in Lhuentse, get a chance to talk to the locals and discover weaving of raw silk. On the 6th day, move to central Bhutan where the road goes from Autsho to Bumthang.

Crossing the highest pass of Bhutan, Thrumshing La Pass, enjoy the beautiful mountain views. Head to western Bhutan where you will explore Punakha and visit Trongsa Dzong, Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang.

Enjoy Bhutan's capital, Thimphu, where you can explore the 108 Memorial Chortens and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. Finally, you will sight-see the Tiger’s Monastery which is situated at the top of the cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of the Tiger to mediate at the monastery.

Outline Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get to Bhutan?

There are two ways to get to Bhutan- via flight or overland by road. You can get a flight to the only international airport in Bhutan at Paro which is about an hour drive from Thimphu. Two national airlines fly to Bhutan- Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air. You can easily get the flight from the cities such as Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kolkata, New Delhi, Singapore, Yangoon and Dhaka. 

If you want to take on adventures, you can choose to travel to Bhutan overland by road from India. You can cross the main border of Jaigaon-Phuentsholing or Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

2. Which is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Bhutan tour is suitable all-around the year, but the best season is in March to May and autumn months of September to November. 

Summer: If you want to explore the beautiful mountains and green landscape near the site, you can visit Bhutan in the summer. The summer starts from June to August. The temperature ranges from 23 to 24 degrees Celsius by day and 15 to 16 degrees Celsius by nighttime. The weather is humid and has a mild afternoon shower. You can also explore the Haa Festival celebrated in the higher altitude region. You can talk to people and get to know about their lifestyle and traditions.

Winter: Winter starts from December to February with the temperature at 0 degrees in Paro, Bumthang and Thimphu. The climate is dry where you can enjoy mild snowfall in places like Thimphu and Paro. You can see the majestic mountains up close on the northern side of Bhutan. You can explore Punakha Dromche and Tshechu. The locals of Bhutan's eastern and central side migrate to avoid the extreme cold and heavy snowfalls.

Spring: The spring starts from March to May and the temperature goes from 23-27 degrees Celsius and can drop to 18 degrees Celsius at night time. It is one of the best times to explore Bhutan as the climate is appropriate and clear. It is perfect for trekking as well. You can see the Jacaranda flower in Bhutan and a great chance to meet Bhutan’s King during Paro Tshechu. You can find crowded trails in this season as many people come here to explore Bhutan in the spring.

Autumn: Autumn is another wonderful time to explore Bhutan. Autumn is from September to November where the temperature ranges at about 25 degrees in September and falls to 10 degrees in November in the valley areas. The climate is warm, sunny, and clear. There are no chances of rainfall. You can also enjoy festivals such as the Black-Necked Crane Festival around the gorgeous Phobjikha Valley and the Thimphu Tshechu around Thimphu.

Recommended Read: Best Time To Visit Bhutan

3. How many days are enough in Bhutan?

To visit every place in Bhutan, you will need more than a month. However, popular destinations are in limited cities so around one week is perfect for visiting and exploring Bhutan.

4. Is hotel booking required for Bhutan permit?

You need to compulsorily book the hotels, vehicles and a tour guide through the authorized tour operator as they need to submit all the details while filling the form.

An online permit will not work for budget travelers who are planning to tour on your own. Because of the Tourism Board of Council's restriction, licensed tour operators are not allowed to deal with anything below the 3-star hotels. They also must offer a private vehicle and a full-time tour guide.

5. What currency is used in Bhutan?

The Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum and the value is the same as the Indian currency. You can use the Indian rupee in Bhutan but Ngultrum cannot be used in India. You can find a limited number of ATMs in Bhutan which is listed here: ATM Locations and Currency in Bhutan.

6. What’s the food like in Bhutan?

Bhutanese believe that food without chili is no good. It means you will find chili and spicy foods in breakfast, snacks, and lunch, and even dinner. If you do not like spicy food, you can order non-spicy food. Buffet meal at Bhutan has one meat dish and vegetarian cuisines along with rice. You can find cakes and sweets in a few limited hotels.

Also, smoke cigarettes can be expensive as it will include a 200% tax. You are not allowed to smoke in public and can be fined if you do.

7. Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?

Everyone who wants to travel to Bhutan needs a visa in advance except for passport holders from Maldives, India, and Bangladesh as they can get a free entry permit on arrival. For other citizens, the visa cost is $40 along with a sustainable Development fee of $65. The visas must be applied in advance from a registered tour operator registered under the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

Make sure you make the arrangements at least 3 months before for all the formalities to be cleared. The visa is processed by the tour operator and approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan after the trip's cost is paid. Tourists will receive a visa clearance letter which is shown at the immigration upon arrival. The Bhutan visa is then stamped in the passport.

8. Is there a limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan each year?

No, there is no limit on the number of tourists that can enter Bhutan in a year. To protect and conserve the culture and natural beauty, the government has adopted a unique “High Value, Low Impact” policy. It focuses on attracting tourists that respect the culture of Bhutanese people while exploring the beautiful country.