Discover the Kingdom of Bhutan
An Exclusive and Authentic Experience
A rich tapestry of ethnicities, all proudly Bhutanese
You’ll meet Tshanglas in the east, Ngalops in the west and Lhotshampas in the fertile foothills of the south, as well as Bumthaps and Khengpas, Brokpas and Bramis, Kurtoeps, Doyas and Monpas. Nineteen languages are spoken here, including English – the language used in the Bhutanese school system. Our peaceable Buddhist nation embodies deeply ingrained values: compassion, inclusivity and hospitality.
Proud of our heritage and building a thriving future
Our history is both ancient and recent, and weaves together folklore and fact. Perched high in the Himalayas, Drukyul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, existed almost undisturbed for centuries, allowing unique traditions and ways of life to flourish. Today, we are focused on the future, investing in education, technology and infrastructure that firmly establish Bhutan as a global force.
Uniquely independent and determinedly democratic
Although our land has been inhabited for thousands of years, our nationhood is relatively recent. We are always evolving: our country was unified four centuries ago, our monarchy is 100 years old and our democracy 14. We have always been proudly independent, committed to the development of our nation and our people, and a friend to the world
From rural homes to restaurants, Bhutan is full of flavour
Hospitality and food are inextricably linked here. Whether in the remotest valley or the chicest restaurant, many of the same ingredients are used to conjure astonishingly diverse creations: cheeses of yak or cow milk, red rice, butter, buckwheat and always, always chillies. Chillies of every possible type and permutation – red or green, dried, in pastes or sambals – are the nation’s favourite vegetable, making our warm welcome a literal one.
Soothe your spirit or test your mettle – or both
Bhutan offers thrillingly contrasting experiences for body and soul, often simultaneously. Strenuous climbs or sound healing, white-water rafting or hot-stone bathing, mountain biking or meditation – the choices are as varied as the terrain, and as certain to salve spirits and promote relaxation.
Alongside culture-packed cities, rural life quietly unfolds
The streets of Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing bustle with locals working and socialising, and guests exploring markets and museums. Meanwhile, in tranquil valleys and on vertiginous hillsides, people churn milk into butter, gather wild greens from the forest, and chat over suja, or butter tea. There’s a pace – and a place – for everyone.
An unrivalled variety of landscapes and life
Given Bhutan’s lowland valleys and snow-capped peaks that easily reach 7,000m above sea level, it’s possible to pass through several climates in a day. There are lush, subtropical dells, pine-forested hillsides and mountain glaciers – and at every elevation, the landscape teems with wildlife. With more than 70% of our territory swathed in pristine woodland, biodiversity thrives here. This is nature at its wildest
Meet masters of contemporary culture and ancient art forms
Over centuries of seclusion, we developed unique cultural pursuits that continue to evolve today – like archery or da, the national sport and the focus of regular, raucous (and highly competitive) tournaments. Thirteen protected arts and crafts – zorig chusum – from ceramics to blacksmithing, and sculpture to carpentry, have been passed down. This vibrant legacy has created a culture that’s tangible everywhere from the humblest home to the most important dzong. Young artists develop contemporary works at not-for-profit arts organisation Voluntary Artists Studio, Thimphu (VAST), while classically trained weavers collaborate with emerging designers.
Visa
Visa Requirements for International Travellers; For international tourists, obtaining an e-Visa in advance is essential. Travellers can apply for the visa online, but it’s often easier to secure it through a local travel agency in Bhutan. Please note that the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), which is $100 per day, does not cover the visa cost. An additional one-time visa fee of $40 is required.
Bhutan Walkers, a local tour operator, is here to assist you with your e-Visa permits for your Bhutan adventure.
Accommodation
Bhutan offers a diverse range of accommodations, from simple traditional farmhouses to luxurious five-star resorts. The government mandates that only hotels rated three stars and above are permitted to host tourists who pay the standard tariff. Many of these hotels feature a blend of contemporary design and traditional Bhutanese architecture, with modern amenities. In recent years, several high-end luxury hotels like COMO Uma, Zhiwa Ling, Pemako, Amankora, Le Meridien, and Six Senses have opened, which require a supplementary fee on top of the standard tariff. Beyond the star-rated hotels, visitors can also stay in family-run eco-lodges, heritage lodges converted from old houses, or farmhouses, which offer a unique opportunity to experience daily Bhutanese life. While accommodations in the less-visited eastern part of the country may be simpler than in the west, all trekkers are provided with weatherproof tents and camping equipment (excluding sleeping bags), as there are no tea houses or lodges on the trekking trails like in other Himalayan regions.
Transport
We use vehicles made in Japan and Korea. For three to five people in a group, we provide comfortable Korean Hyundai H-1 and Toyota Hi-ace buses and for six people and above, we provide AC Toyota coaster buses. Smaller groups of one to two passengers will discover the country in 4WD SUVs cars such as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Korean Tucson, Santa Fe, Creta and Terracan. Not only for sightseeing, those vehicles will ferry you for off-site works like shopping in markets and meeting friends.
Now Bhutan has domestic air service. Drukair flies to Bumthnag (central Bhutan), Yonphula (eastern Bhutan) and Gelephu (southern Bhutan) on certain days. If you love to avoid the long drive, you can opt for domestic flights.
Food
Red rice or white rice form the main body of most Bhutanese meals. It is accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef, chicken and fish are the most common meats while a tasty variety of fresh vegetables are also on the menu. Buckwheat pancakes and noodles are also served in place of rice.
Ema Datshi, a spicy mix of chillies and the delicious local cheese is the national dish of Bhutan. Variations on Ema Datshi include adding green beans, ferns, potatoes and mushrooms. Most hotels will not serve this up to tourists so ask your guide if you want to try. You may also try other Bhutanese specialties, including momos (Tibetan-style dumplings stuffed with pork, beef or cabbages and cheese), phak sha laphu (stewed pork with radish), nor sha huentse (stewed beef with spinach), phak sha phin tshoem (pork with rice noodles) and bja sha maroo (chicken in garlic and butter sauce).
Besides native foods, Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental foods are also readily available.
On trek, you will be supplied with lavish food items and our trained trekking chefs will treat you with delicious and nutritious food at any altitude.
Money
Bhutan’s currency is called Ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged to the Indian rupee. ATMs outlets are available in major towns but they cannot always be relied on for foreign cardholders. The best way is to bring cash dollars and change this at the airport on arrival. Credit cards are accepted at major handicraft stores and some of the larger hotels in Paro and Thimphu but they often charge 3-5% fee. You can cash travellers cheques at any bank and the foreign exchange counter at the airport. You should carry well-known brands like American Express, Visa, Thomas Cook, Citibank or Barclays. The Ngultrum is valueless outside of Bhutan, so make sure you use all or change back excess Ngultrum before you go. Indian rupees can also be used in Bhutan (except 1000 rupee notes).
Dress Code
Respectful casual wear is fine for general touring in Bhutan, and jeans/slacks would be fine. Shorts, skirts and revealing tight clothing are usually not appreciated. Bhutanese dress up formally when they visit Dzongs and temples, and they expect foreigners to do the same. You should wear long pants (even if jeans), shirts with full sleeves, and more formal skirts below the knees when you visit those places. Hats and shoes are not permitted inside Dzongs and temples
Communication
Mobile connectivity is good in all the towns. If you are trekking or travelling on the road between valleys, the network might be bad. Roaming is possible, so check with us to see if your operator has roaming agreement with our operators. If you would like a local number, it is possible to get a local SIM card from the airport and towns.
All the hotels we use have WiFi in their rooms and lobby. WiFi is provided free in most hotels but few hotels levy small charges.
Weather & Clothing
October, November, December, January, February and March will be cold, especially during mornings and evenings, and you need to bring warm clothes. While the months of April, May, June, July, August and September are warmer. In June, July and August rain will hit the ground at anytime after all it is monsoon and rain gear would be necessary.
Prompt and precise service
We feel fortunate to share the beauty of our Himalayan home with you.
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Email:pematenzee@gmail.com / info@bhutanwalkers.com