Planning a trip to Bhutan can be an enchanting experience, offering a mix of profound cultural immersion, spiritual rejuvenation, and breathtaking natural landscapes. Bhutan’s strict Updated Bhutan tourism policies, focusing on sustainability and cultural preservation, mean that all tours must be booked through registered bhutan tour operators and include a daily fee that covers accommodation, transportation, a guide, and meals. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to plan and what to expect from a typical trip to Bhutan package.
Choosing the Right Bhutan Tour Package
1. Type of Package:
- Cultural Tours: Explore Bhutan’s rich history and vibrant culture through visits to dzongs (fortresses), monasteries, and museums. These tours often include witnessing festivals and exploring local markets.
- Trekking Tours: For the adventurous, trekking tours provide access to some of the most unspoiled parts of the Himalayas, with routes like the Jomolhari Trek or the Druk Path Trek.
- Wellness and Meditation Retreats: These packages are designed around relaxation and spiritual growth, featuring stays in serene locations, meditation sessions, and wellness activities like yoga and traditional Bhutanese spa treatments.
- Nature and Wildlife Tours: Aimed at nature lovers, these packages focus on Bhutan’s diverse wildlife and unique ecosystems, often including visits to national parks like Jigme Dorji National Park.
2. Customization:
- Tailored Itineraries: Most tour operators offer customizable packages that can be adjusted based on your interests, the time of year, and the length of your stay.
3. Duration and Timing:
- Duration: Typical tour packages range from a short 3-day tour to an extensive 2-week exploration.
- Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Bhutan are during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is favorable for both cultural tours and trekking.
What’s Included in a Bhutan Tour Package
1. Visa Arrangements:
- Bhutan requires all tourists (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives) to have a visa, which is typically arranged by your tour operator and included in the package cost.
2. Flights:
- International flights to and from Bhutan’s Paro International Airport are not usually included in the package price but can be booked by tour operators at an additional cost.
3. Accommodation:
- Packages generally include accommodation ranging from comfortable 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star resorts. Homestays and boutique hotels offer a more immersive experience.
4. Meals:
- All meals are typically included. This gives travelers a chance to try a wide range of Bhutanese dishes in various settings, from hotels to local restaurants and even picnic lunches during treks.
5. Transportation:
- All internal transportation is included. This covers a private vehicle with a driver for the duration of your stay.
6. Guide Services:
- A licensed Bhutanese guide will accompany you throughout your trip, providing insights into the local culture, history, and traditions.
7. Entrance Fees:
- Fees for all sightseeing spots, museums, monuments, and parks are included in the package.
8. Daily Tariff:
- Part of the package cost goes towards a daily tariff imposed by the Bhutanese government, which covers services like road maintenance, education, and healthcare, contributing to the country’s sustainable development goals.
Booking Your Trip
- Choose a Reputable Operator: Ensure that you book through a Bhutanese government-accredited tour operator. This guarantees quality service and compliance with local laws.
- Plan Ahead: Given Bhutan’s popularity and the limited number of tourists allowed each year, it’s wise to book your trip several months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak festival seasons.
A trip to Bhutan offers an opportunity to disconnect from the fast-paced modern world and immerse yourself in a deeply preserved culture, set against the backdrop of the magnificent Himalayas. By choosing the right package and planning with care, you can ensure a journey that not only meets your expectations but also contributes positively to this unique country’s preservation and sustainability.