WESTERN BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR

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Region
Sightseeing Tours of Bhutan
Duration
7 Days

7 days cultural tour in western Bhutan is a perfect tour package if you are considering to explore the beautiful Bhutan. The essence of modernization in Bhutan has a blend of tradition and thus, it is exciting to explore the country whose own tradition has mixed so well with the current development of technology. The country has great prospects for fine arts as well as the houses built with classical design. Furthermore, the pagoda styled built temples, zhongs, monasteries and gompas are interesting and beautiful. 

Through 7 days cultural tour in western Bhutan, explore the music, dance, handicrafts, arts and architectures of the country and partake in local festivals and functions to know more about the culture and tradition of Bhutan. The tradition of fine arts is still alive and aesthetically beautiful. Get around the city of Paro, Thimpu and other major cities to explore these unparalleled beauty displayed in the houses, fortresses, monasteries, monuments and shrines. 

Likewise, the fine arts showcased on the walls, doors, windows in the form of shapes and colors and patterns are part of the culture of Bhutan. See more of this skillful beautiful arts manifested in the buildings and monasteries of Bhutan through 7 days cultural tour in western Bhutan with Himalayan Social Journey.

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Outline Itinerary ( 7 Days ) Expand all +

Arrive Paro International Airport During the journey to Paro

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Paro - Sightseeing

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Thimphu - Sightseeing

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Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km)

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After an early breakfast, drive to Chuzomsa - 16kms. distance.

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After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town.

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Paro - International Airport

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Departures & Availability

Personal Information

Additional information

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. The personal information you provide will be kept confidential and will not be shared with a third party.

Include / Exclude

  • Accommodation at three star standard hotel on twin sharing basis.
  • All Three Meals with evening tea
  • Road Permit / Special Permits/ Taxes
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
  • Museum Fees
  • SUV car with Driver
  • Bhutan visa ( $40)
  • Personal expenses and alcoholic drinks
  • Flight to and from Paro (Bhutan)
  • Single Room Supplement Charge USD 30 per night
  • SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) US$ 800
  • Any other extra services not noted above

Additional Information

Essential Info Expand all +

A visa is needed to enter Bhutan but it is not issued abroad. Visas will be stamped in your passport upon arrival in Paro, cost $40 US and are not included in your tour payment. We will obtain your visa for you. What time of year is best for traveling to Bhutan? It is recommended that you consult a weather service immediately before you leave for your trip for precise information.
For processing visa we need to have clear passport photocopy (photo should be very clear) of the clients 15-20 days prior to the travel date. All tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) who wish to travel to Bhutan require a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutan tour Operator Company or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)). All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan.

Visas are processed through an online system by your Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Payment: Since the Department of Tourism issues visa only upon receipt of full payment in advance, tour payment has to be transferred to our account at least 3 weeks before the travel date. Airfare needs to be sent at the time of issuing tickets. Flight booking: We need complete names (as in the Passport) of the clients to book seats. Without names it is not possible to book seats. Ticketing Time Limit (TTL) is given & we need to issue the ticket within TTL expires.

Cancellation policy on Tour: Once visa is processed & tour programmes booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to the following charges:

A) WITHIN 30 DAYS OF START OF PROGRAM - NO CHARGE ( EXCEPT FLIGHT TICKET CANCELLATION)

B) WITHIN 21 DAYS - 10% OF THE RATE

C) WITHIN 14 DAYS - 15% OF THE RATE

D) WITHIN 7 DAYS - 30% OF THE RATE

E) LESS THAN 7 DAYS OR CANCELLATION - 50% OF THE RATE

F) LESS THAN 2 DAYS OR CANCELLATION WITHOUT NOTICE - 100% OF THE RATE

Cancellation policy on Airfare:

a) Before 30days: no cancellation charge but have to pay US$ 25 per person as documentation charge.

b) 11-30days: 50% cancellation on airfare + US$ 25 per person as documentation charge.

c) 10-04 days: 75% cancellation + US$ 25 per person as documentation charge.

d) Below 03days: 100% cancellation

Note: The above given rates are based on the present Govt. rates. If there is any change in the Govt. rates, we have to revise our costs accordingly.

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In general, the best and most popular times of the year to visit Bhutan are March to May and September to November. The weather is mild during these months and many of the large festivals take place during these seasons. Spring can be cloudier and have more rain than autumn, but the wildlife and flowers are at their most vivid. If your tour dates overlap with a major festival, we recommend you book at least 3-6 months in advance as it can be difficult to confirm flights and hotels. Even though the summer monsoon season and winter are not highly recommended for travel to Bhutan, it doesn’t mean you can’t book a tour for this time. The winter months of December to February are recommended for those who want to get the most out of their trekking as the skies are at their clearest and offer the best views of the mountains with very few other tourists present. However, winter can be very cold and it can be difficult to access some areas due to snowfall

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We have carefully selected government-approved accommodations with the best location, service, ambience and cuisine. Our standard range of hotels is clean, comfortable, simply furnished and generally rated tourist class or about 3-star. Most of these hotels and lodges are built in Bhutan’s traditional architectural style. Some hotels offer Internet access and all have hot water and private baths. See individual program descriptions for details. For a person applying alone, we will do its best to find a roommate, if you request one. However, if no roommate can be found, the participant will be subject to any supplemental room charges applicable. For those travelers who prefer to experience Bhutan in luxury we offer a boutique range of luxurious lodges and resorts such as Uma Paro, Zhiwa Ling Resort, Taj Tashi and the Aman Kora. Some of these include spa and yoga facilities. We can mix and match your accommodation to suit your itinerary and complement your style of travel.

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Tourist hotels generally present meals in a buffet selection, and provide a choice of Bhutanese, Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Continental food. Most meals are served with rice, either white or the wholesome local red variety and dal. Although traditional Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot, dishes at hotels are tempered to tourist’s tastes.

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It is usually possible to have clothes washed and ironed in one day. Dry cleaning is possible with every lodge and hotel that has been approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.

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Officially 220 volts is supplied by the Department of Power. But the power supply can fluctuate. Some hotels and lodges don’t have American plug points or converters, so it is recommended that you bring a converter with you.

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Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of G.M.T. and half an hour ahead of India

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The national currency is the Ngultrum (Nu). 100 Chetrum = 1 Nu. Exchange rate is approximately $1US = 45 Nu (subject to change). You may view current exchange rates Indian Rupees circulate at par. If you plan to make a large purchase of items such as textiles or artwork, most outlets dealing in these goods accept US dollars as well as credit cards (other than limited Handicraft stores and large Thimphu hotels, credit card acceptance is very limited). Alternatively, you can change currency (preferably US dollars, UK Pounds and the Euro) or cash traveler’s cheques at most hotels, the currency exchange counter at Paro International Airport and the Thimphu branch of the Bhutan National Bank. As your trip to Bhutan is fully prepaid, you should not need much money other than to pay for drinks, laundry, souvenirs and tips.

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Telephone and fax services are available in all towns in Bhutan. International connections are excellent. You can also buy a mobile phone kit (SIM card and phone number) from numerous outlets. Internet and e-mail facilities are widely available in most towns and in some case your hotel. You can also send postal mail reliably from hotels and post offices.

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We are committed to providing the best services which will give you a once in a life time journey. We perform our duties honestly & seriously to make your journey very smooth & pleasant. However, the entire programs in Nepal and Bhutan are conducted strictly under the rules and regulation of their own policies. Therefore Himalayan Social Journey shall not be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstance such as govt. restriction, Land slide, road blockage, flood, snow political unrest, cancellation of flight, delay, sickness or accident, Any extra cost incurring there of shall be borne by the clients on the spot.

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Important Information Expand all +

There are three ways to get a visa for Nepal

  • Visa on arrival: You can get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu or other designated entry points. The visa fee is USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, or USD 125 for 90 days.
  • Online application: You can apply for a visa online through the Nepal Immigration website. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np .The visa fee is the same as for visa on arrival.
  • Nepalese Embassy or Consulate: You can also apply for a visa at a Nepalese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. The visa fee may be different, so check with the embassy or consulate.

Visa requirements

  • Passport valid for at least six months from your planned entry date into Nepal.
  • Visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photo (Bring 4 )

Gratis Visa (Visa for Free)

Gratis Visa is issued free of cost in case of following categories of Visa applicants:

  • Children below 10 years except US citizens
  • Up to 30 days for SAARC Citizen - Bangladesh , Bhutan, India , Maldives , Pakistan , Sri-Lanka  (except Afghanistan) visiting Nepal for the first time in a given visa Year. Afghan citizen are eligible for Gratis Visa on Arrival only upon the recommendation of Department of Immigration. If you are an Afghan citizen, you can request concerned institution inviting you to Nepal for necessary paperwork with Department of Immigration to get you Gratis Visa 'On Arrival'.
  • Non Residential Nepalese(NRN) card holder ( issued by MoFA /Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad)
  • Chinese Nationals for 150 days

Nationals of following countries are requested to acquire Visa prior their arrival from their nearby Diplomatic missions (Embassies/consulates) of Nepal Government.

  1. NigeriaGhana
  2. Zimbabwe
  3. Swaziland
  4. Cameroon
  5. Somalia
  6. Liberia
  7. Ethiopia
  8. Iraq
  9. Palestine
  10. Afghanistan
  11. Syria
  12. Refugees with travel document

If your passport is not valid for at least six months, you will need to renew your passport before you travel to Nepal. You can renew your passport at your local passport office. The process of renewing your passport can take several weeks, so it is important to start the process early.

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By air:

Nepal has Three international airports: Kathmandu, Bhairawa, and Pokhara. Currently, Pokhara airport does not handle international flights. However, there are a few flights to Bhairawa from few countries. The main international airport in Nepal is Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), located in Kathmandu. You can search TIA airport to book your International flight.

By land: There are multiple land entry points along the borders of Nepal, India, and China. These entry points include Kakarvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalganj, Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, and Kerung(china boarder)

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If you've booked a multiday tour or trekking package with Himalayan Social Journey, we'll pick you up from the airport. Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will be there to greet you with a sign displaying your name and our company's name. We'll then take you to your pre-booked hotel.

To make the pick-up process smooth, kindly share your flight details, including flight number and arrival time. If there are any changes to your arrival plans, please inform us as soon as possible so we can arrange your pick-up accordingly. Travel with us for a hassle-free experience!

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Please keep this thing in your mind that there are some airport touts and scam artists who take advantage of tourists. They might offer to carry your luggage and they want a large amount of money. Sometimes they intimidate our drivers and even take away their signs. Anyway...if you want someone to help you with your luggage you can give them NOT MORE THAN 1 - 2 DOLLARS. This is a small hassle that tourists sometimes face upon arrival at the airport. Do not stress about this but just be aware not to give more than a few dollars for their luggage handling if you choose to take someone's services. Nepalese in general are very kind and hospitable people.

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The official currency of Nepal is the Nepalese rupee (NPR). Major foreign currencies such as USD, AUD, and EURO are accepted for VISA.

There are plenty of ATMs in these major cities, so you can easily withdraw cash from your foreign currency bank account. Credit cards are also accepted in some shops and restaurants, but they are not as widely accepted as cash.

On the trek, you will only need to use Nepali rupees. You can exchange your foreign currency for Nepali rupees at your hotel, money exchanges, or the airport. Himalayan Social Journey representatives will also be happy to help you exchange money.

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If you have booked a trekking or multi-day tour with Himalayan Social Journey, the orientation meeting usually happens at your Kathmandu hotel around 4 or 5 pm. Our team will provide you with the specific details upon your arrival.

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If you're arriving early or leaving late, please ensure to arrange extra hotel accommodations by contacting reser[email protected]. Let us know if you'll be extending your stay in Nepal, and we'll book your additional nights. Also, kindly share your flight details with us to facilitate a smooth pick-up and drop process.

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When you book a trip with us, the standard accommodation arrangement is on a twin-sharing basis. This means two people will be staying in each room throughout the trip. However, if you prefer to have a room to yourself or if you're traveling alone, you can choose the "single supplement" option. By selecting this option, you'll have a private room during the trip, but please note that there will be an additional cost for the single room arrangement according to tour / trek.

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For each tour date, there will be several separate groups, each with a maximum of 14 people and their own experienced English-speaking guide. During the trek, there will be a suitable number of porters available to carry your luggage. Additionally, if you prefer to do a private tour or trek with your own group, that is also possible. 

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Nepal has five main seasons: summer, monsoon, spring, autumn, and winter. Each season offers unique experiences and weather conditions.

Winter (Late Dec - Feb): Cold temperatures, great for festival tours and special highlights.

Spring (Mar - May): Magical rhododendron blooms, ideal for trekking and peak climbing.

Monsoon (Jun - Aug): Low season with rain, but perfect for nature lovers and discounts on hotels.

Autumn (Sep - Nov): Peak season, clear weather, and popular trekking regions fill up fast.

You can check the live weather condition via this website https://www.accuweather.com

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The hotel in Kathmandu where you'll stay during the trip offers complimentary storage services. You can leave your luggage and extra clothing that you won't need for the trekking / tour. Rest assured, you can collect them once the trek and tour are over.

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Don't forget to bring both TWO and THREE-pin travel adapters! If you don't have them, you can purchase them at supermarkets or electronic shops in Kathmandu. Our guide will be there to assist you if needed. You can get information about plug and voltage in below link.

https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/nepal/

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Most places in Nepal are covered by mobile network providers, especially Ncell and Nepal Telecom. You can use data services for communication. You can buy a SIM card at the airport counter. There are also free and paid Wi-Fi services in most tea houses in Nepal during trek.

Here are some tips for staying connected while you are in Nepal:

  • Buy a SIM card as soon as you arrive in Nepal. This will give you access to data services and allow you to make calls and send text messages.
  • Check the coverage map of your mobile network provider before you travel. This will help you to know where you can expect to have good reception.
  • If you are planning on visiting remote areas and need to be in connected on Internet , you may want to consider renting a satellite phone. This will give you access to communication even in areas with no mobile network coverage.
  • There are many free and paid Wi-Fi hotspots in Nepal. You can find these at hotels, tea houses, restaurants, cafes, and even some temples.
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If you would like to book extra activities such as Paragliding, Bungy jump, Mountain flight, Heli Tour , Bhaktapur Sightseeing many more programs. You can find updated price and program detail in this link: https://hsj.com.np/tourtype/daytours. You can book by contacting us at [email protected] For longer excursions such as Bhutan, Tibet, India, and any other treks also, we can help but please contact us immediately at [email protected]

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If you have purchased a voucher from any deal company, please come in contact with us with the voucher code (redemption code) so that the voucher can be redeemed on time. Since we need time to purchase your domestic air ticket and make other arrangements, kindly confirm your spot with your suitable date at-least 2 months prior to the commencement of the tour. Your booking on a particular tour date is subject to availability of spots. You can redeem you voucher through this link too : https://hsj.com.np/voucher-redemption

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A typical suggestion for tipping is to allocate around USD 50-60 for the guide and porter if you're happy with their service. However, the amount you decide to tip is entirely up to you, and you can give whatever you feel is appropriate based on the excellent service they provided during your tour / trek

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Packing List for Tour:

Pack appropriate clothing for the weather conditions during your visit. Include comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don't forget essential travel documents, a camera, and any necessary medications.

Packing List for Trekking

Hiking

  • Trekking Poles - 1
  • Daypack - 1
  • Backpack - 1
  • Packcover
  • Water Reservoir - 1

Sleeping

  • Sleeping bag - HSJ will provide
  • sleeping bag liner

Clothes

  • Underwear - 3
  • Socks - 3
  • Bra - 3
  • base Layers pant - 1
  • Trekking Tshirt - 3
  • Trekking Pants - 2
  • Rain Pants - 1
  • Hiking Shoes/ Boots - 1
  • Gloves - 1
  • Hat - 1
  • Down Jacket - 1
  • Wind Breaker - 1
  • Sandles -1

Miscellaneous

  • Sunglasses - 1
  • Books or E-reader (optional)

Hygene/Saftey

  • Microfiber towel - 1
  • Toothbrush - 1
  • Toothpaste - 1
  • First aid kit - 1
  • Medicine kit -1
  • sunscreen -1
  • sewing kit -1
  • Soap/shampoo - 1
  • Comb or brush - 1
  • Period supplies - 1
  • Toilet paper - 1
  • sanitising gel - 1

Electronices

  • Camera
  • Phone
  • Extranel Hardrive (optional )
  • Head touch
  • Power bank for charging Phone

Packing List for Climbing:

Clothing

  • Trekking boots
  • Short-sleeved trekking shirts
  • Trekking pants and jackets
  • Thermals underwear
  • Long-sleeved Trekking shirts
  • Insulating down jackets
  • Woolen cap
  • Trekking Gloves
  • Raincoats

First Aid

  • Diamox tablets
  • Sanitary pads and tampons
  • Anti-nausea Medicines
  • Band-aids
  • Mosquito and insect repellents

Toiletries

  • Soap
  • Toilet Paper
  • Shampoo
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sunglasses
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cameras
  • Batteries
  • Water Bottle
  • Solar Chargers
  • Hot water thermos

Important Documents

  • Passport
  • Travel Permits

Peak climbing gears (HSJ will provide)

  • Climbing Helmet: Choose a good-quality climbing helmet. Make sure your warm cap fits under your helmet.
  • Climbing Boots: High-altitude, insulated, stiff-soled climbing boots.
  • Crampons: C2 crampons that fit the climbing boots.
  • Climbing Harness: Good-quality climbing harness.
  • Ascending device or Jumar
  • Descending or belay device
  • Tape sling: UIAA tested a 220cm open tape sling or a 2 x 120 cm closed tape sling.
  • Carabiners: 2 x lockable carabiners. 2 x non-locking carabiners
  • Prusik loop: Best quality Prusik loop
  • Ice ax: An ice ax with a wrist strap for climbing

 

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If you cancel the trip for any reason, the 20% deposit amount will not be refunded. If you have paid the full trip amount and need to cancel, you will receive your money back, but a cancellation charge of 20% will still apply.

For voucher holders who purchased vouchers from deal companies, we must adhere to their cancellation policy. However, under both circumstances, we are flexible and can reschedule your trip for a later date. To cancel any trip, please make sure to provide written notification of your cancellation.

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Sometimes travellers are unable to finish the scheduled trek/tour due to the various reasons or they ended up not completing the trek/tour for health or personal reasons. In this case please realize that we cannot offer you any refunds for unused days on the tour. You have to understand that our costs are the same as we have an obligation to pay our guides , porters, drivers for the time they have committed.

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Our commitment is to offer you an unforgettable journey with the best services. We take our responsibilities seriously and conduct all programs in Nepal according to the rules and regulations of Nepal Goverement. If needed, we can provide alternative itineraries for a delightful holiday experience. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. We're here to help!

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