14 Days Cultural Journey With Nature Trek in Central Bhutan

From: C$16.026,27

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Duration

14 d

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

12 people

Languages

English

About this tour

A cultural journey through central and western Bhutan offering a deep understanding of Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions that have remained untouched for centuries.

This two-week cultural journey through the six districts of Bhutan – Paro, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Thimphu offers a deep understanding of Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions that have remained untouched for centuries. The trip includes 5 days of easy and enjoyable trekking around scenic extreme remote villages in the central Bhutan district of Trongsa. The climate is warm and pleasant as the trail stays between 1000-1500m in altitude and there is a wide array of flora and fauna observable along the route including the rare Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Rhesus Monkeys, Rufous-necked Hornbills and Clouded Leopards.

Hikers on this trek will have plenty of opportunities to experience traditional rural life as they will spend nights in the villages where people respect and consider nature as a source of all lives. In some of the villages, the women folks will put together cultural shows full of singing and dancing for visitors.

Included/Excluded

Visa Fee & Processing. You'll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 days business days.
Sustainable Development Fee
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) & light snacks
8 nights accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
5 nights full-service outdoor camping in the wilderness amidst pristine nature
Sleeping bag liner (not sleeping bag)
All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
Porters & Ponies
One-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang on Day 2
Trekking permits
English-speaking licensed private tour guide
Medical treatment at a hospital in Bhutan if you sustain injuries while on tour within Bhutan
All internal taxes for the services listed above

Travel insurance (mandatory).
Entry fees for monuments and sacred sites
International flights. We can help you arrange your flight to and from Bhutan.
Emergency evacuation
Sleeping bag & travel pillow (you need for camping during trekking)
Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
Sleeping bag
Tip to guide and driver
Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
Any other expenses of personal nature

Please Note

A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this tour and can be run on a private basis.
We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. To process the visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, and Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passport copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival.
Youth between the ages of 16-18 years old MUST send us a copy of their valid Student Photo ID Card/Document to keep the discounted price. Without a copy of valid Student Photo ID Card/document, the full adult price will apply. Youth MUST also be accompanied by at least one full-paying adult.
We will send a copy of your e-Visa and before traveling, you'll need to print a copy and show it at the check-in counter of your flight to Bhutan. Without proof of your e-Visa, you may be denied boarding the flight. Your e-Visa copy will be an entry ticket to attractions as well as a trekking permit.
Our guide and the driver will pick you up from Paro International Airport

What Do I Need to Bring?

The climate is warm and pleasant as the trail stays between 1000-1500m in altitude. You will be on the move most of the time, so we recommend you to pack as lightly as possible. Some of your heavy belongings that cannot be carried on the trek will be stored at the hotel and then the driver will deliver it to you at the end of the trek.
During the course of trekking, we provide full-service camping at campsites designated by the government. You will be provided porters, pack animals, cooks and certified trekking guide. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied.
Things provided
Things not provided (some of the items in the list are optional)
Clothes
Please ensure that you bring comfortable and appropriate clothes. A number of thin layers are better than a few thick ones. Thermal underclothes which are small and light can be very useful. You may wear shorts only while hiking and not during cultural tours as it will restrict you from entering any sites of religious significance and other public places. Although the weather during the course of trekking will be very pleasant, other places like Bumthang, Paro & Thimphu will be cold from the end of October to late February. From March to early June, the weather is quite favourable but it can still get cold in high mountains and the weather is subject to change in high altitudes. It is expected to rain sporadically from mid-June through mid-August and light shower in early September.
Health
This trekking adventure in central Bhutan is moderate with altitudes ranging between 1000m – 1500m above sea level, we highly recommend you to train and get physically fit as the trail often leads through rough terrains. You get the most out of your trip if you are physically fit!
We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers gel/wipes, antibacterial as well as any personal medical requirements. If you are under medication, please bring enough supply to last the whole duration as the same drugs may not be available at the local pharmacies.
Most people can travel to 9,000 feet with little effect but anyone can react to altitude differently and altitude sickness can affect some people irrespective of physical fitness and age. Please consult your physician on how to best prepare and what to do in the event you are affected on this trip which is very unlikely. Our certified guide will take care of but it is best if you know your fitness level.
Sleeping tent
Mattress
Carpet inside the sleeping tent
Hot water bag
Room light
Liner for sleeping bag (It can be hired locally for US$10 per day for the duration of the trek)
Toilet tent with toilet pot
Shower tent with shower bag
All meals and light snacks between meals. We recommend you bring Protein Bars, energy sweets etc.
Dinning tent, chairs & table
Sleeping bag all season and pillow (It can be hired locally: sleeping bag for US$10 per day and pillow for US$5)
A comfortable medium-sized backpack/daypack to carry your jackets, camera, etc. (things you will need during the day).
Small travel towel
Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes (break them in because new boots are often uncomfortable and may cause blisters)
Lightweight trekking pants
Trekking shorts
Underwear
Windproof rain jacket
Raincoat & Rain pants
Shirts/t-shirts
Fleece top/sweater
Sandals/flip-flops (camp shoes which is very necessary after a long hike)
Wool socks
Hiking poles (recommended)
Reusable water bottle
Gators
Sunglasses
Headgear for sunny days
Flashlight/torch/headlamp
Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
Powerpack to charge phone and camera battery
First aid kit containing lip balm, sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Throat Lozenges, bandaids, plasters, blister patches/moleskins, tape, antibacterial/hand sanitizer gel or wipes, antiseptic cream, rehydration powder, water purification tablets, etc.
Insect repellent
Emergency whistle (some backpacks comes with whistle)
Small foldable umbrella
Pack liners for waterproofing bags
Energy bars/trail mix