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The Land of the Thunder Dragon – A Mesmerising Trip to Bhutan
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Overview
- Duration:8 days 7 nights
- Maximum Members:10
- Experience Type:Explore Together
- Language:English, Hindi
- Areas of Interest:Nature, culture, religion, spirituality
- Accommodation:Homestays/Farmhouses
- Travel Type:Mid-range budget
Join Poets And Pilgrims to explore Bhutan where age-old customs thrive alongside modernity. Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, this kingdom of Bhutan is renowned for its rich tradition, breathtaking landscape, stunning monasteries, vibrant festivals, and a commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Like all Poets And Pilgrims travel experiences, this trip is crafted to offer a slow-travel experience where we won't rush between places. Our itinerary is flexible and not filled with sightseeing one after another.
For the most part of our trip, we will stay with families at their home to experience warm hospitality and eat homemade foods. We will go for hikes, visit temples and monasteries, and delve into the beauty this culture-rich nation has to offer. Beside visiting some must-visit sites, we will spend time with our hosts and experience their daily life.
This trip covers Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley. Costs like mandatory SDF, guide, domestic transportation, and two meals per day are taken care of. Monument entrance fees are kept optional for this trip to offer us flexibility and pay for only monuments we visit. With all the planning and nearly all costs out of the way, you will focus on slowing down and truly living the experience.
If you appreciate the slow and conscious approach to travel, prefer small number of people to travel with instead of huge tourist groups, and understand that travelling doesn't mean simply ticking-off bucketlists, you will enjoy embarking on a journey to Bhutan with Poets And Pilgrims.
For the most part of our trip, we will stay with families at their home to experience warm hospitality and eat homemade foods. We will go for hikes, visit temples and monasteries, and delve into the beauty this culture-rich nation has to offer. Beside visiting some must-visit sites, we will spend time with our hosts and experience their daily life.
This trip covers Paro, Thimpu, Punakha, and Phobjikha Valley. Costs like mandatory SDF, guide, domestic transportation, and two meals per day are taken care of. Monument entrance fees are kept optional for this trip to offer us flexibility and pay for only monuments we visit. With all the planning and nearly all costs out of the way, you will focus on slowing down and truly living the experience.
If you appreciate the slow and conscious approach to travel, prefer small number of people to travel with instead of huge tourist groups, and understand that travelling doesn't mean simply ticking-off bucketlists, you will enjoy embarking on a journey to Bhutan with Poets And Pilgrims.
Highlights
- Enjoy the slow-paced travel that priorities on truly living the experience
- Flexible plans, no rushing between places
- Stay in traditional homestays/farmhouses with friendly hosts and observe their lifestyle
- Relish authentic homemade Bhutanese cuisine
- Experience the daily lifestyle of a typical Bhutanese family
- A thrilling hike to Paro Taktsang aka Tiger's Nest
- Go for a hike to get closer to nature and witness the panoramic beauty of Phobjikha Valley
- Slow down and immerse in traditional hot stone bath (optional)
- Visit monasteries, temples, and museums to closely observe and understand the Bhutanese culture
- Enjoy breathtaking views throughout the trip as you drive around in a private car
Itinerary
Expand AllDay 1: Arrival - Bagdogra
- Pickup from Bagdogra at 2p.m. and transfer to Phunsholing. Stroll around the town in the evening.
Day 2: Thimphu
- Drive to Thimphu - the capital of Bhutan - and enjoy some beautiful views along the way (5 hours). Upon reaching Thimphu, we are taking it slow and will visit Buddha Dordenma and National Memorial Chorten. Stroll around town later in the evening.
Day 3 - Punakha
- After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. We will stop for sightseeing along the way. For the next two nights, we are staying with a family who will cook fresh food using ingredients from their farm. Closely observe their lifestyle and you are welcome to take part in their daily activities.
Day 4 - Punakha
- Today we will do a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang - a 14th-cenruary temple known as fertility temple, dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as the “divine madman”. We will also visit Punakha Dzong, known as the “palace of great happiness” and a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the saint who unified Bhutan.
Day 5 - Phobjikha Valley
- Leave for the beautiful Phobjikha Valley where serenity awaits. Our stoppage will include Gangtey Monastery and if time permits, we will do a 2-hour hike around the valley (if not, we will do it the next day). We will stay with a family and relax in the evening. Enjoy a freshly-cooked meal at the family's home and gather for a relaxed evening.
Day 6 - Paro
- Our final destination awaits us at Paro where we will stay with a friendly family at their farmhouse. On the way to the farmhouse, we will stop at Paro Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. In the evening, we will stroll around the town. Do some shopping if you like and relax at the homestay later.
Day 6 - Paro: Hike to Tiger's Nest
- It's time to hike to Paro Taktsang, also known as Tiger's Nest. This spectacular monastery clings precariously to a cliff 800m (2,600ft) above the Paro valley. The hike is easy to moderate for fit folks and certainly not to be missed. Reward yourself with a traditional hot stone bath and rejuvenate (optional and charged separately).
Day 8 - Departure
Our trip to majestic Bhutan comes to an end today. We will drive to Bagdogra (7-8 hours) and you will be dropped at Bagdogra airport. If you refer to take a flight from Paro instead, you will be dropped at the Paro International Airport.
Goodbyes are hard but we hope to see you soon again!
What's Included/Excluded
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) - Rs. 1200 per night charged by the government of Bhutan
- Bhutan permit online application on your behalf
- 7x nights accommodation (twin/double or sometimes triple sharing basis)
- Breakfast for 7 days (no breakfast on arrival day)
- Dinner for 7 days
- All domestic transport in private car
- Professional English-speaking local guide throughout the journey
- Any expense not mentioned before
- Travel expenses to and from Bagdogra/Bhutan
- Monuments entrance fee
- Camera fees, if any
- Drinking water, extra meals, drinks
- Insurance and healthcare
- Emergency expenses
- Personal expenses
- Tips, gratuities etc. (Tips are encouraged)
FAQs
Why should I travel to Bhutan with Poets And Pilgrims?
Poets And Pilgrims focuses on travelling as a life experience. We travel slow and do not rush between locations. Even with a group, you get to experience things as your pace. We work with people to organically cultivate relations and human bond. If your goal is to simply tick checkboxes, a Poets And Pilgrims trip might not offer a suitable experience for you.
Do I need a visa for Bhutan?
Indian passport holders do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. A permit is required and is free of charge.
Is Bhutan an expensive destination?
All visitors to Bhutan are required to pay SDF and hire a guide and car. Accommodation is also slightly more expensive. Majority of the monuments have entry fees. Considering all mandatory expenses, the cost to visit Bhutan adds up quickly. But the money is well spent in the country with unmatched hospitality, delicious meals, gorgeous views, and experience of a lifetime.
What is SDF and how much is it?
Sustainable Tourism Fee (SDF) is a daily levy charged by the government of Bhutan to support the country's development. SDF is mandatory for every traveller entering Bhutan. Indian nationals pay Nu. 1200 (or Rs. 1200) per night as SDF. We have already included SDF in the total cost.
For other passport holders, the SDF is USD 100 per night and is not included in the trip cost.
For other passport holders, the SDF is USD 100 per night and is not included in the trip cost.
What is the experience like while staying at homestays?
Homestays in Bhutan offer humble accommodation where you experience the daily life of a family. They are usually old wooden houses with mattresses on the floor and attached toilets are not always present. The freshly prepared food is a highlight.
Why are monument entrace fees not included?
These costs are not included to offer greater flexibility so you pay for only monuments/sites we visit. Some sites are free to visit.
How do I reach Bagdogra?
There are direct flights to Bagdogra from cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. You can also take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station from major stations. From New Jalpaiguri, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Bagdogra.
By what time should I reach Bagdogra on Day 1?
Please make sure you reach Bagdogra by 2p.m. on the meeting day. We have a 4-5 hours drive after that. You can also consider staying the previous night at a hotel in Bagdogra to make it less stressful or if you don't find morning flights/trains.
How much money should I carry?
Put aside Rs. 15-18,000 for any entrance fees (around Rs. 3000), meals (Rs. 350-750 per meal), drinks, and shopping. You can also withdraw cash at an ATM if you need.
Can I use UPI or credit cards in Bhutan?
Yes, but don't rely solely on them as not all merchants use them. For UPI, you need to activate UPI international payment in your app before you can make payments. For credit cards, there may be extra charges applicable. Cash payments are preferred.
Can I travel to Bhutan with my Aadhaar card?
No. Indian nationals must have a passport or Voter's Identity Card in original. e-Voter's Identity Card (even if printed) is not accepted.
I am finding A cheaper package to Bhutan. Why is Poets And Pilgrims cost higher?
We are a small brand travelling with small a group of people. Bigger companies get volume discounts as they do multiple trips with large groups. Poets And Pilgrims works directly with homestays, drivers, guides etc. without an intermediary and compensate them fairly. Cutthroat bargaining is not our thing.
What should I carry with me?
A list of recommended things to carry will be shared with registered members before the trip.
How do I pay?
You pay a deposit (booking amount) to reserve your spot. Upon paying the remaining amount, your spot is confirmed. The remaining amount can be paid in two parts, considering the time left before the trip commences. Payments can be made using UPI, credit or debit card, digital wallets or net banking.
Is it possible to pay using EMI?
It may be possible to pay using EMI. Please select the option while making the payment.
Note that EMI facility is not offered by us. You deal directly with your bank/card provider and there might be additional charges to use the facility. These charges are not collected by us.
Note that EMI facility is not offered by us. You deal directly with your bank/card provider and there might be additional charges to use the facility. These charges are not collected by us.
What is your refund policy?
The deposit amount is non-refundable. Please read our refund policy here for more details - https://poetsandpilgrims.com/refund-policy/
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