Your exciting journey to Bhutan will be here before you know it, and it’s sure to be a trip to remember. Please read the following document carefully as it contains important information to help you prepare for the adventure ahead. If you have any questions at all, simply let us know!
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Bhutan, including a quick stop in Nepal. We’ll begin in Kathmandu, enjoying a tour of the city before moving on to Bhutan, where each day will offer new opportunities to connect with the country’s extraordinary culture and stunning natural beauty. We’ll hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery located above the Paro Valley, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong fortress at the meeting point of two rivers, and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from Dochula Pass. We’ll also explore the serene Phobjikha Valley and visit tranquil Buddhist monasteries and nunneries, participating in meaningful traditions like lighting butter lamps and partaking in a cleansing ritual.
What makes this journey truly special are the unique experiences made possible by our local connections, providing opportunities that most travelers never encounter. We’ll share a home-cooked meal with a Bhutanese family, enjoy breakfast in a breathtaking location, and learn traditional crafts from skilled artisans at a weaving center. Additionally, we’ll have time to explore vibrant markets, relax in the peaceful countryside, and engage with Bhutan’s welcoming communities, making this trip an authentic immersion into the heart of Bhutan.
You will need a passport to travel to both Nepal and Bhutan. Your passport should be valid until at least May 2026 and it should have 6 full empty pages.
Please note that the arrival and departure airport for this tour is the Tribhuvan International Airport
(KTM) in Khatmandu, Nepal and your flight to/from Nepal should be for this airport only.
** IMPORTANT: At the end of the tour, your departure flight from Kathmandu should be scheduled for any time on or after November 9th at 1:00 PM. This will ensure you have enough time to transfer to the International Departures terminal upon our arrival back from Bhutan. The tour will conclude upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Airport on the last day.
For this trip we’ll be staying at a variety of accommodations that range from 3* to 4* hotels and comfortable guesthouses. All accommodations include the standard amenities you would expect, as well as a private bathroom.
Throughout the journey we’ll use comfortable private vans to travel around Bhutan. These vans ensure everyone will have plenty of space as we move between destinations. We’ll also be taking one round flight from Nepal to Bhutan and back.
Currently, neither Nepal nor Bhutan have any immunization requirements. However, as is the case when traveling to any country, it is always good to speak to a medical professional about what immunizations might be right for you and to ensure you are up-to-date with standard immunizations such as Covid-19, Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus.
In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $25 – $35 USD per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.
Both Nepal and Bhutan primarily operate on a cash-based system, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, though credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in major cities like Thimphu and Paro.
As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which are common in the main cities. This is the easiest so that you don’t need to carry around large amounts of cash. If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD, Euros or GBP to exchange at money exchange offices that are located in major cities.
As for tipping, is not a big part of the culture, but it is always appreciated. Here’s a general guideline:
*Tips for waitstaff at included meals are already included.
Tap water in both Nepal and Bhutan is not ideal for drinking and you should always drink bottled water. Brushing your teeth with tap water is okay but many travelers choose to brush with bottle water instead.
Meals during our tour will be a delightful mix of ordering from menus at local restaurants and enjoying family-style sharing of traditional dishes. We are able to accommodate all dietary requirements to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the culinary experiences. Prior to the trip, we will send out a form to collect your dietary preferences and requirements so that everything will be in order.
Although both countries are relatively modern, the infrastructure is not as you’d expect back home. Wi-Fi will be available in all of our hotels and it will be okay, although most likely slower than what you’re used to. There may not be phone signal in some places in the countryside. If you want a stronger connection throughout the trip, we recommend that you either activate the international plan from your network at home or buy an online E-Sim. These two options will ensure you have a good 4G connection throughout the tour.
You may bring your camera bodies and lenses into both Nepal and Bhutan as a tourist.
Please be aware that drone usage is prohibited in Bhutan, and any drones will be confiscated upon your arrival at the airport.
Both Nepal and Bhutan use plug outlets similar to those in Europe, including Type C, which is the same plug used in most European countries. Additionally Type D and Type M plugs are also commonly used, while Bhutan also utilizes Type G plugs found in the UK. It is highly recommended to purchase these adapters in advance.
As for electricity, check your chargers to see if they say 110 – 230V If they do, you will not have any problems charging your device while on the tour.
Both Nepal and Bhutan are very safe countries. The chances of anything happening are very slim as long as you use the same common sense you would use at home. Always keep an eye on your stuff and avoid putting a wallet or phone in your back pocket. Keep your purse or shoulder bag on your front hip and make sure the zippers are zipped on your backpack. Simple as that! You can also leave valuables in your room while out and about each day as the hotels we use are all very safe.
During this trip, you can expect cool and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time to visit this part of the world. Without extreme cold, outdoor activities will remain enjoyable, allowing you to fully enjoy the stunning experiences that await.
Here are the average temperatures of each region we will visit:
For the most part, taking comfortable clothing is important. It’s also a good idea to prepare for all kinds of conditions, as Bhutan’s weather can be unpredictable at times. As a result, taking clothes that you can use as layers is definitely worth doing!
We recommend packing the following items:
For our flights between Nepal and Bhutan, each person can bring 1 checked luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg (44 lbs). You can also bring 1 carry-on bag that is not heavier than 6kg (13 lbs) and an extra personal item that fits under the seat.
Yes! Some days will include time together as well as free time for you to enjoy a destination at your own pace. With that said, your tour leader will always be available to offer personal recommendations and suggestions as to things you might want to do or see, places to photograph and other interesting activities that you might want to check out when there is free time.
