Bhutan Cultural Tour

Weather and Best Season

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the Bhutan Cultural Tour but it can be done at any time of the year. The weather is mostly sunny, which will make sightseeing more comfortable and make for easy walking during these months.

Spring is a time of flowers and green fields and autumn is a time of fresh air and splendid views of the mountains. Summer is warm and wet with occasional rain and winter is cool and dry. The temperature depends on the valley; for example, Thimphu (2400 m / 7874 ft) will be cooler than Punakha, which is lower. Layer up to keep warm during the tour.

Difficulty Level

The package is suitable for most visitors who have an average fitness level. The sightseeing is not more than a short stroll around monasteries, temples, villages and historic sites.

The only moderately difficult activity is a hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120 m / 10,236 ft). The trail is very well maintained but the ascent is gradual and will require a few hours of uphill walking. The walk is at your own speed and can be done in stages as necessary. A hike like this will be easier and more enjoyable with comfortable walking shoes on your feet and regular hydration.

Food and Drink

You will be able to taste all the traditional Bhutanese foods during your Bhutan Cultural Trip and Indian, Chinese and continental cuisine in the hotel and local restaurants.

The staple food is rice and it’s usually eaten with vegetables, chicken, pork or beef. Red rice and Ema Datshi, which is a combination of chili and cheese, are popular local dishes. Tea and coffee are served during the tour. You should use bottled or filtered drinking water and your guide will let you know where to find drinking water on the trip.

Insurance, Visa and Permits

It is advisable to have travel insurance before you go on the Bhutan Cultural Tour. Medical treatment, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and baggage loss must all be covered in your policy.

Bhutan Visa is required for the majority of foreign tourists, which is facilitated by a licensed tour operator before they arrive in Bhutan. The Sustainable Development Fee and required travel permits are also included as part of the travel arrangements. Nomad Adventure Treks will help you with the required paperwork to ensure a hassle-free procedure for arrival.

Health and Safety

The Bhutan Cultural Tour Package is considered to be safe and the tour is designed in a gradual manner so as to ease the acclimatization process to the mountain environment. Most locations are at reasonable altitudes, minimizing the risk of altitude-related issues.

Bring along medicines plus a small first aid kit. It’s important to drink sufficient water and eat balanced meals throughout the trip to maintain health. Your guide will be on hand to offer support should it be necessary. The local tips and suggestions will allow you to travel at a comfortable speed.

Transportation

For the Bhutan cultural trip, transportation is provided in comfortable private vehicles and the size of the group is considered. The roads travel through the valleys of the mountains, forests and traditional villages, which makes the way to travel an enjoyable part of the trip.

The airport transfer, sightseeing and travel between destinations are pre-arranged. Roads are generally in good condition, with some mountain roads being curvy and with slight inclines. Local professional drivers have the experience of safely driving on the scenic roads of Bhutan.

Your Extra Expenses

While most of the major services are covered in the Bhutan Cultural tour package, there are some personal expenses that should be budgeted for during the tour.

If you would like to purchase souvenirs, any handicrafts, any food or drink that is not provided in your package or any other meals, you can do so. Also, travel insurance, tips for guides and drivers, personal laundry and optional activities should be taken into account. It’s a good idea to have some local currency to use when you’re in markets or small villages and don’t always have the option to use a card.

Language and Communication

Dzongkha is the national language of Bhutan, while English is widely used in schools, hotels, restaurants and in tourist areas that are part of the Bhutan Cultural Tour Package.

Your local guide will communicate in English and will assist you in interacting with the local community as necessary. Familiarity with some basic greetings in Dzongkha can be useful for the locals and enhance your cultural journey. The majority of the signs at popular tourist destinations have English translations as well.

Mobile Network, Internet and Charging Facilities

The Bhutan Cultural Trip visits most towns and areas where mobile phone signals are available, such as Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Some locations in the mountains can receive poor reception for brief periods.

Most hotels offer hotel Wi-Fi but the internet speed will depend on the hotel. Local SIM cards with mobile data are available after arriving in Bhutan. Hotels have charging facilities every night and it is recommended to bring a travel adapter and also a power bank.

Don’ts on This Trip

In order to treat Bhutanese traditions with due respect, the following must be followed throughout the Bhutan Cultural Tour.

When in the monasteries and temples, it is necessary to dress modestly and always remove shoes when needed. Please check inside religious buildings; photography may not be permitted. Respect sacred items and respect silence in places of worship. Respect local culture and abide by the protection of the natural environment; do not leave litter along the trail or at sightseeing spots.

Cultural Festivals on the Trail

If your travel dates coincide with Bhutan’s celebration calendar, the Bhutan Cultural Tour will allow you to experience the colourful religious festivals of Bhutan.

The most renowned festival is the Paro Tshechu, which features the traditional masked dances and religious ceremonies of the monks and the local people. Another notable festival is the Thimphu Tshechu, which is celebrated across the country. The festivals are a great example of Bhutan’s living traditions, beautiful costumes, music and spiritual beliefs, which give travellers a better understanding of the country’s unique cultural heritage.