Bhutan

by marcus westberg paro 2023 15

A Kingdom of Calm, Culture, and Endless Wonder

Bhutan is a place that feels almost otherworldly — a hidden Himalayan kingdom where time slows down and every moment carries a sense of calm and wonder. Nestled between towering mountains and deep green valleys, Bhutan is a land where ancient monasteries cling to cliffs, prayer flags dance with the wind, and traditions remain beautifully alive. At dawn, monks chant in sacred temples; by day, vibrant festivals light up the villages with swirling masks, sacred dances, and centuries-old blessings.

Bhutan protects more than 70% of its land with forests, making it one of the world’s only carbon-negative nations — a rare sanctuary where nature is not just scenery, but a way of life. Guided by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, the country cherishes cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and the well-being of its people above all else.

To journey through Bhutan is to feel peace in the mountains, joy in its culture, and warmth in every encounter. It is a place where travelers return not only with memories, but with a deeper sense of connection, quiet inspiration, and stories that last a lifetime. Bhutan is more than a destination — it is a living, breathing experience.

Punakha Tshechu Festival / 7 Days

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Journey Overview

This unforgettable journey invites you to experience the vibrant Punakha Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s most sacred and colorful festivals, celebrated inside the majestic Punakha Dzong. As monks perform ancient Cham mask dances and rituals echo through the courtyard, you witness Bhutan’s spiritual heritage come alive in its purest, most authentic form.

Travel through the stunning landscapes of Dochula Pass and the peaceful Punakha Valley, where panoramic Himalayan views and serene villages set the tone for your adventure. Along the way, immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich cultural legacy as you explore historic Dzongs, the National Memorial Chorten, and the National Museum — each revealing stories of artistry, faith, and timeless Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Your journey continues to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside, offering both spiritual wonder and breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll stroll through lively markets, discover traditional crafts, visit a paper-making studio, and even try Bhutan’s national attire for a deeper cultural connection.

From meeting the gentle Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, to wandering through landscapes colored with prayer flags, this tour combines festival celebrations, scenic wonders, spiritual sites, and authentic local experiences — giving you a truly intimate glimpse into Bhutan’s heart and soul.

Paro Tshechu Festival / 7 Days

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Journey Overview

This extraordinary journey invites you into the heart of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage, timed to coincide with the revered Paro Tshechu — one of the kingdom’s most sacred and colorful Buddhist festivals. Held within the historic walls of Paro Rinpung Dzong, the festival comes alive with vibrant Cham mask dances, ancient rituals, and the deeply moving unveiling of the Guru Thongdrel, a blessing offered only once each year at dawn.

As you travel through Bhutan’s peaceful valleys and Himalayan landscapes, you’ll explore the cultural treasures of Thimphu, Punakha, and Gangtey — from sacred temples and ancestral fortresses to serene monasteries perched on dramatic cliffs. Along the way, the panoramas of Dochula Pass, the glacial beauty of Phobjikha Valley, and the timeless charm of rural villages set the stage for authentic moments of connection and discovery.

Your journey culminates with the legendary climb to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, one of the world’s most iconic spiritual sites. Prayer flags flutter above the cliffs, monks chant in hidden shrines, and the views over Paro Valley capture the essence of Bhutan’s mystical beauty.

From bustling local markets to ancient dzongs, from peaceful nature walks to deep spiritual encounters, this tour blends festival magic, cultural immersion, and Himalayan wonder — offering you a rare, intimate, and unforgettable glimpse into Bhutan’s living heritage.

Soul of Bhutan 5 Days

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Journey Overview

Step into Bhutan — the Land of the Peaceful Dragon — a kingdom where towering Himalayan peaks guard ancient monasteries, and where happiness is measured by harmony, spirituality, and the wellbeing of its people. Nestled between India and China, Bhutan remains one of the world’s last untouched sanctuaries, a place where traditions are lovingly preserved and nature thrives in pristine beauty.

Your journey begins with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the sacred Mt. Jomolhari and even distant Everest on clear days. As you travel through Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro, each region reveals a deeper layer of Bhutan’s cultural soul — from the snow-framed Dochula Pass to the majestic Punakha Dzong, and finally the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging dramatically to a cliffside.

Along the way, immerse yourself in Bhutanese life as you explore vibrant markets, serene monasteries, and historical sites that echo centuries of devotion. Scenic hikes lead you through lush forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and onward to sacred Taktshang, where prayer flags flutter softly in the mountain wind.

In the peaceful courtyards of Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan’s beloved Fertility Temple, you’ll experience moments of stillness and spiritual connection that define this extraordinary land.

This journey blends Himalayan beauty, cultural depth, and spiritual serenity — offering a rare, intimate glimpse into a country where nature, tradition, and happiness live in perfect harmony.

Haa Valley & Tiger’s Nest Discovery Tour / 7 Days

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Journey Overview

Step into the heart of Bhutan on a journey that blends Himalayan landscapes, sacred monasteries, and the untouched beauty of the Hidden Haa Valley.
Your Bhutan tour begins in Thimphu, where ancient traditions meet modern Bhutanese life. As you cross the spectacular Dochula Pass, panoramic mountain views lead you toward the iconic Punakha Dzong — one of Bhutan’s most photographed and spiritually significant fortresses.

Returning to the peaceful Paro Valley, your Bhutan travel experience deepens as you venture into the mysterious Haa Valley — a region only opened to visitors in 2002. With its stone farmhouses, alpine forests, yak pastures, and centuries-old temples, Haa offers one of the most authentic cultural encounters in Bhutan.

Your journey reaches its peak with the legendary Tiger’s Nest hike, a pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery perched dramatically on a cliff above Paro. The climb rewards you with breathtaking scenery and a profound sense of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.

From hidden valleys to sacred sites, this Bhutan itinerary invites you to explore culture, nature, and tradition in their purest form — discovering Bhutan slowly, deeply, and beautifully.

Bhutan At A Glance / 11 days

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Journey Overview

Begin your journey in the mystical Paro Valley and travel across Bhutan’s most enchanting regions—Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, and Bumthang—each offering its own rhythm, colors, and stories.
As you move through lush green valleys, ancient fortresses, and sacred monasteries, you’ll witness a Bhutan rarely seen by outsiders: a land where spirituality guides daily life and nature shapes every tradition.

Meet warm-hearted locals, taste authentic Bhutanese dishes prepared with age-old recipes, and observe how people live in harmony with the mountains, forests, and rivers surrounding them.
From peaceful village life to the deep spirituality of its temples, this journey gives you a beautifully intimate glimpse into the soul of Bhutan.

Chelela Trek / 10 Days

Journey Overview

The Chelela Trek invites you on an unforgettable adventure through Bhutan’s most breathtaking landscapes, where alpine meadows, forest trails, and sweeping Himalayan panoramas come together in perfect harmony. Beginning at the majestic Chelela Pass — Bhutan’s highest motorable point — you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake before descending into valleys shaped by time, tradition, and untouched nature.

This journey weaves through the cultural heartlands of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, offering a beautiful blend of scenic trekking and deep cultural discovery. You’ll wander past terraced fields, peaceful villages, and forested slopes while spotting yaks and glimpsing Bhutan’s diverse wildlife. Along the way, iconic landmarks such as Tiger’s Nest, Paro Dzong, Punakha Dzong, and Tashichho Dzong reveal the country’s rich spiritual and architectural heritage.

Your experience deepens as you explore vibrant local markets, share moments with Bhutanese communities, and taste authentic cuisine prepared with local ingredients. After days of trekking, unwind with a traditional hot stone bath and enjoy local handicrafts, flavors, and the gentle rhythm of Bhutanese life.

This 10-day journey is designed for nature lovers, culture seekers, and anyone who longs to experience Bhutan’s beauty with both heart and spirit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

All tourists, except for visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, need a visa to enter Bhutan. Indian visitors require a permit, while nationals of Bangladesh and the Maldives are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry. Foreigners issued with a valid SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker do not You have the option to apply for a Bhutanese visa online by visiting the Department of Immigration website and completing the payment process digitally.

Alternatively, you can travel with us, allowing our team to handle all the necessary paperwork for your Bhutan trip.

The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a mandatory fee imposed on all tourists visiting Bhutan. It is intended to contribute to the country’s sustainable development initiatives, including the preservation of culture and the environment, as well as funding free education, healthcare, and infrastructure development projects. Additionally, it helps the Kingdom manage tourism in sustainable numbers, ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy tranquility and an intimate experience while exploring Bhutan.

Bhutan has halved its (SDF) by 50 %  in a move to encourage tourism. Effective from September 1st, visitors will now be required to pay US$100 per person per night for the duration of their stay, reduced from the previous rate of US$200 per person per night. These revised rates will remain in effect until August 31st, 2027. Children aged 5 to under 12 years will be subject to a reduced SDF of USD 50 per person per night, while the fee is waived for children below 5 years old.

For Indian nationals, the Sustainable Development Fee to enter Bhutan is set at INR 1,200 per person per night.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is waived for up to 24 hours for tourists of all nationalities visiting the border towns of Samtse, Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

The SDF is calculated on a per night basis.

Yes, any traveler visiting Bhutan can now book all aspects of their journey independently. However, you are encouraged to book a tour with accredited tour operators such as The karma ways. It will save you a lot of hassle in organising permits and accommodations, and the tour guides will be able to provide you insights into Bhutanese culture, traditions, and hidden gems

Most travelers choose:

  • 5 days – Paro + Thimphu

  • 7 days – Paro, Thimphu, Punakha

  • 10+ days – Trekking + cultural tours

    We can customize your itinerary. give you more information 

Bhutan uses a minimum daily package that includes hotel, meals, guide, and transportation.
While slightly higher in cost than other destinations, the experience is all-inclusive and high quality.