Hi eveyone-
My husand and I are interested in a vacation package to go to Bhutan along with India and/or Tibet for approx. 2 weeks. We are in our mid-30s and are looking for a reasonably priced, diverse and reputable tour that will also allow us to have time on our own. We have no idea where to geting- any recommendations? Thanks!!!
I will be in Darjeeling, India from Oct 12 to 15th and then would like to go to the Gangtey Palace Hotel in Paro from the 15th to the 17th. Here are my questions:
1) Is there any way to do this since I don%26#39;t have a visa yet (money is not a problem)?
2) Can the hotel help me get a visa or do I need to go through a tour operator? If a tour operator, can someone please recommend one?
3) What would be the quickest way to get to Paro from Darjeeling and then back to Kolkata for my flight home?
Any help, especially recommendations for tour operators, contacts at the hotel, airlines advice or whoever I would need to contact to make this happen, would be GREATLY appreciated. I have searched this forum and the internet and Bhutan is simply a hard place to figure out how to get in to.
Tour operators are also welcome to respond.
Thanks in advance :-)
As mentioned before, it is easy. You have to use a local touroperator, who will arrange everything for you according to your wishes.
As I%26#39;ve been three times to Bhutan, all with Sonam of Nirvanaexpeditions, I recommend him warmly. Write him a mail with your requests and questions, and he%26#39;ll propose an itinary.Then he%26#39;ll arrange your visa which%26#39;ll wait wherever you%26#39;ll enter Bhutan. As he%26#39;ll do all the work, you only have to tell your wishes, very simple.His address: Sonam.dorjee@nirvanaexpeditions.com
Hope you%26#39;ll succeed in seeing a little of Bhutan.
I am planning to go to Buthan with my daughter in April 2009 (Paro - Timphu - Punakha in 8 days). She is very well travelled (Xinjiang, Yunnan, Vietnam,...) and enjoys very much horse/poney riding.
Has anyone be in Buthan with a toddler? Is it possible to organize a 3 to 4 hour ';trek'; around the cities we are planning to visit?
I am still in the process of choosing an operator so if anyone has any suggestion of one which is used to organize trips with young children, please let me know.
Thank you
Hello,
It is wise not to drive too far, as the roads can be long, with slow driving.
In Bhutan there are a lot of walks, short and longer. I%26#39;d advise to walk to the Takin-reserve in Thimphu,also animals and an easy walk.
If you go up to Taktsang monastry, you can choose walking the steep path or taking a pony.
As long as you forgo the for children boring sightseeing, your child should be fine.
As I%26#39;ve been to Bhutan three times with Nirvanaexpeditions, I recommend them warmly. They%26#39;ll adapt your tour to your wishes, and maybe you can try and make some contact with local children. They learn English from small age, and are easy to communicate with.
You can contact for your travel: Sonam.dorjee@nirvanaexpeditions.com
Have a wonderful time.
I want to travel light and would prefer to have laundry done for me. Is this commonly available at the hotels?
Leaving in 2 days. Anyone??
We didn%26#39;t give laundry to the hotel, but did some ourselves when staying two nights. I remember that some gave laundry in Bumthang, but it didn%26#39;t dry quick enough. No electric dryers. You can wish for a stove to heat and dry. Only if you go to the luxury hotels, which are not in the regular package, you can expect laundry-service.
Thermal clothing is very light-weight. Take layers, with some fleece, and you%26#39;ll be way under the limit.
Enjoy your stay.
Thank you.
Does anyone know the Pelri Cottages in Paro? What about The Meriphumsum resort in Wangdi? I%26#39;d appreciate some feedback!
An apprehensive traveller
Sorry I stayed in the Olathang hotel in Paro which was ok but had very hard beds (as do all the hotels in Bhutan I think!). I stayed in the Zangthopelri Hotel in Punaka which was nice. I stayed in the Wangdicholing resort hotel in Jakar, Bumthang. It%26#39;s rather dark and gloomy, no tv and a very uncomfortable/basic bathroom. I hope that%26#39;s helpful. My main tip is to take an air mattress with you so you can sleep ok. I wish I had!
Is it true that Bhutan charges a surcharge for visitors? Specifically for non indian residents?
You heard it right. For individual and in a group of two will have to pay the surcharge.
Hello. I was planning a trip to Bhutan and was wondering when to go (I was thinking mid spring) and where in Bhutan.
Thank you!
hey all,
Plan to be in Nepal on august. Is it easy to make last minute travel-ticket-visa arrangements to visit Bhutan while in Kathmandu?
thanx
:)
No! It is very difficult to make last minute ticket-visa arrangements to visit Bhutan. Druk Air is usually booked -- and it will take a good travel agent abut 10-days to obtain the visa. A group can now be two persons but you must travel with a group and a tour guide.
FLI
pls let me know! thx
Dechen Hill Resort in Paro is an excellent place to stay. The staff is excellent. They go out of their way to assist you in any way possible. The food is excellent. Lonely Planet Guide calls Dechen Hill the best Indian Food in all of Bhutan and they are right on the mark. The menu is extensive and the service outstanding. The rooms are comfortable and the views outstanding.
Stayed there 7 weeks and it felt almost like home. Great place to stay.
Dechen Hill Resort is really good one...we do keep our clients there too.
karma.
i will be in india for two week and would like to visit another country.
i will only have one week, is bhutan really expensive and is it great or would you recommend somewhere else.
i am traveling solo
I don%26#39;t know what you think about US$240/day for a solo traveller (all inclusive package), you%26#39;ll have to pay extra for air ticket . Visa is US$20/per person. No matter what, all travellers have to join a local tour to obtain a visa and to enter Bhutan.
Hi Benny
I am planning to visit Bhutan in late Oct. Wonder will you be travelling around that period. yeah, read that min spend per day around US$200 to US$250. Can be expensive for solo traveller like you and me.
Hello,
We are a Group of 3 adults planning to visit Bhutan late Oct (20th onwards) for 7 days. I%26#39;m really concerned about what the weather may be like, since my mother is a chronic asthamatic and if its too cold then she may not be able to visit.
Could anyone advise me on what weather we should expect (Deg C). Also, what would you suggest we do in the 7 days? Are there specific MUST visit places.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Sam
will be trekking a bit, 3 days, up to around 12000....slow ascent...
malaria? do I need Diomox?
how is camping there?
thanks!
Hi,
Take a look at the site: www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
As far as I know, only in the areas low, next to India malaria exists. In the mountains of Bhutan there is no malaria. As for altitude, if you rise slowly, you can adapt your body, which is much better than taking pills. If you feel bad, go down, don%26#39;t fool your body . Have a wonderful time and trek!
I would like to visit Bhutan in January 2007. I understand that it may not be the best time of year to go, but I am not able to go at any other time. Would it be worth my while to go in January? Or would it be too cold and snowy? I will be in Bangkok at that time and if Bhutan is not a wise destination, I guess I will find somewhere else to go. Any input you may have will be helpful. thanks.
My wife and I are also considering a side trip to Bhuttan from Bangkok, in late January, early February. My research seems to indicate that it should be a good time to visit..... slightly less expensive, cold, but mostly dry weather.... my only concern is travelling from valley to valley thru the mountain passes may be dependent on the weather.
I suspect your best bet is to get advice from one of the many ';tour operators'; in Bhuttan; who seem to be your ticket into this country.
Do you have any good leads on a good tour operator? YANA, has a fairly comprehensive web-site.... and I like that they put in their advertising, that they are in business for more than ';just taking your money';. If you get any good recommendations on who to use or book with, please let me know by posting here.
thanks,
radguy
Hi
I am thinking of going trekking in Bhutan next autumn. What is the best month to travel? I was thinking of October - heading towards Chomolhari.
Thanks
Jhomolhari would be cool and the weather would be fine except little chill on the mountains.
Generally speaking, treks in Bhutan are done best from 2nd week in October till Mid November. To enjoy it better, your trek should end before the last week in November. However there are some treks that is best done from end of october till mid december.
Check this site for some trek and information
www.windhorsetours.com
We are planning a 10-night trip to Bhutan in late October/early November of 2007, and are researching tour options. I have been impressed with material I%26#39;ve seen from the Uma Paro Hotel (part of COMO chain), and wonder if anyone out there has had any direct experience with the hotel, their organized day trips and/or their longer itineraries.
Specifically, this tour would coincide with Bumthang festival in late October. Anyone been there?
I recently returned from a COMO property in the Turks and Caicos, ';Parrot Cay,'; and feel good about how these people handle things.
Hi ExpertTripPlanner,
I%26#39;ve been twice in Bhutan,not in the Uma Paro, but all our hotels were very good, big rooms and equipped bathrooms,I don%26#39;t think one needs more. We were very happy with our guide and tourorganiser, and I%26#39;m sure he can organise anything you%26#39;ll ask, also the Uma Paro (but at extra cost, as it is not in the gouvernment-run plan). Last year we attended the Bumthang festival, I liked it very much, but I must say that others in our group were less enthousiastic. This year we had a performance from a local sing and dance group, which was very well received by our group. I%26#39;d advise you to contact our guide directly and give him all your wishes: sonam.dorjee@nirvanaexpeditions.com
Enjoy Bhutan, it is incredible!
There are many Bhutan tour guide services. Can you recommend better ones or those you do not recommend?
Planning a fall 2007 visit.
Griffim
I want to travel to Bhutan with my two kids (18 and 20). Is late May a good time or not?
Also, as I am 58 with bad knees, is the main thing trekking, or are there a multitude of things that people do there.
We are interested in seeing ';real asia'; and getting out of cities.
Any thoughts would be great.
I am planning to visit Bhutan sometimes this year, I read that the biggest tsechu festival is either Paro or Thimphu so would like your suggestion of which one is better? Also, what are the must see places and how long should be ideal for a visit. Thanks in advance
The must see places depend on your interest. There are a lot of fortresses and monastries with rich decorations, the most famous are Punakha and Trongsa. The hike to Taktsang near Paro is on most tourlists, and very special. If you like to do a trek in the rich nature, you can choose from easy 3-day treks to 14 or even more ,
hard ones. About festivals, again it depends on what your interests are. Sometimes the smaller ones are more interesting as you see more local people than tourists, who mostly go to the two you mentioned. Try to read about Bhutan and get the picture, then ask a local touroperator to plan the tour according to your wishes. You can get articles through reviews with weekly updates from Tripadvisor, or look at: www.kingdomofbhutan.com, also at: www.nirvanaexpeditions.com, and www.lonelyplanet.com
The advised time to spend and really see part of the country is between 10 and 14 days, at least. Depending on time of the year you might have to plan and reserve a long time ahead, especially the flights. Enjoy the planning and trip.
I have another interesting site for you:
www.tourism.gov.bt
They give a very broad picture of Bhutan with many details.
Dear Tshering and Bhutantraveller,
Thanks for very useful info, I will spend more time planning and hope to cover all best part of Bhutan on my visit either during Paro or Thimphu Tsechu.
Dear Beaumaam and Bhutantraveller,
My wife and I just returned from a 10 day trip to Bhutan. It was wonderful, and we wished we had had a few more days to spend there.
I would like to thank Bhutantraveller for suggesting Nirvana Expeditions and Sonam on this site in previous postings. We found his service to be prompt, efficient, professional and personable. He helped us plan and implement our wedding there, and the subsequent tour of the country with Dorji, a very knowledgeable guide. He and his staff went way beyond our expectations to make sure that everything was to our satisfaction. We highly recommend his service if you plan to visit this beautiful country.
DW
I would like to visit Bhutan in January 2007. I understand that it may not be the best time of year to go, but I am not able to go at any other time. Would it be worth my while to go in January? Or would it be too cold and snowy? I will be in Bangkok at that time and if Bhutan is not a wise destination, I guess I will find somewhere else to go. Any input you may have will be helpful. thanks.
Could anyone pls let me know the tour operators in Bhutan? I plan to visit there in either Nov or Jan. Any input is appreciated.
As I wrote before in reply to several questions, I%26#39;d like to recommend the touroperator and guide we travelled with twice. His name is Sonam, and he organised for two very different groups a very interesting tour with personal touches.He caught the special wishes of the people and changed plans accordingly. He has a very rich English, puts a lot of extra%26#39;s in the itinary and deals with almost every wish. As the price is gouvernment-fixed and includes the basic travel, hotels and meals, these personal touches make a tour so special. Sonam can also organise treks, and seminars on special topics like traditional medicine, teaching, etc. His address: Sonam.dorjee@nirvanaexpeditions.com
Enjoy Bhutan, it is an unforgettable place!
Thank you!
How long normally does Sonam take to reply an email? I haven%26#39;t heard from him.
Usually Sonam replies the same or next day on an e-mail, unless he has to find out places or availability of people, or when he is on a trek. In these cases it can take a few more days, but I got always a reply. If there might be a problem with computers, you can try to send your mail another time. Success!
I still haven%26#39;t heard from him!! :(
I%26#39;m sending it again.
Is there any recommended one other than Sonam?
i am going to bhutan in may for 13 days. i have contacted a few tour operators about a tour of paro, thimphu, and punakha with a 4 day druk path trek included. can anyone give me feedback about my planned itinerary and any good tour operators?
We are inflexible as to dates this year and wondered if visiting Bhutan from june 11 to June 21st means constant rain during the day as we attempt to do some day hikes. We have learned from past trips, rain really does put a damper on the day%26#39;s activities. Should we post pone visiting this country until the dry season? I have looked at the average rainful charts and think we probably ought to postpone!
How about weather in September ?
June is by all means a good season to Hike in Bhutan.
As per last years met records scanty rainfall was registered but in light of the burgeoning situation of global climate change the weather is no longer a certain factor especially in this day %26amp; age of global warming.
Please contact the agency www.bhutanscenictours.com.bt or chodex@druknet.bt for further deliberations on the Hiking programs %26amp; affiliated info.
My husband %26amp; I intend to travel to Bhutan from mumbai. would appreciate if any who has travelled there could let us know places to stay, food, places to see and duration of stay.
Dear Tanul,
You can fly in to Bhutan (Paro) from Kolkota /Delhi - Kolkota is much cheaper. On arrival at Paro airport you can get your stay permit for 7-15 days for Paro %26amp; Thimphu. If you are planning to go for 5-7 days then you must visit Punakha, Wangdi and Gangtey - for which you have to take special permit.
As per places to stay you can go with TAB approved hotels and for Indians local rates would apply so below USD 100.00 hotels are good / clean. As for the eateries there are hardly any choices so better to stick to hotel restaurants. Oh ! Yes there is a swiss bakery
centrally located - thats pretty good.
I had visited Bhutan after almost 7 years last year - pretty dissappointed with the new facelift of Thimphu, lost the old good charm of a ethnic village.
Elisha, New Delhi
Dear Tanul,
You can fly in to Bhutan (Paro) from Kolkota /Delhi - Kolkota is much cheaper. On arrival at Paro airport you can get your stay permit for 7-15 days for Paro %26amp; Thimphu. If you are planning to go for 5-7 days then you must visit Punakha, Wangdi and Gangtey - for which you have to take special permit.
As per places to stay you can go with TAB approved hotels and for Indians local rates would apply so below USD 100.00 hotels are good / clean. As for the eateries there are hardly any choices so better to stick to hotel restaurants. Oh ! Yes there is a swiss bakery
centrally located - thats pretty good.
I had visited Bhutan after almost 7 years last year - pretty dissappointed with the new facelift of Thimphu, lost the old good charm of a ethnic village.
Elisha, New Delhi
We love to travel, we have an 18 months baby, and we are considering the 10 days Aman experience in Bhutan. Our baby is very well behaved, and loves to see and experience different thinks, he has been traveling since his 3 months and been in Europe,
Asia, Canada, Mexico ect
I think that if we stay at Aman the baby will have most of the things to be comfortable, do you think is a good idea?
Thank you very much for any suggestions or recommendations.
Amankora Resorts in Bhutan is the Epitome of Luxury Travel in Bhutan . It has played host to Celebrities,Vips as well as ordinary travellers in quest of extraordinary luxury.
Considering you are travelling with an 18 month old baby who is travel experienced, there should be no impediment to your travel in Bhutan.
Have a great trip %26amp; moreso your stay in Bhutan
Bhutan Scenic Tours - Paro
www.bhutanscenictours.com.bt
E-mail : chodex@druknet.bt
HELP we are visting both Bhutan and Sunderbans in october but we are short on time., is 3 days in Bhutan enough and what are the must see highlights ? Is 1 day in the sunderbans enough to get a feel of the place and can anyone recommend a decent hotel in Bakkhali? thanks
Wow, 3 days is a very short time to see Bhutan. I suggest that you stay in Paro,your plane%26#39;ll arrive there, get a feel of the place, hike to Taktsang-monastry and drive to the end of the valley, to Drugyel Dzong. Then you can drive to the capital, one and a half hour away, Thimphu, and do some sightseeing. Get a feel, and plan to be back for at least another 10 days. By the way, you have to plan and prepay everything with a local agent, who can add his additions.
Bhutan is a very quiet and beautiful country, and I advise to take it in slowly, not in a hurry just to %26#39;do%26#39; the place.
You have too little time in Bhutan and Sunderbans.
In 3 days - u can perhaps do only Paro - and a day trip to Thimpu. But you will miss Punakha and Bumthang.
You cant do Sunderban in 1 day - Given your time constraint - you can go for the 2 Night 3 day cruise - recently Vivada has launched a new cruise - its expensive - but worth it. You can get the details from www.sunderbancruises.com/itinerary.html.
Check out my post on Bakkhali - type a search by Bakkhali and you will get the review. The hotel I stayed was horrible. Its run by Benfish ( owned by state govt). Dont stay there.
I am curious to know why you chose Bakkhali - few people from outside west bengal know about that place.
Has anyone ever used Greaves Travel (from India) for their travel in Bhutan? Greaves is very reputable in India but they seem a bit inexperienced with Bhutan.
I would strongly receommend using a local Bhutanese company. In fact, I would hazard a bet that Greaves probably farms out with a Bhutanese company as a subcontractor anyway. Why not disintermediate?
My husband and I have just returned from a 2 week holiday in Bhutan. The last 3 nights were spent at Gangtey Palace in Paro. It is absolutly gorgious and make sure you ask for room 301, which is the master bedroom used by many dignatories from the past (including royalty)and has the best view. The owners are extremely well connected to the royal family but you couldn%26#39;t meet a more down to earth couple, who are warm and very friendly. The palace just rounded off this remarkable holiday brilliantly and we can%26#39;t wait to return.
Anybody have an alternative view?
Stayed at the Gangtey Palace twice on our trip to Bhutan in March. I found the hotel, grounds, and room(s) fantastic. You can read my trip report/review and see photos elsewhere on these site. Absolutely loved the ';bar'; area with the panoramic views over Paro valley.
My only complaint? The food. Bland, boring, and of relatively poor quality. Can%26#39;t have everything I guess, but it seems like it would be so easy for them to pick up their game on the food. Who knows, maybe we just picked a bad week, but two separate stays had us fleeing for the restaurants in town rather than eating there..
Yesterday, I read somewhere in YouTube (and cannot find it any longer) that old men in Bhutan, who have to urinate 3 times per night and more, take some kind of natural medicine (a root only growing in these heights, I think) and are really helped by it. This root is also supposed to be good for other ailments.
Does anyone happen to know the name of this ????
I leave for Bhutan on Oct. 4th and really would LOVE to buy and try that. Thanks! Wolf/Kyoto/Japan
If I remember well it is Cordyceps, but ask your guide to go to the Insitute of Traditional Medicine in Thimphu, they can advise you and also sell,both medicines and medicial teas. It is also interesting to visit the Institute and look at the little museum of medicines made of plants.Have a wonderful time in Bhutan.
I%26#39;m planning a trip to Uma Paro in mid september and i am just now finalizing everything. I was wondering which category room to book.
i%26#39;m trying to decide between a Deluxe category room and a Suite category.
I will be travelling alone so I dont need the extra space a Suite provides, but officially, Deluxe rooms have better views than Superior rooms..
i%26#39;m wondering if the same is true for Suites.
Como has given me a very competative room rate for a 5 night tour in the suite -- less than $100/night difference between the price of a Delux room and a Suite.
then again, I could think of at least 50 different things to do with the nearly $500 I would save by staying in a delux room.
Has anyone who has stayed on the property, or seen the diffrent rooms, provide any feedback to help me with the decision.
at this point, i think i am just going to splurge but I was wondering what you guys thought about the matter.
thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.
CMM.
since you are visiting Bhutan. why dont you save the money as you have mentioned you are getting discount of US$ 500. so book your trip with local tour operator and stay in one of the best and luxury hotel with the same service as como. Uma Paro.
to get to know more contact local operator. find out on GOOGLE.COM by typing bhutan tour, trekking bhutan, etc
Hi CMM,
I%26#39;m looking forward to my turn at uma paro in december. So, which room category did you choose? If the deluxe, was the view good enough?
Regards,
Mark
I want to travel light and would prefer to have laundry done for me. Is this commonly available at the hotels?
Leaving in 2 days. Anyone??
We didn%26#39;t give laundry to the hotel, but did some ourselves when staying two nights. I remember that some gave laundry in Bumthang, but it didn%26#39;t dry quick enough. No electric dryers. You can wish for a stove to heat and dry. Only if you go to the luxury hotels, which are not in the regular package, you can expect laundry-service.
Thermal clothing is very light-weight. Take layers, with some fleece, and you%26#39;ll be way under the limit.
Enjoy your stay.
Thank you.
