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!
