Anand, I'd like to thank everyone in the office for helping me over the course of planning the trip and getting everything together. I thoroughly enjoyed the people and places of Bhutan. I want to especially give thanks to Yeshi, who did an outstanding job. One note: India definitely wants a visa to transit through the airport, even if it's under…
Bhutan Culture History & Colorful Festival Tour
Highlights of Dragon Kingdom with Festival
Bhutan Culture History trip commemorates the spirit of Bhutan, the magnificence of its old ways, where you go back in time on a comprehensive cultural odyssey, for a glimpse of traditions and customs fast disappearing from the rest of the Himalayan world.
Gigantic mountains covered with thick primeval forests, the generous and welcoming attitude of its unassuming people who have not rejected their spiritual heritage for modern ways; all makes for a unique cultural experience.
As you visit the country’s impressive whitewashed Dzongs (fortress-monasteries) that are thriving centers of worship and culture, and meet the people as you travel through the countryside, you’ll see how the past remains an integral part of the very vibrant present.
One of the highlight is the Tsechu, a religious festival, an exuberant and earthy affair featuring fancifully costumed dancers performing masked dance-dramas before hundreds of onlookers. Mingling with the locals in this joyous celebration, a highlight of their Bhutanese calendar – is a unique honor, bestowed to only a limited number of visitors each year.
Bhutan Culture History Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Day 2 & 3: Punakha & Wangdue Valley
Day 4 & 5: Jakar (Bumthang)
Day 6: Tang valley (Bumthang)
Day 7: Trongsa
Day 8 &9 : Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley
Day 10& 11: Thimphu.
Day 12: Paro Valley
Day 13: Paro (Hike to Takstang)
Day 14: Departure.
Activities: Culture Tours, Festival Tours
Trip highlights
- Immerse yourself in the vibrancy of colorful festivals
- Explore bustling local markets
- Mingle with locals in both urban and rural areas
- Visit authentic villages and homes
- Gain insights into the rich heritage, history, culture, and traditions
- Explore monasteries, fortresses, and museums for a deeper understanding
12-day trip, from 2100 per person. Tell us your dates and group size and we will price it exactly.
Included
- Daily tourists fees
- Bhutan visa fees and permits
- Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (good mix of 3-4 star hotels)
- All meals and some evening tea/snacks
- All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees.
- Local English Speaking Tour leader/Guide.
Not included
- Flights into and out of Bhutan
- Travel/Medical Insurance
- Personal expenses such as bar/beverages, optional tips, gifts etc
TID 681 Bhutan Tour (12.11.13 - 23.11.13) Rating of the Trip Below: 1 means "far under our expectations" 2 means "under our expectations" 3 means "responding to our expectations" 4 : "above our expectation" 5 : "far above our expectations" General rating of the trip : 4 1) Bhoutan Guide Yeshi : 4. Commentaires intéressants. Très prévenant et attentif. Driver…
We had a wonderful time in Bhutan, and experienced Wind Horse as a very reliable and no fuss company
TID 639 Engehaugen & Party from March 27-April 07,2013 Dear Ugen, We are very satisfied with our Bhutan-tour, and we hope we will get a opportunity to go back. My family and I (ages 29-55) traveled in Bhutan for 11-12 days in spring (March - April) 2013. We chose Wind Horse as our tour operator and did not regret. The…
Namgay
Guide - Culture, Trek & Nature Growth in Tourism in Bhutan has also its share of impact on young minds. With tourists freely moving around, the curiosities to know them, talk to them holds ground firmly on young minds . Namgay is one among many youth whose imagination was captured…
Sonam Loday
A good sense of humour is the currency that prevail everywhere regardless of the time or circumstances. An asset that that has potential to make even the ordinary trip into extraordinary. Sonam Loday has this traits in abundance. This is intrinsic and come as naturally as bees to the flower.…
Sonam Pelden
Sonam Palden is smitten by games most notably national sports of Bhutan- Archery. While growing up in beautiful Ura valley in Bumthang, unlike other kid, he played with traditional traditional bows and arrows. He completed his class 12 from Punakha in 2003. Subsequently he pursued his passion for five years…
- Best Months — March, April, October, November
- Good Months — January, February, May, June, September, December
- Lean Months — July, August
What travelers most often ask us before a trip to Bhutan.
Are monument and park entrance fees included in my trip?
No. Since the 2023 policy update, the entry fees are not included and are in addition to the daily SDF (Sustainable Development Fee), you will need to pay for these tickets separately at each location, or your tour operator (like Wind Horse) can include them as a pre-paid “service” in your tour package.
Most Dzongs & Museums charge Nu. 500, with Takstang @1000/
For details on the latest entry fees to the monuments, parks, and attractions, visit Bhutan Entrance fees:
Yes, flights to Bhutan can be affected by weather conditions. Paro Airport is located in a narrow valley and requires visual flying conditions, meaning flights operate only during daylight hours and in suitable weather.
During the monsoon season (June–September), low clouds, rain, or reduced visibility may cause short delays or, in rare cases, cancellations. In winter, early-morning fog can sometimes delay departures. However, Bhutan’s airlines are highly experienced in operating in these conditions, without compromising the safety.
When disruptions occur, airlines usually reschedule flights for the next available weather window. We recommend allowing some buffer time at the start or end of your trip and having flexible onward travel plans.
Wind Horse closely monitors flight operations and assists guests with rebooking and logistics if weather-related changes arise.
Bhutan’s official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged 1:1 with the Indian Rupee, so the two currencies are equal in value. Indian Rupees are accepted in Bhutan.
Yes. Bhutan is considered one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, including solo travelers and solo women travelers. Crime rates are very low, violent crime is rare, and Bhutanese society places a strong emphasis on respect, community, and hospitality.
Solo women travelers generally feel comfortable traveling in Bhutan. Harassment is uncommon, and locals are welcoming and helpful.
When traveling on guided tours or treks, you are accompanied by licensed guides and drivers, which adds an extra layer of safety and support.
As with travel anywhere, we recommend using common sense—being aware of your surroundings, dressing modestly, and following local customs. With these basic precautions, Bhutan is a relaxed, secure, and rewarding destination for solo travel.
The most popular times to visit Bhutan are spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–November), offering the best combination of weather, scenery, and cultural experiences.
- Spring (March–May):
Ideal for nature lovers, with valleys alive with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers. Temperatures are mild, making it a great season for sightseeing and moderate trekking. - Autumn (late September–November):
Known for the clearest Himalayan views, crisp air, and deep blue skies. This is also the peak season for major festivals (Tshechus) and high-altitude trekking. - Winter (December–February):
An off-peak season with cold nights and early mornings, but generally clear, sunny days and stable weather. Snowfall is mostly limited to high mountain passes. While not suitable for high-altitude treks, winter is ideal for cultural tours and walks in lower valleys and subtropical forests. As most towns and villages in the eastern Bhutan and southern Bhutan are located at lower elevation, winter is best time to visit them. - Summer (June–August):
Warm and pleasant, with occasional monsoon rains, mostly in the evenings or at night. The countryside is lush and green, crowds are fewer, and low-season rates are available.
Independent trekking is not permitted in Bhutan. All trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed Bhutanese guide and a support team, where camp and food arrangements in needed.
Some trekking areas require National Park permits and some even need military clearance and those are not issued without the local tour operator’s undertaking and the presence of guides on the trails.
No. Indian citizens with Indian passport or valid travel document such as Voter IDs do not require a visa to enter Bhutan. However, an Entry Permit is mandatory.