27 Aug 2022

Bhutan Small Group Tour

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Authentic Bhutan Tours operates our tour business with flexibility, tailor-made and customized tours that fulfill the hopes and aspirations of every guest.
We design our escorted tours specifically for small groups, which allow us to move about more flexibly and efficiently – providing the best possible Bhutan experiences with a degree of freedom and independence to all our guests. Our guests can always change the tour even after arrival to Bhutan and can ask and discuss anything they would like to experience and explore while in the country. We create and operate tours that suit and match our client’s needs and requirements, with high-quality and outstanding services.
With our small group tour, you have more opportunities to experience and explore the major sightseeing places, traditional farmhouses, villages, visiting schools, off-the-beaten paths, and the Bhutanese Way of Life.
Small Group Tour is the best option for a tour that focuses heavily on local culture, can meet your needs with a personal touch, and makes it easier to have a personal relationship with your tour guides and the people you meet. These all bring your tour alive and unforgettable in a truly, and meaningful way.

25 Aug 2022

Importance of Tour Operator in Tourism Industry

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Tourism is one of the most important and biggest industries in the world. It employs thousands of people and contributes to the economic growth of a country by generating millions of dollars in revenue each year. Tourism is an important part of our economy, and because of this, everyone needs to take care of the environment so that we can have sustainable tourism.

Tour operators are an essential part of this industry. They have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to provide the ultimate travel experience for their customers. Having a tour operator can be a great way to make sure that you are getting the most out of your holiday experience. They can help you find the best deals on travel packages and offer advice on how to make your trip memorable.

Tour Operators play a vital role in making your holiday to a destination one of the most memorable in your lifetime. Tour operators are the most important component for the success of the tourism industry. Tour Operators are responsible for making their dream holidays into realities. Without the expertise of tour operators, it will be difficult to provide the ultimate travel experience in a destination.

Tour operators are the backbone of the tourism industry. They are responsible for providing the best tour services to their clients. They offer a variety of travel packages that make it easy for tourists to explore places they have never been to before. Tour operators also provide immediate support to their customers in case they need any help while they are on a tour or while they are back home.

Authentic Bhutan Tours is located in the heart of the capital city of Bhutan. It is among the top tourism agents in the country. With many positive reviews and feedback from our guests, today, we have a mark in this rising industry of tourism. With more than decades of experience in the tourism sector, we have come a long way in nurturing our business in giving the best to the people. We have a team of well-known and experienced guides and drivers who make the most of every expedition. We believe in the vision of imprinting a happy soul in every guest who travels with us along with a mission of customizing every journey to suit our visitors. We guide not as an agent but as a friend. We have the utmost consideration for the wellness and safety of our visitors and assure every traveler of one of the most memorable excursions in their lifetime.

Why travel alone when you have a friend? Travel with Authentic Bhutan Tours – Your Trusted Tour Operator in Bhutan.

27 Jul 2022

Why Bhutan Trekking Tours |Benefits of trekking in Bhutan |Why choose Bhutan for trekking|

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Trekking tours in Bhutan offer a unique and captivating experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Here are some reasons why trekking in Bhutan is popular:

Pristine Natural Beauty: Bhutan is known for its untouched natural landscapes, including breathtaking mountain ranges, dense forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. Trekking allows you to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Himalayas and experience the country’s unspoiled wilderness.

  • Diverse Trekking Routes: Bhutan offers a variety of trekking routes suitable for all levels of experience and fitness. From easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks, you can choose a route that matches your preferences and physical abilities. Some popular treks include the Druk Path Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Snowman Trek, and the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Trek.
  • Cultural Exploration: Bhutan is renowned for its unique culture and tradition. During treks, you’ll not only witness the stunning landscapes but also have the opportunity to visit remote villages, monasteries, and temples that are deeply rooted in Bhutanese culture. Interacting with the friendly locals and witnessing their way of life adds a fascinating cultural dimension to your trekking adventure.
  • Bhutanese Hospitality: The Bhutanese people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Trekking in Bhutan often involves staying in traditional guesthouses or camping in picturesque locations. You’ll have the chance to experience the genuine hospitality of the Bhutanese people, enjoy delicious Bhutanese cuisine, and learn about their customs and traditions.
  • Spiritual Retreat: Bhutan is often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and is deeply influenced by Buddhism. Trekking through Bhutan’s serene landscapes offers a unique opportunity for introspection, meditation, and spiritual retreat. The tranquil environment, sacred sites, and peaceful monasteries contribute to a sense of tranquility and inner peace.
  • Conservation and Sustainability: Bhutan is committed to environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. The government has implemented strict regulations to preserve its natural resources and maintain a low-impact approach to tourism. By participating in trekking tours, you contribute to the country’s conservation efforts and help support local communities.
  • Limited Tourist Numbers: Bhutan has a regulated tourism policy that limits the number of visitors each year. This ensures that the trails and natural sites remain relatively uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy the serenity and solitude of the surroundings.
  • Adventure and Challenge: Trekking in Bhutan can be physically demanding, especially on the more challenging routes. The thrill of conquering high mountain passes, navigating through rugged terrains, and witnessing panoramic views from the summits adds an adventurous element to the experience. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself physically and mentally while being rewarded with stunning vistas.

When planning a trekking tour in Bhutan, it’s advisable to engage with a reputable tour operator who can help with permits, logistics, experienced guides, and ensure a safe and memorable journey.

22 Jul 2022

09 Informative Things You Have to Know Before Planning Your Bhutan Tour.

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1. You need visa to enter Bhutan

The first and foremost thing that you should know while visiting Bhutan is to obtain a Bhutanese visa. Every tourist must obtain a Bhutanese visa to enter and exit Bhutan, unless if you are from a visa-free country to Bhutan. Moreover, to obtain a Bhutanese visa, it costs around $40 and should be paid in advance through your travel agency. You just have to give your passport photocopy to your tour company along with the total tour payments and they will do all the necessary things and confirm your visa.

2. You must plan your tour with a Bhutanese tour company

If you want to visit Bhutan, you must hire a Bhutanese tour company/travel agency to get your visa to Bhutan approved, unless, if you are from a visa-free country to Bhutan. Besides, you also need to have a guide which will be provided by your tour company and cannot visit different cities/places independently without that guide because the officials at different checkpoints between different cities will check the company’s documents (the company that you hired). Therefore, you must hire a tour company and can just relax and enjoy your stay in Bhutan as other things will be taken care of by the tour company.

3. Don’t be surprised to see the Phallus

Lama DRUKPA KUENLEY was also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on the walls and as flying wooden phallus on the housetops at four corners of the eves. These phalluses are used to drive away from the evil spirits, eyes, and malicious gossip. This is also used to bring blessing for fertility. You will see a lot on the wall paintings as you walk through the Bhutanese house.

4. Challenge the Bhutanese food

When you visit Bhutan, you must try the most famous curry of Bhutan that is the EMA DATSHI (chilies with cheese) with red rice. It is extremely delicious and hot and can even make you warm if you try this curry at cold places. Moreover, there is also another unique Bhutanese cuisine like JASHA MARU (spicy chicken), PHAKSHA PAA (pork with red chilies), KEWA DATSHI (potato with cheese) and many more. Furthermore, you can even try the local alcohol called ARA, which is a fermented drink made from rice, maize, millet, or wheat and it is extremely strong and many tourists have tried and enjoyed it.

If you are a person, who is very particular about your diet, then you must inform your tour company or your guide in advance as they can make arrangements as per your choice.

5. Dress up well when you visit DZONGS and MONASTERIES

DZONGS and monasteries are some of the truly famous architecture of the Bhutanese. Most of the tourists visit Bhutan to witness the very aesthetic architecture of the DZONGS and monasteries. As DZONGS and monasteries serve as a workplace for high officials, study place for monks, and to perform annual festivals and other Buddhist rituals, anyone who wants to visit these places must wear the national dress of Bhutan (GHO and KIRA). Tourists don’t need to wear the Bhutanese traditional dress while visiting DZONGS and monasteries, but you are only allowed to wear long-sleeved clothing. Shorts and hats are not allowed inside the DZONGS and monasteries.

6. ATMs and cash in Bhutan

In Bhutan, there is the availability of ATMs in every town and it accepts visa cards as well as master cards. Bhutanese currency is Ngultrum and even accepts the Indian currency. Moreover, there is no need to worry about the currency because you can always exchange the foreign currency for Bhutanese currency with the bank as per the exchange rates of the banks in Bhutan. Furthermore, a foreigner can bring only up to a maximum of USD 10,000.

7. Your tour will be guided tour only

Once you reach Bhutan, your tour will be a guided tour only. You cannot travel on your own in a taxi or cab to visit places and you will be guided by a tourist guide throughout your tour. You will be guided by your guide while going for sightseeing and visiting other places like museum, DZONGS, and monasteries and even while going for trekking and hiking. Furthermore, your meals will also be ordered by your guide as per your choice or your diet.

    

8. There are luxury tours in Bhutan.

Apart from the common tours, Bhutan also provides luxury tours to foreigners/tourists. It is similar to the common tour, but a luxury tour involves living in a luxury environment like living in a 4-star hotel and above. In addition, the luxury tours in Bhutan include staying in, UMA PARO, AMANKORA, Bhutan Helicopter AdventureSIX SENSES, and many more.

During these tours, you can discover and experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the environment, have fun with Bhutanese friends, grasp or understand about the Bhutanese philosophy that is guided by the principles of GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS, opportunity to see the magnificent DZONGS, MONSTRIES and ANCIENT TEMPLES and even have a practical understanding about the Bhutanese culture that is rich in tradition, religion and benevolence monarchy.

9. Is it safe for solo travelers/ solo woman

Bhutan is safe for solo travelers/ solo women and is one of the safest destinations in the world. You just have to book your tour package with one of the tour companies in Bhutan and you will be provided with a driver and a guide which makes it more secure. Unfortunately, regarding the daily tariff cost, it will be higher than traveling in groups as you have to pay the FIT Surcharges of USD 40 night for the single traveler and USD 30 per person per night for the 2 people traveling together

1 Mar 2021

Thimphu Festival |Thimphu Festival Tours |Thimphu Festival Travel Packages| Thimhu Tsechu
(02 – 04 Oct, 2025)

Bhutan Festival Tour , ,

The Thimphu Tsechu is one of the most prominent and widely celebrated religious and cultural festivals in Bhutan. It takes place in the capital city of Thimphu and holds deep significance for both locals and visitors. Tsechus are annual events that mark important dates in the Buddhist calendar and provide a platform for religious rituals, traditional mask dances, cultural performances, and communal gatherings.

One of the biggest festivals in the country is the Thimphu Tshechu. The Tshechu is witnessed by thousands of people, both local and tourists. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods. Mask dances like the Guru Tshengye (Eight Manifestations of Guru Rinpoche), Shaw Shachi (Dance of the Stags), and many more are performed.

Participating in the Thimphu Tsechu offers a remarkable opportunity to engage with Bhutan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage while enjoying the festive atmosphere and interacting with the local community.

 

Our expert specialists are ready to help you plan your next trip. You can call us on 00975-2-335423 (Call us today from 9am )

or complete the this form and we’ll contact you to begin planning your tailor-made trip.

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive to Paro - Transfer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours– For Your Bhutan Experience!  will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take about 1 hour and 30 minutes along a river valley, past small villages and traditional farmhouses, through peaceful countryside. It’s a small & charming capital city located in the heart of the Himalayas. On reaching Thimphu, we will do a short hike, from Kuensel Phodrang to Depsi (South of Thimphu). Before we start the hike, we will visit Tallest Buddha Statue in the world. Then we will start the hike. The hiking is more or less a very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron, and Oak trees.  The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu), and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness, and good health to everyone in this world including your enemy. Evening visit Tashi Chho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel, Thimphu

Day 02. Thimphu Stay

Today enjoy with Thimphu Festival – the biggest festival in Bhutan.

Day 03. Thimphu Stay

Thimphu Festival and Thimphu Sightseeing too … like visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices. Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family. National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town. After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made.  Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu hotel.

Day 04. Thimphu – Punakha (Day Excursions)

After our breakfast, we will drive to Punakha/Wangdi. The road climbs steeply through forests of pine, hemlock spruce and rhododendrons. At Dochula Pass (3150m) you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges. The pass is adorned with 108 small stupas and many kinds of prayer flags. Then the road descends through lush forests to the fertile valley of Punakha & Wangdi Phodrang. On reaching Lobesa, we will visit Chhimi Lhakhang, which is located at a hilltop. The temple is known as ‘the temple of fertility’.  At Punakha, visit the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong. Then we will have lunch and after lunch we drive back to Thimphu. Evening stroll around Thimphu town. After lunch, we will see the illuminating places like the Dzong, Chhorten and others for your photographs. We can also enjoy the night life with locals if it is not on Tuesdays. Over night stay at hotel Thimphu. Hotel Pedling or similar standard.

Day 05. Thimphu - Paro

Today we will drive to Paro and hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest” named after Guru Rinpoche who reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. We have to walk about 2hours and 30minutes up-steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria. While coming back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize).

Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel. Olathang Hotel or similar standard.

Day 6. Paro – Paro International Airport

After our breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight. We sincerely hope to see you again in Bhutan- Happiness is a Place!

This is a sample itinerary, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, group options and the physical condition of participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of our guests, safety, comfort and general well being.

Plan Your Trip

Start planning your tailor-made Dream Holiday to Bhutan – The Land of happiness!

In order to experience the best and rewarding fulfillment clients must plan in advance the different logistics that you have in your minds before actually venturing into the world of trips. You might have wishes and hopes for which you need to plan.

The following information will help you to plan your dream trip to Bhutan.

1. When and how to visit Bhutan?

Choose your traveling date like Arrival/Departure date. You also need to choose entry/depart Bhutan via AIR or LAND.

By Air: Druk Air, the national carriers is the only service operator in the kingdom and operates several flights per week from Bangkok (Thailand), Delhi & Kolkata (India) and Kathmandu (Nepal) to Paro (Bhutan). The Paro International Airport is located about an hour and a half drive from Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Paro airport is daylight restricted, and the flights are totally dependent on the weather. As a result, sometimes flights are delayed. It is therefore a good idea to keep at least 24 hours of transit time for connecting flights out of Paro. You might also want to consider traveling on a non-restricted ticket so that if you miss a connecting flight, you can be rerouted or seated on the first available carrier.

Sometimes flights into Paro are disrupted because of unfavorable weather conditions. If this occurs, the flight will stop for the night at the transit airport. To be prepared, you may want to carry your essential personal items in your carry-on luggage.

By Land: Phuentsholing, a Bhutanese town in the southwest has road access to India. It is located about 170 km from the Indian domestic airport at Bagdogra, West Bengal. Phuentsholing is about 172 km from Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan and is about 6hours drive distance. And S/

2. What are your itineraries?

All the tours can be customized and extended as per our valued client’s requirements. There are sample itineraries for your kind reference and it will give you some general idea of the likely trip scheduled.

Complete the tour request form and submit it to us. Send us correct name list. We will send you the flight reservation status via email.

After confirming your reservation, we need the scanned copy of member’s passport.

Please be reminded:

1. To carry the passport that matches the passport details indicated in the visa application.

2. The passport should have their validity more than 6months from the date of your travel.

3. For all travelers flying via India to/from the kingdom of Bhutan, to have the Indian Visa prior to their departure from their country.

Please remit us full payments and send us the copy of remittance paper via email. Visa will not be accepted without full payment.

We will send you the flight ticket copy and Visa Clearance Copy prior to your departure to Bhutan via email. You need to print out and carry along with you.

Start packing and looking forward to have a memorable trip in the LandThunder Dragon, DrukYul.

NOTE:

For most tours the booking must be completed 8 weeks in advance, but during the festivals booking must be completed at least 12 weeks in advance. Especially during the festivals, it can be very difficult to get the accommodation and flight seats without advance bookings, as it is a peak season for the tourist visiting Bhutan.

Value-Added Option

hot-stone-bath

Hot stone bath (Dhotsho) is a traditional bath of Bhutan, where a tradition of heating up stones and then soaking in the water that is in turn heated by the stones. This is also a curative method and is used throughout the country We Bhutanese belief that this bath has so much of medicinal benefits. Some diseases are curable-like joint pains, hypertension, stomach disorder, arthritis and many other minor diseases. Especially for the old age, where we have lots of body pains, joints pains helps a lot by this Hot Stone Bath (Dhotsho).

I think, the minerals in the rocks have certain chemicals, which can cure certain disease of our body. Hot stone bath has no side effects. It is in its pure natural form. We can organize the hot stone bath during your stay in Bhutan.

The cost for experiencing this will be USD 20 per person.

weaving-in-bhutan

The Bhutanese textiles are rich, vibrant, and colorful and are a complex art form as well as an integral part of the Bhutanese culture. This Bhutan weaving experiences will give you an insight about the rich textiles in Bhutan. You can sit one of the handlooms of Bhutan and weave your self practically. We promise that you will really enjoy this with great satisfaction in your life.

We will also see or learn the natural coloring and dyeing. You can bring your own materials like handkerchief to dye and color. So visit Bhutan and experience it practically by yourself.

So to arrange this you need to pay extra payment of USD 50 per person.

cultural-program

Folk Performing Arts & Music in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan
We have Cultural Program Performing groups, which they will perform like Traditional folk songs, dances and keeps original tunes and dances alive. Moreover, new choreography for some traditional and regional songs is sometimes developed.

The troupe also performs mask dances that have historical and spiritual significance.

The program will be about 1hr program and the cost will be USD 100/program. Usually we organize this in the evening before your dinner. But any time of the day can be organized.

 

hourse-riding-to-tigers-nest

Tiger’s Nest is most visited spot in Bhutan and it is much awaited by every tourist who visits Bhutan to climb to Tiger’s Nest.

It takes about 2 hrs 30mins up steep climb through the forest of pine, oak and Rhododendron. However you can ride the horse and climb till the Taktshang cafeteria.

The price will be approximately USD 12-15. So we can arrange the horses and let us know.

 

The above activities can be incorporated easily into your travel itinerary. However some activities need to pay some additional fees. So let us know which activities you would like to experiences so that we will include in your invoice.

Price Guides

Trip Length: 04 Nights/05 days in Bhutan

Costs
1pax = USD 940
2 Pax = USD 890 per person
3 Pax & above = USD 765 per person.

The above price is inclusive of the followings:

  1. Sustainable Development Fee of USD 65/person/night
  2. All government Taxes.
  3. Lodging (3* hotel – Twin Sharing)
  4. Meals (Three Meals a day)
  5. Comfortable Land Transportation within Bhutan.
  6. Service of guides (English Speaking)
  7. Camping Equipment & Haulage of trekking tours.
  8. Visa Fee of USD 40/person
  9. Mineral Water
  10. Tea/coffee with snacks every evening at the hotel
  11. Trying and wearing of our Traditional Costumes and photo shoot.

The above price shall be exclusive of the following:

  1. Travel Insurance Coverage
  2. Medical Expenses
  3. Laundry
  4. Drinks
  5. Sleeping bags on treks.
  6. Tips to guide and driver, others
  7. Personal bills and others
  8. Airfare.

authentic-bhutan-travelSpeak to a specialist

Email: info@authenticbhutantours.com

Cell: 00975-17343434

Get inspired by the trip ideas on our website and in our brochures. Then speak to us for first-hand expert advice and if you’re ready, start planning your trip in detail.

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