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.
Importance of Tour Operator in Tourism Industry
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.
Why Bhutan Trekking Tours |Benefits of trekking in Bhutan |Why choose Bhutan for trekking|
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.
09 Informative Things You Have to Know Before Planning Your Bhutan Tour.
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
How did you experience a trekking trip in Bhutan
Bhutan is a small nation located on the eastern side of the Himalayas. It is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” and it is famous for being one of the happiest places in the world, and this small piece of land seems to be the home for so many trekking opportunities in Bhutan. It is not only a world-famous as the happiest place on earth, and this small piece of land seems lost in time. It preserves its ancient traditional and cultural lifestyles, and its isolation makes trekking paradise that provides a unique trekking experience to explore the ancient and untouched trails. The majority of the country is covered with forests. It will give numerous opportunities to have a hike on trails. It could last anywhere from four days to almost a month or even more. Trekking routes vary from simple to advanced and challenging based on the length, altitude, and difficulty levels.
The influence of the Indian Monsoon dominates Bhutan’s climate; hence, the peak tourist season and trekking time here is from March to May and September and October. Bhutan sees monsoonal weather from June until the end of September, which is unsafe for trekking, especially along the southwest border. We recommend spring is, however, possible to trek in Bhutan all year-round. We provide an excellent alternative to enhance your trekking and traveling experience. We also assist you in planning your itinerary to coincide with the many festivals and authentic events.
On every in Bhutan, you will be accompanied by our guide, cook, camping assistant, and a few horse riders and horses to carry your gear. The tourism has inspired the development of tea houses cropped up, and the locals generally use trails. Tea house trekking here is great fun as it will give you a different experience in Bhutan, and it is preferable for those seeking solitude with the mountains. Most of the trekking routes in Bhutan are on excellent trails, well-marked, and do not need any special climbing equipment, but you may need it when trekking at the higher altitudes. There are many trekking trails in Bhutan, and they all differ in terms of landscape, difficulty, length, and altitude. Here’s a look at five popular Bhutan trekking routes for foreigners:
Our Druk Path trekking in Bhutan is ideal for beginners and is a really great introductory trek to Bhutan. This trek is relatively short and offers an excellent introduction to Trekking in Bhutan. It covers so many small mountain ranges between the two major cities of Bhutan, Paro, and Thimphu. It will take the trekkers through the gorgeous mountainous landscape filled with ancient Lhakhang and villages. Its short trekking that follows an ancient trading route, and it will take around four to six days.
Snowman Trek
This is among the most challenging treks in Bhutan and one of the toughest in the Himalayas region and might be the most challenging trekking route in the world. It’s also one of the most beautiful treks. It takes approximately 25 days, depending on the starting point, and basically traverses the mountains border region between Bhutan and Tibet, starting from Paro and ending in Lunana in northern Bhutan. It crosses eleven high altitude passes with an altitude of more than 5,000 m above sea level. As such, altitude sickness is severe, and trekkers should be prepared to familiarize themselves properly. This challenging Bhutan trekking will be rewarded with a real-life screen saver the whole way, and an endless vista of Himalayan peaks dotted with tiny Buddhist monasteries and secluded villages.
Chomolhari or Jomolhari Trek
The Chomolhari trek is also known as the Jomolhari Trek, and it is a popular trek among avid trekkers wanting to spend time on Mount Jomolhari. It is a twelve to fourteen-days trek that seems to be an excellent option for many travelers. It is those who wish to a high altitude experience without having to spend a whole month. It is home to so many challenging high passes and needs the basic fitness levels! This is one of the most modern treks in Bhutan in terms of facilities! You’ll find the stunning mountain scenery following the trail up you are run off the beaten path’ as other treks.
Bumthang Owl Trek
This trekking is an excellent option if you have less time on your hand and wish to realize some local culture’s feel with some of the most exceptional mountain views on the way. The forests surrounded by bamboo and interspersed with a large variety of flora that can be seen flowering during April and May. The area covering with forest makes it excellent for wildlife and birdlife watching that are common in the region.
In addition to camping treks, we also offer many day hikes in remote places while based in a lodge or farm-stay. For more information about hiking and trekking in Bhutan, contact us today. We will be happy to suggest some of the best alternatives or advise how you can include a trek as part of an extended trip.