Bhutan Tour Packages

Bhutan Tour

We carefully selected each of our Bhutan tour packages with the traveler in mind. Our Bhutan tour guides and travel consultants have devotedly assisted tourists from all over the world for the last ten years. Mercury Tour Operator welcome all tourists from all parts of the world to explore Bhutan and enjoy Holiday vacation in Bhutan. Our expert team will provide all kinds of services during Bhutan Trip. We cover all the major Bhutan tourist spots.

Bhutan is known as the Land of Thunder Dragon. It is a small country amidst the mighty Himalayas between Tibet autonomous region of china and India. It is famous for its lush green forests, snow capped mountains, arts and architecture, incomparable culture and tradition, and spectacular scenic view are some of the rare gifts of Bhutanese pride which they offer to the whole world.

Best Time To Visit Bhutan

For Bhutan Tour ideal time are autumn and spring. Month wise -September, October, December, March, April, and May. Bhutan is a relatively difficult destination to visit due to the Bhutanese government’s regulations. Visitors who wish to visit Bhutan cannot purchase components of the services by parts such as only accommodation or only tours. Visitors have to buy all-inclusive tour package tour.
If you’re planning a trip to Bhutan, the best seasons you could choose are autumn and spring. The months of March, April, may, September, October, and December, see the maximum tourist foot fall. Bhutan can be reached both by road and air. Bhutan’s only international airport is located in Paro which is about an hour and a half’s drive from Thimphu. Flights to Bhutan depart from several cities the most common ones being Bangkok, Delhi, Singapore and Kathmandu. You can choose between Bhutan’s national carrier of Druk air and Bhutan airlines which provide international flights to Bhutan’s international airport.

Bhutan Tour Package from Kolkata and Siliguri/NJP/Hasimara

Bhutan tour packages from India can be possible because of the good connectivity between Bhutan and some of the major cities of India by air. Druk air and Bhutan airlines are most popular airlines which connected both India and Bhutan. We provide Bhutan tour Packages from Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai at a reasonable cost. Book our Kolkata to Bhutan package including airfare at a reasonable cost. If traveling to Bhutan by train, Hasimara is the nearest railway station near Bhutan India border. We conduct Hasimara to Bhutan package by car in a regular basis. Alternate railway stations are there to reach and cover Bhutan Trip. Direct bus service available to conduct avail Bhutan trip. New Jalpaiguri rail station is a major junction station in North Bengal where almost all major cities\of India are linked by train, So Bhutan package from NJP is an alternate way.

Bhutan tour from Guwahati

Paro airport well conected with Guwahati Airport and Guwahati to Bhutan package can be easily done any time from Guwahati to Paro by air. Road ways are also connected Bhutan with Assam and Arunachal. There is also railway connectivity between Guwahati to New Alipurduar / New Cochbehar or NJP station of West Bengal .

Bhutan Tour Package from Delhi

The best way to travel to Bhutan from Delhi is to reach Bhutan by air. Besides, arriving at New Jalpaiguri railway station by train from Delhi and then reaching Bhutan by road. Hasimara, a small town in the West Bengali district of Jalpaiguri, is the first place to be arrived at. Delhi and Hasimara can be reached by train. Then, you can take a bus or a taxi to the border town of Jaigaon and cross into Bhutan from there to get where you’re going.

Bhutan Tour from Mumbai

We provide Mumbai to Bhutan package at a reasonable cost. Make your Bhutan Tour Plan to avail the best deals at nominal rates with proper guidance and support from Mercury Tour Operator .

Bhutan Tour from Chennai / Kerala / Hyderabad / Cochin

Any Tickets , Porter charges
Entry fees , Ride charges, Guide charges
Permit fees (Sustainable development fees)
Any major meals
Anything out of inclusions are chargeable and payable on spot
GST 5% as per govt rules

Sustainable Development fees in Bhutan

Bhutan recently declared that, after two years, its borders would be open to travelers beginning on September 23. It is known as the sustainable development fee (SDF) and costs $15 (Rs 1,200) for each Indian person per day and $200 (Rs 16,000) for each person per day for everyone else.

Entry fees in Bhutan Tourist Spots

See the following charges during Bhutan Tour Packages
Thimphu Memorial Chorten- NU 500, For Student 250 |Tashichho Dzong- NU 500, For Student 250|Motithang Takin Zoo – NU 300
Folk Heritage Museum – NU 100|Handicraft Institute Thimphu- NU 100|Paro Museum – NU 100
Rinpung Dzong- NU 500, For Student 250|Taktsang Monastery /Tiger Nest- NU 1000, For Student 500|Kitchu Lakhang- NU 500, For Student 250|Punakha Dzong- NU 500, For Student 250

Notice: Upcoming SDF Fees (Sustainable Development fees) shortly implemented as per Bhutan Tourism.
NOTE : Bhutan border immigration office remains close on Saturday, Sunday and on Bhutanese Holidays. Plan your tour accordingly. For Indians it is mandatory to Carry Indian Passport or Indian Voter Card for immigration permission. For foreigners or NRIs Visa is a must for Bhutan.

Royal Kingdom of Bhutan

The Royal Kingdom of Bhutan is nestled in the eastern Himalayas, bordering China to the north, Arunachal Pradesh to the east, Sikkim in the west & Assam and West Bengal to the south. It is located in the eastern extreme of the lower Himalayan range. Because of the natural diversity, demand of Bhutan Tourism has growing fast. Apart from the remarkable natural topography, the imposing image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbours. The only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world the overpowering tantric teachings of this tradition are well preserved and exercise a strong influence in all realms of life. Due to its unspoiled environment and a peace loving society, the kingdom of Bhutan has been regarded as “The Last Shangri-La.”Bhutan is called the Last Sangrila,representing last of the Buddhist countries with its rich heritage & culture. Bhutan tour Packages famous because of its natural beauties. Bhutan is famous for its lush green forests, snow capped mountains, arts and architecture, incomparable culture and tradition, and spectacular scenic view are some of the rare gifts of Bhutanese pride which they offer to the whole world.

Bhutan Culture and Life style

Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with Dzongkha as the national language. But there are 19 different languages and dialects spoken all over Bhutan. Besides dzongkhag the 3 commanding languages are – Tshanglakha also known as Sharchokpa, spoken in Eastern Bhutan, Lhotshamka which is basically Nepali, spoken in the southern parts, and Bumthangkha spoken in the central region. English is also spoken by many people and also used as the medium of instruction in schools. All government documents and road signs are in both English and Dzongkha along with the national newspaper Kuensel which is also written in Nepali. Almost everyone speaks and understands Hindi in Bhutan.

Bhutan Currency

Bhutan’s unit of currency is known as Ngultrum. The value of both an ngultrum and Indian rupee is the same and therefore it is accepted in Bhutan. INR 50 and INR 100 rupee notes can be used in Bhutan but Ngultrum cannot be used in India. Indian notes of the denominations INR 500 and INR 2000 are not accepted in Bhutan. Dollars can be exchanged at the airport, at your hotels, or any bank around the country. Usually for a better exchange rate, one can exchange their money with some shopkeepers in Thimphu. For buying souvenirs credit cards can be used as they accepted in all souvenir/handicrafts stores.

Bhutan Tourist Spot – details

Details of all the Bhutan tour spot that should be shown during the Bhutan tour are given below . During any Bhutan Tour, these places can be cover as per your schedule.

Thimphu – The Modern Capital of Bhutan

Thimphu: Thimphu is the capital of modern Bhutan. It is also the largest city in the western central part of Bhutan.Thimphu is also called for its Buddhist sites.Previously the capital of Bhutan was Punakha,which was replaced by Thimphu by the His Majesty 3^rd Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the year 1961.Though being the capital of Bhutan ,Thimphu is not served by an airport.The city of Thimphu has to depend on the Paro airport for connectivity purposes. Bhutan Tourism attractions in Thimphu is very famous .In the city of Thimphu we can find most of the important political buildings in Bhutan ,namely the National Assembly,Dechencholing Palace,The Official residence of the king,Tashichho Dzong,a fortified monastery,The Memorial Chorten,a white washed structure with a gold spire is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutans third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Bhutan Tourist Spot – Paro

Paro is a town located in the Paro valley of Bhutan lies in the western Bhutan at a height of 2280 metres..Bhutans only international airport is in Paro,so Paro is called the gateway of Bhutan kingdom. During Bhutan Tour must cover Major tourist places in Paro as mentioned here. The Ringpung Dzong a Fortress-monastery imposing a five storeyed building which serves as an effective defence against expropriation made by the Tibetians The Paro Dzong-During your tour to Paro here we can get a collection of sacred masks and costumes Taa Dzong:This is another attraction during your Bhutan Trip to Paro(An ancient watch tower to defend Ringpung Dzong during inter valley wars)nowadays called the National Museum of Bhutan.This fortress served as a watch tower to the Paro Dzong.

Paro local sightseeing places

When you are covering Bhutan Tourist Places in Paro then must see following.

Nya-mey-Zam or the bridge which connects Paro town to the dzong.

Drukgyel Dzong: During your holiday trip to Bhutan one must visit Drukgyel dzong which is (a fortress monastery from where we can see the enchanting view of Mt Chomolhari below the Dzong.),

Kyichu Lakhang(the oldest and sacred shrines of the kingdom of Bhutan)

Ugyen Pelri Palace-one of the most beautiful Bhutanese architecture.

Dungtse Lhakhang-A chorten like temple with three floors representing hell heaven and earth and the paintings here are the Bhutanese best paintings,

Jangsarbu Lhakhang-a small temple which is a home to the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha.

Taktshang(Tigers Nest )monastery is the most famous of all the monasteries.It takes one way 3 hours to trek to Tigers Nest monastery which is about 10 kilometres outside Paro town. Tourist can trek to Taktsang monastery from Paro during their Bhutan tour.

Simthothoka Dzong: Is the oldest fort in Bhutan located on the way to Paro from Thimphu. One must visit Simthoka Dzong during Bhutan tour.

Excursions around the Paro valley

During yout Bhutan Tourism Package must visit Chelela Pass and Haa valley

Chelela Pass:-
This pass is located at a height of 3988 metres is one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan.
It provides an amazing view of the Mt Jhumolhari,on the top of which we can see variety colours of blooming rhododendrons and hundreds of prayer flags trembling in the wind.

Haa Valley:
This valley is 22 kms from Chelela Pass (an hour’s drive), where we find the /Haa Dzong which is occupied by the military is a stunning view from outside. Also visit Lakhang Karpo(White temple) and Lakhang Nagpo(Black temple).

Punakha

Must keep Punakha in your Bhutan trip plan which was the former capital of Bhutan which is 72 kms away from Thimphu takes about 3 hours by car to reach from Thimphu.Punakha is located at a height of 1200 metres above sea level is considered to be warm in winter and hot in summer.The two rivers Pho Chu(male) & Mo Chu(female)flowing through the valley.Khuruthang is the main town of Punakha which is 4 kilometres from the Punakha Dzong.

Bumthang

Tourists all over the world started visiting Bhutan when the Govt of Bhutan first started allowing the entry of international tourism in Bhutan in the year 1974. From then onwards people frequently starts visiting Bumthang valley during Bhutan Packages.

Phuntsholing

Phuntsholing during Bhutan Tour is the entrance or gateway for the travelers coming by road from Hasimara, New Alipurduar, Siliguri and Kolkata. It can also be called a business meeting place for the Indians as well as the Bhutanese.

Some of the interesting attractions in Phuntsholing are:
Amo Chuu Crocodile Breeding Centre, Bhutan Gate at the border of jaigaon and Phuntsholing makes a good photograph of your tour.
Karbandi Monastery which is located a short distance above the phuntsholing gives a worth view of the Phuntsholing town and Bengal plains.

Chukha Hydrothermal Project-Special permission is required to visit this particular project.

Varieties of Bhutan Tour Packages planning/Programmes

Bhutan Short Tour Packages from Paro airport/Hasimara station/New Alipurduar station/Bagdogra airport/New Jalpaiguri station

Bhutan Tour package from Paro airport |2 Nights 3 Days tour in Bhutan
Bhutan Tour package from Paro Airport |3 Nights 4 Days Bhutan Tour from Paro
Bhutan Tour package from Paro Airport|4 Nights 5 Days Bhutan Tour from Paro
Bhutan Tour package from Hasimara | New Alipurduar station |3 Nights 4 Days Trip to Bhutan
Bhutan Tour package from Hasimara|New Alipurduar station|4 Nights 5 Days Trip to Bhutan
Bhutan Tour Package from Hasimara|New Alipurduar station|5 Nights 6 Days Trip to Bhutan
Bhutan Tour package from Bagdogra Airport or NJP railway station | 5 Nights 6 Days Bhutan Tour
Bhutan Tour package from Hasimara|New Alipurduar Station|5 Nights 6 Days Trip to Bhutan

Bhutan tour packages- Long Tour

Bhutan Tour Package| 9 Nights 10 days Bhutan tour from Paro airport
Bhutan tour package | 10 Nights 11 days Bhutan tour from Hasimara| New Alipurduar
Bhutan Long tour Package| 11 Nights 12 days Bhutan Tour from New Jalpaiguri station

Bhutan Food ,Bhutanese cuisine

Other than being the country amidst mountains, shrouded in mystery, beauty, and adventure, bhutan has quite an interesting platter to offer in terms of its cuisine. Bhutanese cuisine is primarily rice-based and includes a lot of red rice (a type of brown rice but with a nutty taste, the only type which grows in high altitudes), buckwheat, and a high quantity of maize. The source of protein in their diet comprises chicken, yak meat, dried beef, pork, pork fat, and lamb. During the cold seasons, warm stews made of meat, rice, lentils, dried vegetables, garnished with spices, herbs, and cheese are a local favourite. Some of the most popular foods that one must not miss out on are:

EmaDatshi (or chillies and cheese) –Datshi in Dzongkha means cheese, a wide variety of which is used in several types of Bhutanese recipes. EmaDatshi is a sort of stew made of chillies and cheese which might prove to be quite spicy for some. Other variants of this dish are ShakamDatshi (dried Bhutanese beef and cheese) and KhewaDatshi (potatoes and cheese). ShamuDatshi comprises mushrooms and cheese. All the items are eaten with a generous amount of red or brown or white rice.

JashaMaroo or Maru (spicy chicken) – Served with a generous amount of chicken broth, it is made of diced chicken, chilli, tomato, pepper, coriander leaves, onion, garlic, and several spices. It is eaten with rice.

PhakshaPaa (pork with red chillies) – this dish highlights another favourite item of the Bhutanese that is pork. Mountain vegetables such as radishes and spinach maybe added to phakshapaa which is yet again, eaten with rice or datshi dishes.

Suja (bhutanese butter tea) – also known as Po Cha or GoorGoor, it is usually served after meals and is found to be quite comforting in the cold weather. Fermented yak butter made from fresh yak milk is then boiled along with tea leaves and water. It is a frothy drink that tastes more like butter than tea, and its salty taste might surprise some. Butter tea is also relished in Tibet and parts of Nepal.

Ara (traditional alcoholic beverage) –Ara, (also known as arag) is the traditional alcoholic beverage in Bhutan. It is made by fermenting rice, wheat, maize, millet, barley or buckwheat and is creamy, whitish or clear in appearance. It has a very strong smell and taste. Sometimes Ara is also heated with butter and eggs to make it into a more wholesome and a filling beverage. Other drinks like Banchang and Sinchang which are made by fermenting grains with homemade yeast are also quite famous. Sinchang is a cool drink while Banchang is a hot drink.

Although the hotels and restaurants serving Bhutanese cuisine have tempered the spices to appeal to foreign palates, travellers must venture beyond their comfort zones and take their taste buds on a truly unique journey.Traditional Bhutanese food has been influenced by its neighbours, especially China, Tibet, and India. But like the country itself, the local cuisine has been able to maintain its uniqueness. It’s less oily than Chinese or Indian food and spicier than the Tibetan dishes. Since it is a cold country and temperatures fall quite low, a capsaicin overdose is the go-to for the country’s dishes.

Bhutan Dress code

Bhutan has a moderately formal dress code for both its people and visitors.One of the things that make the nation stand out is their dress code behaviour. The traditional attire for men and women were introduced around the 17th century to display their unique identity. It was made mandatory for Bhutanese citizens to wear their traditional outfits in an order to promote and preserve Bhutanese culture and heritage. The DriglamNamzha is considered as the official dress code behaviour of Bhutan. It dictates the norms regarding how the public should be dressed. The norm is accepted across the whole nation, and the citizens tend to adhere to it.

All employees must wear traditional clothing during work hours – a gho robe for men and kira dress for women.

Festivals in Bhutan

Festivals in Bhutan are commendable for their richness, vibrancy and happiness. The ancient stories of the Buddhist culture and victories are re-enacted and celebrated through country which reaches out not only to local citizens, but also attracts global viewers.Most of these festivals are dedicated to Guru Rimpoche – the saint who introduced Bhutan to Buddhism in the early 8th Century.

ThimphuTshechu is the biggest and the most popular festival of bhutan. Thousands of people, all flock to the capital to be a part of the festivities. The colorful mask dances are where people and monks dance to celebrate life and happiness of the cultural essence of Bhutan, steal the show. It is a 3 day show happening during the 10^th day of 8^th month of the lunar calendar.

Jambay Lhakhang Drup comprises naked dancing, mask dancing and fire dancing. Traditional dances are performed to celebrate the foundation of Jambay Lhakhang Monastery to honor Guru Rimpoche. Mewang – the fire ceremony attracts thousands of tourists. Meanwhile, the event highlight is ‘Dance of Treasure’ – Tercham, where masked dancers and monks perform naked. This part of the festivities takes place in the middle of the night. Several other festivals taking place in Bhutan, not only attract local tourists or those from neighbouring countries but also global tourists.

Hotels and Resorts in Bhutan

Accommodation in Bhutan has a vast variety ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to small cozy hotels and homestays in authentic Bhutanese home settings. The accommodations can be classified into: hotels, resorts, guesthouses, farm stays and home stays.

A Bhutan tour operator must provide his people a hotel of minimum 3 stars rating to ensure tourist comfort. Most of the hotels come with services such as wifi, spa, room service, etc though actual facilities differ from one hotel to the other. The case is similar for guesthouses. Guesthouses are much cheaper compared to star rated hotels. Even today, agriculture is a primary source of income for many Bhutanese families.

Staying in a traditional Bhutanese farm house, gives one an insight into the daily life of a typical Bhutanese family, their day-to-day activities, primitive methods of agriculture which are even prevalent today, and the unmatched hospitality and warm welcome offered by a Bhutanese host.

One can also enjoy traditional home-cooked Bhutanese food while on their stay at farm houses. Or an even more traditional experience, electricity and running water are not available at the farm stays though hot water and drinking water is provided by the host. Situated in the countryside of Bhutan, the farm houses provide a great escape from the bustle of city life and over-populated areas, amidst lush green agricultural fields.

If one is looking for a luxurious retreat to a small mystery loaded Himalayan country, Bhutan is definitely the correct choice.

Amankoraor Aman resorts were the first foreign company that was allowed to start a hotel business in Bhutan. Presently they have a chain of hotels around the country with one located at the beautiful Paro valley.
Hotel Gangtey palace which was once the palace of Bhutan’s second king, has a stunningly decorated holy shrine which is quite a common phenomenon in most of Bhutanese houses. There are 19 huge rooms along with a restaurant that serves Indian, western and Bhutanese cuisines. It also has a bar/lounge with stunning views of paro’s forest monastery.
Taj Tashi- this hotel by the taj group of hotels brings together Bhutan’s age old culture with the new. Situated boldly in the heart of the country’s capital, this magnificent building draws a beautiful silhouette on the city’s skyline. It has services like a tea lounge, bar, indoor pool and spa along with restaurants serving Bhutanese, Asian, and continental cuisines.
Uma paro- this haven, on a hillside of this mysterious country, has an array of luxurious facilities. The superior doubles of this resort has facilities like large bathrooms, minibars, provision of yoga mats similar to the deluxe doubles which are a tad larger. The suites have exclusive areas for sitting, dining, and a study while the one-bedroom villa comprises a private spa and a courtyard. Uma paro also offers facilities like hot spa, massage, and ayurvedic inspired treatments for skin, along with an indoor pool and steam room set in the forest.
Other luxurious retreats include – uma by COMO in paro, wangdue eco lodge, uma by COMO in punakha, meripuensumin punakha, Hotel Drukin Thimphu and several others.