What is the best time to visit Bhutan?

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best times to visit Bhutan, with clear skies, mountain views, and major festivals (tshechus) like Paro and Thimphu. Winter (December-February) offers fewer crowds and lower haze, while the summer monsoon (June-August) brings rain but lush landscapes.

How far in advance should I book a Bhutan tour?

Book 2-4 months ahead for standard travel, and 6+ months ahead for festival season (spring and autumn tshechus) when flights and hotels fill quickly. Bhutan has only two airlines serving Paro International Airport, so flight availability, not tour operator capacity, is usually the earliest constraint.

What should I pack for a trip to Bhutan, and is altitude a concern?

Pack layered clothing for temperature swings between 1,200m (Phuntsholing) and over 3,000m (Paro, Dochula Pass), sturdy hiking shoes for sites like Tiger's Nest, and modest clothing for temples (shoulders and knees covered). Altitude sickness is uncommon below 3,500m but possible on trekking routes; acclimatize gradually and stay hydrated.

Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?

Yes. All foreign tourists (except Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian nationals) need a visa, arranged in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator like Bhutan Upward Travels. The operator submits your documents, pays the visa fee, and secures approval before you travel; you cannot apply for a Bhutan tourist visa directly on your own.

Do I need a licensed guide to travel in Bhutan?

Yes. Bhutan requires all international tourists to travel with a licensed Bhutanese guide for the duration of their trip, arranged through an authorized tour operator. The guide accompanies you at all sites outside Paro and Thimphu town centers and is included in standard tour package pricing.

What currency is used in Bhutan and how do I pay for a tour?

Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (BTN), pegged 1:1 to the Indian Rupee, though US dollars are widely accepted for tourism payments. Tour packages, including the Sustainable Development Fee, are typically paid in USD by bank transfer to the licensed tour operator; carry cash for small personal purchases.

// exploring: Vibrant Festivals

A 12 Day Immersion into Bhutan's Spiritual Heartlands

Duration12 Days / 11 Nights

Pricing From$13,430per person · $1,119 per day · SDF included · group rates available

Comfort TierLuxury· Six SensesAmankora, COMO, Six Senses and their peers

Kingdom of Bhutan

Licensed tour operator

// overview

About this trip

"Journey into Bhutan's sacred valleys during one of the most spiritually charged times of the year. This 12-day boutique festival tour draws you into ancient fire rituals, timeless masked dances, and hidden traditions rarely witnessed by outsiders. Each day moves to a natural rhythm — intimate cultural encounters alternating with serene walks through pristine landscapes. Crafted for travellers who seek authenticity and depth, this experience weaves Bhutan's living heritage with moments that stir the soul, invite reflection, and bring genuine joy."

Licensed tour operator, Kingdom of Bhutan

// plan this trip

Plan Your Adventure

Tell us your dates and group size and a specialist will tailor this itinerary to you. You'll get a detailed quote within 24 hours.

Plan my trip

Included in the price

Licensed private guide
Private transport throughout
Entry and monument fees
Sustainable Development Fee

Not included

International flights

Anything else you are unsure about, ask before you book and we will confirm it in writing.

// expedition itinerary

Day by Day

12 days

Arrive in the Land of the Thunder Dragon at one of the most spiritually vibrant times of year. Cross ancient cantilever bridges over jade-green rivers, enjoy a warm Bhutanese lunch at a local restaurant, and wander through a bustling market as the sights, sounds, and aromas of the kingdom begin to reveal themselves.
See day 1 in detail

// before you book

Good to know

A 12 Day Immersion into Bhutan's Spiritual Heartlands

12 Days / 11 Nights · from $13,430 pp · SDF included

Plan my trip

// more journeys

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"This 5-day Bhutan cultural tour distils the essence of the kingdom into an experience that is unfiltered, personal, and rich with meaning. Ideal for regional travellers and expats seeking a short but soul-nourishing escape, this journey reveals Bhutan's deep spiritual rhythms, genuine hospitality, and living traditions without the rush. From sacred cliffside hikes to hands-on farmhouse cooking, festival rituals, and archery in a village setting, every moment is woven with authenticity. Whether this is your first time in Bhutan or a return to deepen your connection, this itinerary promises memories that linger long after the flight home."

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A 7 Day Bhutan Journey for the Mindful Explorer

"This 7-day Bhutan journey invites you to experience the kingdom's timeless spirit without the pressure of daily hotel changes or back-to-back excursions. Crafted with regional travellers and expats in mind, it blends immersive experiences — hot stone baths, monastery blessings, farmhouse meals — with generous pockets of personal time. Whether planting a tree with local monks or sipping tea beside a river, each day offers soulful engagement at an unhurried pace. With minimal moves between bases and thoughtfully spaced activities, this tour balances connection and contemplation, leaving room for both planned magic and spontaneous wonder."