Discovering Bhutan

What sort of weather can I expect?

Meteorological records for the area, taken over a period of more than 10 years, are represented in the Weather Chart provided with each itinerary.

Bhutan’s climate varies from tropical in the south, to temperate in the centre and can be cold in the north. The weather can also vary dramatically from day to day and place to place. The most popular times to visit Bhutan tend to be during spring and autumn as the weather is mild; there are spectacular flowers in Spring and skies are clear and blue during Autumn.

What sort of walking can I expect?

This is an 11-day walking holiday with walks offered on 8 days, plus sightseeing. The walks vary in length from 1.5-6 hours . Hours of walking, which may vary from group to group, means hours of actual walking and does not include stops for lunch, sightseeing, rests or siestas.

On certain days our walk takes us into more rugged terrain – please make sure that your footwear provides sufficient ankle support. Some of our walks are very weather sensitive. If it is not possible to do a walk due to inclement weather, an alternative will be organised. Any such decision is at the discretion of the Tour Leader.

The trekking in Bhutan is along established farm, forest, riverside and mountain paths and tracks, paths through rice fields, steps to monasteries. The fitness level of this trip is Grade 3. The walk to Taktsang Monastery on Day 10 is reasonably challenging - Grade 3+.

What if I don't want to walk?

You don’t have to! You can either get a lift with the support team to the lunch location or the next hotel, or we can suggest options
to allow you to walk for part of the day. If the itinerary does not involve a hotel change on a given day, you can simply stay in the town and explore, or relax and enjoy the hotel,  and join (or not join) the group for lunch. The Tour Leader will discuss the next day’s options with the group every evening.

Where do I meet the group at the start of the trip?

The destination airport for this walking holiday is Delhi. There will be a set meeting time at Delhi airport for the onward flight to Paro; a set time for the return transfer to Delhi at the end of the trip; and a 'recommended flight' to connect with the airport transfers.

Booking the 'recommended flight' - which we strongly encourage - guarantees transfers to and from the airports, irrespective of flight schedule changes or delays. For clients not on the 'recommended flight' we cannot guarantee a transfer from the airport should you be delayed for any reason in meeting the group at the specified place and time. In this instance you will have to make your own way to the first hotel, at your own expense. The transfer at the end of the trip will also be timed according to the recommended flight and we cannot offer transfers at alternative times. Please check with the Reservations Team before making independent arrangements.

We strongly recommend that you pre-extend in Delhi to allow time to acclimatise and explore the city. Please contact the office for details of extension packages or hotel rates.

If you take the recommended flight or are meeting the group at the airport our Tour Leader will be waiting to meet you for the transfer to the first hotel, which will depart shortly thereafter. S/he will be wearing a green polo shirt bearing the ATG logo.

If you arrive late and find that the group has left (there is no sign of them in the arrivals hall), please check for a message at the information desk and/ or contact us. The ATG office number is +44 1865 315 678 or outside office hours please call the emergency number which is +44 1865 315 600.

What should I bring?

Bring whatever clothes you find most comfortable for walking, including at least one pair of walking trousers. Warm and waterproof clothing is essential for this trip, as are sturdy walking boots with firm ankle support. Walking poles are advisable.

We recommend that you dress in layers: a dry fit shirt (fibres that dry quickly, not cotton), fleece/warm layer, and waterproofs, warm hat and gloves

Please do not walk in jeans, as these take ages to dry once wet; you can buy various (poly) cotton walking trousers from outdoors equipment retailers.

You should ensure that you have a lightweight wind/waterproof jacket; please make sure that this is really waterproof, not just shower-proof. Waterproof over-trousers are desirable.

Bring all possible protections against the sun: sun cream, hat, sunglasses, moisturiser; and strong insect repellent (e.g DEET). 

Informal clothing is suitable throughout the trip, however if you are extending in Delhi you may wish to bring a smart/casual change of clothes.

For our general packing list click here .

What is the baggage allowance for the internal flights?

The weight limit on Druk Air is 20kg for economy class and 30kg for business class. It’s possible to pay for excess baggage, but there is a chance that the luggage will have to be sent on the next flight. Also, there is not a great deal of cabin space; so carry-on luggage should be kept to a minimum.

What sort of food can I expect?

On our escorted walking holidays all meals are included.

Bhutanese food is generally very spicy, but often ‘toned down' for Western palettes. Spicy chillies (which are considered a vegetable, not a spice!) mixed with a cheese sauce called ema datse is the national dish. Staples such as rice, buckwheat or maize are served with chillies and a variety of fresh vegetables. Meat, fish and poultry are often served in stews with a wide range of spices. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese made from yak milk, are also a staple. Tibetan dishes such as momos and noodle dishes are popular, and you will also find Indian, Continental, and Chinese foods. Local drinks include sweet tea, salted butter tea, chang (beer) and arra, a spirit distilled from rice, maize, wheat or barley.

Breakfast

Most of the hotels we use offer a buffet-style breakfast with a range of both hot and cold choices, and include both local and more Western dishes.

Lunch

Outside Europe the location of lunches may vary, from picnics to meals in restaurants or private houses, or packed lunches for more remote walks.

Dinner

Dinner is usually at about 8.00pm. We tend to eat in the best and most interesting restaurants available, which serve traditional local dishes as well as regional classics and excellent regional wines. To ensure that we enjoy the best that the area has to offer, the Tour Leader will have worked closely with the chefs in advance, selecting the most interesting and characteristic menu possible. This not only ensures that we eat far better than people who ‘come in off the street’, but enables us to enjoy a very wide range of local specialities during the trip, and also to cater imaginatively for those with special dietary needs.

At the start of dinner each evening, it is ATG ‘style’ to tell you about the menus and wines for that evening. If there’s anything different that you would prefer, you have only to ask.

What if I have a dietary restriction or food allergy?

When you book, let us know about any restrictions. This will give the the local support team the opportunity to prepare menus accordingly prior to your trip. At the start of the trip the Tour Leader will meet with you to discuss in more detail your requirements.

What should I bring to wear in the evenings?

There is no need to dress up on this trip - the most important rule about dress is that it is conservative.

How much should I budget for items not included?

On escorted trips everything is included (per the published itinerary) apart from travel to/from the destination airport, items of a personal nature, snacks and drinks outside of the set meals. If you book the trip as an independent departure there may be some costs to pay directly locally (eg tips), however we will make you aware of these in your bespoke costing.

What if I want to extend my trip?

We are delighted to book extensions for you at either end of your trip, and we strongly recommend this option if reaching your destination means a flight of more than a few hours in length. We only book hotels with which we have an established relationship and where we can ensure a high level of service and enjoyment. We can also arrange bespoke packages to include sightseeing, meals and transfers. If you would like an extension booking please indicate this during the booking process and we will contact you with pricing information.

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Yes, but visas are issued only when you arrive in the country. ATG will organise your visa through our local agent. Your application must be approved before you travel to Bhutan.

Please provide (via email) a scanned copy of your passport. You photo and all details must be clear. 

A passport size photo is NOT required for Bhutan immigration at the port of entry (Paro airport)

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 month after your planned date of departure from Bhutan. 

Visa applications are cleared in advance by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a visa clearance document will be forwarded to you two weeks prior to your arrival date. The visa clearance document is required for check-in/boarding of Druk Air flights. On arrival at the port of entry (Paro airport) the actual visa is stamped on your passport. 

You will receive a visa for the  exact period you have arranged to be in Bhutan.

Please make sure to travel with the same passport on which the Bhutan visa was issued. We will not be held responsible if the passport on which the visa was issued does not match the passport used to travel to Bhutan. In such an event, you will not be allowed to board the Druk Air flight or enter Bhutan.

Other Country Visas: Please make sure you have the necessary visas & documents required for other countries that you may transit through or visit before/after Bhutan.

Do I need vaccinations for this trip?

For the most accurate up-to-date information we recommend that you visit these websites:

http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations.aspx

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

You should also consult your GP for recommendations relating to your personal circumstances.

What about cultural considerations?

In a rapidly globalising world Bhutan has worked hard to preserve its traditional culture and identity, reflected it its magnificent architecture, dress, traditional ceremonies and ways of life. To this end the state restricts the number of foreign visitors and has established well-respected campaigns to preserve its ancient ways. Bhutan’s traditional beliefs and customs stress values such as tolerance, compassion, respect, and generosity. The Bhutanese are very open and welcoming to visitors, but very protective of their national culture and resistant to outside influences. Visitors should be mindful of this.

Do you offer private departures?

As well as our scheduled group departures, this trip is also available as a private escorted, or independent trip at dates to suit your diary. The recommended months to go are late September through November; and March-April. Our Reservations Team will provide a bespoke costing based on the number of people in your group and any special requirements.