Central Bhutan Cultural Tour

Central Bhutan Cultural Tour is your opportunity to enter the forbidden kingdom of Bhutan, a land of untouched beauty.  

Bhutan blends rich culture, majestic landscapes, and warm hospitality. Bhutan, the most carbon-negative country in the world, embraces sustainable practices while preserving its ancient traditions.

From spring's vibrant colours to winter's snowy landscapes, exploring this enchanting kingdom is never the wrong time.

Our Central Bhutan Cultural Tour is ideal if you want to explore the kingdom and immerse in its culture and tradition.

So, what makes the Central Bhutan Cultural Tour so unique?

Overview

The vibrant culture, spiritual significance, and natural beauty make Bhutan stand out differently. Our Central Bhutan Cultural Tour takes you through the heartland of Bhutan, providing a different experience and perspective of the country.

Additionally, the tour presents several highlights that showcase the essence of Bhutan's beauty and cultural significance. In Paro and Thimphu, you'll have the chance to visit iconic landmarks like Ta Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong, and the Handicrafts Emporium. These sites offer a glimpse into Bhutan's rich history and craftsmanship.

The journey takes you to Punakha, where the vibrant Weekly Outdoor Market immerses you in the local atmosphere. The Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum deepen your understanding of Bhutanese culture. The visit to Punakha Dzong, situated at the convergence of two rivers, presents a majestic architectural marvel.

After travelling through Trongsa to Bumthang, you'll cross majestic mountain passes and witness breathtaking landscapes. Exploring Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong offers insights into the country's heritage.

Bumthang, renowned for its spiritual significance, unveils its treasures through visits to Tamshing Monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong.

Moreover, Drukgyal Dzong, a symbol of Bhutanese defence, and Taktsang monastery, known as Tiger's Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff, are places we must visit.

The journey culminates with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, highlighting the country's spiritual heritage.

Nepal Vision Trek has a team of professionals who also offers to customise the itinerary according to your requirement.

Best Time to Visit Central Cultural Bhutan Tour 2023/24 

Best Season for Splendors of Bhutan 2023/24 

Bhutan experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Here are the details of each season in Bhutan:

Spring (March to May)

The spring season is the ideal time to visit Bhutan, from March to May. 

The alluring landscapes, with lush green fields, verdant mountain slopes, and blooming valleys, attract visitors in spring. It is considered the peak season due to the pleasant weather and reasonably dry climate. The temperature is comfortable, with hot days ranging from 2°C to 26°C and cool nights. 

Sometimes the seasons also welcome the rain shower at the end. Popular destinations to visit during spring include Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang Valley, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang, known for their bright blue skies and fresh air. 

Spring is also an excellent time for high-altitude hiking, with treks like Jhomolhari and Druk Path offering blooming rhododendrons, wildflowers and the chance to spot wildlife emerging from hibernation after winter.

Autumn (September to November)

The fall in Bhutan has a pleasant, calm, mild climate with clear blue skies. The average temperature ranges from 6 to 24°C with slight rainfall. Besides, there are approximately 10 hours of daily sunshine, with dry and warm periods. 

In October, the northern mountainous regions experience a significant drop in temperature, leading to snowy weather in November.

In the season, trekking through diverse terrains allows visitors to witness the natural wonders of Bhutan, also known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

Summer (June to August)

Early July to early September marks the southeast monsoon season in Bhutan, characterized by hot and rainy weather. This period is considered the off-peak season, making it an excellent time to visit if you prefer to avoid crowds of tourists.

During summer in Bhutan, you can expect high humidity and heavy rainfall. While hiking might not be ideal due to the wet conditions, summer in Bhutan is suitable for sightseeing. 

The valleys in Central Bhutan, which receive less rainfall than the southern regions, are still worth exploring. Locations like Haa Valley and Trongsa are attractive destinations during the monsoon season.

The land becomes more fertile in summer, and locals pick mushrooms. If you visit Bhutan during this season, consider visiting the Ura and Genekha regions, which offer opportunities to participate in this activity and experience the local culture.

Winter (December to February)

The winter season welcomes heavy snowfall and is the best time to visit the western region. The period is considered the off-peak season in West Bhutan, resulting in lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.

During winter in Bhutan, the average temperature ranges from -1 to 11°C (30 to 52°F. Snow and frost are common, especially in January and December. The nights in Paro and Thimphu can drop below freezing, and there are strong winds. 

However, the southern part of the country remains warm and offers excellent hiking opportunities.

Paro Valley is a must-visit destination in Bhutan during winter. The valley transforms into a winter wonderland covered in a blanket of snow. While in Paro, take the chance to visit the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Tksn hag).

Passport and Visa Requirements
All foreigners require a visa to enter Nepal (except Indian nationals). It is your responsibility to obtain an entry visa. You can get it from a Nepalese embassy overseas or on arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal. Most people will obtain their visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport. You will need two passport photos and the following fees in US Dollar cash (this is payable in any primary currency but NOT traveller's cheque) dependent upon the duration of the multiple entry visas:

1. Multiple entries 15 days US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
2. Multiple entries 30 days US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
3. Multiple entries 90 days US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Travel Insurance: 
Travel Insurance is mandatory for booking any of Himalayas Nepal Vision’s Adventure packages. Trekking in the Himalayas is fun and adventure, but you must be prepared for risk management. While you are in High Altitude region, there are higher risks of difficulties. You may suffer from various health problems, injuries, and illnesses. Even High altitude sickness can tear up your perfect itinerary. And that’s where travel insurance can save you from distress or at least from some of the costs, depending on the policy you buy. 

Travel insurance is a safety net for your adventure if things go wrong. At times, even a helicopter may be needed, along with a rescue team, for ground evacuation, so every traveller must have rescue insurance covered against personal accidents, medical expenses, emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue service accidents, and personal liability. Start your trip with all the necessary health & travelling insurance for your safety.

Having good travel insurance guarantees you peace of mind while you travel with us and provides complete cover for anything that may go wrong.

Trip Meal Plan 
Eating is a big part of travelling. With Nepal Vision, you will experience a vast array of wonderful mountain food. Nepal Vision will provide Traveling Mountains meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) that crews require on the trail. On this trip, you can enjoy both traditional Nepalese three-time served as Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as vegetables, noodles, potatoes cuisine, served and soup, along with some Nepali versions of western food such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or lodge menu, where we will spend the night. Lunch will be eaten at one of the trailside restaurants. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu.

When an individual is allergic to some food products, requires a special diet, or has specific religious food needs, we will arrange it as per your requirements on request. Also, the crew will carry fresh fruit supplies at a time along the trail. Our guides will carefully be checked for the quality and quantity of the food in every teahouse. Explicit cooking directions are indicated on each food for your convenience.

Trip Accommodation 
We will spend four nights in Kathmandu during this trip at four-star standard hotels. We will spend the nights at standard mountain teahouses. A Tea House combines a guesthouse, restaurant, and social hang-out. Private rooms are available in most tea houses. The lodges are fairly basic. The rooms are spare with twin beds and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided. Most bathrooms are shared and toilets are the western version. Most of the Teahouses have running water facilities, while some may also have hot water available for bathing at an additional cost. It is advisable to carry wet wipes as an alternative.

A large dining room, more like the lounge, is warmed by an iron cylinder fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lit. Most teahouses now have electricity for charging small appliances, mobile phones, and cameras. Some might charge a small amount for this.

Leader(s) & Staff 
The Trek Leader of your group has a role in ensuring all aspects of the trip run smoothly. Our guides are intimately familiar with all local castes and customs along the trails and will share many cultural insights not covered in any guidebook. You will have a good chance to learn Nepali phrases, cultural things, and more on your trekking. Nepal Vision trained its guide/trekking staff on the following course:

• Intensive Wilderness First Aid
• Trekking Guide Training
• Eco Trekking Workshop and Adventure Meet
• English Language
• Conservation and Biodiversity
• Rock Climbing, Ice Climbing, and Mountaineering (For expedition leaders)

Altitude Information
What is Altitude? 
Altitude is known as elevation and often refers to the height above sea level. Altitude is related to air pressure. Trekkers and mountaineers can measure their altitude by measuring the air pressure around them. As the altitude rises, air pressure drops. In other words, the air pressure decreases if the indicated altitude is high. The human body reacts to high altitudes. Decreased air pressure means that less oxygen is available for breathing. One average effect of altitude is shortness of breath since the lungs must work harder to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. It can take days and weeks for a body to adjust to high altitude and low air pressure. To prevent severe altitude sickness, mountaineers bring additional (extra) oxygen supplies and limit their time in the 'high elevation'.

Acclimatization 
We are experts at operating adventure trips at high-altitude destinations. Every trip we run has a realistic acclimatization program. Our treks are designed to allow gradual height gain spread over several days. There is no way of predicting who will suffer from altitude, but a slow ascent to height will produce minimal effects for most people. Acclimatizing takes time, and there are no safe shortcuts. All trips to altitudes over 3,000 meters carry medicines essential to treating altitude illness, and our leaders are trained to administer them and to know the symptoms.

Symptoms & signs of Acute Mountain Sickness

• Headache (typically throbbing, often worse for bending over or lying down); additionally, one or more of the following symptoms might be seen:
• Tiredness, weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of appetite, nausea (or vomiting)
• Insomnia, disturbed sleep
• Dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, heavy legs

Treatment 
The only cure for mountain sickness is acclimatization or descent to a lower altitude as soon as possible. In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with a descent to the lowest possible height.

• Rest (avoid even the slightest exertion if this is possible) at the same (or lower) altitude until the symptoms clear (up to 4 days)
• Hydrate yourself and drink at least 2 litres a day. 
• Use ibuprofen or paracetamol for headache
• Consider Diamox™ (125 to 250 mg 12-hourly) for 3 days or the rest of the time at altitude if symptoms return.
• Consider Stemeti™l (or other anti-vomiting medication) for persistent nausea/vomiting.
• If AMS symptoms are severe, give oxygen (1 to 2 L/min) OR use a pressure bag until symptoms are apparent.
• Check the victim regularly for signs of HAPE and HACE, especially at night.
• Descend far enough to clear symptoms (at least 500m/1640ft) if symptoms of AMS do not improve or worsen.

What do we do if we are affected by Altitude Sickness? 
Sometimes trekkers might suffer from altitude sickness, heart problems, dysentery, or fracture while trekking in the Himalayas. While there are clinics at some places for minor ailments, significant hospitals are days away from most of the trekking trails. So, a client’s life could be at risk if he/she is not rescued immediately. If you find yourself ill or injured in the mountains, Nepal Vision Treks will arrange rescue and evacuation services for our clients.

Helicopter rescue services will rarely come to your aid without you either making a cash deposit or a promise in Kathmandu. While you are travelling with us, we can become the guarantor for the helicopter operators, make the initial payments, and send a helicopter for your rescue. We claim the amount later from you or your insurance. Please ensure you have travel insurance covering emergency helicopter services for rescue to avail of this service.

Our expert and trained guides are experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. They are equipped with necessary first-aid medical supplies and will assist with basic first-aid treatment. The safety of our clients is taken very seriously, and we conducted the operation swiftly and didn’t panic for a second to develop a proper operation.  

Vaccination: 
Vaccination is the most important thing to consider while travelling to prevent possible diseases. For travelling to Nepal, we recommend you take vaccines against Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, etc. However, it is not a must, but it is recommended. You should check up with your doctor before the departure of your trip. Your doctor will have access to the most up-to-date information on the required vaccinations for the country you will be visiting.

Extra Expenses Information
You are responsible for your expenses, cold beverages, mineral water, extra meals, drinks (more than 3 meals a day), and other services not mentioned in our service Includes column. So you should be planning to bring at least US$20 to US$30 per day for these expenses. It is not necessary to obtain local money before departure. Nepal has modern banking facilities, so you can use ATMS in Kathmandu, where you can easily use your credit card, Debit card, Master card, Visa card, etc., to withdraw local currency.

COVID Precautions
Fully vaccinated travellers don't require a pre-departure PCR test for COVID-19 to enter Nepal. You must bring the vaccination certificate completed at least 14 days before arrival at the Airport. In case you are not fully vaccinated or have not completed a full dose of vaccination at least 14 days before your arrival in Nepal, you have to bring a COVID-19 test report which can be either RT-PCR, Gene Experr, True NAAT, or WHO accredited test that shows the negative result done within the last 72 hours of boarding from the first airport. If entering through the land border, you must do the test within 72 hours before entry. The provision will not be accepted for children below 5 years.

Things to Consider
You need to know a few essential things before travelling to Nepal to have a smooth journey to Nepal.

• Be prepared for major emergencies. Nepal experiences natural calamities like Earthquakes, Landslides, floods, and several others. Carrying an emergency kit with necessary first aid supplies and bottled water will significantly help. 
• Take care while photographing, as it's illegal to photograph army barracks, checkpoints, temples, and other areas. 
• Don't use any illegal drugs. The government of Nepal might take this as a severe charge and ask for a sum of penalties for drug offences.
• Check with your intended tour provider despite Nepal issuing trekking and mountaineering permits. 
• Exchange foreign currencies for NPR, which will be available at banks or exchange bureaus. Those can be found in major centres. Most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards but carrying some fleece cash is better. Ensure you carry enough cash to cover your needs because not all areas have ATMs. 
• Use the registered taxis. Some taxi drivers may ask for higher amounts by fooling novice travellers, so consider checking for prices. 

#@#How many days does the Central Cultural Bhutan Tour typically last?

Which cities or towns are included in the Central Cultural Bhutan Tour itinerary? 

#@#The tour usually includes visits to cities and towns like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Trongsa, among others, based on the selected itinerary.

#@#What are the major cultural and historical sites visited during the tour? 

#@#Some significant sites visited during the tour include Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Dochula Pass, and Trongsa Dzong.

#@#Is the tour suitable for all age groups and fitness levels? 

#@#The tour can be customised to accommodate various age groups and fitness levels. However, some sites may involve walking or climbing stairs, so it's recommended to inquire about specific requirements beforehand.

#@#Are meals included in the tour package? 

#@#Yes, most tour packages include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bhutanese cuisine, which often features spicy dishes, will be introduced during the tour.

#@#Are additional activities or optional excursions available during the tour? 

#@#Depending on the tour package, optional activities such as hiking, cultural performances, traditional hot stone baths, and visits to local farmhouses may be available.