Splendors of Bhutan

The Splendors of Bhutan is a fascinating tour that takes you to a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual enlightenment. 

However, are you looking forward to exploring and immersing in and exploring the forbidden kingdom of Bhutan? 

Our immersive 10-day itinerary takes you through the highlights of this enchanting country. It offers a perfect balance of natural wonders and cultural exploration. 

Splendours of Bhutan is a journey that promises an unforgettable experience as you uncover the splendours of a hidden gem nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas.

What sets Splendors of Bhutan apart from the rest?

Overview of Splendors of Bhutan 

The Splendors of Bhutan start the journey by welcoming you with breathtaking views of the world's highest peaks and lush green valleys. From there, you'll explore the modern capital, Thimphu, known for its blend of tradition and modernity. 

Later you visit the National Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum, and the bustling shopping district along the journey to Punakha. The magnificent Punakha Dzong awaits, nestled between two rivers. 

The ancient capital of Bumthang will enchant you with its sacred temples, monastic schools, and picturesque landscapes. You explore the beautiful Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Gompa, an ancient monastery with a rich history. 

Throughout the trip, you'll have opportunities to experience Bhutanese culture firsthand. At the same time, you visit traditional handicraft emporiums and art schools to witness the vibrant textiles and thangka paintings. 

The scenic drives along mountains like Dochula Pass and Yotongla Pass will leave you in awe of Bhutan's natural beauty. 

Our professional team will also help to customise an itinerary that perfectly blends cultural exploration, natural wonders, and spiritual discoveries.

Best Season for Splendors of Bhutan 2023/24 

Bhutan experiences four seasons throughout the year, each offering unique weather conditions and attractions.

Spring Season (March to May)

The weather is hot and humid in the southern regions, typical of sub-tropical climates. Places like Thimphu, Paro, Bumthang, and others have warmer days with cool nights and clear blue skies.

The trekking trails are adorned with blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers, especially at higher elevations. Wildlife sightings are common as animals emerge from hibernation after the winter.

Monsoon/Summer Season (June to August)

The southeast monsoon arrives, relieving the summer heat in the southern belt and supporting the cultivation of seasonal crops, particularly rice.

Valleys like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha receive less rain than the southern regions. Western and central Bhutan's valleys fall under a rain shadow, making them accessible for travel.

The landscape becomes lush and green during this time, but trekking is challenging due to wet, slippery, and muddy trails.

Autumn Season (September to November)

The weather stabilizes after the monsoon, and the sky becomes more apparent with the warm autumn sun, offering spectacular views of distant peaks. Autumn is considered the best time for trekking in Bhutan, with stable temperatures and access to high passes.

Autumn has mild and pleasant weather with temperatures from 10°C to 20°C. 

The scenic view of mountain ranges and valleys with clear skies. It's a popular season for trekking, attending cultural events, and enjoying the vibrant foliage.

Winter Season (December to February)

Nights are cold, but days are warm with bright sun. Higher passes like Dochula, Pele La, and Chele La may experience snowfall.

Valleys receive occasional light dustings of snow, but heavy snowfall is rare unless there is a sudden temperature change.

The temperatures rise that range from 0°C to 15°C. It's still winter, but the weather has become milder. It's an ideal time for visiting cultural sites and engaging in local festivities,

Bhutan's diverse climatic zones and seasonal variations offer opportunities for various activities throughout the year, from trekking and wildlife spotting in spring and autumn to exploring valleys and enjoying pleasant weather in summer and winter.

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.

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 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 physically demanding is the Splendour Bhutan Tour? 

The physical demands of the Splendour Bhutan Tour can vary depending on the specific activities and hikes included in the itinerary. While some hikes may require moderate fitness levels, alternative options or leisurely exploration are usually available.

#@#Are visas and permits included in the Splendour Bhutan Tour?

#@#Yes, the Splendour Bhutan Tour typically includes assistance with visa arrangements and the necessary permits for entry into Bhutan. The tour operator will guide you through the visa application process and ensure you have the required documents for your visit.

#@#Is travel insurance included in the Splendour Bhutan Tour? 

#@#Travel insurance is generally not included in the Splendour Bhutan Tour package. It is recommended that travellers obtain comprehensive travel insurance coverage that includes medical expenses, trip cancellation, and personal belongings protection. 

#@# What type of accommodations are provided during the Splendour Bhutan Tour? 

#@#The Splendour Bhutan Tour offers a range of accommodation options, including comfortable hotels, resorts, and lodges that cater to different budgets and preferences. 

#@#How can I book the Splendour Bhutan Tour? 

#@#You can visit our website and book the Splendour Bhutan Tour. Nepal Vision Treks has a team of professionals who will guide you through the booking process, provide detailed itineraries, assist with visa requirements, and address any other inquiries.