Overview : Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a small kingdom known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and commitment to preserving its traditional way of life. From majestic monasteries perched on cliff faces to pristine forests teeming with wildlife, Bhutan offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Must-See Attractions:

1. Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Perched on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley, this iconic monastery is one of Bhutan's most famous landmarks. The hike to Tiger's Nest offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Bhutanese religious and architectural heritage.
2. Punakha Dzong: Known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful and historically significant fortresses in Bhutan. Set at the confluence of two rivers, this imposing structure is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
3. Dochula Pass: Located on the road from Thimphu to Punakha, Dochula Pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range on clear days. The pass is adorned with 108 chortens (stupas) and is a popular stop for travelers en route to other destinations.
4. Phobjikha Valley: This picturesque valley is home to the endangered black-necked crane, which migrates here from Tibet every winter. Visitors can explore traditional Bhutanese villages, go on nature walks, and learn about conservation efforts to protect the cranes.
5. Thimphu: The capital city of Bhutan offers a blend of traditional Bhutanese culture and modern developments. Highlights include the Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma statue, and the vibrant weekend market.

Cultural Experiences:

1. Festivals (Tsechus): Experience the vibrant colors, music, and dances of Bhutanese festivals, known as tsechus. These religious events are held throughout the year in various monasteries and dzongs across the country.
2. Traditional Arts and Crafts: Visit local workshops and centers to witness traditional Bhutanese crafts such as weaving, pottery, painting, and wood carving. Bhutanese artisans are renowned for their skill and creativity.
3. Archery: Join in or watch a game of archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Archery tournaments are lively affairs accompanied by music, dance, and spirited competition.

Outdoor Adventures:

1. Hiking and Trekking: Bhutan offers a variety of hiking and trekking trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging multi-day treks. Popular routes include the Druk Path Trek, Snowman Trek, and Jomolhari Trek.
2. Rafting and Kayaking: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting or kayaking on Bhutan's pristine rivers. The Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers in Punakha are popular destinations for water sports.
3. Wildlife Watching: Explore Bhutan's protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, to spot a diverse array of flora and fauna. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter takins, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and various bird species.

Practical Tips:

1. Visa and Permits: Travelers to Bhutan must obtain a visa and book their trip through a licensed tour operator. Additionally, a daily sustainable development fee is imposed, which covers accommodation, meals, transportation, and a guide.
2. Respect Local Customs: Bhutanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect for tradition and religious beliefs. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes before entering temples and dzongs, and refrain from taking photographs inside sacred sites without permission.
3. Altitude Considerations: Many of Bhutan's attractions are located at high altitudes, so visitors should acclimatize gradually to avoid altitude sickness. It's also important to
stay hydrated and be mindful of physical limitations while trekking or hiking.
4. Travel Seasons: The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear.
The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rains and may limit outdoor activities.

Conclusion:

Bhutan offers a wealth of cultural, natural, and spiritual experiences for travelers seeking an authentic and enriching journey. Whether exploring ancient monasteries, embarking on outdoor adventures, or immersing oneself in traditional Bhutanese culture, visitors are sure to be captivated by the kingdom's charm and beauty. With careful planning and an open heart, a trip to Bhutan promises to be a once-in-a- lifetime experience.

ARRIVE BY AIR

The easiest way for visitors to enter Bhutan is by air. Bhutan has two national airlines:  Drukair  and Bhutan Airlines. Direct flights to and from our international airport in Paro connect you to Bangladesh (Dhaka), India (Bagdora, Gauhati, Kolkata and New Delhi), Nepal (Kathmandu), Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok). On clear days the flight to Bhutan offers spectacular views of the Great Himalayas, Mt Everest, Mt Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Kula Gangri and you can also catch a glimpse of the Great Tibetan Plateau and its grandeur stretching in the distance.

ARRIVE BY ROAD

There are four official entry points by road from India: Samtse and Phuentsholing (in western Bhutan), Gelephu (in central Bhutan), and Samdrup Jongkhar (in eastern Bhutan). The road leads to the northern Indian tea plantations through endless turns, hair pin bends and daring stretches carved into the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

Four Gateways Tours and Travel can assist you in booking your tickets well in advance avoiding the last minute rush during the peak seasons. Tickets can only be issued once your visa is approved by Department of Immigration. Our team will hand carry your passport details and personally book your tickets.

*Important- the visa information that you send for your ticket should be exactly the same as it is on your passport.

All visitors require a VISA before travelling to Bhutan, except for visitors from India, who require a permit.

✔ As part of the visa application process, you will be required to pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per person per night. Children who have not yet turned six are exempt from paying any SDF.

✔ Children aged between 6 and who have not yet turned 12 at the time of travel receive a 50% concessionary discount on their SDF.

✔ Children aged 12 and above pay the full SDF rate.

✔ A non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of US$40 is also payable. However, visitors are recommended to inform your card issuer bank before using the card to make payment of SDF and visa fees in order to avoid card usage restrictions by the issuing bank.

For guests from India (who have an Indian passport or Indian voter ID card), the SDF is 1,200 ngultrum, or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees, per person, per night.

Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives may apply and pay the relevant SDF online and prearrange your travel insurance before travelling, or you can do this in person upon arrival. 

To apply for a visa online you will need:
✔ A digital copy of a valid passport (it must be valid for six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan). 
✔ A recent digital passport photo
✔ Arrival and departure dates 
✔ Valid travel insurance for the duration of your travel 
✔ Pay for your visa application and the SDF fee for your planned stay (submit payment details)

Our team from Four Gateways to Bhutan will handle the visa processing on behalf of our clients. By entrusting us with your visa application, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your document is in good hands, allowing you to relax and look forward to your journey to Bhutan.

Familiarize yourself with the cancellation and refund policies of your bookings in case your travel plans change. Understand any fees or penalties associated with cancellations and the deadlines for making changes to your reservations.

• 30 to 15 days prior to arrival - 20% of the total tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
• 14 to 7 days prior to arrival - 50% of the tour cost will be levied as cancellation fee
• Less than a week prior to arrival - 100% cancellation charge will be levied as cancellation fee

Flight Ticket Cancellation and Refund Policy
• Subject to the cancellation terms of the Airline

Rescheduling Tour Dates:
• There are no charges for rescheduling your trip. However the minimum daily tariff, hotel rates, airline charges are subject to change depending on your new travelling dates.

Festivals in Bhutan take place at different times of year, in different places. “Tshechu” known to the localities of Bhutan for festival, comes in a form of religious activities, and the time when people gather, with their best attires. Festivals are celebrated on 10th Day of particular month, so the name “Tshechu” was derived, (”Tshe” means Date and “Chu” means 10).

Tshechu festivals are celebrated for several days ranging from minimum of three days to five days, according to their location. One would be able to view and witness Bhutanese Folk Dances, religious dance, Mask Dances known as “Chaam”, and other religious dramas and epics of great known saint of Buddhism. These dances are performed by Monks, laymen and few dances by students of RAPA (Royal Academy of Performing Arts).

Atsara are clowns, with their expressive masks and postures, are an indispensable element in any religious festival. They confront the monks, toss out salacious jokes, and distract the crowd with their antiques when the religious dances begin to grow tedious. Believed to represent Acharyas (religious masters of India) they are the only people permitted to mock religion in a society where sacred matters are treated with the highest respect. For a few days these popular entertainers are allowed the freedom to express a formulaic challenge within an established framework that does not, however upset the social and religious order.

Some tshechus end with the displaying of a huge applique thangkha (scroll) called “Thongdroel”. The Thongdroel is unveiled at first light to bring enlightenment to all who view it. The faithful believe that by simply viewing this Thongdroel, they can be delivered from the cycle of reincarnation.

For the Bhutanese, religious festivals offer an opportunity to become immersed in the meaning of their religion and gain much merit. They are also occasions for seeing people, and for being seen, for social exchanges, and for flaunting success. People bring out their finest clothes, their most beautiful jewelries, and go for picnic with abundant alcohol and meat. Men and women joke and flirt. An atmosphere of convivial, slightly ribald good humor prevails.

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