Welcome to the dragon Kingdom of Bhutan tours/treks menu of Explore Gocool Himalaya providing exclusive information of Bhutan’s cultural/festival tours, city tours, site trips, trekking in Bhutan, lives, tour booking procedures/formalities, detail program itineraries, schedule, flight connections and general information on Bhutan as an authorized tours/treks operator/organizer to Bhutan. Some of our famous tour/trek programs are given here.
An Overview
Bhutan often revered as the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is still regarded as one of the last “Shangri-la’s” in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness. Its spectacular mountain terrain. Varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only limited number of discerning travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture.
Bhutan a purely Buddhist Himalayan kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The kingdom shares with Nepal the world’s greatest concentration of mountains and living heritage of Buddhism. The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as a flight into fantasy. During the flight a first hand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchejunga and other famous peaks become reality. Biweekly flights between these two kingdoms have made easier travel to the long isolated Dragon kingdom of Bhutan.
Hightlights of cultural tour
Tours in Bhutan can range anywhere from a week to a month long. All the tours offer clients an in-depth insight into the lives of the Bhutanese, whether it is a farmer, a monk or an official. The most popular tours are those of the annual festivals held in different districts. These festivals are enactments of the teachings of the Buddha done through mask dances. Tours also include visits to revered temples, museums and other occasions like sports and local festivals. Presented here in below are selected tours or you can ask us for customise tour packages according to your interest and time availability.
Area
47,000 square kilometers
Population
2,232,291 approx
Currency
The Bhutanese currency is called Ngultrum which per US dollar is- 44.20 as per the latest exchange rate.
Credit Card
There is no credit card facility available to cash money from banks. But it is accepted at all leading Gift shops, Handicraft stores and by hotels.
Time Difference
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of G.M.T. and half an hour ahead of India.
Banking hours
Monday – Friday 9am – 3pm. Saturday 9am – 11am
Best Times to Travel
Bhutan is attractive to tourist year-round. Winter (bird watching, trekking, and bicycle), spring (rhododendron blooms, trekking, rafting, monastic festivals), summer (Snowman trek, verdant green meadows, pastures of blue poppies and edelweiss), autumn (traditional high season for festival, clear view of mountains, rice harvest and low rainfall).
Accommodation
There are comfortable hotels in the major towns such as Thimpu, Paro, and Phuentsoling, while in smaller towns, modest, but adequate hotels, lodges and guest houses are available. All tourist lodges & hotels are recognized and regulated by the Department of Tourism.
Climate
Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cool, and winter even below freezing. Monsoon showers occur in summer (Heaviest in July and August), and sometimes even in spring and autumn. The most visited months are March, April, May, September October and November. During these months you may expect mostly warm sunny days and cool/cold nights. Whereas rain or snow is not usual at these times, it is a possibility.
What to Bring
Personal clothing: Strong, normal clothing ( According to the season), preferably cotton for summer and woolen clothing for evening and winter. For Trekking strong comfortable trekking boots, warm socks, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, and warm clothing, including a down Jacket for higher altitude treks and for the evenings. A sleeping bag is a most; medium too heavy is advised. (Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed)
Food and Drink
Traditional Bhutanese food tends to be hot and spicy. For our visitors, however, a range of Chinese, Indian, and Continental fares is served. If you like, you can also try the local delicacies like the tasty, but fiery, metatarsi, the national dish of Bhutan , made with red chilies and cottage cheese.
Guides
All tourist groups will be accompanied throughout their stay in Bhutan by the government approved an English-speaking guide.
Telephone/internet
Bhutan country code is +975. Telephone communication is very reliable. Likewise, Internet service is available in every tourist lodge/hotel as well as in town Cafés at cheaper rates.
Night Clubs
Thimpu has around five licensed night clubs which operate on a weekly basis, on Saturday night and some of them on Wednesday as ladies’ night.
Airport tax
A departure tax of Nu.500 Ngultrum (US$ 12) is levied at Paro airport which is included in the ticket fare.
Transport
We use comfortable and safe Japanese cars, jeeps, vans and coaches to transport our guests.
Tariff
The government of Bhutan has fixed the tariff of the trips. However we are quoting here discounted agents tariff which to offer to our clients. Tour/Trek cost USD 170 per night. Supplement charges-individuals or groups of less than 3 participants are subject to surcharges Single person USD 40 per night Group of 2-3 participants USD 30 per night.
Tariff includes
Royalty, accommodation on twin sharing basis, all meals, sightseeing with English speaking guide, all transportation overland, entrance fee to the monuments, during trekking-all camping/kitchen gears, ponies or yaks for transportation of gears, trekking guide and cook etc.
Tariff does not include
Bhutan visa fee, airfares, airport taxes, expense of personal nature like cold drinks and tips, personal travel health insurance etc.
Flight schedules
Kathmandu – Paro Mon, Thu, Sat—-Departure: 8:30 am / Arrival: 9:20 am
Paro – Kathmandu Wed, Fri, Sun—-Departure: 7:30 am / Arrival: 8:20 am
Flight fare
USD 423 roundtrip
Booking procedures and visa
Booking for any trips should reach us at least two weeks in advance with passport details and full payment. Please note that the visa processing is initiated only after the receipt of the payment. After visa clearance, we will give you the copy of same, which you will have to produce while checking in for the flight to Paro. The original visa is stamped on your passport upon arrival at the Paro airport or at entry point and visa cost you USD 20 dollar.
