Bhutan Tours and Travels

YPT Tours to Bhutan

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a hidden kingdom nestled in the Himalayas. Join us on one of our Bhutan tours to discover this place where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with stunning mountain scenery, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable experience.

Bhutan has a unique visa policy. Unlike most countries, you cannot apply for a visa yourself. You must book your trip through a licensed tour operator, who will then apply for a visa on your behalf. Bhutan also maintains a quota on how many tourists enter per year. This means that your trip will take you away from the crowds, but also that our Bhutan tours sell out rapidly – so get in touch!

Group Tours to Bhutan

Bhutan tours are offered every summer by YPT, either as stand alone or in combination with trips to Bangladesh and Nepal for a complete exploration of the Himalayas.

Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal: Unexplored South Asia Tour – June 27th/July 7th – $2745

Bangladesh, Bhutan & Nepal: Unexplored South Asia Tour

Kingdom of Bhutan Tour – June 30th – July 1st, 2025 – $1745

Kingdom of Bhutan Tour – July 2024

Independent Tours to Bhutan

Having ran Bhutan tours for several years, Young Pioneer Tours have developed a deep relationship with local partners and guides. As such we can arrange independent and bespoke travel packages, no matter what you’re looking for: budget tour of the best of Bhutan, active travel, or a more luxurious trip. Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for a perfect independent trip.

Independent Bhutan tours can be done directly in country, or combined with tours to Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, or any country where there are direct flights to. Druk Air is the national carrier of Bhutan and the only airline that operates scheduled flights into Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only international airport. So check their website to see what combination we can organize for you!

Example of a Highlights of Bhutan Itinerary (7 days)

Day 1 – Paro visit

Meet and greet at the Airport.
After lunch, in Paro, visit to Ta Dzong. Built in 1649, it is an ancient watch tower which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. This unusual building is in a conch shape with 2.5m thick wall.
Visit of Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Rinpung literally means “The Heap of Jewels”. The Dzong presently functions as the Administrative centre of Paro district.
In the evening, drive to Thimphu. A short stop on the way to view Tamchog Monastery built by Thang Tong Gyalpo, popularly known as “The Iron Bridge Builder”. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Seven Suites.

Day 2 – Thimphu visit

In the morning, visit of the National memorial chorten built in honor of the Third King of
Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The Paintings and statues give a rare insight into
Bhutanese culture.
Visit of the tallest Statue of sitting Buddha in the world (51.5m) at Kuensel Phodrang.
Visit of Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Thimphu built in the 12th century by
Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
Takin Preserve center (A queer looking animal believed to be a mix of goat and a cow and has baffled the zoologists).
Stop at the Sangaygang view point.
Visit of Dupthob Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
After lunch, visit to the Simply Bhutan museum for wine tasting, cultural show and visit Folk museum.
Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
In the evening, free time to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Seven Suites.

Day 3 – Punakha visit

In the morning, 2-hour drive to Punakha.
On the way, short stop on the way to explore the beautiful Dochu La Pass (Altitude 3140m) with its 108 stupas. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
After lunch, visit the magnificent Punakha dzong. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha is the winter residence of Je Khenpo (The chief abbot of Bhutan). Punakha is also an ancient capital of Bhutan until the rule of the second King of Bhutan. The first national assembly of Bhutan was convened here in 1957. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetan forces are preserved here.
Then hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Choling monastery. This monastery was built in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck and it overlooks Punakha valley. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa traditions. This monastery was built for the world peace and long life of His Majesty the King, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160m). This bridge is considered the longest of its kind in Bhutan and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well. In the early years, the bridge was made for the lamas of Punakha dzong who crossed the river very often to visit nearby villages.
In the evening, walk the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan (160m). This bridge is considered the longest of its kind in Bhutan and connects the two sides of the Pho chu river. You will get a great view of the river, valley, temple, and a good boost of adrenaline as well. In the early years, the bridge was made for the lamas of Punakha dzong who crossed the river very often to visit nearby villages.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Sonamgang.

Day 4 – Wangdue Phodrang – Gangtey

In the morning, 2-hour drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha via Wangdue Phodrang.
Short stop on the way to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. This Dzong was built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was razed by fire in 2012 and is under repair now.
Short stop on the way to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. This Dzong was built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was razed by fire in 2012 and is under repair now.
Enjoy the views of the beautiful Phobjikha valley.
Visit the Crane Information center.
Visit of This monastery was built in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-carnation.
In the evening, explore Phobjikha valley (Altitude 3000m). The most beautiful glacial valley in the Himalayas and the roosting ground of the rare Black-necked Cranes in winter.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Phobjikha.

Day 5 – Thimphu

In the morning, drive to Thimphu via Dochu la Pass (3140m). We occasionally stop on the
way to take pictures.
After lunch, visit to the National postal museum where you can also print your photos/pictures on the official Bhutanese stamps.
Visit of the National textile museum.
Then witness Archery match at Changlimithang stadium.
In the evening, free time to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel Seven suites.

Day 6 – Tiger’s Nest Monastery

In the morning, hike to the Tiger’s Nest. Drive to Satsam chorten and 2/3 hours walk till the
Tiger’s nest monastery.
This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger.
After lunch, visit of Drugyel dzong built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It served as the defense post against the Tibetan invasion in ancient days. This dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and is under repair.
Visit of Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day to pin the Ogress to the earth forever and at the same time, convert the Tibetan people to Buddhism. Six of these temples lie in Bhutan; most prominent of them are Jambay lhakhang in Bumthang and Kichu lhakhang in Paro.
In the evening, free time to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Shomo Chuki resort.

Day 7 – End of tour

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.

Bespoke Bhutan Tours

We are able to offer the following bespoke programs. Should what you are looking for not be on this list, please get in touch to see if we can fix it for you.

Bhutan in Brief

For those short on time, YPT can offer a 4-day trip focusing on Paro, Thimphu and the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. You’ll visit the most interesting sights in those cities, including Tashichho Dzong, a beautiful fortress, and Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan.

Druk Path Trek

YPT can offer you a Bhutan package combining the six-day Druk Path Trek with a cultural tour of the country. You’ll see the most impressive Bhutanese sites (temples, forts, monasteries…) and get some excellent trekking in at the same time. The trek starts from near Paro and the six-day hike will take you to Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The trekking is fairly easy compared to some of the treks in Bhutan and most of the time you are between 2500 and 4000m.

Dagala Lakes Trek

YPT can arrange trips combining 4 days of excellent trekking with visits to some of Bhutan’s most historic cultural sites. The Dagala Lakes Trek will take you past traditional Bhutanese villages on its way to a number of lovely high altitude lakes. The Trek is easy and most trekking days are short. The schedule leaves some time before and after the trek to visit the most important historic and cultural sites around Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and, of course, a hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the highlight of all Bhutan tours.

29-day Snowman Trek

For travelers looking to go beyond their limits, this trek is the ultimate adventure in Bhutan. This 320km adventure will take you from Paro to Bumthang in just under a month, following the crest of the Himalayas. Asides from the physical challenges you will see a remote part of the mountainous Bhutan where traditional villages and herding cultures still dominate. This will give you a glimpse of a world that is rapidly disappearing.

Festival Tour

Bhutan is a country that celebrates life with numerous festivals throughout the year. These festivals are a colorful and vibrant display of Bhutanese culture, with masked dances, folk music, and archery competitions. YPT can tailor your Bhutan tours to coincide with a particular festival that interests you.

Filming in Bhutan Tour

Through our media arm Pioneer Media we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Bhutan from big-budget to guerrilla productions. We can also arrange meetings in country, as well as correct visas for journalists wishing to do projects within Bhutan.

Frequently asked Questions about travel to Bhutan

Do I need a visa to travel to Bhutan?

Bhutan has a unique visa policy. Unlike most countries, you cannot apply for a visa yourself. You must book your trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, who will then apply for a visa on your behalf. Your visa will be included in your daily tourist tax.

What is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The best time to visit Bhutan is generally during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather and clear skies. However, Bhutan is a beautiful country year-round. During the summer (June-August), the weather is mild, but there is a chance of rain. Winter (December-February) can be cold, especially in the higher altitudes. However, winter is also the best time to see the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Is Bhutan safe for tourists?

Bhutan is generally considered very safe for tourists. Bhutan has a very low crime rate, even petty theft. You can relax and enjoy your Bhutan tours without excessive worry. Bhutan is also a peaceful and politically stable country. There's no history of major unrest or conflict.

What currency is used in Bhutan?

Bhutan's currency is the ngultrum (Nu). However, US dollars are widely accepted throughout the country. You can exchange your currency at banks or currency exchange booths in Paro and Thimphu.

Are there any health precautions I should take before traveling to Bhutan?

Travelers are advised to check with their healthcare provider for vaccinations and take precautions against mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue.

What is the local etiquette and customs in Bhutan?

Bhutan is a deeply Buddhist country. It's important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Shoes must be removed before entering temples and monasteries. When greeting a Bhutanese person, the traditional way is to clasp your hands in front of your chest and bow slightly.

Is it possible to use a SIM card for mobile communication in Bhutan?

Most cafes, hotels and restaurants have free Wifi, as well as some shops and fuel stations. You can buy a prepaid SIM card in the arrival hall of the airport. There are also many SIM card shops in the cities. Tourist SIM cards are available.

What is the Bhutan tourist tax?

The Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is currently US$100 per person and per night. This fee is designed to support Bhutan's commitment to sustainable development. It covers a variety of expenses, including preserving Bhutan's pristine environment; protecting its rich culture and heritage; upgrading infrastructure; building resilience for the future. Bhutan operates on a minimum daily tourist tariff system. This fee covers your accommodation, meals, transportation within the country, a guide, and entrance fees to most sightseeing destinations.

Why travel to Bhutan with Young Pioneer Tours?

Having been going to the country for several years and having a network of local partners on the ground, YPT ensure a safe trip as well as bringing you to some very cool places. All Bhutan tours must be booked through a licensed tour operator, so you may as well pick the best one!