Bhutan Tour Packages

Reviewed by Thrillophilia Bhutan Operations Team

Updated as of April 2026

Thrillophilia offers over 45 Bhutan tour packages with itineraries covering permits and key cultural sites like Punakha Dzong. These packages range from 6 to 13 days and are priced between INR 28,500 and INR 1,60,000. These prices depend on duration, route coverage, and the standards of accommodation selected.

Bhutan stands apart as the only carbon-negative country in the world, where tourism follows a regulated low-impact model. This model is supported by a mandatory Sustainable Development Fee of around INR 1200 for Indian tourists. 

As part of the Bhutan packages, you can visit Thimphu landmarks like the National Memorial Chorten and explore the Motithang Takin Preserve. You can learn traditional crafts at the Handicrafts Emporium or head to Paro to set out on the Tiger’s Nest Monastery trek. For an extended trip, you can visit Gangtey Gompa and observe black-necked cranes in Phobjikha Valley during the winter months.

Our Bhutan tour packages include everything from meals to deluxe stays, transfers and 24/7 support, so plan your trip today.

About Bhutan 

Bhutan, which is located in the Eastern Himalayas, is a small Buddhist kingdom known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon. The country is known to measure progress through Gross National Happiness instead of economic output, which focuses on well-being.

With a population of over 780,000 people, Bhutan maintains strict environmental policies, ensuring more than seventy per cent of its land remains forest-covered. Through limited industrial activity, this approach to conservation supports its carbon-negative status, where forests absorb more carbon emissions than the country produces. 

Some of the top spots you can visit here include the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and Tashichho Dzong. For a slow travel experience and insight into the country's rural life, you can visit regions like Haa Valley, Gangtey, and Lhuentse. Also, witness major festivals in Bhutan called Tshechus, where monks perform mask dances based on Buddhist teachings. With opportunities to explore the Druk Path trek or inner peace at the world’s “Last Shangri-La”, Bhutan is the ideal place for a holiday.

Key Highlights

• Capital: Thimphu
• Official Language: Dzongkha
• Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) and Indian Rupee (INR) are accepted
• Best Time to Visit: March-May (Spring) & September-November (Autumn)
• Popular Activities: Trekking, cultural tours, meditation retreats, wildlife spotting, river rafting, and traditional archery
• Major Festivals: Paro Tsechu (April), Thimphu Tsechu (October), and Jambay Lhakhang Drup (November)
• Heritage Sites: Punakha Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu and Kurjey Lhakhang.
• Entry for Indians: No visa required; permits available on arrival
• Ideal for: spiritual retreats, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts

Bhutan Trip Cost from India: Budget Breakdown

A 5 to 7-day Bhutan trip from India costs anywhere between INR 28500 and INR 39,890 per person. This cost is inclusive of stays in deluxe hotels, local transfers in SUV, meals and sightseeing. However, depending on the package you select, the sustainable development fee (SDF) of INR 1200 is also generally included in most of the Bhutan tour packages. Here are different kinds of packages we offer based on budget.

Budget

• Who it suits: friend groups, solo travellers, and travellers enjoying short breaks.
• Hotel: Deluxe hotels in Thimphu City, Phuntsholing and Paro
• What is included: Lunch, Breakfast, shared transfers in Toyota Etios, Swift Dzire, Toyota Hiace or Creta, and 2 to 3 major attractions.
• Price per person (excluding flights): INR 28500 to INR 39,890 per person.

Mid-range

• Who it suits: Couples, first-time travellers, families.
• Hotel: Deluxe and standard hotels in Thimphu City, Nubding Phuntsholing and Paro.
• What is included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, transfers in a Toyota Hiace Creta or similar and major attractions like Punakha Dzong, Ludrong Memorial Garden. Also includes SDF of INR 1200.
• Price per person (excluding flights): INR 45,950 to INR 49,350 per person.

Luxurious/Premium

• Who it suits: travellers seeking short trips, luxury seekers and honeymooners
• Hotel: Deluxe hotels in Phuntsholing, Thimphu City, Paro, Punakha and Nubding.
• What is included: Transfer in Toyota Etios, Swift Dzire or similar. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, key attractions like Buddha Dordenma and SDF of INR 1200.
• Price per person (excluding flights): INR 68,000 to 1,28,000 per person.

Planning Your Bhutan Trip from India: What You Need to Know

1) SDF (Sustainable Development Fee)

A sum of INR 1,200 per person per night is applicable as SDF for Indian travellers in Bhutan. Children below five years are spared from SDF, while children aged six to twelve pay INR 600 per night. However, those above twelve have to pay full charges.

2) Entry Permits

Indian citizens do not need a visa but must obtain a free Entry Permit to enter Bhutan and travel within Paro and Thimphu. You need an original passport, which is valid for six months, or a voter ID, passport photos, as Aadhaar cards are not accepted. These permits are issued at Paro Airport on arrival or at Phuentsholing immigration office when entering Bhutan through the Jaigaon land border.

3) Altitude and Acclimatisation

Paro is at 2,200 metres, while Tiger’s Nest Monastery is at 3,120 metres, which requires adjustment for travellers from the plains. You can rest on the first day, drink water, avoid alcohol, and walk slowly as oxygen levels are lower at higher elevations. The trek takes five to six hours to complete a distance of around 6.4 kms. So, take breaks and watch for headache, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.

4) Connectivity 

Local SIM cards like TashiCell and B-Mobile are available at Paro Airport or town outlets with ID and entry permit documents. 4G works in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, but the network becomes weak or unavailable in remote areas and mountain routes. You can download offline maps and keep essential apps like Druk Trace ready, as internet access may not be reliable.

5) Currency

Indian Rupees are accepted at a 1:1 value with BTN, but only INR 100, INR 200, and INR 500 notes are commonly used. INR 2000 notes are not accepted, and ATMs are limited to major towns like Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha. Carry enough cash before entering Bhutan, as card payments are limited and rural areas may not have ATMs.

6) Travel Permit

To visit places like Punakha, Gangtey, or Haa Valley, you must apply for a Special Route Permit or Inner Line Permit in Thimphu. It is issued during working hours at the Immigration Office, which are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM from Monday to Friday.

7) Best Entry Points from India

Phuentsholing via Jaigaon in West Bengal is the main road entry point, which is ideal for reaching the Paro and Thimphu regions. You can fly to Bagdogra and drive four to five hours via NH-17or NH-317 to reach Bhutan. Also, you can take Drukair and Bhutan Airlines flights to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Bagdogra.

Thrillophilia’s Traveller Note

Brijesh Patel from Patna booked the INSTAGRAMMABLE Bhutan Group Tour | Excursion to Chele La Pass in March 2026. He says, “Travelling from Patna to Bhutan was truly a refreshing experience for our group. Trashigang lived up to its title as the “Jewel of the East” with its scenic charm and peaceful vibe. Thrillophilia’s local recommendations added great value, making our eastern Bhutan journey one of the most memorable experiences.”

Verified Thrillophilia international booking, 2026 departure.

Famous Events & Festivals in Bhutan

Festivals and events in Bhutan are happy expressions of the old Buddhist culture, which are held in honour of a saint named Guru Rinpoche. If you have a Bhutan trip in mind, these are some of the major events you can attend.

Paro Tsechu (29th April to April 2)

Paro Tsechu is one of the most popular religious festivals of Bhutan, celebrated for 5 days at a stretch at the Rinpung Dzong. This festival pays tribute to Guru Rinpoche through masked dances called cham. Laymen and monks perform Shacham (stag dance) and Guru Tshengye (Guru Rinpoche’s eight manifestations) to depict stories of the victory of good over evil. The festival ends with the unfurling of the massive Thongdrel, a silk appliqué flag, on the final day.

Haa Summer festival (July)

The Haa Summer Festival is a unique cultural festival of Bhutan, celebrated for 2 days every year in July in the Haa Valley. This festival highlights the traditional lifestyle of nomadic yak herders and local villagers. During the festival, many traditional games are played, such as archery, khuru (dart throwing), soksum (a local team game), and pillow fights. You can also see demonstrations of yak herding, traditional tents, and village life.

Thimphu Tsechu (October)

The Thimphu Tshechu is one of the largest religious festivals of Bhutan, celebrated for 3 days at the courtyard of Thimphu's Tashichho Dzong. This festival honours Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Monks and laymen perform sacred masked dances such as Zhana Cham (Black Hat dance) and Durdag Cham (Dance of the Cremation Ground Lords). Locals wear their finest traditional clothes, such as the gho and kira, and gather to celebrate their culture. On the final day, you can watch the giant Thungdrol unfurl, believed to bring blessings and cleanse sins.

Jomohari Mountain Festival (October 14-15)

The Jomolhari Mountain Festival is a 2-day festival of Bhutan, held every October near Mount Jomolhari in the Soe region of Thimphu. It celebrates mountain life and promotes conservation of the snow leopard. Locals perform folk dances and play games like yak riding, archery, and khuru. You can spot souvenir and food stalls selling butter, dried yak cheese, and ema datschi.

Black-Necked Crane Festival (November 11)

The Black-Necked Crane Festival is a 1-day festival in Bhutan, held on November 11 at the courtyard of Gangtey Monastery in Phobjikha Valley. It celebrates the return of the black-necked crane from Tibet. You can see locals perform mask dances, crane dances, and songs. The festival promotes conservation through crafts, local food, and bird-watching activities.

Jambay Lakhang Drup (November 5-8)

The Jambay Lhakhang Drup is a 5-day religious festival, held in autumn at Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang Valley. It honours Guru Rinpoche through masked dances. You can witness the Mewang (fire blessing) and Tercham (midnight sacred dance), which are believed to purify sins, remove evil, and bring fertility.

Druk Wangyel Tshechu (December 13)

The Druk Wangyel Tshechu is a unique 1-day festival of Bhutan, held on December 13 at Dochula Pass near the 108 chortens. It honours Jigme Singye Wangchuck and the Royal Bhutan Army for their 2003 victory. You can witness soldiers perform masked and folk dances to celebrate peace, protection, and the unity of Bhutan.

Top Places to Visit with Bhutan Tour Packages

Paro

Paro is a fertile valley at an elevation of around 2,200 metres and is the main entry point to the country, as it is home to the only international airport. You can hike to the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery and explore Rinpung Dzong, a Bhutanese architectural masterpiece. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan to see ancient artefacts and the oldest temple, Kyichu Lhakhang. You can also take a drive to Chele La Pass, at an altitude of 3,988 metres, to witness Jichu Drake and Mount. Jomolhari.

Punakha

Punakha is a valley in Bhutan, situated at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers. It is known as Bhutan’s former capital and is famous for the grand Punakha Dzong, a monument of detailed Bhutanese architecture. Here, you can visit the temple of Chimi Lhakhang and walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge for river views. Also, you can hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for a clear view of the Punakha valley.

Bumthang

Bumthang is a group of four valleys, namely Choekhor, Ura, Chumey, and Tang. It is located in central Bhutan, a high-altitude region known for its farms, apple orchards, and quiet villages. You can explore Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and important religious sites associated with Guru Rinpoche. Other than these, you can also visit Jakar Dzong for valley views and see the sacred river site of Mebar Tsho as part of your Bhutan tour.

Haa Valley

Haa Valley is a quiet valley known as the “Hidden-Land of Rice,” which is located in western Bhutan, at an altitude of 2,670 metres. It is known for its alpine forests, the Haa Chu River, and the Katsho Goemba monastery in Katsho village. During your trip, you can explore the White Temple of Lhakhang Karpo and the Black Temple of Lhakhang Nagpo. Visit ancient monasteries of Jamtoe and Yangto while exploring the Chele La Pass for views of Mt. Jomolhari.

Gelephu 

Gelephu is a growing town near the Indian border and an important entry point in southern Bhutan. The town is also being developed into Gelephu Mindfulness City, a large project planned as a carbon-negative, smart city focused on green living. You can relax at the Gelephu Tsachu hot springs, hike to the Dolpani waterfall, and explore Royal Manas National Park. Also, you can taste local Khengpa food made with wild mushrooms and banana flowers.

Eastern Bhutan

Eastern Bhutan, which is called the “Jewel of the East”, is a remote region with deep valleys, mountains, and traditional village life. When here, you can visit Trashigang for the Trashigang Dzong, explore Lhuntse for Takila and its large Guru Rinpoche statue, and see Trashiyangtse for Chorten Kora. As part of the Bhutan packages, you can also visit Mongar, with its landscapes, as well as Merak and Sakteng to experience the nomadic Brokpa culture.

All About Bhutan Visa Requirements

1. Visa-Free Entry for Indians 

Indian travellers do not need a visa to visit Bhutan, but require an Entry Permit. This permit is checked at the airport or border and allows you to travel within the country. 

2. Documents Required

• Valid Indian Passport (6 months validity) or Voter ID
• Passport-size photos
• Hotel booking 
• Travel itinerary
• A birth certificate or school ID is required for children below 18 years of age.

3. How to Obtain Your Entry Permit (Airport vs Road Entry)

Instead, you need an Entry Permit before entering, which is issued at the immigration office in Phuentsholing (for road travel). You can also get one at the Paro International Airport if you are travelling by air. 

4. Route Permit for Beyond Paro and Thimphu

This permit allows you to travel only to Thimphu and Paro. However, for places like Punakha or Phobjikha Valley, you must apply for a Route Permit in Thimphu. These permits are granted for 7 to 15 days and can be extended if the need arises.

5. SDF and Other Entry Requirements

You must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of INR 1,200 per adult per night. Children aged 6 to 12 years must pay 50%, and those under 5 years are free to travel without charge. You can apply online at visit.doi.gov.bt or get the permit at the entry point. Keep in mind that entry is allowed via Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Paro Airport. Also, ensure that if you are carrying Indian currency above INR 25,000, it must be in INR 100 or lower denominations.

Thrillophilia’s Traveller Note

Jitendra Rao from Jaipur booked the Instagrammable Bhutan, Couple Special package in March. He says, “Crossing the border at Phuentsholing was a breeze. We were greeted with warm smiles and immediate assistance with our luggage. Thanks, Thrillophilia, for the detailed briefing; it made starting our journey here one of the best experiences. I highly recommend their services.”

Verified Thrillophilia international booking, 2026 departure.

How to Trek to Tiger's Nest: Complete Guide for Indian Visitors

1. Distance and Elevation

The hike to Tiger’s Nest is about 6.4 to 8.4 kms long with an altitude gain of 518 to 900 metres. This monastery sits at an elevation of 3,120 meters above sea level, about 900 meters above the Paro valley. The final stretch of this trek includes steep steps, a descent into a gorge, and a climb.

2. Time Required

The trek usually takes 4 to 6 hours, depending on your pace and the breaks you take. If you take a steady climb with rest stops, it takes around 5 hours. So, you should start early in the morning, keeping in mind the monastery's visiting hours, which are usually between 8 AM and 4 PM.

3. Horse Option

If you are too tired to trek, you can opt for horses, which are available at the base and cost around INR 1100 to INR 1800. They take you only halfway up to the cafeteria point, with the remaining trail to be covered on foot, including steep steps. You will not find horses for descent as the narrow trail can feel risky for some riders.

4. What to Carry

Carry water, light snacks, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap. Wear good hiking shoes with grip, as the trail is steep and uneven. You can carry walking sticks or trekking poles to improve balance and reduce pressure on joints. Also, keep your permit and some cash in hand for the entry fee and small purchases.

5. Entry Fee

The entry fee for Tiger’s Nest Monastery ranges from approximately INR 500 to INR 1,000 per person. This fee may vary slightly depending on the rules at the time and has to be paid before you enter the monastery. 

6. What You See Inside

Inside the monastery, you can see eight small temples and sacred caves with dim lighting. See murals, butter lamps, and statues of Guru Rinpoche. You can also spot the main cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated alongside monks praying and maintaining the monastery.

7. Fitness Requirements

The trek is moderate to challenging but can be done by anyone with average fitness. Children above 8 years old can attempt it. The trail is steep, so it is recommended that you wear trekking shoes with a solid grip to prevent falls.

Top Things to Do in Bhutan

1. Enjoy River Rafting in Paro’s Mo Chhu River

Rafting on the Mo Chhu River in Punakha is a 10 km ride across gentle Class II–III rapids. This activity takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and requires you to wear a helmet and a life jacket. You get to sit in an inflatable raft with a guide, and paddle through mild currents, passing fields and ending near Punakha Dzong.

Price: INR 1500 to INR 2500 approx

2. Visit the Monasteries for Spiritual Enlightenment

One of the prime things you can do with Bhutan tour packages is visit monasteries to witness monks praying, studying, and living. You can visit key religious sites such as the Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Monastery, Kurjey Lakhang, and Paro Taktsang. You can also head to the Great Buddha Dordenma to admire the 51-metre-high statue, surrounded by 125,000 miniatures of the same. However, if you are visiting the monasteries, it is recommended that you plan your trip during the Tsechu festivals to witness the masked dances.

Price: entry fee is anywhere around INR 500 to INR 1002, approx

3. Explore the Historic Trade Route

Exploring the trade route trek between Paro and Thimphu lets you pass through a trail that passes through Jele Dzong and Damchena village. During the walk, you get to explore Jangchulakha, Simkota, and Phajoding Monastery. Walk across mountain passes, yak pastures, rhododendron forests, and alpine ridges. Along the route, you can see views of Mount Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, and Gangkar Punsum, while guides explain how traders once used this path.

4. Relish the Unique Cuisine of Bhutan

You can try the unique cuisine of Bhutan, known for simple ingredients and strong chilli flavours. Taste the most famous dish, Ema Datshi, made with cheese and chillies. You can also try dumplings like Momos, dishes like Jasha Maru (spicy chicken), Hoentay, and Goep. Opt for meals that include buckwheat noodles with Shamu Datshi, a warm stew of cheese and mushrooms. To enjoy these dishes, you can also try the traditional Ara drink, made from barley or rice. 

5. Partake in a Festival

To experience the culture of Bhutan, you can participate in a festival like Paro Tsechu with Bhutan tour packages. This festival lets you witness traditional dance performances such as Drametse and Shingje Yabyum, performed by masked monks. If you book your Bhutan tour packages in July, you can attend the Haa Summer Festival to see drum performances and yak riding. In August, the Matsutake Festival is another event that lets you learn about various mushroom varieties, see their cultivation process, and try dishes made with them.

6. Wander Through the Bumthang Valley

You can enjoy a walk through Bumthang Valley, known for its peaceful villages and old monasteries. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Jakar Dzong to see temples and murals. Explore the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, try local cheese at the Swiss Farm, and taste beer at the Red Panda Brewery. Also enjoy walks along the Chamkar Chhu river, hot stone baths, and short trips to Ura and Tang valleys. However, to enjoy the sight of colourful rhododendrons, you can visit the valley in spring.

Local Dishes to Try in Bhutan

Bhutan tour packages are incomplete without trying the local delicacies. Thus, you must take the opportunity to taste the following dishes during your trip.

1. Hoentay 

Hoentay is a dish that originated in Bhutan’s Haa Valley, whose wrapper is made from buckwheat flour. These chewy dumplings, filled with cheese, butter, and turnip greens, have a nutty flavour.

2. Red Rice

Grown in the Paro Valley, the slightly sticky red rice offers a nutty taste. You can try this item with dishes like Ema Datschi in the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant of Thimphu.

3. Jaju Soup

Jaju is a Bhutanese soup made with local cheese called datshi, spinach, and milk. You can try this light, creamy dish with red rice on a cold day to warm up. 

4. Zow Shungo 

Zow Shungo is a Bhutanese dish cooked with seasonal veggies, namely turnip, spinach, and leftover red rice. You can taste these dishes at Paro’s small eateries, such as Sonam Trophel Restaurant, and at local homestays. 

Top Bhutanese Restaurants

The culinary scene in Bhutan is diverse, offering something for every palate. From fine-dining spots to family-run hotels, the country offers authentic Bhutanese cuisine. So, if you are on a Bhutan trip from India, make sure to visit these restaurants.

Bukhari

Bukhari Restaurant is a fine-dining restaurant offering rich Bhutanese dishes in a pavilion-style setting. 

• Must-try: Buckwheat pancakes and Yak Carpaccio.
• Pocket Pinch: INR 4000 - INR 5000 per person.

1. Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant

Thimphu’s Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant is a mid-budget to premium restaurant that serves organic Bhutanese food in a museum-like setting. 

• Must-try: Suja (butter tea), Jasha Maru (spicy chicken), and Ema Datshi (chilli cheese).
• Pocket Pinch: INR 300 - INR 800 per person.

2. Chig Ja Gye 

Chig Ja Gye, located within Thimphu’s Taj Tashi hotel, is a fine-dining restaurant known for its gold-leaf paintings and decorative things.

• Must-try: Jasha Maru (spicy chicken), Hoentay (buckwheat dumplings), and Ema Datshi (chilli cheese).
• Pocket Pinch: INR 3500 and above per person.

3. Sonam Trophel

Sonam Trophel in Paro is a mid-budget restaurant that serves authentic Chinese, Indian, and Bhutanese dishes in a homely atmosphere.

• Must-try: Kewa Datshi (Cheese potatoes), Chicken Pakora, and Thukpa.
• Pocket Pinch: INR 250 and above per person.

4. Babesa Village Restaurant 

Located outside the main Thimphu town, the Babesa Village Restaurant is set within a heritage home. 

• Must-try: Suja (butter tea), Bjasha Maru (chicken curry), and Lom (dried leaves of turnip).
• Pocket Pinch: NA

Thrillophilia’s Traveller Note

Manav Reddy from Bangalore booked the Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim Tour Package in March. Here’s what he has to say about his experience with Thrillophilia:

“Travelling from Bangalore, the mountain silence was a welcome change from the city noise. The hike through Langtang Valley was breathtaking, and the local food was so hearty. Thrillophilia’s coordination made the whole trip stress-free.”

Verified Thrillophilia international booking, 2026 departure.

Best Souvenirs to Buy in Bhutan

1. Cane & Bamboo Products

Bhutan is known for quality cane and bamboo products made by local artisans. You can shop for bamboo baskets called pangchu, woven hats called belo, wine caskets called palang, and food baskets called Tsezem.

• Price: INR 300 onwards, depending on the item and size
• Where to Shop: Handicrafts Association of Bhutan, Paro Craft Market, and Craft Bazaar

2. Colourful Masks:

Bhutanese masks are handcrafted from softwood, painted in vivid colours, and adorned with beads. Collect them as souvenirs in the forms of snow lions, furious deities, and tigers — each one distinct and locally made.

• Price: INR 1,050 onwards
• Where to Shop: Norzin Lam Craft Stalls and Sephub Gyeltsen Tsongkhang, Thimphu.

3. Hand-Woven Textiles:

Bhutan is one of the best places to buy hand-woven cotton and silk textiles. Shop for women's dresses called Kira, men's attire called Gho, or pick up wall hangings, scarves, and bags as unique keepsakes.

• Price: INR 7,000 for scarves. INR 3,00,000 for full-length Kiras.
• Where to Shop: National Textile Museum, Thimphu and Lhuentse weaving village.

4. Bhutan Red Rice:

Bhutan Red Rice is a nutritious, nutty-flavoured grain grown in the Paro Valley and is one of the few places in the world where it is cultivated organically. It makes for a practical and authentic edible souvenir to carry home. 

• Price: INR 200–INR 600 per kg, depending on packaging and quantity.
• Where to Shop: Centenary Farmers Market, Thimphu and Paro weekend market.

5. Bhutan Handicrafts

The handicrafts of Bhutan reflect the culture and craftsmanship through items like wooden bowls called dappa and handwoven baskets. On a Bhutan trip, you can shop for souvenirs such as Yathra textiles, clay statues of Bhutanese deities and thangka paintings. Price 

• Range: Thangka: INR 1,500 to INR 25,000 depending on size, Dappa- INR 300.
• Where to Shop: Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar (Thimphu), National Handicrafts Museum (Thimphu).

Adventure Activities in Bhutan

Take a Safari to See Wildlife

A wildlife safari in Bhutan’s Royal Manas National Park lets you see tigers, elephants, and rhinos through jungle walks and river safaris. You can visit the Jigme Dorji National Park to spot snow leopards and blue sheep. At Phobjikha Valley, you can watch black-necked cranes in winter or visit Motithang Takin Preserve to see the country’s national animal.

• Price: INR 26,000 to INR 90,000, depending on duration.

Enjoy a Session of Paragliding 

Paragliding in Bhutan is an adventure activity in which you fly with a trained pilot using a parachute-like wing. This can be done as a tandem flight, so you do not need any prior experience. You can fly over valleys like Bumthang Valley, Phobjikha Valley, and Paro Valley. see monasteries, rivers, forests, farms, and wide open landscapes from above. The best time is March to May, as these months offer clear views and stable weather for a flight. Also, you must always check wind conditions and fly only with certified pilots.

• Price: INR 7000 to INR 10,000 for a 25-minute flight and INR 10,000 to INR 15000 for a 50-minute flight.

Climb a Rock in Thimphu

Rock climbing in Thimphu is done at The Nose, a cliff above the city. It is a granite rock face with 13 marked routes, with each around 12–27 metres high. Suitable for beginners to experienced climbers, this activity lets you climb with ropes and safety gear. From the top, you can see wide views of the Thimphu Valley, forests, and hills. 

• Price: INR 1500 per person.

Indulge in a session of whitewater rafting.

Whitewater rafting in Bhutan is an adventure activity in which you ride an inflatable raft through the fast-flowing Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. On Mo Chhu, you glide past calm Class II rapids for up to 10 km, suitable for beginners. However, if you are a trained rafter, you can ride Class II–IV Pho Chhu rapids for up to 16 km. During the activity, you can spot villages, the Punakha Dzong, and suspension bridges.

• Price: INR 3500 to INR 10,000 per person.

Travel Tips for Bhutan

• Strap on Comfortable Shoes: The terrain of Bhutan can be uneven and steep. So, if you plan to go hiking, you must strap on durable and comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Make Bookings: Bhutan's peak season is spring, when the weather is pleasant and major festivals are held. It is recommended to reserve tours, hotels, and flights to avoid any hassles.
• Stay protected from the Sun: The sun is stronger at higher altitudes. Carry a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from harsh sunlight.
• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a serious concern at higher elevations. Drink lots of water and carry a refillable bottle.
• Check Your Permits and Documents: To enter Bhutan, you must carry essential documents, such as a Voter ID and a valid passport. Obtain permits for longer or shorter trips via licensed tour operators.
• Download Local Apps for Payments: If you are short on cash, try using the local app DrukPay for secure digital banking. You can activate it once, use MPIN/ TPIN, and manage payments easily.
• Allow time for Acclimatization: The altitude of Bhutan can be challenging. It is recommended that you relax on the first day and avoid any strenuous physical activity.
• Ensure connectivity at All Times: Get a local SIM from TashiCell or Bhutan Telecom on arrival. If you are to explore rural areas, use B-Mobile, download the offline maps, and activate data.