Bhutan Kuzuzangpo

Druk-Yul is what the Druk-pa, the inhabitants of the “land of the thunder dragon,” call Bhutan, the emblem on their flag.

It was one of the most isolated countries in the world until tourism was allowed in the 1970s, but there are still restricted areas of the country. This fact has preserved its traditions and culture from Western influence, while it has become the main attraction for tourists. And Bhutan has been able to take advantage of it with a good tourism organization and rates that are not suitable for all budgets, making it a relatively expensive and exclusive destination, allowing its battered trade balance to recover in a country where 80% of the population lives off agriculture. Their traditions and culture have survived quite unchanged for centuries, and in fact, many of them are regulated by law, from clothing in certain situations to the way houses are built.

With a population of about 700,000 inhabitants, they have managed to take their own path between their powerful neighbours, India and China. Bhutan became famous for its GNH, the Gross National Happiness Index, as opposed to GDP (Gross Domestic Product), a concept they developed in the 1970s and included in the constitution. For the rulers of Bhutan, it does not make much sense to live and work just to produce more (GDP) but to live to be happier (GNH). It has been a democracy since 2008, curiously because of the determination of its monarch and not for the will of the people who did not consider it necessary. A king, or we could say better, a royal couple, revered and loved by the population.

Lush forests and high peaks of the Himalayas in the north define a majestic landscape, almost undisturbed by the few existing roads, friendly and calm people will welcome the traveller who sets out on the road through the so-called last Shangri-la on earth.

The tour we present here has an average duration, avoiding a bit of the quick four-day visits, and allows you to see a large part of the reality of the country and its most outstanding spots, buildings, monasteries and traditional and modern life, as natural spaces, landscapes and the Himalayas as a backdrop. Of course, it can always be extended or modified on request, perhaps adding some hiking and trekking route if you like to walk.

Kuzuzangpo! is how to say Hello! in Dzongka, the language spoken in Bhutan, to welcome you to this itinerary (or Kuzuzangpola if you want to be more formal). So, let’s start with the tour, Kuzuzangpo!

PRICE INCLUDES
·       All transfers and trips by private vehicle

·       Assistant English-speaking guide on arrival to Nepal

·       Flight Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu (rate indicated separately)

·       Local English-speaking Tour guide during the trip in Bhutan

·       2 nights with breakfast in Kathmandu

·       All breakfast, lunch and dinner in Bhutan

·       1 night of accommodation in Thimphu

·       1 night of accommodation in Punakha

·       1 night of accommodation in Trongsa

·       2 night of accommodation in Bumthang

·       1 night of accommodation in Gangtey

·       2 nights of accommodation in Paro

·       All government taxes, including Bhutan Royalty tax, and VAT

·       All entrance tickets and permits to the places indicated

·       Wages, food and accommodation, expenses, and insurance for all staff

PRICE EXCLUDES
·       International flight from/to your origin point to/from Nepal

·       Entry Nepal VISA

·       Lunch & Dinner in Nepal

·       Tips to staff

·       Photography and video permits in some of the monuments in Bhutan

·       Hot and cold drinks, phone calls, internet connection or any other personal expense

·       Medical and/or travel insurance

·       In general, any concept not specified in the program, as well as any type of personal assistance to the traveller for matters outside the program of this trip

·       No additional expenses due to flight cancellations, weather conditions, road closures, etc.

The rate that the Bhutan government sets for tourism has increased a lot and makes it quite an exclusive destination.
Currently you can calculate a minimum cost of between US$430/US$450 per day and per person. This way, you can get an approximate idea of the price depending on the days of travel you want to do. It will be necessary to add the flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan, visas and two minimum days in Nepal before and after Bhutan.
If you want to travel to Bhutan, please contact us.

To access the kingdom of Bhutan, the best flight option is via Kathmandu, since we can reach Paro in just two stops, although we must add a night in the capital of Nepal and we also recommend a day in Kathmandu on the return. Linking the international return flight from Nepal with the morning one from Bhutan is feasible, but we do not recommend it as the weather conditions can affect the latter and complicate the return. A visit to Kathmandu is always worthy and of course, you can also complete the trip by adding more days in Nepal.

DO YOU WANT TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP?

This program is designed with the number of days we consider the minimum to make the trip comfortable and safe, but it is always a good idea to add a day if it fits you in terms of calendar and budget.

Like all our itineraries, the itinerary can be customized and adapted to your taste, needs and preferences.