Bhutan is a landlocked country in south-central Asia that is remarkable for its distinctive features, including old sculptures, sacred temples, and breathtaking views of mountain passes. Sharing the border with India and China, Bhutan is also known as Druk Yul which means the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”
The southern end of Bhutan consists of the Eastern Himalaya with the highest mountain being north-central Gangkhar Puensum, situated at 7,570 meters (24,840 ft) above sea level. Bhutan is also very rich in the religious and cultural aspects. Bhutan mainly follows Buddhism (Vajrayana Buddhism) as the official religion so, one can see a lot of ancient monuments, sacred temples, monasteries, and gumbas that reflect the rich Buddhist culture sustained in Bhutan.
Marked by wonderful architectural monuments, stupas, and monasteries, Bhutan binds together a historic religious and cultural background. There are many monasteries here that are of equal importance and are considered marvels. These monasteries are home to several monks and nuns who pass down their religious teachings to the new generation.
Similarly, the 7 night 8 Days Bhutan Tour is a comprehensive package that aims to provide visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore such landmarks, culture, tradition, and religion of Bhutan and Bhutanese. One of the main opportunities in Bhutan 7 nights 8 days is the visit to numerous places including Paro, Thimpu, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Punakha. This gives an idea of the cultural, religious, and natural landmarks present in these astonishing places.
Similarly, the Paro Taktsang located in Paro Valley is another highlight of this Bhutan tour. The Paro Monastery which is also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery is located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan. The monastery is of great significance where Buddhist worship and monks take care of the place. The monastery is also regarded as an architectural marvel and there is a belief that Guru Rinpoche meditated here in a cave. So, the temple houses a statue in memorial to Guru Rinpoche and is adorned with stunning paintings that portray Buddhist mythology.
Besides Paro Taktsang individuals can visit the Buddha Dordenma, Dochula Pass, Tashichho Dzong, and many other places which are also the main attractions of Bhutan. Budhha Dordenma is the gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue which is made of bronze and gold. The statue houses another hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues which is a promising site to see. Likewise, the Dochula Pass is another attraction of Bhutan which contains 108 memorial chortens, or stupas. Similarly, the Tashichho Dzong, which is another best location in Thimphu, Bhutan is a Buddhist monastery. The Tashichho Dzong houses many sculptures, an assembly hall, and many other notable things. Similarly, not a single nail is used during the construction.
Likewise, the best season to visit Bhutan is in spring and autumn which can be done individually or in groups with family, friends, the elderly, or even with children. However, the sightseeing tour can be done all year-round. Similarly, it is necessary to understand the local culture and traditions of Bhutan before visiting. As most of the attractions are religious and cultural places individuals should respect the local culture, dress appropriately, perform proper functions, and many more. So, with little research on the destination, an idea for the tour can be obtained.
Why 7 nights and 8 days Bhutan Tour?
The Himalayan country of Bhutan provides visitors with stunning natural and artistic beauty. The mountain peaks, including the hilly terrain on the backdrop mesmerizes anyone who wishes to travel to Bhutan. The distinct culture, tradition, and landmarks showcase the richness of diversity and religion as well as how Bhutan is putting an effort to conserve such places. On the other hand, the efforts for environment conservation and tourism are worth the praise. The reason to visit Bhutan on 7 nights, 8 Days tour as mentioned below:
- Spectacular scenery: Bhutan contains spectacular scenery including hilly terrain and snow-capped mountains. The highest peak in Bhutan is the Gangkhar Puensum situated at 7,570 meters/2300 ft. Similarly, the third highest mountain Jomolhari situated at 7,314 meters/23,996 ft is one of the popular mountain peaks of Bhutan. These mountain peaks open a route for trekking for those who want to lie on the lap of the Himalayas. Despite the mountain peaks, the monuments and landmarks are another notable structure in Bhutan that favor the beauty of Bhutan.
- Culture and religion: The Thimphu Tshechu festival is the grandest in Bhutan. As most of the Bhutanese follow Buddhism, the country is pretty straightforward in culture and religion with no sign of religious war or disputes. The country also celebrates other prominent festivals like Punakha Drubchen, Gomphu Kora, Paro Tshechu, Sakteng, Haa, Merak, and many others. These festivals fall on different months which provides explorers an opportunity to immerse in the culture and tradition of Bhutan. During the festive season, one can see masked dances known as cham, folk dances, music performances, and other religious ceremonies. So be sure not to miss if it falls on the period of travel.
- National Happiness: The country of Bhutan assesses development in terms of Gross National Happiness (GNH). The GNH is a unique concept that prioritizes happiness over economic growth.
- Ecotourism: The government of Bhutan has developed strict policies to favor ecotourism. This facilitates tourists from all over the world to experience Bhutan with very little difficulties. On the other hand, much of Bhutan’s natural beauty is preserved under protected areas to minimize environmental impact thereby lending a hand for the conservation and protection of diverse flora and fauna. Not only this, one can also see community-based tourism initiatives to increase the economic benefits of not only an individual but the community itself.
- Authentic experience: As there are places in Bhutan that are yet to be explored, this provides visitors with an opportunity to encounter authentic landmarks of the area. This unique experience allows individuals to see never-before-seen places and gain information about them. Bhutan still ensures only a limited number of tourists per year to preserve its assets so those who visit the place are sure to have an exciting journey here.
So, the multi-country Bhutan trip provides a unique and unforgettable travel experience for tourists. To provide a hassle-free travel experience and eco-friendly conservation practices Bhutan welcomes all.
How does the Bhutan 7-night, 8-day tour start and end?
The Bhutan tour begins with a flight to Paro from any respective airline. Upon reaching the Paro airport individuals will take a scenic drive to the capital city of Bhutan which is Thimphu. The Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan due to this reason; the international flights are redirected here.
As visitors reach the capital city, they can engage in a sightseeing tour. Individuals can explore the top attractions of Thimpu. One such attraction that is not to be missed is Buddha Dordenma, Dochula Pass, Tashichho Dzong, and many others. After the sightseeing tour in Thimphu, one can move towards Trsongsa which is also known as Tongsa, or a new village.
Tsrongsa is known to control Bhutan, by the Wangchuk dynasty who ruled over eastern and central Bhutan. The Tsrongsa village is also home to aesthetic and magnificent traditional Bhutanese architecture. Individuals can also visit Trongsa Dzong which is famous for its annual Trongsa festival that is hosted during December or January. Similarly, the Dzong is also an important administrative body that acts as the headquarters of the government of Trongsa district.
After a quality time in Trongsa, the 7-night 8-day Bhutan Tour route leads to Bumthang which is another splendid destination. Bumthang, literally translated as beautiful field is one of the historic districts of Bhutan that consists of mountain valleys including Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Choekhor.
As individuals or groups reach Bumthang, one can explore the popular attractions of Bumthang. Such attraction includes Membartsho which is also known as Burning Lake which is a holy site where Pema Lingpa the treasure revealer of Bhutan found several teachings of Guru Rinpoche known as Rinpoche’s term. There are also other myths relating to the burning lake. One such is that, Pema Lingpa saw a temple in the depths of the lake, as he dived a treasure was handed to him, and as he took it, he ultimately found himself in dry land.
Similarly, another landmark of Bumthang is Kurjey Lhakhang which is the final resting place of the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan. The next attractions are Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, and Tamzhing Monastery. In short, the Jakar Dzong which is also known as the castle of white bird is a fortress in Bumthang and Jambay Lhakhang is an ancient temple of Bhutan.
After, the fabulous sightseeing tour in Bumthang, a drive from Bumthang leads to another major destination of the Bhutan tour which is Punakha. Punakha, in this 7-night 8-day Bhutan tour package, will be a prominent place for an overnight stay and relaxation. Later the sightseeing tour of Bhutan leads to Paro from Punakha.
Similarly, there will be an extra day to spend in Paro where individuals can explore places in and around Paro. The world-famous Paro Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery is the primary attraction for most of the visitors who wish to visit Bhutan. So, with the visit to Paro Taktsang, visitors can head to Rinpung Dzong which is another prominent landmark of Paro. The Ringpung Dzong like Tiger’s Nest Monastery is an interesting fortress located in Bhutan.
However, the attractions in Paro don’t end there, other attractions situated in Paro are the Paro River, National Museum, Chele la Pass, Kyichu Lhakhang, Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, and more. As the quality day in Paro is spent individuals will return to Kathmandu on the following day marking the end of the 8 day 7 night Bhutan Tour.
Note: The 7 nights 8 days Bhutan Tour itinerary starts and ends however, as the itinerary also encompasses a comprehensive list of landmarks and attractions, the route, list of travel may vary to optimize travel efficiency. Sometimes, the destination to be followed can also depend upon a guide as well as personal interest.
What is the best season for 7 Nights 8 Days Bhutan Sightseeing Tour?
The Bhutan 7 Nights 8 Days sightseeing tour can be done all around the year. However, the best season to engage on the Bhutan tour is spring and autumn. As both of the seasons provide comfortable weather conditions the months of spring and autumn are highly favored. Other seasons including winter and summer are also good for travel however, monsoon and cold temperatures can come on the way so extra preparation and packing may be necessary.
Bhutan Tour in Spring (Early March to Mid-April)
Spring which lasts from March to May is marked by moderate temperature that allows comfortable walking. Spring in Bhutan is immediately after the snow starts to melt thereby giving a fantastic view of wildflowers in the hilly terrain. Chances of rainfall are pretty low with unobstructed panoramic views of mountain ranges. The temperature being mild provides an ideal time for the sightseeing tour, enjoying the panoramic view of mountains and adventure activities.
Bhutan tour in Summer (Mid-April to Mid-September)
Duration of Summer in Bhutan is longer comparatively lasting from April to September. Summer is marked by heavy rainfall that is heaviest in late June. This increases the risk of flood in remote communities. Similarly, those who wish to go on a trek in Bhutan may come up with extra difficulty due to slippery trails. The temperature however can reach 32 degrees Celsius (in July) and 26 degrees in Thimphu. So those who wish to visit in summer, need to pack carefully and do some research about the weather condition that one wishes to visit as it can rain cats and dogs.
Bhutan tour in Autumn (Late September to Early October)
Immediately after the end of the monsoon, autumn starts in Bhutan. Autumn season lasts from September to October with clear, bright sky being dominant. The fall season is where one can see fallen deciduous trees with a sensational mountain view. There are chances of early snowfall in higher altitudes but nothing drastic to worry about. During the Bhutan tour in Autumn, explorers are provided with an opportunity to click astonishing photographs.
Bhutan tour in Winter (Late November to Early March)
Winter in Bhutan is marked by snowfall mainly above 3,000 meters. The temperature can be extremely cold so proper clothing during the visit is required. Frost and snow can be seen during trails followed by gloomy days. The mentioned condition persists on the higher elevation but the central highland can still be warm which is ideal for hiking and sightseeing. The winter temperature in Paro can be almost -6 degrees Celsius but the south and east sides can be milder. However, the condition it is necessary to stay warm and pack according during a Bhutan visit in winter.
Note: The best season for travel is Spring and Autumn but sightseeing tours can also be done in winter and summer. For the best experience spring and autumn are recommended for hiking and trekking in Bhutan. However, the sightseeing tour can be done all year round. The time to visit Bhutan depends upon personal interest and can be arranged accordingly.
Temperature and weather conditions in some prominent places of 7 nights 8 days Bhutan tour
S.N | Places | Season | Temperature in degrees Celsius |
1 | Thimphu | Spring Summer Autumn Winter | 7 to 20 0.6 to 22 0.6 to 14 -5.8 to 12 |
2 | Bumthang | Spring Summer Autumn Winter | 3 to 18 -1.4 to 21 -1.4 to 10 -5 to 16 |
3 | Punakha | Spring Summer Autumn Winter | 10 to 26 7 to 29 7 to 19 4 to 22 |
4 | Paro | Spring Summer Autumn Winter | 0.6 to 17 1 to 25 0.6 to 14 -5 to 14 |
The above-mentioned temperature is listed as the minimum and maximum temperature of the season throughout the included months.
Accommodation Facility in 7 nights and 8 days Bhutan tour
Accommodation in Bhutan doesn’t rely on the facility but on the interest of the individual. Luxury visitors to Bhutan with Trekking Planner are mostly accommodated in three-star to five-star hotels in luxury rooms. Among all the destinations, including Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang, and Paro, individuals will be accommodated with top-notch facilities. However, those on a budget are accommodated in charming lodges and traditional farmhouses. To be transparent, the choice of accommodation relies on how much one is willing to spend for the night or how one wishes to spend the night. For those who wish to spend time in a comfortable place with an eye on nature and are happy with basic facilities then, lodges and hotels are a perfect choice.
But those who wish to spend the night in luxury houses with high-quality service are recommended three-star and five-star hotels. Trekking Planner can also arrange medium-range accommodation, so it is necessary for visitors to make up their minds about what they are seeking. The following will give an idea of how the accommodations in Bhutan are:
- Luxury Hotels: The luxury hotels are the highest level of accommodation available in Bhutan. With little to no room to complain these hotels are the best for those who wish to spend money on luxury facilities. Rooms in luxury hotels are installed with quality, comfort, service, ambiance, cuisine, cleanliness, and management amenities. For those travelers who wish higher level of comfort boutique hotels, resorts, spas, and yoga facilities are also available.
- Eco-friendly resorts: These types of accommodation are mainly dedicated to conservation and sustainability. Eco-friendly resorts bring individuals together with nature and provide an opportunity for conservation. These places are made up of local materials following traditional architectural styles with measures for waste management and water conservation.
- Adventure lodges: Adventure lodges are only available in strategic locations in Bhutan. These locations include near trekking trails, national parks, or recreational areas. Similarly, adventure lodges offer comfortable and cozy accommodations for guests with scenic surroundings. It is suitable for those who wish to do some outdoor activities alongside campfire and BBQ.
- Guesthouses: These are the medium-range accommodation options available during the Bhutan tour. Guesthouses are also considered traditional homestays which provide unique opportunities to experience local culture and lifestyle. Similarly, the guesthouses are a perfect way to spend time with the Bhutanese and understand the way of life. The guesthouse provides comfortable bed and blanket facilities with good local food. They provide authentic Bhutanese experience, sustainable travel, and affordability.
- Budget accommodation: They are the cheapest accommodation option for travelers in Bhutan. The budget accommodation provides individuals with cost-effective bed and blanket facilities. Similarly, this allows induvial to allocate proper funding while receiving local hospitality. Many such accommodations are available in towns and cities for convenience.
Electricity, Communication, Internet, and Bathroom Facilities During Bhutan Tour
There are amenities like electricity, communication, internet, and bathrooms that need to be considered before going on the Bhutan tour. Therefore, a brief description of these amenities is provided as:
- Electricity: Electricity or charging facility is available in the accommodation place and lunch place. Similarly, all the accommodation options are available with proper lighting facilities with no breakdowns. Even if there are breakdowns, they are well equipped for backup power supply. However, the chances of breakdown are very low. On the other hand, the cost of charging or electricity in the room is not included. However, during the day tour, if batteries are running low then it is better to carry additional batteries or power banks for recharging.
- Communication: Communication during the 7-night Bhutan tour can be done via the Internet mostly for international calls. However, it is essential to remember that hotels have international dialing facilities but one has to pay extra for such facilities. Likewise, to omit the extra cost internet can be used to talk to family, friends, and loved ones. One can also buy a SIM card from Bhutan once reaching there with little money but that only works inside Bhutan and international calls, however, will be pricy.
- Internet and Wi-Fi: Internet and Wi-Fi are mainly available in accommodation places and cafes. While most of the accommodation places do not charge an additional amount for internet some may vary. The sim card of Bhutan also provides a data pack at a low cost for internet surfing.
- Bathroom and showers: Most of the accommodation places have attached bathroom facilities with hot and cold shower options. The showers are mainly geezer or solar studded with an uninterrupted supply of hot water. However, showers can be a problem during camping so an understanding of showers should be developed during these sorts of accommodation options.
How to enter Bhutan or what are the documents necessary for Bhutan?
Once associated with Trekking Planner, entry to Bhutan is through an airplane. Official flights to Bhutan can be organized by the company. Similarly, the documents required for international travelers to Bhutan are:
- Passport validity: Six months from date of arrival
- Blank Passport pages: One page is required for entry stamp
- Vaccinations: Suggested but not mandatory
- Currency restrictions for entry: USD 10,000 only
- Currency restrictions for exit: USD 10,000 only
- Passport-size photo: Two copies or more
Is travel insurance required for Bhutan for 7 nights and 8 days?
Travel insurance for Bhutan is not mandatory however having travel insurance can safeguard against various unforeseen circumstances. Although Bhutan is a safe country there are still chances of encountering unexpected situations. So, it is necessary to purchase travel insurance that covers compensation against such conditions. It is also necessary to understand that Trekking Planner Pvt. Ltd. doesn’t provide an insurance facility and should be purchased from an authorized insurance company. Be sure to purchase the insurance that accumulates compensation against:
- Flight cancellations and delays
- Medical emergencies and evacuation
- Loss of baggage or theft
- Adventure sports
- Personal liability
- Equipment coverage
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Fly Paro, drive to Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 3: Thimphu - Trongsa (6 – 7 hours)
Day 4: Trongsa – Bumthang (2 hours 30 minutes)
Day 5: Bumthang sightseeing and drive to Punakha (6 – 7 hours)
Day 6: Punakha to Paro (4 hours)
Day 7: Sightseeing tour in Paro
Day 8: Drive to Paro airport for onward flight to Kathmandu