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Bhutan Adventure
 

Bhutan Adventure: The Trans Bhutan Trail

13 days |  15 days with Delhi extension
13 days |  15 days with Delhi extension
Group size1221 travelers
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Physical activity
Buddha statue at the Dzong Monastery in Bhutan
Monks walking in monastery in Paro Bhutan
Woman weaving in Bhutan
Tigers Nest in Paro Bhutan
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Hike the Trans Bhutan Trail into the heart of this tiny Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas.

An unforgettable adventure awaits thanks to the 2022 re-opening of the historic Trans Bhutan Trail after a 60-year hiatus. When you journey to this small, Himalayan nation, you can explore its ancient fortresses, dramatic mountain landscapes, and charming local villages on a series of breathtakingly beautiful hikes. Plus, when you chat with local monks, students, and villagers, you’ll learn firsthand why Bhutan, birthplace of the innovative Gross National Happiness concept, is consistently ranked one of the happiest places on earth.

Your tour package includes

  • 10 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 10 breakfasts
  • 8 lunches
  • 9 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 beer & cheese tasting
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Included highlights

  • Trans Bhutan Trail hikes
  • Gross National Happiness chat
  • Dochula Pass
  • Gangtey Nature Trail
  • Brewery & cheese factory visit
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Talk to a Tour Consultant

Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Delhi, India, today.

Delhi1 night
Day 2: Arrival in Delhi

Welcome to India! Get settled into your hotel this evening.

Thimphu2 nights
Day 3: Flight to Paro, transfer to Thimphu & Gross National Happiness chat
Included meals: Breakfast, Welcome dinner

This morning, fly to Paro, Bhutan. Then, transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu.

This afternoon, learn about the country’s Gross National Happiness Index from a local expert.

  • Learn how the fourth King of Bhutan declared that one’s well-being requires equal importance of non-economic aspects
  • Hear about the nine domains that the index is broken into, such as psychological well-being, cultural diversity, and community vitality

Later, get to know your fellow group members at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 4: Sightseeing tour of Thimphu Valley & cultural dinner
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out for a day in the scenic Thimphu Valley and get a closer look at Bhutan’s cultural traditions.

  • Pay a visit to the Pangri Zampa Monastery, the oldest in the country
  • Sit down with a monk astrologer for a private reading to learn the meaning of your name and birth year in Bhutanese tradition
  • Stop to see the massive, 125-foot-high Buddha Dordenma statue that sits atop a gilded meditation hall

Sit down for an included lunch before continuing your journey through the Thimphu Valley.

  • Enter the Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre to see the weavers craft traditional cloth and learn about royal ceremonial textiles
  • Take part in an interactive art lesson with students at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum
  • Learn how the college works to promote and revive the country’s traditional arts and crafts among its youth
  • Meet local women at the Changjiji READ Center to hear about the international non-profit organization’s programs and how the women use its library
  • Explore VAST Gallery, a contemporary art gallery founded by artists to help educate Bhutanese youth

Tonight, sit down for an included dinner and meet with Thimphu locals to learn about their culture and way of life.

Gangtey1 night
Day 5: Gangtey via Dochula Pass & Nature Trail Hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel through the snow-covered Himalayas to the glacial valley of Gangtey, making several stops along the way.

  • Climb to 10,200 feet to the Dochula Pass, where you can join locals in paying your respects to the gods by hanging a colorful prayer flag
  • Step inside Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, a temple built in honor of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck
  • Visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 Chortens, or Lamaist shrines, commissioned by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji
  • Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant
  • Set off on your first hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail hike, regarded as Bhutan’s most beautiful nature trail
  • Descend through the Phobjikha Valley and wander through pine forests, bamboo groves,  small villages and along the edge of the Black Nested Crane’s winter roosting area
  • End with a visit to the 16th century Gangtey Goempa Monastery, which is the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition

Enjoy an included dinner in Gangtey this evening.

Hiking notes: Gangtey Nature Trail – 2.5 miles / 1.5 hours. Easy hike downhill along a dirt trail.

Bumthang Region2 nights
Day 6: Bumthang Region via Trans Bhutan Trail, brewery & cheese factory
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Beer tasting, Tasting, Dinner

Transfer to Yotongla through the Black Mountain Range by bus then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, set off for your first hike along the Trans Bhutan Trail.

  • Hike down to the meadow and through the open forest until you come to the Geytsa River
  • Continue your hike with a peaceful walk along the river to town

After an included lunch, transfer to Chamkar in the Bumthang region, and marvel at some of the area’s hand-crafted works.

  • Admire the famous Yatra weaving techniques and patterns in the Chumey Valley
  • Visit Bumthang Brewery for a guided tour of its beer- and cheese-making facilities
  • Learn about the brewery’s Swiss origins and how it introduced European farming and production techniques to the area
  • Enjoy a tasting of the brewery’s flagship Red Panda beer
  • Head to the nearby cheese factory and sample some of their Swiss cheeses

Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Hiking notes: Yotongla to Geytsa – 5.8 miles / 3.5 hours. Moderate hike downhill along a dirt trail.

Day 7: Three Temples walk, farmhouse lunch & Mebar Tsho hike
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day taking in the Bumthang region’s scenery during both a walk and a hike.

  • Take off from the Jambay Lhakhang temple and make your way into the valley and through farmlands
  • View the Kurjey Lhakhang, which is a large and active complex made up of three temples, and is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites
  • Cross a suspension bridge and wander through small villages and farmlands to reach Tamshing Lhakhang Monastery

Afterward, visit a traditional farmhouse and enjoy local Bumthap cuisine and other Bhutanese dishes during an included lunch. Then, transfer to Tang Babzur and set off on this afternoon’s hike.

  • Begin at the Pema Choling Nunnery and learn how the institute was created to increase opportunities for Bhutanese girls and women
  • Continue south on the Trans Bhutan Trail, to the sacred Mebar Tsho
  • Learn why this body of water is nicknamed the Burning Lake

Enjoy an included dinner this evening.

Hiking notes: Three Temples – 1.5 miles / 2 hours. Mebar Tsho – 2.8 miles / 2 hours. An easy, mostly flat walk through the valley.

Punakha2 nights
Day 8: Transfer to Punakha & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel to charming Punakha this morning, then get to know the town on a sightseeing tour after an included lunch.

  • Cross the Punakha Bazam, a wooden cantilever bridge used for processions and coronation celebrations
  • Enter the Punakha Dzong for a guided tour of the fortress, which houses sacred relics and is part of the Kagyu School of Tibetan Buddhism
  • Visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Divine Madman

This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Please note: Punakha Dzong’s dress code strictly prohibits shorts and sleeveless shirts.

Day 9: Nalanda Monastery & the Trans Bhutan Trail
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the morning with a visit to the Nalanda Monastery to meet and chat. Here you’ll help the monastery’s residents practice their English skills as they study the language.

Afterwards, set off for an afternoon hike along the Trans Bhutan Trail.

  • Start in Sew Drangsa, the historic site where monks stop for lunch, and make your way toward Punakha Dzong fortress
  • Take in spectacular views of the valley from the fortress
  • Enjoy an included lunch back in Punakha followed by a free afternoon to explore the area at your leisure

After freshening up, sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Hiking notes: Sew Drangsa to Punakha – 4.5 miles / 2.5 hours. A moderate hike along a dirt trail that is mostly downhill with some uneven terrain.

Paro2 nights
Day 10: Transfer to Paro, cooking class & sightseeing tour
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Make your way to Paro today, known for its sacred sites and beautiful scenery.

  • Enjoy a Bhutanese cooking demonstration, followed by a delicious farmhouse lunch
  • Try your hand at khuru, a traditional dart-throwing game—and competitive sport—in Bhutan

Join a local guide and get to know the Paro region on a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Visit the Ta Dzong watchtower
  • Explore the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress

Tonight, sit down with your group for an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 11: Tiger’s Nest, hot stone bath & cultural show
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell dinner

Head out to Bhutan’s most famous landmark, Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as Tiger’s Nest.

  • Hike along the ancient pilgrimage trail through a dense, pine forest
  • Catch your first glimpse of the awe-inspiring Tiger’s Nest, a cliffside, golden-roofed monastery that’s accessible only by foot or horseback
  • Enjoy an included lunch at Tiger’s Nest and take in stunning views of the ravine nearly 3,000 feet below
  • Make your way to a farmhouse for a relaxing, rustic hot stone bath

Tonight, celebrate your trip and experience a vibrant performance of Bhutanese dances followed by a delicious farewell dinner.

Hiking notes: Tiger’s Nest – 4 miles / 5 hours. A long and difficult uphill climb.

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 12: Flight to Delhi & departure
Included meal: Breakfast

Today, fly back to Delhi, India, and relax in a dayroom before boarding your overnight or early morning flight home. Or, extend your stay to explore Delhi.

Arrive Home
Day 13: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

Extension to Delhi
Extend your adventure with a visit to India’s densely packed capital region. Have a camera handy as your Tour Director shows you around Delhi’s bustling bazaars, opulent temples, elegant mosques, and modern landmarks.
Delhi2 nights
Day 12: Flight to Delhi
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning in Paro. Later, fly back to Delhi, India, and get settled in to your hotel.

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Old Delhi
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, join your Tour Director and enjoy a guided tour of bustling Old Delhi. Built by order of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 1600s, this historic, walled neighborhood is laced with narrow lanes, and is chock-full of restaurants, retail shops, and plenty of rickshaws.

  • See Raj Ghat, Delhi’s tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, and visit the Gandhi museum
  • View the black-and-white onion dome and minarets of Jama Masjid, one of the most elegant mosques in India
  • Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi

Sit down for an included dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight Flight1 night
Day 14: Sightseeing tour of New Delhi & departure
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, your Tour Director introduces you to New Delhi.

  • Visit the India Gate, the most famous war memorial in India
  • See Qutub Minar, an early Islamic tower and UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Explore the grand boulevards, government buildings, and city parks
  • Sit down for an included lunch
  • Visit Humayun’s Tomb and learn about the UNESCO-recognized complex
  • Enter Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the city’s most important places of worship for Sikhs
  • Learn about the history and traditions of Sikhism, the fifth-largest and youngest organized religion in the world
  • See the langar, or community kitchen, where free meals are served 24 hours a day

Please note: Due to conditions within Delhi, the schedule of your sightseeing tour may vary based on your departure date. Additionally, all travelers will be given a head covering they’re required to wear in the Sikh temple.

Relax in a dayroom before traveling to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home
Day 15: Arrival at home

Arrive home today.

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Reviews

5.0 star rating

Overall rating 5 out of 5

Based on 3 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Trip to Rooftop of the World Arduous, Inspiring
    6/10/23 by 16th-time traveler Raymond

    Bhutan is in the Himalayas and borders Nepal and China. It is landlocked by mountains and is very much like the Colorado Rockies. Roads are mostly two-lane ones cut into the mountainsides, with numerous switchbacks the norm. The iconic Buddhist monasteries and prayer flags dot the landscape. Hiking ...

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    5.0 star rating

    Bhutan
    6/10/23 by 1st-time traveler George

    Amazing experience!!! Bucket list moments by far!!!!!!! Singay and our other 2 drivers made us all feel like family.

    5.0 star rating

    Bhutan adventure
    4/22/23 by 2nd-time traveler Donna Decker

    This was a wonderful trip, combining cultural, sightseeing, and environmental components. Meeting with local experts were also highlights. Sonam and Pema were outstanding guides on our journey - very knowledgeable, informative, supportive, helpful, and friendly. Travelers need to be prepared for r...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 5/18/23

    Thank you Donna, for this lovely review. We're so ...

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    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Hyatt Regency Delhi
    Hyatt Regency Delhi

    This upscale hotel is located in Cama Place, New Delhi. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurants, and yoga classes. Nearby, you'll find Sarojini Nag...

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    Druk Hotel
    Druk Hotel

    This centrally located hotel is in the capital city of Thimphu. Guests enjoy complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, fitness center, and an archery s...

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    RKPO Green Resort
    RKPO Green Resort

    This rejuvenating inn is located in the heart of the Punakha Valley. Guests enjoy the rooftop sun terrace, spa, and bicycle rentals. Nearby you'll fin...

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    Yangkhil Resort
    Yangkhil Resort

    This mix of modern and traditional hotel is located just outside of Trongsa. Guests enjoy an on-site convenience store, beautiful gardens, and stunnin...

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    Yugharling Resort
    Yugharling Resort

    This traditionally styled hotel is located just outside of Jakar in the Bumthang region. Guests enjoy the spa, on-site restaurant, and amazing views o...

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    Naksel Boutique Resort
    Naksel Boutique Resort

    This retreat-like hotel is located 30 minutes from the Paro Airport. Guests enjoy views of Mount Jumolhari and the surrounding area, spa, and hot tub....

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    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter India and Bhutan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of return.
    • We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
    • U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in advance in order to enter India. You may choose to apply directly to the Indian consulate for an E-Visa or use a visa provider, such as our partner company, VisaCentral. Obtaining an Indian visa will be an additional cost.
    • If you’re not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Indian consulate for specific entry requirements.
    • A Bhutanese visa will be provided upon arrival for all travelers. You must provide Go Ahead Tours with your full passport details. Please submit a photocopy or scan of your passport no later than 45 days prior to departure.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching for the code BHU.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk/hike for at least 3 hours daily, across uneven terrain and along unpaved trails that are mostly downhill, but with some steep hills and inclines.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey. He or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Tour Director
    • You will have a different Tour Director in each country on this tour.
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    Walks & hikes on this tour
    • Gangtey Nature Trail – 2.5 miles / 1.5 hours. A moderate hike starting at roughly 9,514 feet and gently descends through Phobjikha Valley along a dirt trail.
    • Yotongla to Geytsa – 5.8 miles / 3.5 hours. A moderate hike starting at 11,237 feet and descending along a dirt trail through a forest and wide open valley to 9,485 feet.
    • Three Temples – 1.5 miles / 2 hours. Mebar Tsho Hike – 2.8 miles / 2 hours. An easy, mostly flat walk starting at 9,186 feet through the valley ending at 8,901 feet.
    • Sew Dranga to Punakha – 4.5 miles / 2.5 hours. A moderate hike starting at 5,709 feet that runs along a dirt trail descending with some uneven terrain to 4,003 feet into Punakha Valley.
    • Tiger’s Nest – 4 miles / 5 hours. A long and difficult climb starting at 8,530 feet through a forest and reaching a high of 10,335 feet before returning back to 8,530 feet.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Delhi, India. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • A round-trip flight between Delhi and Paro is included in the price of your tour.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Please note that the flights included on the tour extension may have baggage restrictions as low as 33 pounds for checked bags and 15 pounds for carry-on bags. You will be responsible for any costs associated with overweight baggage.
    • Make sure to label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • Bhutan’s weather can vary greatly depending on the region and altitude you are located in. In the Punakha area you’ll find a sub-tropical climate with mild winters. Paro, Thimphu, and the Bumthang region have a much harsher climate with hot, humid summers and cold winters with the occasional snow flurry.
    • Loose-fitting, layered clothing that can accommodate varying temperatures will be most comfortable for hiking. Quick-dry material is best for hot days outside and warmer layers may be needed for chilly evenings and early mornings. Additionally, you may wish to pack a hiking style jacket, thermal base layer, gloves, and hat for higher-altitude locations.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing. Hiking boots are highly recommended, especially in the rainy season, as the terrain can be tough and muddy.
    • Sunscreen, a brimmed hat, and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor activities.
    • You may bring collapsible trekking/walking poles to offer you additional support and comfort along the Trail.
    • Binoculars are handy for a closer look at local wildlife and scenery.
    • On long hiking days, it is recommended that you bring a daypack to carry along medicine, sunscreen, water, and any valuables like cash and your passport.
    • It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • Local governments may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination (often referred to as a yellow card) or a statement of medical exemption from the vaccine. This is only required of travelers arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. (Please note: This does not include the U.S. or Canada.) Visit cdc.gov/yellowfever for more information.
    • Please be aware that you will be traveling at altitudes as high as 11,000 feet above sea level. These high altitudes can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for travelers who have heart problems or respiratory ailments. If you suffer from any of these conditions, please speak to your doctor regarding any potential health risks.
    • Even healthy travelers may sometimes experience altitude sickness, a temporary condition featuring symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, and light-headedness. Until your body acclimates to the higher altitudes, we suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.
    • Be sure to take proper care for sun exposure, as the sun can be more intense at higher altitudes.
    • Drink bottled water only. Refrain from ingesting tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
    • Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they’re cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
    • Public restrooms in India can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching for the code BHU.
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    Cuisine
    • Bhutanese cuisine is characterized by its spiciness, and chilis are an essential part of nearly every dish. Rice is central to most Bhutanese meals and is typically accompanied by one or two side dishes consisting of meat or vegetables. Pork, beef, and chicken are the most typical meats, and spinach, pumpkins, turnips, radishes, and tomatoes are among the most common vegetables. Depending on which part of Bhutan you find yourself in, you might also find dishes made or served with grains such as buckwheat or barley.
    • In the northern regions of India, you’ll encounter a great deal of flavorful meat dishes, as well as kebabs and biryanis. In tandoor cooking, probably the most popular cuisine in this region, vegetables, paneer (Indian cheese), or meat is marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked over coals. As many Indians are vegetarians, meat-free options abound. Meals are usually served with rice or bread, such as unleavened roti or deep-fried puri. Many of your included meals will be buffet style, which will allow you to try a variety of new dishes.
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    Electricity & air-conditioning
    • India and Bhutan operate on 230 volts and use type D, F, and G plugs with two small, round pins and one larger round pin.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air-conditioning in hotels in Asia is often not as strong or as cool as what one might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air-conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Bhutan is 10 hours ahead and India is 10.5 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET), and do not observe Daylight Saving Time.
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 10pm in Bhutan and 10:30pm in Delhi from November through March, and 9pm in Bhutan and 9:30pm in Delhi from April through October.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Indian rupee in India and Bhutanese Ngultrum in Bhutan.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, though you can look into ordering some rupees from your local bank or a foreign currency exchange retailer, such as Travelex, before you arrive. Ngultrum are very difficult to obtain outside of Bhutan, but you will have the chance to obtain some in Paro and Thimphu either through currency exchange or from an ATM. Please note that exchanging larger denomination bills come with a higher exchange rate than lower denomination bills.
    • Travelers may carry up to 25,000 Indian rupees into the country when entering through an airport. Travelers may bring up to 25,000 Indian rupees out of India unless continuing on to Bhutan or Nepal.
    • If you wish, you can also obtain rupees through a currency exchange booth at the airport upon your arrival in India. Keep receipt of your exchange.
    • Cash is the preferred method of payment across India and Bhutan. Some larger vendors may accept international debit and credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, though it is uncommon and a minimum payment is generally required. You should not rely on using your credit card for purchases while on tour.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.

    International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate you understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

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