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Bhutan Homestay Tours

Administrator Uncategorised 14 March 2025

Bhutan Homestay, we offer a unique and authentic experience that unveils the unseen Bhutan – the Bhutan we, the Bhutanese, know and cherish. Our homestay program is designed to give you a deeper understanding of our culture, traditions, and way of life, far beyond the typical tourist attractions.

Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous concept of “wandering,” we invite you to wander through Bhutan’s picturesque landscapes, explore its charming villages, and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. With Bhutan Homestay, you’ll not only visit the Kingdom, but you’ll also experience it in the most intimate and personal way possible.

Why Choose Bhutan Homestay?

Authentic Cultural Experience: Stay with local families and gain first-hand insight into Bhutan’s traditional way of life. Enjoy warm hospitality and learn about Bhutanese customs and traditions.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Exploration: Wander through Bhutan’s serene valleys, untouched landscapes, and peaceful villages. You’ll discover Bhutan’s hidden gems that are often missed by conventional tourists.
Connect with Nature: Bhutan is known for its unspoiled natural beauty. During your homestay, you'll experience Bhutan’s breathtaking mountains, pristine rivers, and lush forests while walking along traditional footpaths once used by Buddhist saints.

Wander in Bhutan: Retracing Ancient Footpaths

Bhutan is a land steeped in history and spirituality. As you wander through the Kingdom, you may find yourself walking in the footsteps of famous Buddhist saints along historical footpaths that once connected villages and valleys. These traditional highways, known as “highways of the saints,” offer a unique opportunity to retrace the paths of ancient pilgrims, discovering sacred sites, monasteries, and temples that are rich in both cultural and spiritual significance.

Create Lasting Memories with Bhutan Homestay

When you choose Bhutan Homestay, you’re not just traveling to Bhutan; you’re immersing yourself in the heart of its culture and heritage. Whether you’re exploring remote villages, interacting with locals, or walking ancient spiritual trails, your time in Bhutan will leave you with unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Book Your Homestay Experience in Bhutan Today

Let Bhutan Homestay guide you on a journey of discovery. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or someone simply seeking an authentic travel experience, Bhutan offers an unparalleled adventure. Book your Bhutan tour today and prepare to experience a side of Bhutan you’ve never seen before.

Bhutan Festival Tours

Administrator Uncategorised 14 March 2025

Tshechu is a religious festival meaning "tenth day" held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country.

The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.

Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. In addition to the mask dances, tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.

It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries, the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages, they are performed jointly by monks and village men.

Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals, many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.

Bhutan Festival Dates

Administrator Uncategorised 14 March 2025

Bhutan, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual vibrancy, offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's diverse festivals. These vibrant celebrations, known as Tshechus, are an integral part of Bhutanese life, where locals gather to honor their history, traditions, and spiritual practices. Planning your trip to coincide with one of Bhutan’s festivals will provide you with an unforgettable cultural experience.

Top Festivals in Bhutan for 2025

No.	Festival	Place	Date
1	Trongsa Tshechu	Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa	9th - 11th Jan 2025 (Thongdral on last day)
2	Lhuentse Tshechu	Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse	8th - 10th Jan 2025 (Thongdral on last day)
3	Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu	Samdrupjongkhar	11th - 13th Jan 2025
4	Punakha Drubchen	Punakha Dzong, Punakha	6th – 8th March
5	Punakha Tshechu	Punakha Dzong, Punakha	9th – 11th March
6	Tharpaling Thongdrol	Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang	14th March
7	Tangsibi Mani	Tangsibi Lhakhang, Ura Bumthang	15th – 17th March
8	Chhorten Kora	Chorten Kora, Trashiyangtshe	14th March & 29th March
9	Rhododendron Week	Merak and Sakteng Region, Trashigang	3rd – 9th April
10	Gomphukora	Gom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang	5th – 7th April
11	Talo Tshechu	Talo Gonpa, Punakha	5th – 7th April
12	Gasa Tshechu	Gasa Dzong, Gasa	5th – 7th April
13	Zhemgang Tshechu	Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang	5th – 7th April
14	Paro Tshechu	Rinpung Dzong, Paro	8th – 12th April (Thongdral on last day)
15	Rhododendron Festival	Lamperi Botanical Park, Thimphu	22nd - 24th April
16	Domkhar Tshechu	Domkhar, Chumi, Bumthang	7th – 9th May
17	Ura Yakchoe	Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang	9th – 13th May
18	Nimalung Tshechu	Nimalung Dratshang, Chumi, Bumthang	3rd – 5th July
19	Kurjey Tshechu	Kurjey Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang	5th July
20	Mushroom Festival	Genekha, Geneyzam, Thimphu	15th – 16th August
21	Tour of the Dragon (Mountain Bike Race)	Bumthang to Thimphu	6th September
22	Thimphu Drubchen	Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu	28th September
23	Wangdue Tshechu	Wangduephodrang	30th September - 2nd October
24	Haa Annual Tshechu	Haa	30th September - 2nd October
25	Tamshing Phala Chhoepa	Tamshing Lhakhang, Bumthang	2nd – 4th October
26	Thimphu Tshechu	Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu	2nd – 4th October
27	Gangtey Tshechu	Gangtey Gonpa, Wangduephodrang	5th – 7th October (Thongdral on last day)
28	Thangbi Mewang	Thangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang	7th - 8th October
29	Pemagatshel Tshechu	Pemagatshel Dzong, Pemagatshel	29th October - 1st November (Thongdral on last day)
30	Jhomolhari Mountain Festival	Dangochong, Thimphu	14th - 15th October
31	Royal Highland Festival	Laya, Gasa	23rd – 24th October
32	Chhukha Tshechu	Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha	29th – 31st October
33	Dechenphu Tshechu	Dechenphu Lhakhang, Thimphu	31st October
34	Jakar Tshechu	Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang	29th - 31st October – 1st November
35	Jambay Lhakhang Drup	Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang	5th – 8th November
36	Prakhar Duchhoed	Prakar Khakhang, Chumni, Bumthang	6th – 8th November
37	Black Necked Crane Festival	Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang	11th November
38	Mongar Tshechu	Mongar Dzong, Mongar	28th – 30th November
39	Trashigang Tshechu	Trashigang Dzong, Trashigang	29th November - 1st December
40	Phuntsholing Tshechu	Phuntsholing, Chhukha	28th - 30th November
41	Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham	Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang	4th December
42	Nalakhar Tshechu	Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang	4th – 6th December
43	Druk Wangyel Tshechu	Douchula, Thimphu	13th December
44	Trongsa Tshechu	Trongsa Dzong, Trongsa	27th – 31st December (Thongdral on last day)
45	Lhuentse Tshechu	Lhuentse Dzong, Lhuentse	27th – 31st December (Thongdral on last day)
46	Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu	Samdrupjongkhar	1st – 3rd January 2026
47	Nabji Lhakhang Drup	Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji, Trongsa	3rd - 5th January 2026

Why Visit Bhutan During Festivals?

Witness Cultural Heritage: Experience mesmerizing traditional dances, prayers, and rituals performed by monks in colorful attire.
Engage with Locals: Festivals provide a unique opportunity to interact with Bhutanese people and understand their way of life.
Savor Traditional Delicacies: Sample Bhutanese food served during festivals, adding a flavorful dimension to your cultural experience.
Capture Stunning Views: Bhutan’s festivals often take place in some of the most scenic locations, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains and peaceful valleys.

Bhutan Tariff and Payment

Administrator Uncategorised 16 February 2023

Planning a trip to Bhutan requires timely payments to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. As per the Department of Tourism, Bhutan's official rules and regulations, advance payments are crucial for securing your permits, visas, and travel arrangements.

Advance Payment Requirements

To ensure smooth scheduling of your Bhutan tour, full payment for your in-country tour package must be made at least 3 to 4 months prior to departure. This allows us ample time to process all necessary permits and visas as mandated by the Department of Tourism.

Additionally, Druk Air ticket fees must be settled at this time, or at least 2 to 3 months before your departure date. This ensures that we can confirm your seats on the requested flights and make all necessary arrangements.

Trip Costs: What You Need to Know

The cost of your trip to Bhutan includes several key fees, including the Royalty and SDF fees, as prescribed by Bhutan’s tourism policies:

Royalty: USD 100 per night per person (required for all tourists)
SDF (Sustainable Development Fee): For Indian nationals, the SDF fee is INR 1200 per night per person.
Travel Insurance: INR 600 per person (one-time fee, applicable to all visitors)

For tourists booking single occupancy or shared occupancy, the rates are as follows:

Single Occupancy: USD 40 per night
Two Persons: USD 40 per person per night
Bhutan Visa Fee: USD 40 per person

Customizing Your Bhutan Trip

Once you decide on your preferred activities and the duration of your stay, we will provide you with a detailed itinerary along with associated costs. Our team ensures that every detail is aligned with the Department of Tourism Bhutan’s policies, helping you enjoy a smooth and memorable journey.

Important Notes:

All payments are processed through Itinerary Bhutan, a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Payments must be made in accordance with the Department of Tourism Bhutan’s regulations to ensure that all necessary permits, visas, and accommodations are secured for your trip.

Book Your Dream Tour to Bhutan

Your Bhutan adventure begins with simple and transparent payment procedures. For more details on your upcoming tour, feel free to contact us. We will assist you with every step of the way, ensuring your experience in Bhutan is both smooth and extraordinary.

Bhutan Visa & Airlines

Administrator Uncategorised 16 February 2023

Visiting Bhutan, the mystical kingdom nestled in the Himalayas, requires a specific process to ensure an unforgettable and seamless experience. Travelers must book a tour or trek with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator who will handle all aspects of the journey, including obtaining the necessary visa and, if required, Druk Air flight tickets. This process ensures that visitors can experience Bhutan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and serene atmosphere.

Visa Requirements for Bhutan

A tourist visa is required to enter Bhutan, and it can only be processed through a licensed tour operator. Bhutan does not grant tourist visas through foreign embassies or consulates. All visa applications are processed in conjunction with your tour booking, ensuring a smooth entry into the country.

Required Documents: A color scanned copy of your passport must be submitted at least 4 weeks before your travel date. The passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of arrival in Bhutan.
Visa Process: After your visa is approved, the visa clearance number will be issued and sent to your travel agent and to you. Upon arrival in Bhutan, the actual visa will be stamped on your passport.

Arriving in Bhutan by Air: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines

The most convenient way to enter Bhutan is by Druk Air, the national carrier. Druk Air operates flights to Bhutan from various international destinations. However, as weather conditions—particularly during the summer months—can cause delays, it’s advisable to plan for 24 hours of buffer time at either end of your Druk Air connection.

Druk Air Flights Connect Bhutan with the Following Major Destinations:

India: Kolkata, Delhi, Gaya
Nepal: Kathmandu
Thailand: Bangkok
Bangladesh: Dhaka
Singapore
UAE: Dubai

Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines (private carrier) operate flights several times a week to Paro, Bhutan. Flight schedules and frequency can vary by season, so it’s important to contact us for the latest flight schedules to ensure the best travel arrangements.

Traveling to Bhutan by Land

For visitors entering Bhutan from India, there are three primary entry points. These towns offer convenient access for travelers visiting the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, and Assam.

Phuentsholing (Southwest Bhutan)
Gelephu (South-central Bhutan)
Samdrup Jongkhar (Southeast Bhutan)

Phuentsholing: The nearest airport to Phuentsholing is Bagdogra in West Bengal, approximately a 4-hour drive to the Bhutanese border.
Samdrup Jongkhar: Located around 3 hours from Guwahati, the capital of Assam.

All three towns are well-connected by road and serve as important gateways for travelers exploring Bhutan and the surrounding Indian regions.