7 Tips to Note When Planning a Trip to Bhutan

by Nisha Parmar SEO Executive

Bear in mind of peak & non-peak durations

The peak tourist seasons are spring: March - May and fall: September - November. In particular, March, April, October and November are specifically hectic. If you're thinking about visiting during these months, it's best to book your tour bundle and flight tickets at least 3 months ahead to ensure your reservation.

Back in 2010, Drukair tickets were sold out for 3 consecutive weeks, so to avoid frustration, we 'd advise you to prepare ahead. More travelers tend to take a trip during this period as they are the ideal months for celebrations and travelling, which are naturally big draws.

If you want to prevent the crowd of the peak traveler period, consider travelling during the non-peak period.

Expense difference in between peak & non-peak durations

Throughout the peak traveler seasons of March - May and September - November, the daily tariff costs US$ 250 per day.

For the non-peak season of December - February and June - August, the everyday tariff is US$ 200 each day. If you want to travel to Bhutan however have a tight( er) budget, plan your trip throughout the off-peak months.

Surcharge for groups of 2 tourists or less

Tourists meaning to go alone or as a pair must keep in mind of the everyday additional charge as follows:

Single visitor - US$ 40 per night

Group of 2 tourists - US$ 30 per person/per night

Group of 3 travellers or more - No surcharge (so gather 2 of your good friends along, conserve some cash and kind lasting memories!).

Also Visit - Bhutan Packages from Delhi

Know the seasons

It truly depends upon exactly what you want to see and do. If you want to travel, April, May, September and October are the very best months with optimum weather. Although it is cooler, the skies are generally clear and blue, and most importantly, it won't be muddy. Do note that the monsoon season in Bhutan is from July - August and during this time, light rain (1-2 hours) in the early morning is normal. Heavy downpours are unusual, but we usually do not advise trekking, unless they are brief day walking.

Winter is a great time to catch the endangered black necked crane in their winter house, the Phobjika valley and summertime is a wonderful time for mushroom picking (there's even a Matsutake Mushroom Festival) and to capture glimpses of (in some cases double) rainbows over the valleys. If you're there to seek solace or for spirituality reasons, anytime would be a great time to go.

Time your arrival during a celebration

There countless festivals occurring throughout the year in Bhutan, though the popular ones such as the Paro and Thimphu Tshechu take place throughout the high tourist season. Celebrations in Bhutan typically display vibrant dances in elaborate outfits, with Bhutanese in participation dressed to their best and unsurprisingly, tend to be substantial traveler draws.

Apart from spiritual festivals, there are a series of other celebrations catering to other interests, such as the Rhododendron Festival, Black Necked Crane Festival, Royal Highlander Festival, Ura Matsusake Mushroom Festival and Haa Summer Festival, to name a couple of. If you're trying to find a more intimate experience, think about opting for a lesser known festival. * Friendly idea * these have the tendency to provide better photo taking chances.

Think about a house stay

To be frank, this idea is typically met mixed reaction. Provided the quantity of cash invested in the trip, many tourists desire to unwind in the comfort of a hotel room. Others nevertheless, enjoy the credibility of remaining with a local family and having the firsthand experience of what everyday life is to a Bhutanese.

Some things to take note of if you're seriously considering this alternative: while some households have modern-day facilities, not all families have electricity or a hot shower - they might have to boil the water utilizing fire wood. Exactly what they do not have in facilities however, they'll more than make up for with unequaled hospitality.

End it in luxury

In Bhutan, much of your time will be spent in the car travelling from valley to valley and destination to location. After driving through this lovely country and possibly experiencing a homestay with a local family, think about ending your trip with a pampering, elegant stay in a 5-star lodging such as Uma Paro (where actors Tony Leung and Carina Lau got married) with their complimentary yoga sessions overlooking the lovely Paro valley. Pick from their series of other holistic health programs such as guided meditation, ayurvedic treatments or pampering massages.

High-end hotels include:.

· Uma Paro.

· Taj Tashi.

· Terma Linca.

· Amankora.

· Le Meridien.

Benefit tips for our readers

· Most hotels have WiFi, however if you require more connection you can get a regional SIM card from Tashi Cell or B-Mobile and top up with pre-paid cards.

· The official language of Bhutan is Dzongkha, however most Bhutanese are proficient in English as that is the medium of education so interaction shouldn't be a problem.

· The regional currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Keep in mind: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

· As the trip packages are prepaid, you'll only require money for your own individual expenses - souvenirs, pointers (for driver & guide) and beverages. We generally suggest travellers cause US$ 200.

· There are ATMs in Bhutan, but only in the primary towns. A word of care, the ATMs do not always work and if they do, one is generally only able to withdraw percentages.

· Visitors must have the ability to pay through charge card at most hotels and handicraft shops.

· Bhutan is the only nation in the world that has prohibited the intake and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having stated that, intake is not totally forbidden in Bhutan so if you wish to smoke, bring your own cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up.

· Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.

· Do pack warm clothes, particularly if you're taking a trip in between the months of November and March. As a basic tip, it would be a good idea to always have a jacket when taking a trip in Bhutan no matter the seasons as you will experience big modifications in elevation, with specific valleys cooler than others. It's finest to be prepared!

· Prepare a few of your very own entertainment for the flight as well as journey. Bring some books to check out and save movies to watch on your laptop or tablet. Apart from Thimphu and Paro, night life is non-existent and most hotels tend to be a range away from the primary town.

· Want to listen to music? The best radio stations for Western songs are 92, 965 and 99.9 FM. You can likewise take pleasure in the regional music on other local stations on the radio.

· You can bargain in a lot of stores however do not expect more than 10% discount rate. Normally speaking, prices in between stores do not differ considerably.

· You do not have to tip in dining establishments and hotels, unlike Western countries. The guide will look after tipping in your place. Nevertheless, do bear in mind that you have to tip your guide.

· The roads tend to be windy so if you are vulnerable to movement sickness, bring Dramamine or other medication to avoid queasiness as you will be spending a lot of time in the car taking a trip around Bhutan.

· Bring along a multi-purpose electrical plug and a universal travel adapter. Most hotel rooms have actually restricted electrical plugs, so it'll be wise to take along if you have numerous devices.

· When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious organizations, contact your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not permit it.

For more information on Bhutan tour packages contact Swan Tours one of the leading tour operators in India.