A new concept in tours:
*** Custom Eco-Tours to the Kingdom of Happiness ***
Yes, we have tour packages. However we’d rather create a custom tour just for you.
You can easily design your own tour. Here’s how:
- First decide WHEN you’d like to come to Bhutan.
- Then choose your tour DURATION. How many days? 6 nights? 10 nights? 2 weeks?
- Decide your tour INTERESTS: What do you want to see? Do you want authentic culture? Buddhist monasteries? Pristine landscapes? Trekking in the Himalayas? Meet people making handicrafts? Visit a farm? See flowers? Or all of the above?
- CALL or EMAIL my sister-in-law Ghalem (ga-LEM) and tell her what you’re thinking. Or email me (Jane). Ghalem will make it happen for you. We put together the following tour packages to show you what’s available in the magical Kingdom of Happiness. We will love to do a custom tour just for you. Here are a few sample tours:
Here’s a brief overview of your tour options. Scroll down for the detailed itineraries. Download Suggested Itineraries
Kingdom of Happiness Tour
- 5 Nights and 6 days
- $ 1,190 per person (minimum 3 persons)
This brief Kingdom of Happiness Tour will delight you with its breathtaking pristine landscapes, Buddhist temples, skilled artisan crafts, and a visit to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s famous monastery.
Buddha Point is a giant statue of the Buddha overlooking the capital city, Thimphu.
Bhutan Mountain Miracles Tour
- 6 nights and 7 days
- $ 1,420 per person (minimum 3 persons)
See Bhutan’s most important cultural and historic sites plus we’ll visit Paro temple Kyichu Lhakhang, and Pangbisa Guru Lhakhang, the site of another miracle of Guru Rinpoche.
Bhutan Flower Exhibition in Haa Valley, June, 2020
- $ 1,440 per person (min 3)
- 7 nights, 8 days
See Bhutan’s most popular sites. Visit the Royal Flower Exhibition in the beautiful Haa Valley. Visit Chelela Pass in search of the rare Blue Poppy, national flower of Bhutan. Finish with a hike to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most sacred monastery.
Punakha Festival March 2nd to 7th, 2020
- 7 nights, 8 days
- Package price is $ 1,615 (min 3)
Visit the most important cultural and historic sites of central Bhutan. The special focus of this tour is the annual dance festival in the Punakha Dzong, a very important historic temple which holds the history and miracles of Rinpoche Zhabdrung, the father of Bhutan.
Family Life in Bhutan Tour
- 8 nights and 9 days
- $ 1,840 per person (minimum 3 persons)
Visit the most important cultural and historic sites of central Bhutan. A special addition is to spend a day on my family farm, to milk a cow, make butter, cheese, and olive oil.
Bhutan Sacred Caves Tour
- 8 nights and 9 days
- $ 1,880 per person (minimum 3 persons)
A very special tour under the guidance of Lama D, to visit and meditate in the sacred caves of Guru Rinpoche, known as Padmasambhava, who came to Bhutan in the 8th century to seed a new Buddhism. Many of these caves are off the beaten track and hardly known.
Bhutan Full Immersion Tour
- 9 Nights and 10 days
- $ 2,065 per person (minimum 3 persons)
In addition to Bhutan’s principal sites, you’ll visit sacred sites of Bumthang in Eastern Bhutan. You’ll spend a day on my family farm, to milk a cow, make butter, cheese, and olive oil.
Bhutan Festival Tour – Thimphu or Paro
- 10 nights and 11 days
- Package price is $ 2,295 per person (minimum 3 persons)
Dance festivals are by far the most popular tourist attractions in Bhutan. Every monastery in Bhutan houses monks and Lamas who practice for months in special masks and ornate colorful costumes.
5-Star Luxury Cultural & Handicraft Tour
- 6 nights and 7 days, Luxury accommodations
- $ 6,499 per person (minimum 3 persons)
This is a very special tour where you will see the most famous and most beautiful cultural treasures of Bhutan, its pristine landscapes, and skilled handicrafts of Bhutan. You will stay in Bhutan’s best accommodations for the maximum of comfort and special services.
Nepal & Tibet Pilgrimage to the Himalayas
- 10 nights, 11 days
- $ 2,495 per person (minimum 7 persons)
Touring both Nepal and Tibet means you will experience a vast range of cultures. This trip encompasses Hindu sites in Kathmandu as well as Buddhist sites in Nepal and Tibet. You’ll see multiple cultures and traditions of the various ethnic groups scattered across the Himalayas.
- Website http://whitetigerbhutan.com
- Email Ghalem whitetbtours@gmail.com Bhutan phone +975 1739 2579
- Email Jane Barthelemy janebar108@live.com
- Facebook @whitetigerbhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan
Hello, I am Ghalem, Jane’s sister-in-law, and owner of White Tiger Bhutan Tours. I look forward to meeting you and making your stay in Bhutan the most memorable, joyful trip of your life.
Here at White Tiger Bhutan Tours we do things a bit differently. I personally plan each trip, and I am present for most trips. We love to specialize in personalized tours of sites that are less touristic, off the beaten track, special tours, intimate views of Bhutanese life, and custom travel just for you.
I grew up in a very large family in the mountain rice fields of Punakha with many brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins. We have hundreds of relatives and friends throughout Bhutan, and we all help each other. We will visit my farm and meet my family. We’ll make old-fashioned butter, cheese, & olive oil.
My 98-year old grandmother calls me the organizer in my family. I’m somehow the engine, and everything happens like clockwork because of our deep love and respect for each other. I’m also an expert chef, driver, organizer, people-networker, and mother of two girls.
My name Ghalem means “Auspicious Sign”. You’ll soon learn that every person’s name in Bhutan has a Buddhist meaning to help them along on their path. For example, my daughter is Kyizom, meaning “Gathering of Peace”.
Our Bhutan tours include:
- 3-star hotel accommodations, double occupancy
- 3 meals and tea with snacks each day
- Land transportation
- English speaking guide and experienced driver
- Entrance fees
- $40 Bhutan visa fee
Not included:
- Airfare to Paro
- Single room charge, if desired.
- Insurance (travel, medical, etc.)
- Souvenirs or personal items laundry, excess baggage, snacks, alcohol drinks, etc.
- Tips for guide and driver
Detailed Tour Itineraries:
You might get to walk across a suspension bridge in Bhutan. These are very safe, and have been used for hundreds of years, even across the largest rivers, when wooden bridges were impractical.
Kingdom of Happiness Tour
- 5 Nights and 6 days
- Package price: $ 1,190 per person (min 3 persons)
See Bhutan’s most important cultural and historic sites. This brief Kingdom of Happiness Tour will delight you with its breathtaking pristine landscapes, Buddhist temples, and skilled artisan crafts. The tour finishes with a visit to Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most important monastery and meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche.
- Day 1: Arrival Paro airport, welcome tea or picnic lunch. Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing on the way. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing: Buddha Point statue, Folk Heritage Museum, Guru Lhakhang Temple, Handmade Paper factory, Post office, Tashichho Dzong. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 3: To Punakha: Visit Dochula pass, Chimi Lhakhang Divine Madman Temple, Punakha Dzong, the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Night in Punakha
- Day 4: Morning drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Drive back to Paro. Visit Kitchu Lhakhang Temple. Night in Paro.
- Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Taktsang Monastery.
- Day 6: Final departure from Paro.
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow-covered mountains, where 108 memorial chortens or stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens” were built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. They commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents.
Bhutan Mountain Miracles Tour
- 6 nights and 7 days
- Package price is $ 1,420 per person (min 3 persons)
This tour includes many of Bhutan’s most important cultural and historic sites. Similar to the 6-day tour, in this 7-day tour we will also visit Paro temple Kyichu Lhakhang, a majestic seventh-century temple said to have been built on the left foot of a giant demoness who obstructed the spread of Buddhism as she lay across the mountain. And we’ll visit Pangbisa Guru Lhakhang, the site of another important miracle of Rinpoche Padmasambhava. Rafting is included in the package price if you choose to do it.
- Day 1: Arrival and welcome tea or picnic lunch. Drive to Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing: Buddha point, Simply Bhutan, School of traditional arts, Guru Lhakhang Temple, Paper factory and Tashichho Dzong. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 3: To Punakha: Dochula Pass, visit Chimi Lhakhang Divine Madman Temple, Punakha Dzong. Night in Punakha.
- Day 4: Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten or rafting. Drive to Paro. Night in Paro.
- Day 5: Paro sightseeing: national museum, Kitchu Lhakhang and Pangbisa Guru Lhakhang. Night in Paro.
- Day 6: Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest
- Day 7: Departure from Paro.
On this tour, my mother and aunts will teach you how to milk a cow and make butter and cheese!
Family Life in Bhutan Tour
- 8 nights and 9 days
- Package price is $1,840 per person (minimum 3 persons)
This 9-day tour visits the most important cultural and historic sites of central Bhutan. A special addition is a day at our family farm in Punakha. We’ll visit my traditional farmhouse, share a meal, milk a cow, make butter and cheese, and see everyday family life. You’ll meet my mother and her two sisters, and see how we try to live a sustainable life in harmony with nature.
- Day 1 : Arrival Paro, welcome tea or picnic lunch. Drive to Thimphu. Sightseeing on the way. Night at Thimphu
- Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing: Buddha point, Folk Heritage Museum, Guru Lhakhang Temple, Paper factory, Post office, Tashichho Dzong. Night at Thimphu.
- Day 3: To Punakha: Dochula pass, Chimi Lhakhang Divine Madman Temple, Punakha Dzong. Night at Lobesa, Punakha.
- Day 4: To Phobjikha Valley, visit Gangtey Temple. Night at Gangtey.
- Day 5: Morning sightseeing in Gangtey Valley. Drive back to Punakha. Night in Punakha.
- Day 6: To the family farm, Tshachuphug: Traditional welcome tea, Milking cow and making butter and cheese, Brew local alcohol (Ara), Extraction of natural cooking oil, Bhutanese cooking, Traditional archery game and dances. Night back to Punakha.
- Day 7: Morning drive to Paro, Sightseeing Ta Dzong National Museum, Kitchu Lhakhang. Night at Paro.
- Day 8: Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest
- Day 9: Departure from Paro
Bhutan Full Immersion Tour
- 9 Nights and 10 days
- Package price is $2,065 per person (minimum 3 persons)
In this 10-day tour, you will see the principal cultural and historic sites of central Bhutan. You’ll also visit Bumthang in the East, the historic area of ancient temples and sacred sites, Trongsa Museum, and the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. You’ll get to spend a day where I grew up on my family farm doing chores alongside my mother as she shows you how to milk a cow, makes butter, cheese, and olive oil. We’ll see archery and share a traditional meal at the farm.
- Day 1: Arrival Paro, welcome tea or picnic lunch. Sightseeing in Paro. Night in Paro.
- Day 2: Morning drive to Punakha, Dochula Pass, Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang Divine Madman Temple. Night in Lobesa, Punakha.
- Day 3:Morning To Phobjikha Valley, visit Gangtey temple. Night at Gangtey.
- Day 4: To Bumthang, visit Trongsa Museum. Night at Bumthang.
- Day 5: Sightseeing in Bumthang: Jakar Dzong, Jampa Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Night at Bumthang.
- Day 6: Drive to Punakha. Night in Punakha
- Day 7: To the family farm, Tshachuphug.
Traditional welcome tea, Milking cow and making butter and cheese, Brew local alcohol (Ara), Extraction of natural cooking oil, Bhutanese cooking, Traditional archery game and dances. Night to Thimphu. - Day 8: Thimphu sightseeing, Buddha Point, Folk Heritage Museum, Paper factory and Guru Lhakhang Temple. Drive to Paro. Night in Paro.
- Day 9: Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest
- Day 10: Departure from Paro.
Meditation caves at Dochula Pass near Thimphu are hidden in the hills above the pass. At first resembling Hobbit homes, these tiny, open-faced caverns are built from stone and painted with Buddhist symbols.
Bhutan Sacred Caves Tour
- 8 nights and 9 days
- Package price is $ 1,880 per person (min 3 persons)
We are very excited to offer this unique and special tour under the personal guidance of Lama Dungtsho. The tour focus is sacred meditation caves of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, who came to Bhutan in the 8th century to transform the mountain energies and pave the way for the new Buddhism. Lama Dungtsho will explain the history and significance of Padmasambhava in Buddhism, and why this saint is highly revered in modern times.
The tour also touches many of the best-loved cultural and historical sites of Bhutan. You will be able to sit silently in the caves where he meditated before any monasteries existed, to experience his powerful energy still alive. On a hike to Chumphu Nye, we’ll walk the path once traversed by the Rinpoche, along with Khandrola Mendharawa and Khandrola Yeshey Tshogyel, his two principal consorts. The energy there is rich with raw vitality of their presence if you listen. Afterwards you’ll receive a complimentary Bhutanese hot stone bath to refresh and rejuvenate.
- Day 1: Arrival and welcome tea or picnic lunch. Drive to Thimphu. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 2: Morning to TSHELUNG NYE, where Guru Rinpoche spent many months meditating, and we’ll stop at the guru café. We’ll visit Guru Lhakhang Temple and Buddha Point. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 3: To Punakha: Dochula Pass, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple of Drukpa Kunley – the Divine Madman, and the famous Punakha Dzong. Night in Punakha / Wangdi.
- Day 4: To BAYLANGDRA NYE In Wangdi (Guru’s cave) 1-hour hike from farm road point. Night back to Punakha.
- Day 5: To GOEN TSHEPHU NYE In Punakha (Guru’s cave) around 3-hour drive from Punakha town, Night to Paro.
- Day 6: To CHUMPHU NYE In Paro (Guru’s cave and lake) 3-hour hike from farm road point. Night back to Paro, Enjoy hot stone bath.
- Day 7: Sightseeing in Paro: Ta Dzong National Museum, Kitchu Lhakhang Temple, Paro town, Pangbisa Guru Lhakhang Temple. Night in Paro.
- Day 8: Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest, meditation in the monastery.
- Day 9: Departure from Paro.
Young monks celebrate the Paro festival before a huge Thangka of Guru Rinpoche.
Bhutan Festival Tour, Thimphu or Paro
- 10 nights and 11 days
- Package price is $ 2,295 per person (min 3 persons)
The Tshechu Dance festivals are by far the most popular tourist attractions in Bhutan. Attending a Tshechu (pr. TSE-choo) festival is considered a blessing for the whole year. Every monastery in Bhutan houses monks and Lamas who practice for months in special masks and ornate colorful costumes. Their dances re-enact ancient legends and help to keep alive the spirit of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Thimphu Tshechu will be September 26-28, 2020. Paro Tshechu will be April 4-8, 2020.
- Day 1: Arrival, Welcome tea, Sight-seeing.
- Day 2: Visit Tshechu dance festival
- Day 3: Go to Punakha. Have tea at Dochula Pass. Lunch in Lobesa. Visit Chimi Lhakhang, Lobesa.
- Day 4: Drive to Gangtey in Phobjikha, Lunch, visit Gangtey temple, Audience with Lama, night in Gangtey in hotel or farmhouse optional. Hot stone bath.
- Day 5: Phobjikha valley sight-seeing, Visit my favorite intimate temples. Drive to Punakha.
- Day 6: Family farm in Punakha, Spend night in Punakha.
- Day 7: Morning visit Kham Sum Yulley Namgyel Chorten or rafting. Visit Punakha Dzong, Drive to Thimphu. Night in Thimphu
- Day 8: Sight-seeing in Thimphu, Visit Guru Lhakhang monastery, See Handicraft sites.
- Day 9: Tango Monastery, Drive to Paro, Night in Paro.
- Day 10: Tiger’s Nest Hike and Monastery.
- Day 11: Final departure from Paro.
A Tshechu is the yearly gathering, everybody comes together to celebrate, dressed in their best finery, hand-woven fabrics and authentic jewelry that would defy the finest New York showrooms. It’s an unsurpassed photo opportunity!
Punakha Festival March 2nd to 7th, 2020
- 8 days, 7 nights
- Package price is $ 1,615 (min 3)
The annual festival in Punakha will be celebrated from March 2 to 7, 2020. This is one of the most important Tshechu events in Bhutan, in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. Thousands of residents gather to enjoy the unique masked dances of the monks in colorful costumes and masks, re-enacting ancient Buddhist legends. It is believed that every Bhutanese must take a break from their daily work to receive blessings and to gather with friends.
- Day 1- Arrival Paro. Night in Paro
- Day 2- Paro to Punakha by Dochula pass and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman Temple. Night in Punakha
- Day 3: Punakha Tshechu Dance festival. Night in Punakha
- Day 4- Morning rafting, then back to second day Tshechu festival. Night To Thimphu
- Day 5- Thimphu sightseeing: Buddha point, Textile museum, School of traditional arts, Farmers’ market and Tashichö Dzong. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 6- morning visit to Simtokha dzong (First dzong built in Bhutan) and to Paro. Visit Ta Dzong and Kitchu Lhakhang. Night in Paro
- Day 7- Hike to Taktsang, Tigers nest
- Day 8- Final Departure
Queen Pema Jetsun comes with His Majesty The King and members of the Royal Family to grace the opening of the annual Flower Exhibition.
Bhutan Flower Exhibition, June, 2020
- Package price $ 1,440 (min 3)
- 8 days, 7 nights
This tour includes my favorite cultural sites in Bhutan and especially the annual Royal Bhutan Flower Exhibition. This year it takes place in the beautiful Haa valley 70 km west of Paro. Bhutan’s foremost gardening event was initiated by Royal Command of His Majesty The King of Bhutan. We will visit Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 12,000 feet. We might get lucky to spot the beautiful blue poppy, Bhutan’s national flower, which grows wild in high altitudes and blooms during June and July!
- Day 1- arrival Paro to Thimphu. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 2- Thimphu sightseeing: Buddha point, Simply Bhutan, Paper factory, Guru Lhakhang and Tashichö Dzong. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 3- Drive from Thimphu to Haa by Chelela pass. Night in Haa.
- Day 4- Visit flower exhibition. Night in Haa
- Day 5- Sightseeing in Haa: Visiting temples and short hikes. Night in Haa.
- Day 6: Morning drive to Paro, visit Ta Dzong National Museum and Kitchu Lhakhang. Night in Paro.
- Day 7: Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery.
- Day 8: Final departure from Paro
5-Star Luxury Cultural & Handicraft Tour
- 6 nights and 7 days, Luxury accommodations
- Package price: $ 6,499 per person (min 3 persons)
This is a very special tour where you will see the most famous and most beautiful cultural treasures of Bhutan and its pristine landscapes. At the same time, we’ve selected the top hotels with the very best luxury service for you to relax. One of the main features of the tour will be on skilled handicrafts of Bhutan such as traditional textiles and weaving. On this tour you also have the option of many other special services including helicopter shuttle to distant sites instead of driving.
- Day 1: Guests will be greeted personally by the guide. Drive to a beautiful picnic spot for traditional welcome tea or picnic lunch. Embark to a luxury resort in Thimphu. After checking in and settling, Evening visit to Tashichho Dzong. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing: visit Buddha point, Simply Bhutan, School of Traditional Arts, Guru Lhakhang Temple and Thimphu town. Night in Thimphu.
- Day 3: To Punakha: Visit Dochula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang Divine Madman Temple, Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha in a luxury resort.
- Day 4: Morning beautiful short 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten OR river rafting. Then drive to Paro for the night in luxury resort.
- Day 5: Paro sightseeing: visit Ta Dzong National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Walk down to traditional bridge, Visit Paro town and Kitchu Lhakhang Temple. Overnight in Paro.
- Day 6: Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest. Enjoy hot stone bath in the evening.
- Day 7: Departure from Paro.
We offer these special luxury services for a fee:
Hot stone bath, Spa services, Golf, Yoga, Meetings with philanthropic organizations, Opportunities for charity, Private meeting with a Lama, Private tour of Parliament, Shopping assistance, Musical performances, Private guided meditations, etc.
Luxury package does not include:
- Airfare to Paro
- Airfare within Bhutan, if desired.
- Helicopter service for sightseeing on hourly basis – Carries 6 person including guide.
30 minutes $2500, 60 minutes $5000, 90 minutes $7000.
Nepal – Tibet Pilgrimage to the Himalayas
- Best Time: April to October
- 10 nights, 11 days
- Price: $2,495 per person (min 7 persons )
Taking a tour through Nepal and Tibet means you get double the excitement, double the adventure, and more than double the culture, with Buddhist monasteries in both places, and the multiple cultures of the different ethnic groups scattered across the Himalayas.
The tour begins in Kathmandu near the Boudha Stupa, known as the wish fulfilling stupa. Built in the 5th century, it is the largest stupa and one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the cardinal direction watching for righteous behavior and human prosperity. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. It is said that to do the “Khora” or walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, You can make a wish, and receive merit and good fortune in life.
On Day 2 we drive to Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. The stupa is said to be 2000 years old, and is sometimes called the “Monkey Temple” due to the monkeys residing in the surrounding forest. Many steep stone steps lead up to the shrine, and a motor road also goes up to the peak. The top of the Stupa gives a panoramic view of the city. After lunch we drive to Pharping and the Asura cave, a sacred meditation spot of Guru Rinpoche, with powerful energy of the beloved saint.
Day 3 takes us to Namobuddha. Legend says the Buddha in a previous life fed his body to a hungry tigress, setting the stage for the dramatic success of his teachings several lifetimes later. The site is a metaphor for compassion, karma, sacrifice and enlightenment. After lunch we will visit a Budhanilkantha, sacred Hindu open-air temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which has a large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu in a body of water. The statue of Budhanilkantha is highly prized in Hindu culture and considered the largest stone carving in Nepal.
Samye Monastery in Lhoka, Tibet
In Tibet, you will see a great deal of Tibetan culture and history. You will begin in the “Lhoka” region, the cradle of the Tibetan civilization, visit the first palace, Yumbu Lhakang, the first Buddhist monastery, Samye Monastery and the earliest agricultural farmland in the Tibetan civilization. You will see Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, exploring major sacred sights of religious and historic significance including the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Norbulingka, summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Next, you will journey to Shigatse, Tibet’s 2nd largest city and home of Tibet’s largest Buddhist monastery, Tashi Lhunpo. One the way to Shigatse we will visit the important Yungdrunkling Bonpo Monastery and the Menri Bonpo Monastery, both very influential centers of Bon spiritual practice.
Nepal – Tibet Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu. Stay at Hotel Ghangri or Butsugen. Visit Boudha Stupa.
- Day 2: In Kathmandu – Visit Swayambhunath, Pharping Asura Cave and Monastery
- Day 3: In Kathmandu – Visit Namobuddha, Visit Narayanthan Budhanilkantha Temple
- Day 4: Depart for Lhasa. Drive to Tsedang (97Km) Elevation 3500m (1.5 hours)
AM: Arrive in Tsedang & Acclimatization
PM: Self-paced exploration around the Tasdang street - Day 5: In and Around Tsedang city. Explore cradle of the Tibetan civilization, Visit Sangngak Simchen Buddhist nunnery. Afternoon visit the first palace of Tibet, Yumbulakhang and the oldest Buddhist temple, Dradruk from the 7th century.
- Day 6: Tsedang-Samye-Lhasa Distance 220km Elevation 3650m (2.5 hours). After breakfast drive to Samye Monastery the first monastery in Tibet. After lunch drive back to Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.
- Day 7: In and around Lhasa. Visit Potala Palace, the iconic World Heritage Site. Visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest of all the temples in Tibet. Visit Norbulingka, summer palace of the Dalai Lama and holy spring of Guru Rinpoche, Shongba Lhachu. Drive a short distance to Shigatse, 2nd largest city in Tibet. Tour Tashi Lhunpo, see the largest gilded statue of Future Buddha in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse.
- Day 8: Lhasa -Shigatse Via Yundrukling monastery and Bonpo Menri monastery Distance 400 km Elevation 3800 m (10-12hours) Depart Lhasa early in the morning, all day overland drive. Visit Yundrukling Monastery, one of most influential Bonpo monasteries and Menri Bonpo Monastery the most important Bon teaching center in Tibet. Overnight in Shigatse
- Day 9: Visit Tashi Lhunpo Monastery founded in 1447 by the 1st Dalai Lama. 6-hour drive from Lhasa 270 kms Elevation 3,650m. Morning visit the largest gilded statue of Future Buddha in Tibet, Take a gentle stroll around the local market. Leave Shigatse for Lhasa. Arrive and overnight in Lhasa.
- Day 10: Depart Tibet, fly back to Nepal. Night in Kathmandu.
- Day 11: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Price includes:
- All hotel accommodations, double occupancy
- Breakfast at hotel
- Lunch and Dinner (Full-board plan)
- Round-trip flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa
- All ground transportation
- All entrance fees per itinerary
- All travel permits
- Local guide fees
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Oxygen cylinders if needed
- One traditional styled welcome or farewell group dinner
Price does not include
- Chinese visa fees
- International airfare to Kathmandu, Nepal
- Single room fee, if desired
- Travel vaccinations
- Insurance (travel, medical, etc.)
- Souvenirs or personal items laundry, excess baggage fees, snacks, alcohol drinks, etc.
- Photography fees inside temples and monasteries
- Gratuities to the Tibetan guide and driver
Jokhang Temple in Lhasa.
Tips for Traveling Smart in the Himalayas
Plan ahead.
Book your tour package and flight tickets ahead of time. Especially in the high season, book at least 3 months ahead. Druk Airlines is often sold out, so it’s hard to get flights at the last minute.
Know the daily tariff in high and low season.
Peak tourist seasons are March through May and September through November, for a minimum daily tariff of US $250. Low season is December through February and June through August, when the minimum daily tariff is US $200. Prices quoted are for high season. However if you have a more limited budget, plan your trip during the low season.
Surcharge for groups of 2 travelers or less
Travelers planning to go alone or as a pair, take note of the daily surcharge:
- Group of 3 or more travelers- No surcharge
- Group of 2 travelers – US $30 per person/per night
- Single traveler – US $40 per night
Come for a festival!
Festivals in Bhutan are NOT to be missed. The most popular festivals, the Paro and Thimphu Tshechu happen during the high tourist season. See our list of festival dates. Festivals will showcase colorful dances in elaborate masks and costumes, re-enacting ancient legends and events, with Bhutanese people coming dressed up in their very best.
WiFi, Phones, and Electrical Connection
- Most hotels have some WiFi. For more connectivity buy a local SIM card. There are two providers: Tashi Cell and B-Mobile. Then you can re-fill easily with prepaid cards.
- Bhutan standard voltage is like India, 230V and frequency of 50 Hz. It is best to bring along a multi-purpose electrical plug and a universal travel adapter. Most hotel rooms have limited electrical plugs and no adapters, so it’ll be wise to bring yours, especially if you use several devices.
Money and Credit Cards
- Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Since your tour package is prepaid, out-of-pocket expenses will be minimal – just for souvenirs, gifts, drinks, and tips for driver & guide. Plan to bring about US $200.
- Although some hotels and handicraft stores do accept credit cards, it’s best to bring cash in dollars. There are not many ATMs in Bhutan. They do not always work, and you’ll be limited to small amounts.
- You are free to haggle in most shops, but more than 10% discount is unlikely. Prices between shops do not differ substantially.
- Your guide will take care of most tipping for you. However, you must tip your guide and driver.
How to Pack
Bring along some warm clothes, especially for the cold season from November and March. It’s always best to be prepared with a jacket even in warm months because of huge changes in altitude.
Contact us and come for a visit!
Website http://whitetigerbhutan.com
Email Ghalem whitetbtours@gmail.com
Bhutan phone +975 1739 2579
Email Jane Barthelemy janebar108@live.com
Facebook @whitetigerbhutan, Thimphu, Bhutan