Current as of: March 13, 2025 - 17:54
Festivals of Bhutan - Thimphu Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Bhutan, Nepal
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
- 11 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AIBB
- Carbon Footprint: 36kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Journey to the hidden kingdom of Bhutan to witness the sacred Thimphu Festival
Hidden in a corner of the Himalaya, the secretive kingdom of Bhutan is an unforgettable destination with ancient traditions, spectacular mountain scenery and vibrant festivals. At these, hundreds gather to see monks in brightly coloured robes perform ritual dances. For several days there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails. This extra-special departure takes in Thimphu Festival, which was founded in 1670 and pays tribute to Guru Rinpoche.
Please note: This itinerary is valid for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 and 20 September 2026 attending Thimphu Festival.
- See the Paro Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 and 23 March 2026.
- See the Trongsa Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 14 December 2026.
At a Glance
- 10 nights in hotels
- Group normally 4 to 16 plus tour leader and local staff. Minimum age: 16
- Full-day festival experience in Thimphu
- Travel by private minibus
Highlights
- Experience the sacred masked dances and prayer meetings of the Thimphu Festival
- Visit the Paro Dzong and the incredible Tiger's Nest monastery at Taktsang
- Drive across the Dochu La and visit Punakha Dzong
- Walk in the quiet Gangtey Valley
- Visit the impressive Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Thimphu
Is This Trip for You?
The trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Please ensure you are viewing the correct itinerary for your departure date as itineraries vary due to the festival schedules.
Itinerary: This is a packed itinerary but Bhutan is a relaxed place so the tour does not feel hectic. It is varied, although not demanding, and should appeal to those who like to see something a little different.
Journeys: Road conditions are generally quite good but some sections can be bumpy and, as with many mountain roads, the occasional delay can occur due to landslides or adverse weather conditions. The roads are also quite twisty on the mountain sections; if you suffer from travel sickness you should bring your normal remedy. Please be aware that due to road-widening works across many of the main roads in the country, there could be the occasional delay. If we are notified of any delays, the leader will ensure an early start and arrange a short walk while the vehicle is stuck in traffic.
Walking: This trip visits the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, which is at an altitude of 10,235ft (3,120m). The trek to reach the monastery is relatively steep but we take it very easy and have lots of stops to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings. If you would prefer not to trek the whole way, there is a café where you can wait, which has spectacular views of the monastery.
Please be aware that some of the monasteries we visit in Bhutan require a good level of mobility due to steps, stairs, and occasional ladders. These monasteries are often situated on cliffs and hillsides, offering breathtaking views but also requiring careful navigation. If you experience vertigo or have concerns about heights, please let us know in advance so we can provide appropriate guidance and support during these visits. Our team is committed to ensuring everyone can enjoy these remarkable sites safely and comfortably.
Smoking: Smoking is only permitted in certain designated areas and strictly prohibited in public places. Anyone found smoking in public or violating smoking restrictions will be fined approximately 500 ngultrums (US$7) for the first offence. Tourists are allowed to import up to 200 cigarettes with 100 percent tax to be paid on arrival, it is also possible to purchase cigarettes in most shops across Bhutan.
Travelling in Bhutan: Travelling in Bhutan is still in its infancy. All foreigners must travel through an official travel agent and be accompanied by a Bhutanese guide. We use well-trained Bhutanese guides, but please be aware the guides are sometimes restricted in what they are allowed to do and where they can take you. There is plenty of time to enjoy the different features of each centre while travelling through the magnificent countryside. There is time to study the monasteries, browse the bazaars, or relax with a tea in incredible surroundings.
Choose your departure: This itinerary is valid for departures starting in Kathmandu on 30 September 2025 and 20 September 2026 attending Thimphu Festival.
- See the Paro Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 2 April 2025 and 23 March 2026.
- See the Trongsa Festival itinerary for departures starting in Kathmandu on 14 December 2026.
Group
The group is generally between four and 16 people. We have representatives in Kathmandu who look after your transfers to and from the airport and are around to answer other questions you may have. All departures have an English-speaking Bhutanese tour leader who you will meet on arrival in Paro and travels with you throughout. All our tour leaders are highly experienced, trained in first aid and licensed to guide in Bhutan.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Kathmandu
- End City: Kathmandu
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
Depart London.
Arrive Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu, a brief stop en route to Bhutan. On arrival, you are met by a local representative for your transfer to our hotel. Please check the Joining Instructions for information on how to confirm your transfer.
The evening is free to relax.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
Fly to Paro
Today we fly to Paro. Our route takes us over the eastern Himalaya and, if the weather is clear, we should get a fantastic view of magnificent peaks including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. The Paro Valley is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, with blue pine-covered hills and attractive solidly built houses among the paddy fields.
If there is time in the afternoon, we can visit the museum and Rinpung Dzong.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Full day at Thimphu Festival
We have an early start today, driving one hour from Paro to Thimphu to find our spot to enjoy the festival entertainment from.
Thimphu is considered the most popular festival in Bhutan and plays an important part in the Bhutanese lives.
We spend the whole day experiencing this vibrant festival, watching the Bhutanese gather to see monks and lay dancers dressed in colourful brocade and silk costumes, wearing painted masks re-enacting the stories of the religious and lay history of Bhutan through music and dance. For several days, there are masked dances and prayer meetings, and a general carnival atmosphere prevails as villagers arrive to meet old friends. The Bhutanese all dress in their finest national dress for the festival and one of the highlights is the riot of colours of the magnificent silks on display.
Accommodation: Gakyil Hotel (or similar)
Thimphu
We take a break from the festivities and enjoy the sights and history of the Thimphu, the relatively new capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan. The ancient city of Punakha was replaced by Thimphu as the capital in 1961 by the third king, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The main sights include Kuensel Phodrang, known locally as Buddha Point, where there is a huge statue of Buddha overlooking the whole valley. Simtokha Dzong, the oldest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629, now serves as the Institute of Language and Cultural Studies. It houses numerous statues and paintings of various religious figures and deities. You can also view Takin Reserve from above on your journey into Thimphu and visit a paper factory and weaving centre to see authentic local weaving techniques, plus the local market is interesting to explore.
Accommodation: Gakyil Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Gangtey; visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong monastery
We leave Thimphu in the morning and drive east to Gangtey. The route climbs steadily on a good road to the Dochula Pass, where there are 108 chortens (Buddhist shrines).
At 10,000ft (3,050m), we can enjoy glorious views over the eastern Himalaya, weather dependent. We then descend to the valley floor and continue to sub-tropical Wangdue. We stop to visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, one of the larger monastery’s we visit on this trip it overlooks the picturesque river and rural agricultural fields surrounding it and has an impressive courtyard.
This afternoon, we have plenty of time to explore the Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This wide-open U-shaped glacial valley is home to barking and sambar deer plus wild boars, while Himalayan black bears have also been spotted here. It is also where black-necked cranes come roost during winter. Usually arriving from Tibet towards the end of October, they announce their appearance by circling the monastery three times. Come spring, they again fly three times around the monastery before returning to Tibet.
Today’s drive is approximately 78mi (125km) and takes four to five hours, although variable road conditions may mean we spend longer on the road.
Accommodation: Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
Morning hike through the Gangtey Valley. Afternoon visit to Khewang Lhakhang
This morning, we set off on foot from our hotel for a walk through the Gangtey Valley (approximately 3mi/5km, two to three hours) – the climb up to the monastery involves around 1,640ft (500m) ascent. This glacial valley comprises farmlands, pastures and blue-pine forests and we may encounter herders caring for their livestock.
After lunch, we visit the 15th-century Khewang Lhakhang, on the east side of the Phobjikha Valley. It features a trio of two-storey statues depicting the past, present and future Buddhas. We can also visit the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Center, where we learn about the conservation efforts to protect these majestic birds. We also have a short visit to a farmhouse and an optional hot-stone bath, which costs approximately 830 ngultrums (US$10).
Accommodation: Phuntsho Yangkhil Lodge (or similar)
Drive to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong
We drive back westwards to subtropical Punakha, which may take about three hours. En route, we visit the Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honour Drukpa Kuenley. Nicknamed the Divine Madman or Mad Saint, he was a maverick spiritual leader, who subdued a demon controlling the Dochu La. He built a chorten where the monastery stands and was reputed to have unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism – he advocated for phallic symbols to be painted on walls and houses, which were intended to drive away the evil eye. Most of the houses in this area are decorated with highly ornate phallic paintings. We walk through the village to the monastery with a chance to see traditional Bhutanese-style farmhouses.
We then continue to Punakha, which at 3,940ft (1,200m) is warmer than Paro or Thimphu. Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of the monastic body. We visit the dzong, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. This remarkable fortress between the Mo and Po Chhu rivers has survived many fires, an earthquake and several floods.
Time permitting, we drive to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten at the end of the valley, which houses representations of the tantric form of Buddhist deities. Built for the protection of the country and the present king, the chorten also offers impressive views of the valley below.
Accommodation: Sonamgang Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Paro, visiting Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Dzongdrakha Goemba and Kyichu Lhakhang monastery
In the morning, we drive for about three hours back to Paro. En route, we visit the Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, which crosses the Paro Chhu. This 600-year-old bridge, which is popularly known as the Iron Chain Bridge, was built by Thangtong Gyalpo in the late 1300s, who is said to have built 108 bridges in Tibet and Bhutan. Made of wood and iron, this is the first bridge to have ever been built in Bhutan.
We continue our drive and come to the Dzongdrakha Goemba, also known as Mini Taktsang, a serene site above the village of Bondey on the western side of the Paro Valley. Often overlooked by tourists because of its rather old facade, this divine place comprises four shrines, while stories related to spirits, saints and magic are narrated here.
Before arriving at our hotel, we stop at Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the seventh century, it is said to be the oldest temple in Bhutan and therefore holds great spiritual significance to the country. Legend says a king built it in one night on an ogre’s foot.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Day walk to Taktsang, Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Today we hike (approximately 6.8mi/11km round trip with an elevation of approximately 915m) to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This spectacular building is perched on the ledge of a cliff high above the Paro Valley.
Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, it has now been completely restored to its former magnificence. From the car park to the cafeteria viewpoint is about two hours’ uphill walk through the forest. From here, we have incredible views of the monastic buildings that cling to the cliff. For the energetic, there is the chance to walk even higher to the actual monastery. This takes another two hours and involves walking up and down stone steps. We highly recommend a trekking pole or you can buy a wooden stick at the car park. There are horses available up to the cafeteria for those who do not wish to hike but please note this is an unregulated activity and helmets are not available. We spend about an hour at the monastery looking around the temples (photography is not allowed inside) before descending to the cafeteria for lunch. After lunch, we return to the car park and drive back to our hotel. There should be some time to have a look round Paro before dinner.
Accommodation: Rema Resorts (or similar)
Fly to Kathmandu
We transfer to the airport to check in for our flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for individual sightseeing or shopping. You may want to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city, the monkey temple at Swayambhunath, the largest Buddhist stupa on earth at Boudhanath or the Hindu temple at Pashupathinath. Another option is to take a taxi to Bhaktapur, the medieval city 10.5mi (17km) east of the capital. Bhaktapur has its own Durbar Square with many temples and statues and a maze of narrow streets, which are generally quieter than the capital.
The Exodus representative in Kathmandu can give you more information on what there is to see.
Accommodation: Royal Singi Hotel (or similar)
End Kathmandu
Your journey ends Kathmandu after breakfast. If you don’t want the adventure to end, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Extend Your Trip
Chitwan Safari Extension
A five-day wildlife extension is the ideal opportunity to explore the lowlands of Nepal and enjoy rest and relax after the challenges of your trekking journey.
Travel from Kathmandu to your jungle lodge in search of roaming wildlife at Chitwan National Park. With the help of an expert naturalist, you explore the home of the one-horned rhino, while also spotting birds, crocodiles, deer and boar. Find a more detailed itinerary here.
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Accommodation
Hotels and guesthouses
We spend 10 nights in local-style hotels, all with bathrooms and heaters. All food is included at the hotels and local restaurants and is usually a buffet – it is simple and a mixture of Bhutanese, continental and Chinese.
Single supplement from USD 870
Food & Drink
Breakfast is included throughout the trip plus eight lunches and eight dinners while in Bhutan.
During your adventure in Bhutan, prepare to savor a delightful array of flavors that blend Bhutanese and Western cuisines. While Bhutanese dishes are traditionally seasoned with chilies, often tempered for foreign palates, the local cuisine boasts rich and varied tastes. Enjoy a diverse selection of meat, vegetable, rice, and potato dishes, alongside iconic specialties like ema datshi—featuring chilies and cheese. If you desire a more authentic or spicier culinary experience, don’t hesitate to share your preferences with your trip leader, who will endeavor to tailor meals to your liking.
Breakfasts are an assortment of cereals, eggs, toast, fruit and often some Bhutanese dishes. Lunches are taken in a restaurant and dinners are either in the hotel or at a local restaurant.
Please allow approximately 2,500-3,350 ngultrums (US$30-US$40) per day for other main meals in Kathmandu.
Transport
We use a private bus for all transfers and road journeys.
For the flights between Paro and Kathmandu, we use either Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines. All bookings on regional flights are in economy class.
Paro-Kathmandu flights: The Druk Air schedules for flights between Nepal and Bhutan are notoriously unpredictable and the final timetable is often published very late. The itinerary is based on the latest schedules but these are subject to change. Should there be a change of schedule, we will amend the itinerary and update the Trip Notes, and advise any clients booked as soon as possible.
Due to a country-wide initiative to improve the roads connecting major towns, road conditions can be incredibly varied in Bhutan. Wet weather can have a detrimental effect and there may be occasions in which the van is held in a traffic jam/roadblock. In particular, the drive to the Gangtey Valley can be affected by wet weather and this can have an impact on the road conditions. If your leaders are made aware of bad conditions, they make every effort to inform you of any potential delays and will arrange alternative activities if necessary (ie a short walk) while we are waiting.
Weather & Seasonality
We experience a range of temperatures during the trip depending on the altitude. On spring and autumn departures, temperatures are approximately 10C-20C (50F-68F) during the day. At night, temperatures drop in autumn to about 4C (39F). Although these departures fall outside the normal monsoon season, there is always a chance of rain in Bhutan and you should be prepared for this.
Himalayan views tend to be best between October to December, as the weather is generally clear with sunny skies. From March to May the valleys are awash with colour when the famous rhododendrons bloom; the country has over 45 wild species.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar, Kamaladi, Kathmandu
Phone: +977 144 24190
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Kathmandu Airport (KTM)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Kathmandu Airport (KTM) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kathmandu
Location end: Kathmandu
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Mosquito repellent
- Water bottle
- Travel sickness tablets (if applicable)
- Lightweight shirts/long-sleeve tops
- Long trousers (pants) or skirts
- Casual clothing
- Sweater and warm jacket for cooler evenings
You should dress conservatively so as not to offend local sensibilities; short shorts, vests, leggings and other tight-fitting clothing is not appropriate. When visiting dzongs, you must cover your legs and arms and men must have a long-sleeved shirt or T-shirt with a collar. Please note shawls are not acceptable for men or women. You can carry a set of dzong clothes on the bus and change before you enter a dzong.
Bhutanese people dress in their best clothes for the festivals and visitors are expected to be well dressed while attending. For both men and women, a long-sleeved top with a collar is suggested, and smart trousers or a long skirt plus smart shoes. We appreciate not every tourist who attends a Bhutanese festival follows these guidelines but we would like to impress upon our passengers the importance of respecting local traditions and avoiding any embarrassment for both themselves and the local leaders/guides. You might like to take a sit mat with you for the festivals as often you have to sit on stone steps.
Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit of 44lb (20kg).
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Thick socks recommended for temple visits (where shoes are not allowed)
- Ear plugs
In Buddhism, it’s believed that neutering or spaying cats and dogs will stop the reincarnation cycle for the animals, therefore you will notice a higher-than-average population of street dogs – we recommend packing ear plugs in case of dogs barking at night.
Practical Information
Visa
Bhutan
You will need a visa for Bhutan, which we will organise for you. The cost of the visa (US$40) is included in the price of the trip.
We need it to organise your Bhutan visa in advance to do this, you will need to send us a clear colour copy of your passport at point of booking. You also need to provide a good coloured passport photo, with white background (and ensure you are not wearing any glasses).
Please make sure we have the passport copy and separate passport photo no later than eight weeks before departure. It can either be sent by post or scanned; both should be very clear and in colour. If you need to get a new passport for the journey, please apply for this immediately, and send us the copy/scan as soon as you receive your new passport. It is vital the information you give us is 100 percent correct, and that the passport copy you send us is the one on which you will be travelling to Bhutan.
Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.
Nepal
You can obtain your visa in advance or on arrival. The Immigration Department of Nepal has suspended visas on arrival for certain nationalities – please check if this applies to you with your nearest embassy or consulate.
Visa in advance
Apply for this through your local consulate or embassy. Further details on this option can be found here:
- For UK passport holders: https://uk.nepalembassy.gov.np/visa/
- For US passport holders: https://us.nepalembassy.gov.np/tourist-visa/
When applying for your visa in advance, the Nepalese government has an online application system (see links above for more info), but it is currently only accepting payments through Nepalese payment channels. Once the online form is completed, the applicant is required to print out the form and either send it, together with the passport, to the embassy, or attend in person.
Visa on arrival
- When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, there will be three lines. If you have already secured your visa, go straight to the Immigration line. If not:
Fill in a tourist visa form at the electronic kiosks. After inserting your passport, the machine will automatically fill out an application form, take an electronic photograph of you and print a paper slip. If the machine won’t read your passport, complete the details manually using the touchscreen. We recommend taking a passport photo with you just in case.
Top tip: This process can be completed through the online immigration portal (click ‘Visa On-Arrival’) within 14-days prior to arrival in Kathmandu, helping you to avoid lengthy queues at the kiosks when you come through immigration – ensure you print and bring the confirmation with you. If you have completed your visa on arrival form in advance, go directly to the visa fees counters with your printed confirmation and skip the kiosk queues. - Proceed to the visa fees collection counter and pay the visa fee (in cash, if possible). Make sure to keep the receipt. Card payments are not always possible, so paying in cash is easiest, most currencies are accepted but US dollars are preferred.
- Go to the relevant immigration desk and present your tourist visa form, payment receipt and passport to obtain your 15-, 30- or 90-day visa stamp. Please check you have been given the correct visa duration.
Vaccinations and Health
Bhutan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Nepal
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There is little to no risk of malaria in Nepal; therefore, antimalarial tablets are not usually advised although may be considered for certain high-risk groups. You may wish to consult your doctor or travel clinic for further advice.
Additionally, dengue fever and chikungunya are known risks in Nepal. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Most of our trips to Nepal go to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further advice on AMS.
When trekking at altitude, and particularly in cold weather, there is a higher chance of developing a cough (sometimes referred to here as the Khumbu cough) or cold symptoms. These symptoms could be a result of inhaling cold mountain air or dust (in the Everest region). You can mitigate against picking up coughs and colds by washing your hands with soap and water at available opportunities and using hand sanitiser. Also wear a buff over your neck and mouth when walking at altitude, particularly in colder weather, which will help limit cold, dry air entering your airways and keep your neck and chest warm.
Local Time
Bhutan's time zone: Asia/Thimphu (UTC +06:00)
Nepal's time zone: Asia/Kathmandu (UTC +05:45)
Electricity
Bhutan’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins), D (three round pins) and G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Nepal’s electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), D (three round pins) and M (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz. Please note, mains electric ‘load shedding’ (planned temporary power cuts) occur regularly throughout towns and cities in Nepal
Money
Bhutan's currency: Bhutan ngultrum (BTN)
Nepal's currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR) It is illegal to import or export rupees, but foreign currency is not limited, provided it is declared on arrival. Keep your change receipts, as you will need them if you want to change rupees back into hard currency at Kathmandu airport.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Kathmandu but please do not rely wholly on them as many are broken or run out of money. We recommend you take cash (US dollars or British pounds) to change in Bhutan. Credit cards (American Express, Visa or Mastercard) can be used for more expensive purchases in the better souvenir shops. There are ATMs in Bhutan mainly of Bank of Bhutan in Thimphu and Paro. The maximum daily withdrawal is 30,000 ngultrums ($500 or so) in local currency. The Bank of Bhutan accepts both Visa and Mastercard.
For purchases, you can use Visa and Mastercard in larger shops but it may be tedious and time-consuming as confirmation is required. There is normally a five percent charge for this which may vary from shop to shop.
The Bhutanese ngultrum is tied to the Indian rupee, which can be used throughout Bhutan (please note only Indian notes up to 100 rupees denomination can be taken into Nepal and Bhutan – do not carry Indian rupee notes of 500 or 2,000 denominations. Cash in British pounds, US dollars or euros can all be easily changed at Paro airport on arrival. If you are bringing cash to change, make sure they are unmarked and in good condition – notes that are torn or written on are not accepted in Bhutan. Ngultrums are impossible to change back, so if you are left with any at the end of the trek make sure you exchange them for Indian notes which can be used in Nepal. It is illegal to import or export rupees or ngultrums, but foreign currency is not limited, provided it is declared on arrival.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Apart from the meals not included in Kathmandu (budget about US$35), you need money for drinks in the hotels in Bhutan. In Kathmandu, Paro and Thimphu, there are souvenirs to purchase. Entrance fees are included for sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary. If you want to leave a small donation in the temples, we recommend 20 ngultrums per temple.
We recommend you take your personal spending money mostly in cash (US dollars, British pound or euros can all be changed easily).
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion but is customary in Bhutan and the following is to act as a guide only.
We suggest you allow about 11,760 ngultrums (US$140) per person for this.
From this, allocate around 2,100 ngultrums (US$25) per person to form a kitty for hotel porters and waiters (you can give this to your Bhutanese tour leader at the start of the trip to divide between the hotels/restaurants).
We suggest you then collect the remaining amount among yourselves towards the end of the trip. This can be divided between the Bhutanese tour leader, assistant guide and drivers at the end of the trip. For a group of more than 12, you have one tour leader, one assistant guide and two drivers.
Divide the tipping money as such:
- 50 percent for the Bhutanese tour leader
- 25 percent for the assistant guide
- 25 percent between the drivers
For a group of 11 or fewer, you may have only one tour leader and one driver. If so, divide the money 70 percent and 30 percent.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony though practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Optional activities and excursions
If you would like to join an optional activity or excursion outside those listed in the itinerary, your leader may be able to assist with selecting a provider. However, Exodus has not assessed the safety standards of activities or excursions that are not listed in the Trip Notes. All optional activities or excursions are undertaken at your own risk.
For this trip, the irrecoverable costs related to in-country operations are outlined below, if booking flight inclusive your sales agent will confirm the terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.
Between 30-41 days prior to travel:
• Return Flight (Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu): £197.50 (US$ 240) per person.
Between 29-21 days prior to travel:
• Return Flight (Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu): £395 (US$ 480) per person.
• Bhutan visa: £35 (US$ 40) per person
Cancellations within 21 days prior to travel will be subject to our standard cancellation fees.
Costs are accurate at the time of writing in November 2023 but may be subject to change.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.