Encounters Nepal: Your Trusted Gateway to the Soul of Bhutan.

 BHUTAN…An unspoiled hidden kingdom…

Discreetly, but wonderfully hidden in the eastern Himalayas between India & China (Tibet), Bhutan is a meagerly populated country of one million people. This quiet little sleepy kingdom is also considered to be the last surviving Mahayana Buddhist state. Bhutan is a fantastic country cutely nestled within the majestic Himalayas, a unique cultural heritage preserved for many centuries, in an architectural style like no others, a land full of warm hearted and friendly people; & this reveals a true paradise in a lost era of the present century.

Bhutan, the last paradise on earth reflects age old religion, culture, arts and architecture with its golden peaks in the background of deep green valleys and lush green hillsides, the vivid blue of the rivers and the sky, the white of the snow above the brown-gold alpine pastures speaks a tranquil language of silence – an integral part of Himalayan Buddhism for meditation and worship enabling believers to reach closer to the goal of enlightenment.

This is a unique land, having survived the centuries by maintaining a distinct identity. Bhutan often referred to as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon` is still regarded as one of the last Shangri-La’s in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness. It’s spectacular mountain terrain, with varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only limited number of discerning travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture. Bhutan, a purely Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom is unsurpassed in its scenic majesty and vibrant culture. The Kingdom shares with Nepal the world's greatest concentration of mountains and & the living heritage of Buddhism.

The fifty minutes flight from Kathmandu to Paro can truly be described as an enchanting flight of fantasy. During the flight a first hand close up view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga and other famous peaks become reality. Biweekly flights between these two kingdoms have made easier travel to the long isolated Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan.

EncountersNepal.com, a specialist in BHUTAN tours, can make your Dragon tour dreams come true through its exciting & affordable packages. We also offer a variety of programs to suit various interests; they include: culture, history, nature, wildlife, bird watching, treks & expeditions both for groups and individuals. Travel with us to the Land of the Thunder Dragon & covet the quiet & peace of an old world charm that’s there to cherish for a lifetime.  Our sample packages are as follows…..

RISK & LIABILITIES:

While EncountersNepal.com Pvt. Ltd will put in every effort to make your journey & holidays as smooth & pleasant as possible, we would like you to know that all the programs in BHUTAN are conducted strictly under the rules & regulations of the BHUTAN TOURISM AUTHORITIES. Therefore, ENCOUNTERS NEPAL or its Bhutanese counterpart shall not be responsible for any changes and alterations in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances such as landslides, road blockades due to floods & snow, or political disturbance, cancellation of flights, arrival delays, sickness or accidents. Any extra cost incurred thereof shall be borne by the clients on the spot. Encounters Nepal strongly advises all its clients to get full insurance against medical and personal accidents when traveling far from home. Cancellation insurances are also highly recommended.

Bhutan Tour Cost & Tax Structure 2026

Mandatory Supplements & Taxes

• SDF (Sustainable Development Fee): USD 100.00 per person/night (Included in the rates above).

• Visa Fee: USD 40.00 per person (One-time payment).

• Government Tax (GST): 5% GST applies to the service component of the tour (Already calculated into our 2026 package rates).

• Single Supplement: USD 40.00 per night (For travelers requesting a private room in 3-star accommodations).

What’s Included in the Price?

• SDF Government Royalty: Your contribution to Bhutan’s free education, healthcare, and carbon-neutral initiatives.

• Accommodation: Government-certified 3-star hotels (Standard Twin/Double sharing).

• Meals: Full board (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including tea/coffee and bottled water.

• Transport: Private SUV or Mini-Bus with a dedicated professional driver.

• Guide: Expert English-speaking Bhutanese cultural guide.

• Entrance Fees: All permits and entry fees for museums, Dzongs, and monuments.

What’s Not Included?

• International flights (Kathmandu to Paro).

• Travel insurance (Highly recommended).

• Personal expenses (Alcohol, tips, laundry).

• Luxury hotel upgrades (4-star and 5-star available upon request).

1. Q1: How do I travel to Bhutan from Nepal?

   Answer: Kathmandu is one of the best gateways to Bhutan. There are direct flights from Kathmandu (TIA) to Paro (PBH) operated by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. The flight takes about 1 hour and offers some of the best views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga.

   Q2: Is travel insurance mandatory for Bhutan in 2026?

   Answer: While the government recently made insurance optional for visa processing, we highly recommend comprehensive travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation and high-altitude trekking if you plan to hike.

   Q3: Can I travel independently in Bhutan?

   Answer: While you can explore cities like Thimphu and Paro at your leisure, a licensed Bhutanese guide is mandatory for visiting Dzongs, monasteries, and traveling beyond the main western valleys. Encounters Nepal provides expert local guides to ensure a seamless cultural experience.

   Q4: Is there a new tax (GST) for Bhutan tours in 2026?

   Answer: Yes, starting January 1, 2026, a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to tour components like accommodation and transport. However, the SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) remains exempt from this tax.