Welcome to Bhutan Valley Adventures

Welcome to Bhutan Valley Adventures ! Bhutan Valley Adventures is based in Paro, Bhutan. We are a member of the Association of Bhutanese Tour Operators. The company is formed by a native of Paro and a foreign investor who has a passionate interest in the Himalayas. The partners of this company are both enthusiastic adventurers who have visited many remote parts of the world such as Tibet, Sikkim, Nepal, China, India, Cambodia and Chile. We want to share our joy in seeing the world with you. By bringing together our combined experiences both as service provider in tourism and explorer of remote countries, it is our personal satisfaction to make sure that you get the most out of your Bhutan experiences. "Most importantly, we want you to return home knowing that your eyes are opened, your horizon has been expanded and there is more for you to explore in the future. You will feel lighter on your shoulder and walk taller and see a prettier world." - Phub Gyeltshen, owner of Bhutan Valley Adventures.

Bhutan has only been open to tourism since 1974. However, visitors didn't come in greater numbers until the 90's. It is still a young and fresh tourist destination free from unnecessary human intervention. The tourism industry is regulated by Bhutan Tourism Authority who oversees the country's tourism policy such as tariff, service standard and licencing of tour operators. Limited tourist infrastructure and high tariff imposed by government regulation means that the country remains unspoilt from overcrowding and commercialization. Around 13,000 tourists visited this country in 2006, a notch higher than 2005. The number is expected to grow gradually as interests in Asia destinations such as Tibet & Angkor Wat of Cambodia gather more momentum. Many people are attracted to these holy places to pursue spiritual enrichment.

However, many people have told us that they are clueless about how to visit Bhutan. A few have even expressed their frustrations over the difficulties of locating a travel agent in Bhutan. Our presence is a life-saver to them. It is like the best-kept secret shared by the few lucky ones that have visited Bhutan. There were few literature around that tells you how to approach the subject even if you have decided to plunge in with your efforts and money especially when it comes down to which travel agent to talk to. We have put together a meticulously composed on-line guide to show you the facts and practical issues with feedbacks from our former guests who have kindly agreed to be our consultants. Let us be the one to help you to paint that footmap for one of your greatest adventures.

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We believe you are looking for some extraordinary places after roaming around the world. Bhutan is a hidden gem waiting for the world to discover her.

The country provides a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhism in the greater Himalaya area in its purest manner. Through its aggressive preservation policy, Bhutan has one of the greatest diversity in bio species in the world.Its air is free from both overcrowded population and industrial pollution. Bhutan soothes your souls and your body in ways found in no other places. The fresh air feeds your brain and frees up your mind.

There are two peak seasons: March to May in spring time and September to November in autumn.

Coming around any festivals will make your trip most interesting, a chance to do people watching and to mingle with Bhutanese people. Festivals provide the rare window for any tourists interested in learning about Tibetan Buddhism traditions and history in a most entertaining way. Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu are usually the busiest time of the year. Check the festival calendar to decide when you can best target your visit time.

We can customize an itinerary according to your interests and time available. Most guests are just happy with one of our suggested itineraries with minor changes. You may choose cultural tour, trekking tour, religious study tour, pilgrimage tour or simply sightseeing Tour. Bhutan is perfect for people wishing to gain more knowledge in Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual enlightenment since English is well spoken here by guides. It is considered as the last Shangri-la in the world, standing on the hill of the Himalayas. Religious Study Trips and Pilgrimage Tour have been carried out with long history in Bhutan and is fast gaining popularity with spiritual clubs. Guides in other language such as French or Spanish can be arranged if request well in advance and is subject to availability.

Our Roles: Bhutan Valley Adventures will handle:

Druk Air Reservation

Bhutan Visa Application

Provide land package (hotel reservation, car & driver, English speaking guide) and all the logistics while we host you. Packages excluding airfares start at US$1000++ per person twin sharing for 5 days culture tour in Western Bhutan, also other terms and conditions may apply.

we also have a comprehensive selection of itineraries of various duration between 5-24 days. Read more ...

Practicality Suggestion

Bhutan has a short history in tourism and the industry is still tightly regulated. This means local travel agents need to apply for a licence to get involved. The rates are controlled by the BHUTAN TOURISM AUTHORITY and payment on tour packages is deposited directly to Bhutan Tourism Authority who then takes 33% as royalty. Only then, the balance goes to local tour operator to cover accomodation, transportation, driver and guide etc. Even if you go through an American or overseas touring company, you must be sponsored by a Bhutanese local travel agent. It is up to you to decide whether you want to go direct to a Bhutan travel agent or not especially if you have a referral.

Travel to Bhutan You can enter Bhutan via 6 entry points by taking Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airline). This is the only airline that serves these cities and Paro Airport of Bhutan: Bangkok in Thailand, Delhi and Kolkata in India, Kathmandu in Nepal are common choices. Bangkok is the gateway that has the most frequent connections by Druk Air in and out of Paro. There is daily flight between Bangkok and Paro and 3 or 4 flights between Delhi, Kolkata. Kathmandu and Paro each week. Both Bangkok and Delhi have relatively good and easy connection with the rest of the world with frequent flights going everywhere each day. Both cities are interesting stopover by itself for their tourist attractions and their food and good shopping experiences.

Air tickets for Druk Air Druk Air is the national airline of the Royal Government of Bhutan which has purchased new aircrafts in recent years to serve our ever growing demand from tourism. More details can be found at Druk Air Website. Air tickets on Druk Air can be purchased by Bhutan Valley Adventures or any Bhutanese travel agents and sent to you via pouch as long as you advise us on your preferred port of entry. You will find the flight schedule on their website as well.

Visa You are required to apply for a visa to Bhutan prior to the start of your holiday and it can only be applied in Bhutan through a travel agent located in Bhutan. No foreign mission or representative has the ability to grant tourist visa to you. All you need to do is to fax the detail page of your passport together with a completed application form to the travel agent. Bhutan Valley Adventures will handle application for you while you sit comfortably at home or at work. Your passport will be stamped with the offical visa upon arrival at Paro Airport. Allow minimum of three weeks for visa processing.

You should try to identify a capable travel agent at the earliest possible moment to assist you in planning your trip to Bhutan and to process all the formalities for you. It is the most important decision you have to make for your holiday and the rest will be taken care of for you. You are advised to start booking your holidays at least 2 to 3 months in advance.

The Choice Partner for Your Adventure

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Why Bhutan as a Destination

Best Time to Visit

Programs