Nestled in the folds of the Eastern Himalayas, remaining in self-imposed isolation for centuries, Bhutan opened up to the world in a glacial pace. The population lived in close harmony with nature, evolving a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. This country of 700,000 people, roughly the size of Switzerland, is the world’s only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife.
This self-sufficient population was never been colonized and had limited contact to the outside world. The Indian saint Padmasambhava, popularly known in the Tantric tradition as Guru Rinpoche, established Buddhism in the 8th century. Perhaps the most dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival, in 1616, of ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa school of Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity.
In 1907, a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration, and the people unanimously elected GongsarUgyenWangchuck as the first hereditary King of Bhutan thus beginning the glorious era of the Wangchuck dynasty. In 2006, the fourth king of Bhutan, JigmeSingyeWangchuck announced that he would abdicate in favor of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. In 2008, the year that marked 100 years of the monarchy saw two important events; the first democratic elections and the coronation of the fifth king, JigmeKhesarNamgyelWangchuck.
- Prices are quoted per person based on a minimum of 2 adults traveling together.
- Availability of rooms and rates is confirmed upon booking.
- No refunds are provided for any unused services.
- Standard check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out time is 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may incur a supplement.
- Surcharge applies for transfers between 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- All services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- For one adult and one child traveling, adult rates apply for the child.
- Accommodation for children follows the child policy of individual hotels.
- Costs are based on guests traveling together on the same flight.
- Visas are issued in conjunction with land packages and cannot be issued separately. Additional charges apply for standalone visa requests.
- Visa processing time is 4-5 working days, excluding weekends and public holidays.
- No live entertainment and no alcohol are provided during religious events.
- Surcharges apply during festivals, blackouts, conventions, special events, and holidays.
- Prices are subject to change without notice depending on travel dates and availability.
- Niceholidays acts as a facilitator for travel arrangements and is not responsible for visa approval or rejection. Approval is at the discretion of the respective embassy.
- Niceholidays is not responsible for flight changes or cancellations by airlines. Guests must accept airline options, and no refunds are provided for non-refundable hotel bookings if the new flight does not match the original booking.
- Detailed holiday package terms and conditions are available for reference
Cancellations made more than 60 days prior to the departure date: Full refund minus a 10% administrative fee.
Cancellations made between 30 to 60 days prior to the departure date: 50% refund of the total trip cost.
Cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the departure date: No refund will be issued.
No-shows or early departures: No refunds will be issued.