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Discover Bhutan's wonders with Ethecs Holidays, as Alka Selot Asthana did! Enjoy amazing views, cozy stays, and tailored experiences. Start your adventure now!

We are thrilled to share an incredible travel experience from our esteemed client, Alka Selot Asthana, who recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Bhutan. She celebrated her birthday in the lap of the Himalayas, and her detailed travel diary captures the serene beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences that Bhutan offers. Ethecs Holidays made her journey smooth, memorable, and beyond expectations.

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The Dream Destination: Bhutan

Bhutan had always been a dream destination for Alka. However, booking flights to Bhutan can be challenging, and she didn’t want to endure the long road travel. Ethecs Holidays made her dream come true by managing her bookings swiftly and efficiently. They secured flight tickets in record time, turning her dream into reality.

Smooth Flights and Breathtaking Views

Alka’s journey began with a flight from Delhi to Paro, with a transit halt in Kathmandu. She recommends sitting on the left side of the plane while flying to Paro and on the right side on the return flight for breathtaking Himalayan views. Avoid seats behind the wing for an uninterrupted view of the majestic Himalayas, including Mount Everest.

Generous Luggage Allowance

Bhutan Airlines offers a 30 kg luggage allowance, perfect for travelers fond of bringing back local handicrafts. Alka found this very convenient, as she loves collecting unique items from her travels. However, be prepared for long queues at their counters, which open three hours before departure.

Entry into Bhutan

Entry into Bhutan was smooth, with a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of ₹1,200 per night per person, levied at the time of entry. Ethecs Holidays ensured that all necessary arrangements were made, making the process hassle-free.

Perfect Itinerary

Alka’s itinerary was perfectly planned for five nights and six days. She landed in Paro and drove directly to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, for the first two nights. The next night was spent in Punakha, followed by the last two nights in Paro. She flew back from Paro, making the trip both efficient and enjoyable.

Excellent Accommodation

Ethecs Holidays arranged fantastic hotels for Alka. She stayed at Hotel Druk in Thimphu, RKPO in Punakha, and Himalayan Keys in Paro. All three hotels were excellent, especially in terms of location. Breakfast and dinner were included, and the staff was friendly and polite. Alka particularly appreciated the comfort and hospitality provided by these hotels.

Memorable Sightseeing

Alka visited various spots, including the King’s Palace, temples, stupas, local markets, monasteries, bridges, forests, mountains, parks, and meditation caves. The most iconic spot was Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang, located 3,120 meters above sea level. The steep hike was incredibly challenging yet rewarding. Alka’s journey to Tiger’s Nest started at 6:30 am and took almost 10 hours. Despite the difficulty, the experience was unforgettable.

Cultural Immersion

Bhutan’s soothing serenity, non-obtrusive religiousness, non-pretentious simplicity, and overwhelming goodness are hard to capture in pictures. Alka’s travel diary emphasizes that Bhutan’s beauty and tranquility must be experienced firsthand. Ethecs Holidays ensured that she had an authentic experience, respecting the local culture and traditions.

Connectivity and Cash

Alka points out that connectivity in Bhutan is limited, making it unsuitable for staycations. Only cash works in Bhutan, with Indian Rupees used interchangeably. Digital payments like credit cards, debit cards, and UPI don’t work, so it’s important to carry enough cash. This advice is crucial for travelers used to digital transactions.

Local Expertise

Bhutan mandates tourists to have a local agent, which is essential for a smooth experience. Ethecs Holidays provided an excellent driver-guide pair, Kesang and Thinley, who made Alka’s trip hassle-free and enjoyable. They even arranged special blessings and a grand birthday cake for her! Their expertise and dedication added a personal touch to her journey.

Unique Experiences

Bhutan offers unique experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. For example, the postal department can make stamps with your picture, which can be used for postage. This delightful experience is perfect for those fond of writing and sending letters. Alka found this to be a charming aspect of her trip.

Cultural Insights

Alka was impressed by several cultural aspects of Bhutan. Women inherit property, live-in relationships are accepted, and the majority of Bhutanese wear their national dress. The Bhutanese adore their King and have a holy reverence for the royal family. Their non-ostentatious lifestyle and deep-rooted traditions fascinated her.

Truly Blessed Experience

Alka’s birthday week in Bhutan was truly blessed, thanks to Ethecs Holidays. Their meticulous planning and local expertise made her trip unforgettable. Alka highly recommends Ethecs Holidays for anyone planning a trip to Bhutan. They ensured every detail was taken care of, providing a seamless and enriching experience.

Plan Your Bhutan Adventure with Ethecs Holidays

If you’re dreaming of a Bhutan adventure, let Ethecs Holidays make your dream come true. Our expertise and dedication will ensure an unforgettable journey. Visit ethecs.com to start planning your trip today.

For a detailed account of Alka’s magical experience in Bhutan, read her travel diary here.

Experience the magic of Bhutan with Ethecs Holidays, where every journey is a story waiting to be told.