# Druk Asia - Bhutan Travel Specialist

## Overview

Druk Asia is an award-winning Bhutan travel agency and the official General Sales Agent (GSA) of Royal Bhutan Airlines (Drukair). Founded in 2009, they specialize in customized Bhutan tours for individuals, couples, groups, and corporate retreats. The company is licensed in Bhutan, Singapore (STB TA01908), and Malaysia, and has served over 22,940+ travellers worldwide.

- **Website**: [Druk Asia](https://www.drukasia.com)
- **Phone**: +65 8767-9939 (Singapore)
- **Email**: hello@drukasia.com
- **Offices**: Thimphu, Bhutan - Singapore - Malaysia
- **Awards**: TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice 2023 - 2025, Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2024, Global Brand Awards 2025, Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025
- **Rating**: 4.9/5 from 1,000+ reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, Trustpilot, and Facebook

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## Core Services

### Tour Types

Druk Asia offers fully customisable Bhutan tours across six categories:

- **Cultural Tours** - Explore dzongs, monasteries, museums, and living Bhutanese traditions. Starting from USD 1,250 per person.
- **Festival Tours (Tshechu)** - Witness Bhutan's iconic mask dance festivals at Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and beyond.
- **Luxury Tours** - 5-star hotels (Amankora, COMO Uma, Six Senses), private guides, helicopter upgrades. From USD 4,500 per person.
- **Trekking Tours** - From gentle day hikes to the legendary Snowman Trek. From USD 2,000 per person.
- **Adventure Tours** - Mountain biking, river rafting, kayaking, fly fishing, trail running.
- **Bespoke Tours** - Photography expeditions, corporate retreats, wellness trips, pre-wedding shoots, meditation tours, art and sketching tours.

### Flights (Drukair)

As the official Drukair representative, Druk Asia handles all flight bookings:

- **Singapore-Paro**: Twice weekly direct flights (4h 30m)
- **Bangkok-Paro**: Daily flights (3h 30m)
- **Kathmandu-Paro**: Daily flights (1h)
- **Delhi-Paro**: 5x weekly (1h 45m)
- **Kolkata-Paro**: Daily flights
- **Dhaka-Paro**: Thrice weekly
- **Dubai-Paro**: Twice weekly
- **Guwahati/Gaya/Bagdogra**: Seasonal routes

Flights may include a technical stop in Guwahati or Bagdogra (India) where passengers typically remain onboard.

### Visa & Permits

Druk Asia offers guaranteed Bhutan visa approval (or full refund). Key details:

- **Visa fee**: USD 40 per person (non-refundable)
- **Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)**: USD 100/night per adult (Sep 2023 - Aug 2027 promotion, normally USD 200/night)
- **Children 6-11**: USD 50/night SDF
- **Children under 5**: Free
- **Processing time**: 5-7 working days
- **Indian nationals**: INR 1,200/night (permit system)
- **Note**: You need a printed Bhutan Visa Clearance letter to board Drukair flights

### Accommodation

Druk Asia partners with handpicked hotels across Bhutan:

- **Luxury 5-star**: COMO Uma Paro & Punakha, Amankora, Zhiwaling Heritage, Le Meridien Riverfront, Pemako, The Postcard Dewa, &Beyond Punakha River Lodge
- **4-star**: Taj Tashi, Gangtey Goempa Vouch, Dhensa Resort
- **3-star**: Rema Resort, Khang Residency, Druk Hotel, Kechu Resort
- **Homestays**: Farmhouse stays with local families for authentic experiences

All hotels in tour packages include meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

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## Popular Itineraries

### 7-Day Essential Bhutan
- **Day 1**: Arrive Paro -> Thimphu (Motithang Takin Preserve, Buddha Dordenma)
- **Day 2**: Thimphu (Farmers Market, Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Memorial Chorten, Paper Factory, Simtokha Dzong, Tashichho Dzong)
- **Day 3**: Thimphu -> Punakha via Dochula Pass -> Punakha Dzong -> Chimi Lhakhang -> Suspension Bridge
- **Day 4**: Punakha (Khamsum Yulley Chorten hike, riverside picnic, farmhouse dinner)
- **Day 5**: Travel to Paro (Kyichu Lhakhang, Dumtse Lhakhang)
- **Day 6**: Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery) hike
- **Day 7**: Depart

**Price**: From USD 1,850 per person (minimum 2 pax). Includes: private guide, visas, airport transfers, all meals, 3-star hotel, transport, entry fees, SDF, government taxes.

### 10-Day Discover Bhutan
Covers Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley, and Bumthang with deeper cultural immersion.

### 5-Day Uma Paro Luxury Tour
Premium COMO Uma Paro experience with spa treatments, guided hikes, and private excursions.

### Festival-Specific Tours
- **Paro Tshechu** (Mar/Apr 2026): 7 days, USD 1,850 - features the Guru Thongdrel unfurling
- **Thimphu Tshechu** (Sep 2026): 7 days, USD 1,850
- **Royal Highlander Festival at Laya** (Oct 2026): 11 days, USD 3,050 - 4,000m elevation festival
- **Black-Necked Crane Festival** (Nov 2026): 9 days, USD 2,570

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## Bhutan Travel Information

### About Bhutan

- **Location**: Landlocked Himalayan kingdom between China (north) and India (south)
- **Area**: 38,394 km^2
- **Population**: ~771,608
- **Capital**: Thimphu
- **Language**: Dzongkha (official); English widely used
- **Currency**: Ngultrum (BTN); Indian Rupee also accepted
- **Religion**: Vajrayana Buddhism (state religion); Hinduism in southern regions
- **Government**: Constitutional monarchy; King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
- **National animal**: Takin
- **National bird**: Raven
- **National flower**: Himalayan Blue Poppy
- **National sport**: Archery

### Best Time to Visit

- **Spring (March - May)**: Blooming rhododendrons, Paro Tshechu, Jacaranda at Punakha Dzong. High season.
- **Autumn (September - November)**: Clear skies, Thimphu Tshechu, harvest season, Black-Necked Crane Festival. Peak season (October busiest, 20% of annual arrivals).
- **Summer (June - August)**: Lush green valleys, fewer tourists, monsoon with light afternoon showers. Off-peak but affordable.
- **Winter (December - February)**: Snow-dusted landscapes, Black-Necked Cranes in Phobjikha, fewer crowds. Best for budget travellers.

### Geography & Regions

Bhutan has 4 zones and 20 districts:

- **Western Bhutan**: Paro (airport hub), Thimphu (capital), Punakha (ancient capital), Haa, Wangdue Phodrang, Gangtey/Phobjikha
- **Central Bhutan**: Trongsa, Bumthang (spiritual heartland)
- **Eastern Bhutan**: Samdrup Jongkhar, Lhuentse, Pemagatshel, Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse
- **Southern Bhutan**: Gelephu (border gateway)

### Key Attractions

1. Tiger's Nest (Taktsang Monastery), Paro - perched on a 900m cliff
2. Punakha Dzong - at the confluence of two rivers
3. Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu - 169-foot bronze statue
4. Dochula Pass - 108 chortens with Himalayan views
5. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha - intricate mural-filled temple
6. National Memorial Chorten, Thimphu - Buddhist worship site
7. Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), Punakha
8. Phobjikha Valley - Black-Necked Crane habitat
9. Bumthang Valley - apple orchards, Swiss cheese, Red Panda brewery
10. Drugyal Dzong, Paro - historic fortress with Mt. Jomolhari views

### Getting to Bhutan

**By Air**: Drukair flights land at Paro International Airport (PBH), one of the world's most technically demanding airports. Only visual flight rules - heavy cloud or wind can cause delays.

**Best seats for mountain views**: Left side (A seats) on inbound flights; right side (F seats) on westbound outbound flights. Sit forward of Row 7 or behind Row 15.

**By Land**: Entry via Phuntsholing or Samdrup Jongkhar from India.

### Bhutan Festivals (Tshechus)

Bhutan's Tshechus are sacred Buddhist festivals honouring Guru Rinpoche, featuring masked Cham dances, religious rituals, and the unfurling of giant Thongdrel (silk tapestries). They are social and spiritual occasions where the Bhutanese wear their finest traditional dress and jewelry. Key festivals:

| Festival | Location | Typical Dates |
|----------|----------|---------------|
| Paro Tshechu | Paro Rinpung Dzong | Late March–early April |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Tashichho Dzong | Late September |
| Punakha Dromche & Tshechu | Punakha Dzong | February |
| Royal Highlander Festival | Laya, Gasa | October 23–24 |
| Black-Necked Crane Festival | Phobjikha | November 11 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | October/November |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Dochula Pass | December 13 |
| Talo Tshechu | Punakha valley | Varies |

Festival dates follow the Bhutanese lunar calendar and may shift annually.

### Travel Costs

- **SDF**: USD 100/night (current promotional rate, Sep 2023–Aug 2027)
- **Visa fee**: USD 40 (non-refundable)
- **Minimum daily package rate**: Approximately USD 200/night (covers guide, hotels, meals, transport - regulated by Tourism Council of Bhutan)
- **7-day cultural tour**: From USD 1,850 per person
- **10-day cultural tour**: From USD 2,400 per person
- **Luxury 5-star tour**: From USD 4,500 per person
- **Drukair flights**: Varies by origin and season; discounts up to 25% available

### Travel Tips

- **Booking timing**: Book festival trips 6+ months ahead. Peak season flights/hotels sell out quickly.
- **Altitude**: Most tour areas are below 3,000m. Altitude sickness is uncommon but trekkers above 3,000m should acclimatise.
- **Currency**: Carry Ngultrum or Indian Rupees for remote areas; cards accepted in major cities.
- **Tipping**: Not compulsory or culturally expected - personal choice.
- **Photography**: Always ask permission, especially at religious sites and of monks.
- **Dress code**: Modest dress covering shoulders and knees at dzongs and monasteries. Remove shoes before entering.
- **WiFi**: Available in hotels and cafes in major towns; slower in remote areas.
- **Insurance**: Travel insurance is no longer mandatory (as of April 2024) but strongly recommended.
- **What to buy**: Traditional masks, prayer flags, handwoven textiles, thangkas, honey, cordyceps, yak cheese, personalised Bhutan Post stamps.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?**
All foreign nationals except citizens of India (permit required), Bangladesh, and Maldives (visa on arrival) need a visa. Druk Asia guarantees visa approval or full refund.

**Can I travel to Bhutan without a tour operator?**
Since September 2022, independent travel is permitted. However, a licensed tour operator is strongly recommended due to limited public transport and requirement for guides at cultural sites.

**What is included in a Druk Asia tour package?**
Private guide, visas, airport transfers, daily meals (B/L/D), accommodation, transport, entry fees, road permits, government fees, royalties, taxes, SDF, and 24/7 assistance.

**Are flights included in tour prices?**
No - international flights and Drukair flights are quoted separately but can be arranged by Druk Asia.

**Can I customise my itinerary?**
Yes, all itineraries are fully customisable. Druk Asia's specialists tailor every detail to your preferences, fitness level, and interests.

**Is Bhutan safe for solo travellers?**
Yes, Bhutan is very safe. Solo travellers, including women, report feeling secure throughout the country.

**What languages do guides speak?**
English is standard. Guides speaking Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, or Japanese are available at an additional USD 150/day.

**Are there halal food options?**
No halal-certified restaurants exist in Bhutan. Le Meridien Thimphu and Le Meridien Paro offer halal-certified meat. Many vegetarian and vegan options are available.

**What is the cancellation policy?**
Land cost: 45+ days = USD 140 flat; 21-30 days = 35%; 8-20 days = 50%; 4-7 days = 75%; 3 days or less = 100%. Drukair tickets: 30+ days = 75% refund; 10-29 days = 50%; 4-9 days = 25%; 3 days or less = no refund. SGD 100 admin fee per cancelled ticket.

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## Contact Druk Asia

- **WhatsApp / Phone**: +65 8767-9939 (10am - 7pm GMT+8, Mon - Fri)
- **Email**: hello@drukasia.com
- **Website**: [Druk Asia](https://www.drukasia.com/contact/)
- **Small Group Tours (Fixed Departure)**: [Small Group Tours (Fixed Departure)](https://booking.drukasia.com)
- **Travellers Portal**: [Travellers Portal](https://travellers.drukasia.com)
- **Bhutan Travel Guide Book**: [Bhutan Travel Guide Book](https://www.bhutantravelog.com)

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## Page Index

### Tours & Packages
- [All Bhutan tour packages](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/)
- [Cultural tours](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/cultural/)
- [Festival tours](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/festival/)
- [Luxury 5-star tours](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/luxury/)
- [Trekking tours](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/trekking/)
- [Adventure tours](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/adventure/)
- [Custom/bespoke tours](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-tours/bespoke/)
- [Short hike experiences](https://www.drukasia.com/short-hikes/)

### Bhutan Destination
- [Bhutan overview & guide](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/)
- [20 districts across 4 regions](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/geography/)
- [Festival calendar](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/festival-calendar/)
- [Hotels & resorts](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-hotel/)
- [Homestay experiences](https://www.drukasia.com/farmhouses-and-homestays/)
- [Travel guide](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/travel-guide/)
- [Frequently asked questions](https://www.drukasia.com/faq)
- [Travel tips hub](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/tours/tips/)
- [Best seasons guide](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/tours/tips/best-time-to-visit-bhutan/)
- [Planning guide](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/tours/tips/complete-guide-to-planning-your-bhutan-trip/)
- [Special experiences](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan/unique-experiences/)

### Visa & Entry
- [Visa requirements & SDF](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-visa/bhutan-visa-tariff/)
- [How to apply](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-visa/application-procedures/)

### Flights
- [Drukair information](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-druk-air/bhutan-flights-with-drukair/)
- [Flight schedules](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-druk-air/drukair-flight-schedule/)
- [Helicopter charters](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-druk-air/bhutan-helicopter-services/)
- [Pilatus PC-24 charter](https://www.drukasia.com/bhutan-druk-air/versatile-super-light-jet/)

### About & Support
- [About Druk Asia](https://www.drukasia.com/about-us/)
- [Traveller reviews & testimonials](https://www.drukasia.com/about-us/testimonials/)
- [Community & sustainability](https://www.drukasia.com/about-us/sustainability-commitments/)
- [Press & media coverage](https://www.drukasia.com/about-us/press/)
- [Contact form](https://www.drukasia.com/contact/)
- [Travel tips & guides blog](https://www.drukasia.com/blog/)
- [Free Bhutan guide PDF](https://www.drukasia.com/essential-travelog-pdf-download/)