Bhutan is a small Himalayan Kingdom located between India and China. It has a population of over 790,000 people only. The self-imposed isolation from the rest of the world allowed Bhutan to evolve with a unique culture and traditions that have been passed on for generations. International tourism only began in 1974 and television and internet was only introduced in 1999. As such Bhutan is an interesting country to visit for its culture, stunning landscapes and its “off the beaten path” feel thanks to its tourism limitations. Visiting this tiny Kingdom is a bit different to a normal trip and must be planned in advance. This Bhutan travel guide has everything you need to know to plan your trip.

Why Visit Bhutan?

Bhutan was awarded the Earth Award at the International Tourism Bourse in Berlin 2018 in recognition of its effort on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism. Did you know that the constitution of Bhutan mandates a minimum of 60% forest cover to be maintained at all times. Today the total forest cover stands at 72% exceeding the minimum standard and majority of which are identified as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

Bhutan is also regarded as the land of happiness because Bhutan believes that the happiness of its people is the true measure of its progress rather than simply measuring GDP. This developmental philosophy is known as the Gross National Happiness.

Bhutan is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience new culture, history and nature enthusiast and for travelers simply looking to get away from their busy schedules and to rejuvenate and rekindle their spirits.

Travel Cost

This is perhaps the most important part of this Bhutan travel guide. All visitors traveling to Bhutan are subject to the minimum daily tariff set by the Royal Government of Bhutan. The minimum daily tariff is an all-inclusive package. It covers accommodation, food, transport and local guide services. The minimum daily tariff is US$ 250 per person per night during the peak traveling season (Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct and Nov) and US$ 200 per person per night during the lean season.

There is also FIT surcharge which is levied only to solo traveler and group of two travelers. The FIT surcharges are US$ 40 per night for solo traveler and US$ 30 per person per night for group of two travelers.

Booking a Trip to Bhutan

All trips to Bhutan must be booked through an authorized travel agent in Bhutan – you cannot travel to Bhutan independently. The local travel agent will assist interested travelers with all travel management services such as flight, hotel and car reservations and processing the tourist visa. The travel agent will also offer guidance and recommendations while planning tour itinerary.

Applying for Tourist Visa

Travelers cannot apply and process visa independently and must be applied through a Bhutanese travel agent. Travelers are required to fill in a visa application form and submit their passport copy. The passport must have a minimum of six months validity. The visa process can take up to 48 hours and a one-time fee of US$ 40 per person is levied as visa processing fee.

Travelers must note that the Tourism Council of Bhutan and the Department of Immigration will endorse and approve the visa only after full payment of the tour.

Getting to Bhutan

Paro International Airport is the only port of entry for travelers visiting Bhutan via flight. Local airline companies such as Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air operate inbound flights to Paro Bhutan from Singapore, Bangkok Thailand, Dhaka Bangladesh, Kathmandu Nepal and Calcutta and New Delhi in India.

Visitors exploring other places in the region such as India also have the option to enter Bhutan by road. There are three points of entry to Bhutan from the southern border towns of Phuntsholing in south west, Gelephu in south central and Samdrup Jongkhar in south eastern region of Bhutan. Phuntsholing town connects with Indian state of Bengal. The border town is approximately 175 kilometers away from Bagdogra airport and half an hour drive away from Hasimara Indian railway station while Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar town links with Indian state of Assam. The Guwahati international airport is 180 kilometers away from Samdrup Jongkhar town.

Best time to visit Bhutan and things to do

Booking your trip to Bhutan should be considered carefully depending on what you would like to do.

Festivals

The Thimphu Tsechu and Paro Tsechu (Mask Dance Festival) are the biggest events that draws thousands of tourists every year from across the globe. Mask Dance festival are a spiritual social annual event celebrated across the country. The festival is organized within and around the great Dzongs (medieval fortresses) and usually last several days. During the festival, monks recite prayers and perform religion inspired dances wearing extravagant silk robes and terrifying masks depicting Buddhist gods and deities. The sacred dances are believed to invoke deities to bless the congregation.  The event dates vary every year and thus interested visitors must confirm the dates prior to planning their trip.

Trekking in Bhutan

Bhutan is considered a trekkers paradise. Bhutan offers daring trekkers the most difficult trek in the world, the snowman trek. It is a 30 day trek that begins from the western region and the trek ends in central Bhutan. However there are also other treks that are ideal for amateur trekkers. The popular Druk Path Trek and the Jomolhari Trek can last several days depending on the trekker’s fitness level and the trekking route is packed with stunning landscape and introduction to the unique culture of the highlanders who live in the mountains raising yaks. For visitors planning to trek in Bhutan must plan their trip during the months of March, April, May, September, October and November. Planning a trekking trip during the winter and summer season are not possible due to heavy snowfall in the highlands or because of heavy rainfall and poor visibility.

Bhutan on a budget

The best time to visit Bhutan for the wallet conscious travelers are during the lean traveling season. The months of December, January, February, June, July and August are considered a lean traveling period. During the lean traveling season, the minimum daily tariff levied is US$ 200 per person per night instead of US$ 250 and the airlines and the hoteliers also offer discounts.