The Land of Thunder Dragon, Bhutan is known for its stunning landscapes, legendary ancient temples and fortresses, spicy yet delicious food, colorful festivals and most of all its authenticity. If you wish to slow down your fast-paced city life and relish a moment or two in the lap of Himalayas, Bhutan is the place for you! The charms of this isolated Himalayan Kingdom are knitted strong within its cultural realms. The government takes all measures to preserve its culture, history and rich tradition. So why wait on to miss out on Bhutan travel experience?
1. Happiness is the key to Bhutan’s Tourism – Bhutan prides itself on its sustainable approach to tourism. Bhutan is the only country to measure GNH or Gross National Happiness as an indicator of its prosperity.
2. Traditional.Authentic.Pure.Divine – Imagine what it is traveling in a country where the natives live by their traditions and values, the environment, legacy, and future are of utmost importance to the government and everyone looks forward to development-the cultural way? That’s Bhutan!
3. Low Volume, High Impact – With a tariff of US $250/tourist (except for tourists traveling from India, Bangladesh, & Maldives) to be spent every day makes Bhutan appear as one of the most expensive destinations. However, the amount includes accommodation, food, transport, and an official guide. Moreover, to burst the myth there is no limit to tourist visas.
Indian nationals do not need a visa and licensed tour guide to explore Bhutan.
4. Food Utopia – A country where rice is red and chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the most important ingredient. Their national dish, Ema Datshi, is a fiery blend of green chilies smothered in cheese.
5. A Cultural Legacy – Bhutan is a land of monasteries and fortresses. Buddhism is deeply engraved in the soul of the country and is driven with interesting cultural beliefs.
Must Read: 9 Soul-Satisfying Things To Do In Paro On Your Bhutan Getaway In 2022
6. Natural Wonders – Experience Bhutan’s natural wonder first-hand when exploring the beautiful nation. Travel across the mountain passes- dazzling with rhododendrons in spring. Trek across the mountains and witness the flora & fauna riches, unique mammals & birds protected in several national parks.
7. Welcomes with Goodbye – Visit the most hospitable country across the world and let the warm smiles and ‘goodbyes’ (used for welcoming people in Bhutan) invite you the Land of thunder dragon.
We bring to you reasons why you should visit Bhutan at least once in a lifetime to explore the treasure box of a traditional Himalayan Life.
Suggested Read: 8 Homestays In Paro For A Taste Of Bhutanese Charm Amidst Tranquility In 2022
1. Tiger’s Nest Monastery
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The Legendary Taktsang Goemba or the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched at a height of 3000m on a vertical cliff. It is believed Guru Rinpoche flew to this cliff on a flaming tigress and meditated here. This spectacular monastery is one of the most sacred sites to the Buddhist pilgrims.
Suggested Read: Bhutan In December: A Quintessential Travel Guide For An Exquisite 2022 Vacation!
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2. Punakha Festival
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There is no better way to get under the skin of the place than to experience it during the time of festive celebrations. Witness the traditional Bhutanese style masquerade dance; the re-enactments of the Bhutanese victory over invading Tibet as firecrackers explode and the battle scenes are acted out in one of the most beautiful buildings of Bhutan – Punakha Dzong. It is believed that the ones who witness the mask dances receive blessings and wash away the sins as the world’s largest religious Thangka scroll, Paro Thongdrel unfolds at the festive ceremony.
Suggested Read: Top 10 Honeymoon Places In Bhutan In 2022 To Fall In Love All Over Again!
3. Thimphu
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Travel to the small capital of Bhutan and the only capital in the world without traffic lights to explore the colourful weekend markets and quirky shops. Thimphu houses the traditional Bhutanese art, culture and tradition. The architecture of the city is embellished with wooden houses and concrete buildings constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
Suggested Read: 10 Fascinating Places To Visit In Phuentsholing In 2022 On Your Trip To Bhutan
4. Dochula Pass
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Every Bhutan travel guide is incomplete without including Dochula Pass. It is a concentration of 108 chortens (Stupas) was built in the memory of Bhutanese soldiers who were killed in 2003 war against the insurgents from India. The pass offers a spectacular 360 panoramic view of the valleys overlooking the snow-capped mountains.
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5. Chimi Lhakhang
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One of the most honoured temples in Bhutan, the Temple of Fertility or the Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. Frequented by tourists and childless couples seeking special blessings to beget a child. The temple is decorated with colourful phalluses which are believed to drive malicious gossip and evil eye away.
Suggested Read: 10 Invigorating Adventure Sports In Bhutan You Must Try In 2022
6. Phobjikha Valley
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Set on the western slopes of the black mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Phobjikha Valley is a stunningly beautiful wildlife preserve popular for its scenic splendour and cultural uniqueness. The park is a hot bed for wildlife activity and a paradise for birdwatchers. One could spot the globally threatened black neck cranes migrate to the valley in winters.
7. Red Panda Brewery
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For those who thought Bhutan is all about culture and tradition, well, there’s more to it! Hit the countries first established brewery known as the Red Panda Brewery established in 2006 by Fritz Maurer. Beer is brewed from wheat and is pretty strong especially at high altitude.
8. Zuri Dzong Hike
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A trek to Zuri Dzong is a popular hiking trip amongst many tourists. The peak of the Zuri Dzong trek is a perfect spot for a bird’s-eye view of the entire Paro Valley, with glorious Himalayas in the backdrop. It is believed that Buddha had meditated in one of the Zuri Dzong caves in the 8th century. One could soak in the tranquil, serene and extraordinary views as you hike along the trekking trail.
9. Gangtey Valley
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This Bhutan travel guide is incomplete without Gangtey Valley trails which lead to the historical Gangtey monastery passing through dense forests of magnolia, rhododendron and juniper to ferns & dwarf bamboo and villages of Gogona & Khotokha.
10. Arts & Crafts Of Bhutan
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Zorig Chusum or the 13 Bhutanese arts are rooted in the Buddhist philosophy. Pema Lingpa, a treasure discoverer introduced 13 arts and crafts namely, woodwork, stonework, paper making, carving, painting, sculpting, wood turning, black smithy, ornament making, bamboo work, weaving tailoring, to Bhutan in the 15th century.
Bhutan Travel Tips
Here are some useful tips to help you plan a hassle-free holiday to the happiest country in the world.
- Make your travel experience in Bhutan worthwhile by planning your trip around festival time in Bhutan.
- It is better if you make your arrangements at a homestay as it will give you a wonderful experience and introduce you to the beautiful culture of Bhutan.
- Pack warm clothes if you are visiting Bhutan between November and March.
- If you are planning a solo travel to Bhutan, Indian nationals do not require to pay a surcharge per day like foreign naionals do.
Further Read: 32 Budget International Trips For Your Holiday In 2022 Which Will Cost You Less Than An iPhone!
Bhutan is a country that possesses stunning places for all kinds of travelers. It is a place that can be visited with family or friends. If you are inspired after taking a glance at the places and pictures in Bhutan travel guide, then you must plan a wonderful trip to Bhutan with TravelTriangle. Treat your soul by planning a peaceful getaway soon and add Bhutan travel experience in your trip diary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Bhutan Travel
Why you should go to Bhutan?
Bhutan is the only country which is considered as the happiest country on earth. It is measured on GNH which is used to measure the happiness of the population.
Is Indian currency accepted in Bhutan?
INR 50 & 100 Rupee note may be accepted in Bhutan but INR 500 & 2000 are not accepted in the country.
How many days should I spend in Bhutan?
You need at least a week in Bhutan if you want to cover major attractions in Bhutan. It requires a lot of traveling in Bhutan to get from one place to another. So, you should keep those days into account. Since you are traveling all the way to this beautiful country, it only makes sense if you have ample days for exploration.
Why is it so expensive to visit Bhutan?
It is only expensive if you are a foreign national because they have to pay a daily surcharge as long as they are traveling in the country. Another reason why it is expensive to visit Bhutan is transportation. As all the tourist attractions lie far away from each other and there is no public transport infrastructure, you may have to get your own cab which increases the cost of your trip.
Is food cheap in Bhutan?
Yes, food is cheap in Bhutan if you decide to not eat at your hotel. It costs around INR 250-500 per person per meal. If you dine at a mid-range restaurant, the cost would come around INR 800. Try local street food in Bhutan to get a taste of authentic Bhutanese flavors.
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Yashpreet lives for the love of all things living and green. Found either lost in thoughts or conversations, most of which are about sustainability, business, fashion, travel and/ or when is the right time to nap.
