Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon. Is there another country on the planet with a cooler catch phrase? Bhutan sounds exotic, mystical and almost otherworldly. Bhutan is such a joy to travel to, this tiny country straddling the Himalayas. If you want to see Bhutan before it gets to be modernized, go now. It is a feast for the eyes and an eye opening cultural experience. Explore the dzongs, marvel at the Himalayas, eat chilies and cheese, learn about Buddhism, and have one of the most unique travel experiences of your life.
Bhutan Map
The Kingdom of Bhutan is located in the south of Asia and is a landlocked country on the southern slope of the eastern section of the Himalayas. The country is bordered by China in the north, northeast and northwest and is bordered by India's Sikkim and West Bengal in the west and south.
Bhutan is geopolitically in South Asia and is the region's second least populous nation after the Maldives. Thimphu is its capital and largest city, while Phuntsholing is its financial center.
The country's landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, where there are peaks in excess of 7,000 meters (23,000 ft). Gangkhar Puensum is the highest peak in Bhutan, and it may also be the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The wildlife of Bhutan is notable for its diversity. You can get Map of Bhutan at bookshop in Kathmandu.
Flights to Bhutan
It’s best to take plane to Bhutan. At present, only Kathmandu in Nepal, New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bagdogra, Gaya and Guwahati in India, Dhaka in Bangladesh, Yangon in Myanmar, Bangkok in Thailand and Changi in Singapore have operated direct flights to Bhutan.
Bhutan doesn’t strictly follow the rules of the international aviation. Flights in and out of Bhutan are exclusively operated by Royal Bhutan Airlines, and other airlines are not allowed to fly the Bhutan route. Even if it is monopolized, objectively speaking, the airline is never inferior to its international counterparts in safety and service.
Paro Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan and there is no international airport in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. As the flights are monopolized by the Royal Bhutan Airlines, air fares cost higher, and no discount is available.
Language in Bhutan
The official language is Dzongkha. Nepali is spoken throughout southern Bhutan. Many people will speak and understand English and Hindi.
Bhutan Currency
The unit of Bhutan currency is the ngultrum (Nu), which is pegged to the Indian rupee. The ngultrum is further divided into 100 chetrum. There are coins to the value of 25 and 50 chetrum and Nu 1, and notes of Nu 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000. The Nu 1 coin depicts the eight auspicious symbols called Tashi Tagye, while each note depicts a different dzong.
Indian rupees may be used freely anywhere in Bhutan (don't be surprised if you get change in Indian rupees). Officially 500 and 1000 Indian rupee notes are not accepted due to large amounts of counterfeit notes; however, in practice 500s are usually accepted. Ngultrums cannot be used in India.
Bank of Bhutan (BoB), Bhutan National Bank and Druk PNB Bank ATMs accept some foreign credit cards, but ATMs in Bhutan use the magnetic strip rather than digital chips, and some foreign banks do not permit withdrawals via this method. The government also periodically blocks international ATM transactions for short periods to combat fraud. It always pays to carry cash in case you have problems.
Bhutan Tour Cost
Also called the Minimum Daily Package, this is the daily fee, per person, to visit Bhutan. This tariff covers your stay in a 3 star accommodation (4 and 5 star accommodations require an additional fee), all meals, a licensed Bhutanese tour guide, all internal transportation, and camping equipment if you are going trekking. This fee also includes taxes and the Royalty fee of $65.
The fee is $200 per person, per day for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December. The fee is $250 per person, per day for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November. Children under the age of five are free. Children between 5 and 12 years old receive a 50% discount.
- USD $200 per person per night for the months of January, February, June, July, August, and December.
- USD $250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October, and November.
- An additional $45 per person per night applies if the group is 2 persons & $90 per night if just one person.
Notel: Your payment needs to be wired to the Bhutan National Bank before your visa will be issued. This fee is mandatory. There is no negotiating down the price of the tourist tariff.
Daily package covers the following services
- A minimum of 3 star accommodation (4 & 5 star may require an additional premium).
- All meals
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
- All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
Dressing Guide in Bhutan
Though it is in the subtropical zone, Bhutan features greatly different climates in different places due to its terrain of varied altitudes and Indian Ocean warm and humid monsoon airflow. And it also boasts a large day and night temperature difference. Hence, it’s essential for tourists to pack some thick clothes.
Of course, the climate also varies in different seasons. Check our suggested equipment lists and you can pack clothes accordingly.
- As a religious country, Bhutan holds a more conservative view in dressing, especially that of women’ s. Therefore, you’d better not dress too scantily.
- Shorts are also not recommended for women. It is important to wear long pants or long skirts over the knees. While visiting important religious sites, you need to wear solemnly and take off your hats and shoes.
- In addition, do not wear clothes with patterns that are against the teaching of Buddhism, which shows disrespect to Bhutanese.
Tipping in Bhutan
Whether to tip depends on you. We will always provide you the premium service. If there is anything else you want to know, you’re welcomed to ask us.
Generally speaking, it is recommended to tip in Bhutan, given the fact that tour guides and drivers already have generous income as their government sets the expensive standard for tourism. But as more and more western tourists visit there, tipping has gradually become a normal. Therefore, it’s suggested that you can tip appropriately, maybe 5 dollars per day, a common standard for tipping in South Asia.
Generally, you will be accompanied by the same tour guide and often the same driver all the way in your tour in Bhutan. Hence, giving a certain amount of tip to them can showcase your appreciation and respect to them. And for tourists who go for hiking or trekking, tipping the guide and the staff accompanied is really necessary.
Top Travel Tips Experiences
Tiger’s Nest (Paro Takstang). Gaze at this Buddhist monastery precariously perched on the side of a mountain hundreds of meters off of the ground. It’s worth the uphill hike to get here and this is your chance to see one of Bhutan’s most popular icons.
Paro
Most people spend at least a little time in this city since it is home to Paro International Airport. This is also your home base for the hike up to the Tiger’s Nest.
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan. There is a lot to do here. Visit the Cheri Monastery, see the Takin Preserve, spin prayer wheels at the Memorial Chorten, or gaze up at Buddha Dordenma, the largest sitting Buddha in the world.
Dochula Pass
The Dochula Pass is a high mountain pass (3,150 meters, 10,330 ft) on the road between Thimpu and Punakha. Get a glimpse of snow-covered Himalayas and walk among the 108 chortens that serve as a memorial to Bhutanese soldiers killed in a uprising in 2003.
Punakha
This city was once the capital of Bhutan. Visitors come here to see the amazing Punakha Dzong sitting on the banks of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.
Chimi Lhakhang
This is a Buddhist monastery located near Punakha. Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, is one of Bhutan’s favorite saints, famous for his sexual exploits. His temple is now visited by childless couples searching to increase their fertility. Be blessed by a wooden phallus to ward off evil spirits…a travel experience you won’t soon forget.
- See a festival. Bhutan is a country that loves a festival. These are among the most colorful events in the world.
- Snowman Trek. This is one of the hardest high-altitude treks in the world. Spend 25 days trekking through the Himalayas of Bhutan, crossing nine passes with altitudes over 4500 meters.
Packing List for Bhutan Tour
We suggest you to pack all of your things in a 44L backpacking bag and your day bag. Bhutan tour is more like go out to explore on day tours that means moving around a lot, and potentially some hiking as well, so I recommend packing light in a comfortable pack.
Clothing
Bhutan is a conservative country, so much so that locals are required to wear their traditional dress most of the time. However, visitors are only required to wear certain clothes when entering dzongs or monasteries, but since this occurs most days in Bhutan, it’s best to be prepared.
- Two pairs of lightweight, quick-dry trekking pants
- One pair of yoga pants/leggings
- Two t-shirts
- One long sleeve shirt or thin sweater
- Few pairs of underwear
- Few pairs of blister proof socks
- One packable down coat – October is autumn in Bhutan and can get cool at altitude.
- One large hoodie – for warmth at night while camping
- Running shoes or Flip flops
- Comfortable hiking boots
- One buff – I used mine as a headband to cover my hair when showering wasn’t available
Note: Foreigners are required to wear pants when entering a dzong or monastery. But if that doesn’t bother you, then just make sure you wear which cover your elbows and knees.
Hygiene & Personal Care
Bhutan is still a developing country, so pack accordingly.
- Solid Shampoo and conditioner bar, face wash, Lip balm, sunscreen (recommended raw elements zero-waste and reef-safe sunscreen )
- A book to read, Sunglasses and Small notebook
- Toothpaste and Toothbrush – I prefer to use an environmentally friendly toothbrush as well
- Hand cream/body lotion, Hair ties, Earplugs Hairbrush, Baby wipes, hand sanitizer and toilet paper (most bathrooms do not offer you toilet paper and instead provide you with a bucket of water and a cup to rinse off.
- Any prescription medication you take and do not forget to take traveler’s diarrhea medication
Technology
- Wifi is limited in Bhutan so Plan ahead and let your family and loved ones know not to worry; you won’t be able to check in as regularly as usual.
- Headphones, Power adapter, Power bank, Camera, Extra memory cards, Camera battery charger
For the day hike
- Day bag, Camel bag, Water bottle, Headlamp
- Steripen – your tour company should provide you with bottled water daily, but I recommend being environmentally friendly and bringing your own purification system.
Travel Essentials
- US dollar or Indian Rupees – You can exchange for the Bhutanese ngultrum when you are in Bhutan or
- A copy of your visa and itinerary – Whenever we tried to enter a monastery without our guide, we were kindly asked to produce a copy of our visa.
- Travel insurance – Its always good to heave travel insurance when you are out on your tour so be prepared if in case.
