On the edge of the great Himalayas to the northeast of India lies a Buddhist country, which is rapidly becoming the envy of other tourist spots in Asia. Welcome to Bhutan – the happiest place on Earth! Often considered an offbeat destination to include in your itinerary, Bhutan can surprise you with all that it has to offer. The one word that describes the country’s beauty is ‘pure’. There is something untouched about Bhutan, almost as if it is stuck in time. There is no commercial explosion here, unlike other hill stations like Shimla or Nepal. The mountains are filled with greenery water flows without any obstruction and the eyes are in for a visual treat.
Bhutan, a serene Buddhist kingdom on the edge of the Himalayas, northeast of India, often hailed as the happiest place on Earth. Bhutan is a land where time seems to stand still, and its natural beauty remains largely untouched by commercialism. The country’s charm lies in its pure, green mountains, free-flowing waters, and a visual panorama that is simply breathtaking.
Cultural and Natural Attractions
Paro Taktsang and Sacred Monasteries: Explore the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality perched on a cliffside. Discover other monasteries like Kurjey in Bumthang and Gangtey in Phobjikha Valley, offering insights into the daily life of monks and Bhutanese spiritual practices.
Chimi Lhakhang: The Fertility Temple: Venture to Chimi Lhakhang in Punakha, known for its unique fertility blessings. This temple, amidst phallus symbols, reflects the unconventional teachings of Drukpa Kunley and is a pilgrimage site for couples seeking blessings for children.
Majestic Dzongs: Witness the architectural marvel of dzongs, the fortresses that symbolize Bhutanese cultural identity. Visit renowned dzongs like Tashichho in Thimphu and Punakha Dzong, each a masterpiece of fortress architecture, serving as the epicenter of religious and administrative activities.
National Institute of Zorig Chusum: In Thimphu, this institute showcases Bhutan’s traditional arts like painting and wood carving. It plays a pivotal role in preserving and teaching these ancient crafts, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s artistic heritage.
Ogyen Choling Palace Museum: Delve into Bhutanese history at the Ogyen Choling Palace Museum in Bumthang. This former noble residence exhibits artifacts that reveal the lifestyle of Bhutanese nobility and showcases stunning traditional artworks.
Archery: The National Sport: Experience the national sport of archery, deeply ingrained in Bhutanese culture. Participate in or observe traditional archery competitions, a display of skill and national pride found in every village.
Festivals and Events in Bhutan
Bhutan’s festivals are a kaleidoscope of color and culture. Highlights include:
- Paro Tsechu: A vibrant festival in Paro, celebrating with religious dances and traditional music, reflecting the spiritual depth of Bhutanese culture.
- Jambay Lhakhang Drup: A unique festival in Bumthang, featuring the sacred ‘Ter Cham’ naked dance, believed to ward off evil spirits.
- Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu: These festivals in Punakha commemorate historical victories and showcase the spiritual richness of the Bhutanese people.
- Haa Summer Festival: An event in the stunning Haa Valley, offering a vibrant atmosphere with traditional sports and music.
- Thimphu Tsechu: Held in the capital, Thimphu, this festival is a grand celebration of Bhutanese culture, featuring cham dances that symbolize the cycle of life and rebirth.
Embark on this journey to the Frontier of Himalayas, where you will not only witness the untouched beauty of Bhutan but also immerse yourself in a culture that is as rich and vibrant as the landscape itself.
- Pick up from the airport
- Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of Heaped Jewels)
- National Museum
- Drive 3 hours to Haa Valley
- En-route to Chelela Pass
- View of the Himalayan Mountains
- Reach Haa and check in at the hotel.
Places and attractions:
- Wangchulo Dzong
- Chhundu Lhakhang
- Cheli La Pass
- Lhakhang Karpo
- Lhakhang Nagpo
- Tachu Goemba
- Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)
- Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple)
- Visit traditional farmhouses and see the locals live
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
- Memorial Chorten/Stupa
- Buddha Dordenma
- Bhutan Postal Museum
- Simply Bhutan Museum
- Weekend Centenary Farmers Market
- Takin Preserve
- Tashi Chho Dzong (Fortress of Splendid Religion)
- Dragon King of Bhutan
- Visit local bazaars
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
- 3 hours drive to Wangdue and Punakha
- Dochula Pass
- Visit 108 chortens/stupas
- Royal Botanical Garden Nature Trail – 45 minutes hike
- Chime Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
- Punakha Dzong (Fortress of Great Bliss)
- Stroll through the valley
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
- Nunnery
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyel temple
- 2 hours leisure hike through paddy fields and pine trees
- 3-hour drive to Thimphu
- Dochula Pass
- Drive to Paro
- Tachogang Lhakhang
- Evening in town.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
- 3-hour hike up to Tiger’s Nest
- 2-hour hike down
- Ponies available for rent – payable onsite to pony owners (about USD15 halfway uphill)
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Visit traditional farmhouse
- Traditional hot stone bath
- Traditional Bhutanese dinner with a local family.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
- Have breakfast at the hotel
- Check out and depart for the airport
Value Added Options
In addition to offering independent, flexible tour options, Truly Bhutan can also arrange a variety of “add-on” options to provide a more in-depth experience of Bhutan. These include:
- Cooking lessons
- A farmhouse stay
- “Ara” (rice liquor) brewing lessons
- Monastery experience
- Evening dinner & culture show
Alternatively, you can awaken your senses with a range of well-being and spa retreats offering yoga, Pilates, meditation, healing bodywork, hot stone baths, and massage.
These activities can easily be incorporated into any itinerary. Please note that some activities may attract additional fees.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Bhutan Travel Info
Travel Essentials
- Travel/Medical Insurance: Ensure a worry-free journey with Bhutan's dedicated travel and medical insurance plans offered by the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan. Visit RICB for more information.
- Banking: Modern banking facilities are available in urban areas of Bhutan, with banks like Bank of Bhutan Limited, Druk PNB, and Bhutan National Bank. ATMs are common in Thimphu and Phuentsholing, but scarce in rural areas. Complete your banking in major cities.
- Money Matters: Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), which is equivalent in value to the Indian Rupee. Foreign travelers should bring traveler’s cheques or cash, especially USD. Credit cards like Visa and American Express are accepted in most areas.
- Communication: Bhutan's telecommunications are well-developed with internet cafes, mobile phone coverage, and international roaming available in most towns.
- Electricity: Bhutan operates on 230 volts and 50 Hertz. Ensure your devices are compatible with the three types of plugs commonly used.
- Time Zone: Bhutan's time is six hours ahead of GMT.
Health, Safety, and Customs
- Health and Inoculations: Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis A. Avoid untreated water and ice cubes; instead, opt for bottled water, which is readily available.
- Safety Precautions: Bhutan is generally safe, but avoid walking alone or staying out late, especially after 9 PM. Secure your belongings, particularly in the capital, Thimphu.
- Customs Regulations: Personal belongings, 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and professional equipment are exempt from customs duty. Importing restricted items, such as wildlife products, antiques, and drugs, is prohibited.
Accommodation, Food, and Shopping
- Accommodation: Bhutan offers a range of accommodations, from quality 3-star to luxury 5-star hotels in places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. Travelers can also opt for camping when venturing beyond urban areas.
- Food: Bhutanese cuisine is rich and spicy, featuring dishes like ema datshi. International cuisine such as Indian, Continental, and Chinese is available in most restaurants, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
- Shopping: Bhutan offers unique handicrafts, including hand-woven textiles, wooden bowls (Dapas), silver statues, Thangkas, and local postage stamps. Note that the buying and selling of antiques is strictly prohibited.
Travel Kits and Clothing
- Clothing and Essentials: Bhutan's climate is diverse, so dress in layers and pack accordingly. Respectful clothing is required when visiting monasteries and religious sites, and hats should be removed in sacred areas.
- Travel Kits: Pack items like sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, antihistamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a flashlight, warm clothes, and a hat. The diverse climate means temperatures range from 20-25°C in summer to below 15°C in winter.
Experiences and Activities
- Photography: Capture Bhutan's stunning landscapes, rural life, and architecture. Indoor photography in sacred sites requires special permission.
- Guides and Interpreters: Bhutan offers certified guides fluent in various languages, ensuring you get the best experience when visiting sacred sites and cultural landmarks.
- Festivals and Holidays: Each district in Bhutan celebrates its unique annual tshechu. Check local schedules to plan your visit around these vibrant festivals.
- Weights and Measures: Bhutan uses metric measurements for weight, with advanced electronic scales commonly found in major cities.
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