It's the perfect moniker for one of the most exotic countries on Earth. It may be chilly at night in parts, but it is still a paradise with beautiful temples and stunning views. A landlocked country between India and China, sandwiched between two roaring giants; this Himalayan nation has an incredible history that dates back more than 2,000 years. In English, it means "Land of Thunderbolt Dragon." Is there another country on the planet with a cooler name? Bhutan sounds exotic, mystical, and almost otherworldly. This little kingdom straddling the Himalayas is such a pleasure to visit. If you want to see Bhutan before it gets modernized
Bhutan Map
Bhutan is a landlocked country situated in the southern part of Asia. It borders China on the north, northeast, and northwest sections and India's Sikkim and West Bengal to the west and south. Bhutan lies on the eastern slope of Himalayas.
The Maldives are the region's lowest-lying nation, with an area of just 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi). Phuntsholings is its financial center and Thimphu is its capital. The country's landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north, where peaks exceed 7,000 meters (23,000 feet). Gangkhar Puensum is Bhutan's highest peak and may also be the world's tallest unclimbed mountain. In terms of biodiversity, Bhutan offers a lot of variety.
Flights to Bhutan
It's best to take plane to Bhutan. 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 country's capital. Because Royal Bhutan Airlines owns all of the flights, airfare expenses are greater, and there is no reduction available.
Language in Bhutan
Dzongkha is the primary language, while Nepali dominants in the south of Bhutan. That said, many locals are conversationally proficient in English and Hindi.
Dressing Guide in Bhutan
Due to Bhutan's diverse terrain and climate, the country experiences a range of different weather conditions. Tourists should be aware that days can be very hot, while nights can be quite cold. It is advisable to pack both light and heavy clothing items. The climate also varies depending on the season, so it is best to check our suggested equipment lists before packing your bags.
- Bhutan is a religious country, so it's citizens tend to view clothing, especially women's clothing, conservatively. It would be wise to dress modestly while you are visiting.
- Wearing shorts is not recommended for women. It is important to wear pants or skirts that go over the knees. While visiting religious sites, you need to dress solemnly and take off your hats and shoes.
- In addition, do not wear clothes with patterns that are against the teaching of Buddhism, which is disrespectful to Bhutanese culture.
Tipping in Bhutan
We will always give you with the highest level of service. If there are any more questions you'd want answered, please do not hesitate to ask us. In general, it is advised that in Bhutan, since the government sets a high standard for tourism, tour guides and drivers already make a good living. However, as more and more western tourists arrive there, tipping has gradually become accepted practice. As a result, it's best if you can tip appropriately; perhaps 5 dollars per day is average for tipping in South Asia.
Most of the time, you will have the same tour guide and driver throughout your visit to Bhutan. Therefore, giving them a tip at the end of your trip is seen as a sign of respect. For tourists who go hiking or trekking, it is especially necessary to give tips to their guides and staff members.
Top Travel Tips Experiences
Take a closer look at the Tiger's Nest (Paro Takstang) and the nearby village of Paro. View this Buddhist monastery perched hundreds of meters off the ground on the side of a mountain. It's worth trekking up to see it, which is why it's one of Bhutan's most famous monuments.
Paro
Because it is the home of Paro International Airport, this city is visited by a majority of travelers. This is also where you'll make your way to Tiger's Nest for the spectacular trek up.
Thimphu
Thimphu is the country's capital. There's a lot to do in this city. Visit the Cheri Monastery, see the Takin Preserve, spin prayer wheels at the Memorial Chorten, or look up at Buddha Dordenma, the world's largest sitting Buddha. The Dochula Pass is a high mountain pass (3,150 meters, 10,330 ft) on the Thimpu-Punakha road. Get a glimpse of snow-capped Himalayas and walk among the 108 chortens that commemorate Bhutanese soldiers who died during a uprising in 2003.
Punakha
This city was the capital of Bhutan in ancient times. Today, visitors come to see the amazing Punakha Dzong, which sits on the banks of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
Packing List for Bhutan Tour
To make your Bhutan tour more enjoyable, we recommend packing light in a comfortable 44L backpacking bag and day bag. You'll be doing a lot of moving around and potentially some hiking as well, so it's best to not overpack.
Clothing
Traditional dress is a must for locals in Bhutan, but as a tourist, you only need to pack certain items of clothing if you're planning on visiting dzongs or monasteries. Keep this in mind though-you'll probably be doing this often during your stay!
- Two pairs of light, quick-drying trekking pants
- A pair of yoga pants or leggings.
- A pair of t-shirts
- A long sleeve shirt or light sweater.
- There are only a few pairs of underpants in the entire house.
- Few pairs of blister-proof socks
- One packable down coat
- A large hoodie - to keep warm while camping at night
- Flip flops or sneakers
- Hiking boots that won't leave you Blisters
- I used one buff as a headband to cover my hair when there wasn't any showering available.
Note: All visitors are required to wear modest clothing when entering a dzong or monastery. (This typically means pants for foreigners, but you may be able to get away with wearing a long skirt or dress if it covers your elbows and knees.)
Hygiene & Personal CareKeep in mind that Bhutan is still developing when packing for your trip.
- Solid Shampoo and conditioner bar, facial wash, Lip balm, sunscreen (sunscreen with raw elements zero-waste and reef-safe characteristics recommended)
- Sunglasses and a tiny notepad, please.
- I use an environmentally friendly toothbrush and toothpaste.
- So you don't get caught off-guard, be sure to pack hand cream/body lotion, hair ties, earplugs, a hairbrush, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer when you travel. And although it may seem obvious, remember that not all countries offer toilet paper in their bathrooms.
- Take any prescription medication, and don't forget to pack your traveler's diarrhea medicine.
- Camel-colored backpack, water bottle, headlamp.
- Your tour operator should offer you with bottled water on a regular basis, but I recommend bringing your own purification system as an environmentally conscious individual.
- Choose from a variety of currencies including but not limited to: the Euro, Australian Dollar, New Zealand Dollar or Indian Rupees - You can exchange for the ngultrum when you are in Bhutan.
- A copy of your visa and itinerary - You will need these documents to enter most monasteries.
- It is always beneficial to have travel insurance in case of any unforeseen events while you are on your trip.
