Bhutan is an isolated country bordered to the north by Tibet and to the south, east, and west by India. Travelers have two ways to enter Bhutan, either by booking a flight from one of the five countries served by Bhutanese airlines which are India, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Another way to enter Bhutan is traveling overland through India to enter at one of the three border crossings

From Buddhist temples and fortress visits to Bhutanese cuisine to trekking in the Himalayas, Bhutan is such an amazing place ever to visit. The major hiking and tour destinations are Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa, Laya, Jigme Dorji National Park, and Merak.

Bhutan is subject to the government’s policy of eco-tourism, and all tours have a minimum daily fee that ranges from 200 dollars per day in the low season to 250 dollars per day in the high season.

The trekking route is the most challenging high-altitude trek in the world. Chomolhari(Jhomolhari) Trek and Laya Gasa trek is the most popular trekking route in Bhutan that provide an opportunity to see Snow Leopard the ghost of the Himalayas, the Himalayan Black bears, Takin, and many flora and fauna. The trekking routes are beautiful and the altitude is friendly means, not so-difficult trekking routes. 

Accommodation in Bhutan

Bhutan has a small hospitality industry. However, all towns have hotels and lodges that are registered with the Department of Tourism. There are some international standard hotels in touristy areas such as Paro, Jakar, Punakha, Gangtey, and Thimphu.

While trekking/touring in Bhutan trekkers will get the accommodation at luxurious hotels or five-star hotels of Paro and Bhutan as you are trekking through the company only.

Some accommodations during Bhutan trekking are Damchen Resort of Punakha, Dewachen Hotel of Gangtey Valley, Druk Hotel of Thimphu, Hotel Zhiwaling of Paro, Lechuna Heritage Lodge of Haa Valley, Namgay Heritage Hotel of Thimphu, Olathang Hotel of Paro, Taj Tashi of Thimphu, Ugyenling resort of Jakar, Uma Paro.

Food in Bhutan

All the trekkers in Bhutan can rely entirely on the camp meals offered in the luxurious hotel of Bhutan. Toasts, a choice of eggs, some additional protein, cereals, juice, tea, and coffee are served as breakfast during the Bhutan trek. Sometimes baked beans, bacon, Indian Puri, Oatmeal, and Tibetan bread are also provided. Lunch is often packed consisting of rice or noodles, boiled potatoes, chapattis, Sandwiches, and fruits accompanied by Juice and tea or instant coffee from a large hot water flask. Dinner is a full course comprising soup, 3 to 5 varieties of dishes, followed by desserts and Tea or coffee. The main course dinner includes a rice dish, a potato dish, or frequently both meat and vegetables. Sometimes the cook will prepare Indian bread, momos or dumplings, and other delicious food items.

Transportation in Bhutan

As you know, trekking in Bhutan is only possible through the company. The company will provide only Toyota Brand transportation for your journey in Bhutan when necessary with a 4-wheel drive and Air-conditioned.

Some means of transportation while trekking in Bhutan are Hi-Ace buses with comfortable seats and air conditioners, Hyundai Tucson 4 wheel drive, Land cruisers for 2 to 3 people to provide the luxury drive with an extra charge of US dollar 100 per day, Big Buses with 18 to 22 seats are for the group size more than 6 people. If there is more than 18 people company will provide more buses to make your trip comfortable and luxurious.

Water in Bhutan

Tap water in Bhutan is not considered safe for drinking unless it is boiled or purified by purification pills. Bottled mineral water is available in hotels and restaurants. In the hotel, you can ask to boil the water if it doesn’t look clean or you can always ask to serve the boiled water for you.

It is also a wise decision to carry water purification tablets along with you while traveling in the remote areas of Bhutan.

Electricity in Bhutan

Electricity is available in all of the towns that are frequently visited by tourists. You will get good access to electricity while touring/trekking in Bhutan. The voltage supply is 220/240. It is recommended to carry electrical appliances and bring a voltage converter with an adapter kit.

Internet/Network facilities

All major cities and towns in Bhutan have basic network facilities. Fax, e-mail, and phone are mostly used for communication in Bhutan. You can use cell phones in most cities and rural places by inserting a Bhutanese SIM card into them.

Bhutan Post is the standard mail service and is available throughout the country. Major cities and towns have internet facilities. However, broadband and wireless internet services can be found only in some places like internet cafes.

Best time to visit Bhutan 

October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan as the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies and a clear beautiful view of the Himalayas and green environment.

January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly and flood the valleys with colors.

Heat and Humidity increase from May and from June to September, the rainfall covers the mountains. Between late October and mid-February, visiting the Phobjikha Valley is recommended to observe rare blacked-neck cranes.

Best place to visit in Bhutan within a short time 

Bhutan has a very special gift from nature. Surrounded by alluring natural beauty and charming old-age Bhutanese architecture and dotted with monasteries, romantic hotspots, natural reserves, and lush green valleys, Bhutan will surely impress you.

The tourist places in Bhutan such as Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Chele La Pass, Buddha Dordenma Statue, Dochula Pass, Tashichho Dzong, Phobjikha Valley, National Museum, Jigme Dorji National Park, Tashichho Dzong and, Simtokha Dzong and Tango Buddhist institute are major destinations to visit in Bhutan in a short time. 

Things to do in Bhutan 

Bhutan attracts people from around the world with its natural beauty and clean environment. A rare place on this planet Earth where one hardly sees any sign of commercialization, Bhutan is a perfect place to visit. The things to do in Bhutan are as follows:

1. Paro Taktsang

2. Dochula Pass

3. Thimphu

4. Buddha Dordenma

5. Paro

6.National Memorial Chhorten

7. Punakha

8. Punakha Dzong

9. Chele La

10. Haa

11. Simply Bhutan

12. Tashichho Dzong

13.Motithang Takin Preserve

14.Punakha Suspension Bridge

15. Royal Manas National Park

16Trongsa

17. Changangkha Lhakhang

18. Simtokha Dzong

19.Jigme Dorji National Park

20. Kyichu Lhakhang

21. Drugyel Dzong

22. Folk Heritage Museum Kawajangsa

23. Gangtey Monastery

1.    World’s only Carbon Negative Country

Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases which are produced by human activities that adversely affect climate change. When a country produces more carbon dioxide than it can absorb; it is accelerating global warming.

Bhutan emerged as carbon negative country by producing 1.5 million tons of carbon and absorbing 6 million tons of carbon. Hence you can breathe clean and fresh air, unlike any country in the world.

2. Iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery

The iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery or Taktsang Monastery is a must-visit destination in Bhutan. It is the sacred site for the Bhutanese where Guru Rinpoche is credited for spreading Buddhism in Bhutan and meditating here.

As per legend, Guru Rinpoche flew on a tigress back to meditate in caves here. It is the holiest place in Bhutan for Buddhist pilgrims.

3.    Unique Festivals, Tshechus

The festival of Bhutan reflects their devotion to their religion. Tseshu means a religious festival held on the 10th day of a lunar month corresponding to the birthday of the Buddhist leader Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche.

Those who see Tsechus are believed to receive blessings and also their sins are washed away. People in Bhutan grandly celebrate touches by dancing and doing other several modes of entertainment bringing communities together.

4.    Highest Unclimbed mountains

Mountains are considered sacred in Bhutan and it is believed that gods and spirits dwell here. Bhutan prohibited climbing mountains higher than 6000 meters since 1994.

Bhutan used to welcome mountain climbers before 1994, during that time many climbers attempt to reach the top of Gangkhar Puensum with an altitude of 7570 meters (24,836 ft.) but remain unsuccessful. Gangkhar Puensum is the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

5.    Trekker’s Paradise

The best way to enjoy the vibrant hills of Bhutan is through trekking. You will realize the healing power of nature after passing through the lush green forest, breathing in the fresh air, and devouring the sight of hills and picturesque mountains while trekking and losing yourself in nature.

6.    Religion Beliefs: Buddhism and Hinduism

Buddhism is a religion followed by around 300 million people in the world. More than two-thirds of Bhutanese people follow Buddhism and the rest of the others follow Hinduism. Hinduism is the second most dominating religion in Bhutan after Buddhism.

7.    Landscapes and Biodiversity

While you are trekking through Bhutan, you will find steep and high mountains crisscrossing by the network of sifting rivers. The extraordinary geographical diversity and the diverse climate condition play an important role in contributing to Bhutan’s outstanding range of biodiversity and ecosystems, which are worth seeing during trekking in Bhutan.

8.    Feeling Royal

Bhutan made the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and held its first general election in 2008. The current king of Bhutan is Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who wed Jetsun Pema on 13 October 2011. Spotting or meeting the king of Bhutan is not as difficult as you think.  

Best Bhutan tour package including these place 

The best Bhutan Places for Bhutan Trip :

1)   Thimpu

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan situated in the west-central part of the country. It lies in the Himalayas mountains on the Raidak River at about 7000 feet (2000 meters) above sea level.

The city is known for its Buddhist sites. The massive Tashichho Dzong is a fortified monastery and government palace with gold-leaf roofs. The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire, is a revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king.

2)   Paro

The gateway to Bhutan, all the international flights land in the scenic valley town 50 km from Thimphu. It is home to the prominent Bhutanese landmark and Taktsang monastery.

The valley starts where the rivers Paro Chhu and wang Chhu meet carpeted by green paddy fields, the valley is one of the most scenic places in Bhutan. Tiger’s Nest perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley is the major tourist attraction of this place.

3)   Bumthang

Bumthang is a religious storehouse of the country with many ancient monasteries and temples marking its landscapes, located in central Bhutan. The area comprises four valleys namely Choekhor, Ura, Tang, and Chumey.

Jambey Lakhang is the oldest temple in this place whereas Jakar Dzong is a town in Bumthang in the valley of Chamkhar that buzzes with people and is ready to fascinate with its handicraft stores.

4)   Trashigang

Trashigang is called the eastern gem which is the largest district in Bhutan and skirts the borders of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It was once a trading center for the Tibetans.

Apart from being the largest district it also has the longest river in the country, Dangme Chhu flowing through it, and also the houses to Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary falls into the protected areas of Bhutan and covers most of the eastern part of the districts.

5)   Zhemgang

The rich bio-diverse area is replete with thick forest which protects 22 endangered species of animals. Zhemgang is one of the few religious places where the Bon religion is still practiced and Bon priests locally known as the Bonpo are highly revered.

The folk of Zhemgang is known for their keen interest in music and art and their mastery of bamboo carving. One can visit Tharpa Choeling and Buli Lakhang temples and the Royal Manas National Park is said to be the oldest in the country.

Above mentioned five places are considered as best tour packages in Bhutan with their natural beauty and their diverse features. The places are so beautiful and peaceful that make the Bhutan trip the best indeed.

Place to visit in Thimphu 

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan where mountains speak peaceful music with nature. A small city yet a lot many beautiful places to see in Thimphu Bhutan makes it a top pick for travelers.

It is a magical country with Buddhist culture. Not only that, taking down the roads in Bhutan you can enjoy both Western and traditional Bhutanese culture. Trashi Chloe is a historical place where you can explore the ancient culture of the Bhutanese people.

Moving further, the beautiful architecture of buildings, colorful walls, paintings, and clean and crowded markets will make a great experience for a lifetime.

Beautiful places to visit in Thimphu 

Tashichho Dzong, National Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lakhang, National Folk Heritage Museum, Dechen Phodrang monastery, Motithang Takin Preserve, Clock Tower Square, Simply Bhutan, National Library, Semtokha Dzong, Royal Botanical garden, Gangtey monastery, Choki Traditional art school, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Buddha Dordenma, Zilukha Anim Dratshang, Jungshi Handmade paper factory, Handicrafts market, Deer Park, Weekend market, Ludrong Memorial Garden, Xiangyang, and Tango Goemba.

Bhutan Travel Trekking FAQ

What is Bhutan famous for tourists?

Bhutan is a colorful Buddhist nation that is known for its serene natural landscapes and spirituality. There are many monasteries in Bhutan and people are friendly and loving.

Bhutan is famous for tourism with its natural biodiversity of green lush forests and the Himalayas range. Unclimbed mountains, Buddhist pilgrims, unique culture, and is the only country in the world that is carbon negative make Bhutan famous for tourists.

How many days are enough in Bhutan?

Bhutan is one of the most beautiful countries in South Asia. From higher peaks over 7000 meters, dense forests, and Ancient Buddhist monasteries make a tour to Bhutan Amazing. However, to make the most of the best sights and experiences in Bhutan takes at least 5 days.

Is Bhutan safe to travel?

Even petty crime is uncommon in Bhutan. The country has no traffic lights, there are traffic wardens instead and locals love it. The production and sale of tobacco are illegal in Bhutan as are hunting and fishing.

Bhutan is a peace-loving country that follows the wisdom of the Buddha two-thirds of the people. The locals are kind and friendly, giving great hospitality. To travel in Bhutan one must hire a guide. Therefore, Bhutan is very safe to travel.

How much will it cost to travel to Bhutan?

The cost to visit Bhutan is depended on the duration and kind of hotel you are staying in. Traveling in Bhutan can cost you anywhere between US$ 3500 to US$ 12,500.

Can I visit Bhutan by myself?

According to Bhutanese law, solo travel is not allowed in Bhutan. You have to find a tour operator approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan means that you need to hire one of the 235 officially endorsed Bhutanese tour operators to guide you in your travels in Bhutan.

What are the popular trekking tours in Bhutan?

The popular trekking tours in Bhutan are: Jomolhari trek, Snowman trek, Bumthang Owl trek, Laya Gasa trek, Sakteng wildlife Sanctuary, Gangtey monastery, Bumthang Cultural trek, Jomolhari Laya Gasa trek, Duer Hot springs trek, Salt trek route, Dochula Pass, Jangothang, Sinchula trek, Bumdra trek, Jomolhari Loop trek and Gangar Puensum trek.

What documents need for Bhutan travel?

There are not many documents needed to travel to Bhutan. Visa Application form, Passport photo, Health Document (Negative covid 19 PCR test result), Vaccination document (covid 19 vaccination proof), and original passport is required to travel in Bhutan.