One of India’s neighbours, a country which puts National Gross Happiness ahead of everything, the last Himalayan Kingdom and a country with stunning natural beauty, it’s obvious that a country like Bhutan would be on my Travel Bucket List and is a place I want to visit sooner than later.
The country’s landscape ranges from lush subtropical plains in the south to the sub-alpine Himalayan mountains in the north. Since the 17th century, the official name of Bhutan has been Druk yul (country of the Drukpa Lineage, the Dragon People, or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, a reference to the country’s dominant Buddhist sect) and Bhutan only appears in English-language official correspondence.
Getting into Bhutan is slightly more difficult than other countries because there are restrictions for citizens of countries other than India, Bangladesh and Maldives who must have a visa before they get into the country. All tourists must book their travel through a local licensed tour operator (or international partner). Visas are applied for online by your local tour operator and it is not required that you visit a Bhutanese Embassy or consulate. Your holiday must be paid in full, via a wire transfer, to the Tourism Council of Bhutan account before a tourist visa is issued. The money remains with the Tourism Council until your travel in-country is complete before the local tour operator is paid. The total cost for a Bhutanese visa is $250 a day during tourist high season and $200 a day for low season. This includes basic accommodation, transportation, meals, plenty of bottled water and special entry fees. Discounts apply for minors and larger groups, while surcharges exist for groups smaller than 3. Surcharges also exist for upgrading hotels, transportation, and meals.
The only exceptions for having to book a tour as a condition for being allowed to visit are for those who receive a formal invitation to Bhutan from “a citizen of some standing” or a volunteer organisation, and those who come as guests of the Bhutanese government.
Ok, now to the nice parts – the stunning scenery and vistas which make people call Bhutan ‘the last Shangri La’
Paro and Thimpu: Paro is the place where the international airport is situated. In Paro, you should definitely visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. Don’t forget to make you a have the stamina to make the hike up to the dramatic Tiger’s Nest, Taktshang Goemba, and visit lovely Kyichu Lhakhang.
In Thimpu, make sure you squeeze in a long day trip over the Dochu La to Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in the country and try to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the ‘Divine Madman’.
Also, if time permits, go to the weekend market and visit Cheri Goemba or Tango Goemba in the upper Thimphu valley. If handicrafts are your thing, hit the National Textile Museum and National Institute for Zorig Chusum.
Jigme Dorji National Park – Source
If you have more time in the country, try to go to on an overnight trip to the Haa Valley and also spend some time in the Bumthang Valley. Other places to visit, time permitting, include Mongar, Punakha, Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, Trongsa, the various National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries including the Jigme Dorji National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Thrumshingla National Park, Bomdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Khaling Wildlife Sanctuary, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary, Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary and Toorsa Strict Nature Reserve
This post is now making me super eager to visit this beautiful country, the sooner than later. So if you have been to Bhutan or are planning a trip there soon, do comment below. I’d love to hear from you.
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