Bhutan Tourist Destinations And Travel Guide

Locally known as Druk-yul or Druk Tsendhen, i.e. land of the thunder dragons, Bhutan is a treasure house of Buddhist art and the last Himalayan kingdom, which is still shrouded in Buddhism, magic and mystery.

Bordered by India and China in the south and north respectively, Bhutan is landlocked country and the smallest kingdom that’s anchored entirely within the Himalayas.

Interestingly, Bhutan has successfully endured its independence for centuries and is one of the few countries in the world which hasn’t been colonized in its history.

Besides its magnificent natural beauty, Bhutan also possesses a strong sense of culture which binds the country together and is a major factor which distinguishes it from its neighbours.

Travel Requirements

1. Visa: Except for the citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives, everyone entering the country must obtain a visa before arriving, which is processed through an online system by licensed Bhutan tour operators (local and their international partners). There’s no need to visit the Bhutanese embassy in your country.

2. Advance Payment: A trip to Bhutan requires your trip to be paid in full and wired to the Tourism Council of Bhutan. It’s only after the payment that the Visa will be issued/cleared.

3. High Value Low Impact tourism: A minimum daily package is required for tourists as per the policy framed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. It includes the following services:

• 3 star accommodation
• 3 meals
• Licensed tour guide
• Camping equipment
• Internal transport

For tourists entering the country in a group of 3 or more, the following rates are applicable:

• 200 USD/person/night in the months of January, February, June, July, August and December
• 250 USD/person/night for rest of the year

Perched high on the Himalayas, Bhutan can be divided geographically into 3 regions, namely Western Bhutan, Eastern Bhutan and Central Bhutan.

Western Bhutan

Comprising of 6 districts, the western circuit of Bhutan lets you attend the summer festival of Haa and dive deep into the ancient culture of Haa people, and visit numerous temples, museums, and dzongs at Thimpu along with the newly introduced Takin festival.

Places to Visit

• Paro
• Thimphu
• Haa
• Punakha
• Laya Village

Eastern Bhutan

Easily one of the least explored parts of the kingdom of Bhutan; this is an ideal expanse for adventure enthusiasts and washed in virgin beauty comprising of lofty peaks and verdant forest trails.

Places to Visit

• Mongar
• Lhuntse
• Trashiyangtse
• Trashigang

Central Bhutan

Providing rich insights into the country’s political history, this place is particularly famous amongst the history buffs for its eminent religious and historic sites along with monasteries and temples. Moreover, with its wide running subtropical and alpine zones, the region is also blessed with pristine beauty.

Places to Visit

• Jakar
• Bumthang
• Gelephu
• Trongsa
• Burning Lake