Bhutan Destinations
BHUTAN ‘The enchanted kingdom where happiness is more than a dream is a small Himalayan landlocked country situated in the eastern slopes of the Himalayan range with China in the north and Indian states of Bengal and Assam in the south, Sikkim in the west and Arunachal Pradesh in the east. It is the world’s youngest democratic country offered to the citizens of Bhutan by the 4th King with the vision of “GROSS NATIONAL HAPPINESS ” as the country’s progress and growth are measured through a happiness index rather than monetary.
The state religion of the country is Drukpa Kagyud a branch of Mahayana Buddhism. The holy monasteries located on sheer cliffs, the fluttering prayer flags lined on the high ridges, the red-robed monks chanting religious script throughout day and night, and old people circumambulating chortens chanting “Om Mane Padme Hung” gives this kingdom an atmosphere of happiness and peace.
Bhutan is known to the world as the roughest and most mountainous terrain with the most diverse flora and fauna, natural landscape, architecture, wonderful biodiversity, and well preserved of its unique culture. It is divided into three physical zones “greater Himalayas in the north, the inner Himalayas in the centers, and the southern foothills in the south”.
The greater Himalayas include Laya, Lingshi, Lunana, Gogona, and Merak Sakten. This area is covered with snow, glaciers, glacial lakes, and barren rocks. The mountains of this region rise to 7000 meters above sea level. Tall trees and shrubs cannot grow. It is the grazing place for yaks and sheep. Short Junipers, Primulas, rhododendrons, Himalayan Blue poppy, and many more medicinal plants and flowers are grown here. The animals found are Takin, musk deer, Himalayan bear, blue sheep, and snow leopard. The birds like black-necked cranes, ravens, and magpies are found here.
The inner Himalayas lies in the south of the greater Himalayan zone. It rises to a height of 3000 meters. The mountains are of steep slopes on both sides. The main valley is Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa, Bumthang, Zhemgang, Lhuntse, Trashigang, and Dagana. All the major river flow through this valley. It has fertile land for agriculture. It has a temperate climate as it is warm in summer and cold in winter. The animals found in this area are monkeys, wild boars, and black bears.
The southern foothill zone is on the southern border. The altitude ranges from 200 m to 2000 meters. The lower part of this foothill is rich in fertile soils for agriculture and settlements and dense forest in some parts. It is hot and wet in summer and cool and dry in winter. Wild orchids, bamboo, and teaks are grown here. The animals found are elephants, tigers, buffaloes, bison, rhinos, musk and barking deer, and golden langur. different butterflies and birds are also found.
Therefore Bhutan is the world’s top travel destination for fortunate travelers to explore the country’s hidden culture and unique living standards of life.
Bhutan has 19 official languages, although Dzongkha is the national language. Because English is employed throughout Bhutan’s educational system, it is widely known and used.
Bhutan is an all-year destination. Summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February), and spring is the four seasons (March to May). However, due to the country’s wide range of altitudes and the effect of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is highly diverse.
The humid, subtropical climate in the south is pretty stable year-round, with temperatures ranging from 15oC to 30oC. With its temperate woods, central Bhutan has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and mild, dry winters. During the winter, the northern parts are substantially colder. Because of their great elevation, mountain tops are snowy all year, whereas the lower slopes are chilly in the summer.
The Indian monsoon season lasts from late June or July to late September and mostly affects the southern areas. The majority of farming operations take place during the summer when crops grow in lush environments.
Autumn follows the wet season, lasting from late September or early October through late November. It has bright, sunny days with possible early snowfall at higher elevations. Farmers are reaping the benefits of their labor during this season of feasts and celebrations.
The crisp, clear, and bright winter rolls in from late November to March, with frost over much of the nation and snowfall prevalent above elevations of 3,000 meters. The winter northeast monsoon sends gale-force winds at high elevations across high mountain passes, earning Bhutan the moniker Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha, Bhutan’s official language).
Bhutan’s dry spring typically begins in early March and lasts until mid-April. Nature is in full bloom, making it a botanist’s dream. Summer weather begins in mid-April with a few showers of rain and lasts until late June.
Bhutan’s currency is known as ngultrum. It is a 1:1 conversion with Indian rupees.
Bhutan uses three types of electrical plugs: the British plug (three square pins, compatible with type G sockets), the European plug (two circular pins, compatible with type C sockets), and the Indian plug (three thick round pins, compatible with type D sockets). Bringing adaptors for all three is an excellent idea.
Visitors from all countries, excluding India, must get a Bhutan visa before visiting Bhutan. Except for travelers from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be sought out and approved before departure. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives must additionally get a visa, which may be obtained either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India can apply for permission, but they must have an Indian passport or a voter ID card. Indian nationals under the age of 18 can enter with a passport or a birth certificate, but they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Swiss and Thai nationals with diplomatic or government-issued passports are eligible for a visa at the port of entry.
Bhutan is a very safe place to visit, even if you’re traveling alone. There is very little crime experienced by locals or visitors, although we advise you to take care of yourself and your belongings. In some areas you may encounter stray dogs – please be cautious around them as they are not domesticated. They normally keep their distance, but please stay away from them as much as possible, especially if traveling with children. Please don’t feed or pat these or any other wild animals.
Bhutan’s physical environment occasionally poses safety risks, such as floods and landslides. Monsoons can disrupt transportation and services from June through September. Check with your accommodation or Truly Bhutan to see if there will be any interruptions.
A local guide will show you the finest of what the nation has to offer while also ensuring your safety when traversing strange terrain and altitudes. Beyond Thimphu and Paro, hikes and travels must be accompanied by a guide. Visitors who enter Bhutan through land borders and intend to travel beyond the border towns must also hire a guide.
Guests do not need a Route permission to travel across the nation if accompanied by a guide licensed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Please contact our hosts for a list of Bhutan Tourism Council-approved tourism services.
While guides are not required for many excursions, such as dining out and shopping, we strongly recommend that guides accompany guests to temples and local points of interest.
If you follow an itinerary or participate in a tour organized by your hotel, you will not need to book a guide because one will be provided by the hotel.
Visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives can apply for a Bhutan permit (Indian nationals) or Bhutan visa (Bangladeshi or Maldivian nationals) here before traveling. You may also apply at the point of entry, but please be advised that depending on the number of candidates at the time, there may be a lengthy wait. We recommend that you arrange your permit/visa ahead of time.