Mallika Dureja
Bhutan is not like any other place. Tourists love it more than any other country. Tourist spots in Bhutan have always drawn people from all over the world, whether it was because of the colorful culture or the mysterious mountain. The country with rolling hills and a charming culture has a charm that you can’t miss. People who are nice, thick forests, huge mountains, and delicious food always make for a great time. Bhutan is a place to visit and feel the warmth of its people, which will stay with you for the rest of your life.It makes you feel something that stays vague enough to keep you interested. Bhutan is different, and its traditions can be seen.
The best part of your trip will be the flight to Paro, where you can see the mysterious snowy mountains calling you to explore them. Bhutan is lucky to have hilltop monasteries that give you the peace you want while you’re there. Even though these monasteries are over a hundred years old, they are still well-built and offer peace. Some of these monasteries are on the UNESCO Heritage List, which shows how religion has been around for a long time. Bhutan is known for its bright festivals, which have been going on since the country was a kingdom. These festivals show off the culture and tell the story behind it.
People in masks, bright clothes, and music are enough to keep you interested and hooked. The real art of the people here can also be seen in their textiles and handicrafts. Bhutan is more than just festivals and monasteries. There are also exciting mountain activities like river rafting and archery competitions. All of this makes it clear that Bhutan is the Gross National Happiness country, which paints a very different picture. So get your bags ready and head to this happy country to see the most popular tourist spots.
People Also Ask About Bhutan
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Travel Advice
- Make sure you have a medical or travel insurance before going to Bhutan. One can easily get a travel insurance via the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan.
- Some of the currency notes denominations (500 and 1000) are not accepted in Bhutan. So, avoid using the same.
- You can easily spot an ATM after a distance of 2-5 km. So, make sure when you go out there is just enough cash that lets you commute and enjoy. Carrying excess cash can be an invitation for pick pockets.
- Strictly avoid traveling during the night hours.
- Make sure whenever you go in secluded trails or destinations, you are in a group.
- Don’t let anyone mislead you.
- Stay away from drugs or narcotics in any form.
- Bhutan is slightly on a cooler side. So, ensure that you have your woolens with you when traveling here.
- If you are up for some trekking, do wear comfortable shoes as the trails are steep here.
- Carry your first aid kit with you.
- Trekkers must have a trekking kit with them.
- Dress appropriately if you go to a religious place.
- Don’t photograph wherever prohibited.
- Film or take videos only with permissions.
- Hire a guide only from a reputed agency.
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Drinking Laws
There is no ban on alcohol in Bhutan. Moreover, drinking the traditional alcohol of this place is believed to be a tradition.
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How to reach Bhutan?
By plane is the best and fastest way to get to Bhutan. The only international airport in the country is in Paro. It is 7,300 feet above sea level. Between Nepal and Bhutan, you can see some mysterious mountains from the Kathmandu airport.
- By Air:
Bhutan can be reached by air, and Bhutan Airlines and Druk Air, the country’s national airlines, fly there regularly from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and other cities. Major airports with direct flights to Paro Airport are IGIA in Delhi, Bagdogra International Airport in Darjeeling, West Bengal, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata. Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai do not have direct flights to any other city.
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Do I need a visa for Bhutan? How does one get a Bhutan visa?
Indian citizens who visit Bhutan don’t need a visa. Instead, they can bring two valid documents: a valid Indian passport that is still valid for at least six months and a voter ID. But tourists from other countries need to get a visa before they can enter the country. Indians who drive to Bhutan need to get a “Entry Permit” from the Immigration Office of the Royal Government of Bhutan.
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What is the currency of Bhutan and where can I get my money exchanged?
Bhutan’s currency is called the Bhutanese Ngultrum, and Indian currency can be used there. You can’t, however, carry Rs 500 and Rs 1000.
Bhutan has a foreign exchange desk at Paro Airport and banks where foreign tourists can change their money. There are a lot of ATMs, so you won’t have to carry around a lot of cash. Hotels even have places where you can change money.
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What is the local food of Bhutan? Which are the best places to taste this food?
Bhutanese food is spicy, and if you like spicy food, Bhutan has a lot to offer you. There are hotels in Bhutan that serve food that is both tasty and spicy. Bhutanese food has quite a bit of Chinese, Indian, and Tibetan influence. If you want to try some of the local food, the best choices are:
- Ema Datshi
- Jasha Maroo or Maru
- Phaksha Paa
- Momos (Dumplings)
- Red Rice
Restaurants where you’ll find this food items are:
- Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
- Bukhari at Uma by COMO
- Ambient Cafe
- Galingkha
- Chig-ja-gye at Taj Tashi
- Swiss Guest House
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What is the best public transport to commute around Bhutan?
Bhutan doesn’t have a lot of people, and it’s not so big that you need trains to get around and see everything. Walking or driving is the best way to get around and look around. Taxis are the main way to get around, and most of them are in Phuentsholing, Paro, Jakar, and Thimphu. Taxis have meters, but they are rarely used, so they charge a flat rate.
A taxi driver will probably charge you between Rs 1500 and Rs 2000 for a full day trip. Don’t take the public bus because it’s usually full and you might not know where to get off when you get there.
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Do I need to have any vaccinations before the trip to Bhutan?
Well, when packing for Bhutan, you should bring some medicines. As the weather and food taste change, you may have health problems that follow you. There is a high chance of getting diarrhea, a lung infection, or another disease that spreads easily. This will definitely make your trip harder. Before you go to Bhutan, make sure to pack your medicines and talk to your doctor about which ones you should take. Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A/B and Typhoid, which can be spread through contaminated food and water in Bhutan.
