Bhutan Travel Guide

5 reasons to travel to Bhutan

Bhutan is a protected kingdom. Its geographical location has enabled it to resist all invaders, from Tibetan armies to the British colonial empire's troops. Its culture, history, monuments and traditions are intact and the kindness of its inhabitants is without equal. All of this combined makes Bhutan one of the most beautiful and interesting destinations to discover!
  1. 1
    A one of kind spirituality
  2. 2
    Intact traditions
  3. 3
    The Himalayas' sublime scenery
  4. 4
    The warmth of the Bhutanese welcome
  5. 5
    Getting your fill of happiness
1. A one of kind spirituality
Buddhism, the state religion, is omnipresent in the lives of the inhabitants. Set out on the meditation trails and stop near the prayer flags that fly in the Himalayan winds. Share a cup of tea with the monks from the nearest monastery and do not miss the initiation to Buddhist rituals. This is how you will best grasp the spirituality, over a hundred years old, of the last kingdom of the Himalayas.
2. Intact traditions

Set off on a discovery of the traditions that organise the lives of the inhabitants to this day. A privileged and authentic destination.

Start by observing Bhutanese traditional architecture: if construction materials have evolved, the style has not changed. Houses are still hand-painted today with popular colourful patterns such as flowers, animals or again the very famous Bhutanese phallus, a symbol of vitality.

During your trip to Bhutan, do not miss out on going to watch an archery tournament, the national sport. Introduce yourself to the art of the arrow as you sip a glass of ara, the rice alcohol which accompanies every local celebration. Do not hesitate to take part in the traditional dances that punctuate the tournament.

If you have the opportunity, try wearing Bhutanese traditional clothing, still worn today in all official buildings by all Bhutanese citizens. If the gho, a sort of Scottish kilt that covers the whole body including the legs, will not necessarily delight men due to its lack of comfort and heat, the elegance and shimmering colours of the kira will enchant women.

3. The Himalayas' sublime scenery

Bhutan is nestled between India and China in the middle of the Himalayan high peaks. If you are a mountain enthusiast, then Bhutan is made for you.

Set off to discover monasteries nestled on cliffs, like the very famous Taksang, or temples in remote nameless valleys. The scenery, the nature of which changes in each valley, will remain etched in your memories forever.

Do not miss out on trekking paths like the Dragon Path (Druk Path) or again the famous trek of the Snowman (Snowman trek). Go beyond 13 120 to 16 400 feet high on foot, on standard hiking paths, an exhilarating experience equal to none!

4. The warmth of the Bhutanese welcome
If Bhutan has plenty to offer, it is very much due to its inhabitants! The Bhutanese, who are broad minded and who speak excellent English for the most part, will very willingly host you in their country. Proud of their nation, they are nonetheless quite happy to get to know tourists and western expatriates. Whatever the length of your stay, the Bhutanese will give you the best of themselves so that you can enjoy their country to the fullest, and this always with a ready smile!
5. Getting your fill of happiness

The four reasons listed previously will ensure, I have no doubt, that you spend an excellent time in the heart of Bhutan, in the company of its inhabitants. The philosophy of Gross National Happiness (strongly impregnated with Buddhist principles) has enabled Bhutan to remain an oasis of peace and tranquility.

If certain countries can exasperate by their mass tourism policy, where the locals demand exorbitant prices of tourists and where politeness is not always present, right from the start Bhutan banked on a regulated tourism policy with a high added value. Thus, travelling to Bhutan is the guarantee of a peaceful stay where the encounters you make are easy, genuine and warm. The honesty and kindness of the Bhutanese will convince you that Gross National Happiness is a real notion that each one of us can evaluate!

When to go in Bhutan?

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The best months for going to Bhutan are those of October and November or March, April and May, when the climate is at its most pleasant. This is a pleasant time to go on a trek. You can also go the rest of the year, but avoid the months of June, July and August, which are very rainy. Cover up if you go to the Himalayas!
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What to see in Bhutan?

Top places to discover.

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Prepare your trip in Bhutan
Bhutan, the country of "Gross National Happiness" is little known to tourists. So here is some advice for travellers who wish to take the plunge.

What documents are needed for traveling to Bhutan?

Your passport and a visa are compulsory. Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date of entry into Bhutan. For any stay in Bhutan , you must request a visa from a recognised tour operator in Bhutan or through one of their foreign representatives. The tour operator will take care of everything, from the visa to the airplane ticket with Druk Air, the only airline going to the country.

For British citizens, formalities are the same as for other Europeans.

Health advise

The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory if you are travelling to Bhutan . Other vaccins like DTP, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever and rabies are also recommended. Also take precautions against malaria. Protect yourself from insect bites by wearing full-length clothes. There is no emergency evacuation possible in Bhutan due to limited hospital facilities, so it is wise to take out a repatriation insurance policy. For more information, consult the government site.

Language

Dzongkha, a Tibetan dialect, is Bhutan's official language. Tshanglakha and Bumthangkha are also widely spoken dialects. In the big towns, English is also widely used.

Time difference

The time difference with Bhutan is +6 hours for Bhutan in winter and +5 hours in summer. So, when it is 12 noon in London, it is 5pm or 6pm (depending on the season) in Bhutan.

Phone and internet connection

Bhutan's dialling code is +975.

Internet has recently become available in Bhutan . However, outside of the big towns, it is still mostly inaccessible.

Electricity

The voltage is the same as in Britain, so you will not need an adaptor.

British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata (there is no embassy in Bhutan)

1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata, India, 700071.

Honorary Consulate of Bhutan in the United Kingdom

2 Windacres, Warren Road, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2HG

0-1483-538-189