Bhutan Travel Guide

To travel is to live. Traveling to new places is a great way to explore completely different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. It is also a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and meet interesting people from different walks of life. There are a lot of beautiful places that can serve as a perfect holiday destination. One such mesmerizing place, known for its natural scenery and traditional Buddhist culture is Bhutan. This South Asian country has gained massive popularity for its tourism in recent times by attracting tourists from all corners of the world. Therefore, be it a solo-trip, family vacation or a holiday with friends, a trip to Bhutan is certainly worthwhile.

Places to Visit in Bhutan

  • Monasteries- Bhutan has a majorly Buddhist population and hence, it has several enchanting monasteries with breath-taking views. The Tiger's Monastery, Taktsang Monastery, Rinpung Dzong Monastery, Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery, and Gangteng Monastery are some of the most popular tourist attractions.

  • The National Museum- For tourists who wish to explore cultural heritage and history of Bhutan, visiting the National Museum of Bhutan is a must.

  • Buddha Dordenma- Built for the prosperity of the nation, the Buddha Dordenma in the capital city, Thimpu, is also a major tourist attraction. Standing at 51 meters tall, it is a popular pilgrimage that provides a spectacular view of the city, Thimpu.

  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten- Built by the Queen Mother as a dedication to the well-being of the Kingdom, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is one of the most beautiful shrines in Bhutan. It is located in the district of Phunnaka and provides a spell-binding view of the Phunaka valley.

  • Whitewater rafting- If you are an adventure lover, you can engage in whitewater to get through the Phunnaka valley. You get to see the picturesque surrounding mountains, dzongs, and chortens while rafting through the valley.

  • Festivals- Bhutan is well known for its festivals. The most popular festivals are celebrated in the main cities of Paro, Thimphu, and Phunaka. You can plan your schedule accordingly and be a part of these festivities.

Bhutan Travel Information

  • Languages Spoken- The national language of Bhutan is Bhutanese (Dzongkha) and the script is called Chhokey ("Dharma language").

  • Capital- The capital of Bhutan is Thimpu. It is also the largest city as well as the political and economic centre of the country. The city is also popular for its Buddhist sites.

  • Currency- Bhutan's currency is the Ngultrum and its value is fixed with respect to the Indian rupee. The rupee is also legally accepted in Bhutan.

  • Population- In 2016, the population of Bhutan was 797,765. The country’s average age is 24.8 years. The literacy rate in Bhutan is 59.5%.

  • Weather Specifications- Bhutan experiences five distinct seasons i.e. summer, monsoon, autumn, winter, and spring. Western Bhutan has heavier monsoon rains, whereas southern Bhutan has hot humid summers and cool winters.

  • Best time to Visit- The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring months of March to May. You should avoid traveling to Bhutan between June to August owing to rains during the monsoon season.

  • Cuisine/Delicacies- Bhutan’s staple diet mostly consists of rice, vegetables or meat dishes. Some of the popular local cuisine of ema – datsi, kewa – datsi and shamu – datsi. These are chilli based dishes served with rice. Other cuisines commonly available in Bhutan are mutter paneer, cheese momo, khuli, and puta.

Bhutan Visa Requirements

Indians do not require a visa to visit Bhutan. They are only required to have a valid Indian passport or a voter identity card. Additionally, they are required to obtain an 'Entry Permit' on the basis of valid Travel Document from the Immigration Office of the Royal Government of Bhutan. This 'entry permit' allows Indians to visit Thimphu and Paro only. For going beyond Thimphu and Paro, tourists acquire a 'special area permit' from the Bhutan Immigration Office at Thimphu.

Bhutan Travel Insurance: Details & Benefits

Before you start your journey to Bhutan, make sure that you have your Bhutan travel insurance in place. Good travel insurance coverage offers benefits like medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost luggage, flight accident and other losses incurred while traveling internationally. With prominent financial institutions, you can easily avail a comprehensive travel insurance online through a hassle-free application process.

Things to Keep in Mind

While packing your stuff, make sure that you carry the below mentioned things for a pleasant stay in Bhutan.

  • Personal first aid kit – Getting proper medication and first aid in the remote areas of Bhutan can sometimes be difficult. Therefore, make sure that you keep a personal first aid kit with you at all times.

  • Hat – In a humid climate, the sun can be harsh, pack a peaked hat to protect yourself from sunburn.

  • Lip balm and sunscreen – If you have sensitive skin, you should carry a sunscreen and be sure to protect your skin.

  • Portable charger – You may go a few days without proper electricity for charging there, carrying a USB charger to keep your phone batteries charged can be extremely helpful.

Visiting near-by Countries

If you are also planning to visit the land of Mt.Everest and craving some thukpa and in Bhutan, do remember to first buy a Nepal travel insurance to make your entry into this neighbouring country hassle-free.

General FAQs

1. Is Bhutan a safe country?

The crime rate in Bhutan is significantly low and hence, it a safe country to visit.

2. Is traveling to Bhutan expensive?

Indians can explore Bhutan on a cost-effective budget. Moreover, the Indian currency is also accepted in Bhutan.

3. Is passport mandatory for traveling to Bhutan?

Though Indians do not require a visa for traveling to Bhutan, having a valid passport is a must.

Why should you buy Bajaj Travel Insurance available on Bajaj Markets?

Bajaj Allianz Travel Insurance available on Bajaj Markets offers an affordable cover for your travel to Bhutan, and extends an opportunity to enjoy your vacation without any worries or stress.

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