Insider’s Guide For Travel To Bhutan
General
Travel to Bhutan is a bit more complicated to plan than travel to other countries. Like most things in life though, the extra work pays off in unimaginable ways.
Bhutan tours offer once in a life journeys which cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. The sense of happiness, pristine forests, magnificent valleys, flowing rivers, and panoramic views of the Himalayas combine to create a truly magical and memorable experience. You will feel a profound sense of peace and come to understand why Bhutan is known as the happiest country in the world.
Bhutan is the world’s only carbon negative country and that means the cleanest air on the planet.
If Bhutan is on your radar, as it should be, check out our insider’s tips and information below to find out everything you need to know about planning your trip to Bhutan.
Overview
Bhutan is a very small kingdom of only 500,000 people with a long and rich history. Because of its size and important cultural heritage, the government works hard to maintain its beautiful traditions while still remaining open to the outside world and modernization.
It is truly a fascinating time in Bhutan.
The government actively welcomes tourists under their guiding principle of “Low Impact, High Value” tourism. This means that for tourists outside of neighboring countries (India, Nepal, Bangladesh,) to travel to Bhutan, there is a “minimum daily package” which refers to a prepaid, planned and guided tour that they must buy from a government registered tour operator.
This policy is in place so that tourism supports locally owned businesses.
As Bhutan is extremely remote, tour operators provide a much more comprehensive experience than an independent traveler could plan on their own and it is truly a win-win situation for Bhutan and for the tourists who visit. Using their extensive knowledge of the place and personal relationships across the country with spiritual leaders and government officials, some Bhutan tour operators provide truly special journeys.
Visa
Every traveler going to Bhutan needs a visa in order to enter the country. Visas cost $40 and are taken care of by your tour operator. You only need to send in a photo of your passport information page after you have paid for your trip.
It is best to make plans at least 30 days in advance .
The Tourism Council Board of Bhutan approves visas after your payment has been completed. You will be given a letter which you provide to the immigration agent upon entry and he/she will stamp the visa into your passport.
Flights
Flying into Bhutan is a bit of a unique process as well. Currently, DrukAir and Bhutan Airlines are the only two airlines with service to Bhutan. Flights to Bhutan are only accessible from specific connecting airports in New Delhi, Singapore, and Bangkok. Typically, airline tickets are not included in itinerary pricing for Bhutan tours but can be purchased as an addition through your tour operator.
Tour cost
Following Bhutan’s guiding “low impact, high value” tourism policy, travelers must purchase tours which include a guide, driver, transportation, hotels, meals, entrance to temples/museums, and other experiences all included. The services provided within the packaged tours are provided by locally owned businesses.
Built into the daily price of every tour package is a 200$ daily donation to a national forest conservation fund which ensures that Bhutan will remain carbon neutral and that 70% of the kingdom remains covered by forest.
Bhutan tour prices vary among tour operators and are contingent upon the quality of hotels, guides, experiences, and additions offered within their respective itineraries. Some tour operators offer unique experiences which cannot be found on other tours. Operators also may give travelers the option to customize tours and request specific hotel upgrades and experiences.
Bhutan is amazing because every type of traveler can find what they are looking for, from rustic farm-stays to some of the finest 5 star resorts in the world.
Tour Operators
Bhutan has cemented itself as one of the most sought after wellness destinations in the world and boasts an array of experiences which will leave you feeling happy, healthy, and peaceful.
The Tourism Council Board registers tour operators and ensures that they are held to very high standards for the quality of service that they provide. The association of hotel operators and association of restaurants also provide certifications and quality control for the partners.
ATMS/Money Exchange
There are no ATMs available in Bhutan and most establishments do not accept credit cards.
Bhutan’s currency is called the Ngultrum and carries the same value as the Indian Rupee. Indian Rupee notes under 500 Rupees are widely accepted.
Gross National Happiness
Bhutan’s government measures its success in terms of gross national happiness rather than gross domestic product. Specific metrics are analyzed to gauge the happiness levels of the Bhutanese people and maintain a happy and healthy society. The results are tangible as Bhutan is recognized as the happiest country in the world. Something you can truly feel when you travel to Bhutan.
Governments and world leaders have taken notice of these policies and just recently New Zealand has invested deeply in the happiness of its citizens.
Below is another fascinating Ted Talk about GNH.
Food
Food in Bhutan is mostly revolves around cheese, chillies, and rice.
Momos (Himalayan Dumplings) are an addictive treat for people of all ages.
Yak butter tea is a common local drink but decidedly an acquired taste for those who are not accustomed.
Vegetarian travel in Bhutan is easy as many Bhutanese people follow vegetarian diets.
Indian food is widely available as well as many Western staples.
Traditional Medicine
Bhutan is known as the land of medicinal herbs and has a long and rich history of traditional healing practice.
Hot Stone Baths are the most common form of traditional medicine which can be found all across Bhutan. The process begins with the careful selection of sacred river stones from nearby streams which are then heated over fire and added to a wooden chamber connected to the bath to emit heat and rich minerals good for the skin. Artesemia leaves are added to the water as it heats to release essential oils known to have many benefits including anxiety reduction, immune system strengthening, pain reduction, and boosting gastrointestinal health.
Some Bhutan tours include Hot Stone Baths. If you are interested in this experience, confirm or make a request with your Bhutan tour operator.
Religion
Bhutan is one of the last places in the world to practice Vajrayana Buddhism, a specific sect which originated in the far North of India and spread to Tibet, Nepal, and Western China.
Vajrayana means indestructible vehicle and the Vajra can also been seen to symbolize a diamond; an allusion to the indestructible nature of the reality of our consciousness.
Practitioners take part in intensive meditation retreats and master meditators may travel to very remote places or spend long periods of time in caves, consuming very little and meditating on the ultimate nature of reality to ultimately come to profound realizations which benefit all people.
Weather
Climate in Bhutan varies greatly depending on the altitude and region of the country.
Southern Bhutan has a tropical climate ranging from around 60 degrees Farenheit in the wintertime and 80-90 degrees in the summertime.
Central Bhutan enjoys a more subtropical climate with warm summers and cooler winters.
Northern Bhutan is the hardiest climate and sees snowfall 2-3 times per winter.
Safety
Bhutan is an incredibly safe country with extremely low levels of crime.
If you intend to trek or explore deep into nature, please do so with a registered guide and buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation. Ensure that you are using proper gear, be informed about weather, understand symptoms of altitude sickness, ensure that your physical condition is strong enough, and do not veer off of marked trails/slopes.
Health care is available in the cities of Bhutan and the best hospital for urgent care would be the Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Referral Hospital in Thimphu.
Growth and Changes in Bhutan
Recently, with globalization and widespread internet access, Bhutan is beginning to undergo some changes, most notably in the capital of Thimphu where modernization is most evident. Bhutan still retains its charm and strong traditional culture, but this may change in the future as it becomes more open to the outside world.