Kingdom of Bhutan
འབྲུག་རྒྱལ་ཁབ Dzongkha
Druk Gyal Khap
photo credit: Pawo Choyning Dorji
About Bhutan
Total area: 38,394 km2. To provide a sense of scale, Bhutan's size is similar to that of the state of Taiwan or the European country of Switzerland.
Population: Estimate 777,48 in year 2021
Capital city: Thimphu
Official languages: Dzongkha
Religion: 84.3% Buddhism (official) in year 2020
Where is Bhutan?
Bhutan is a landlocked country located in the Eastern Himalayas in South Asia. It shares borders with India to the south, east, and west, and with China (Tibet) to the north. It is situated between the geographical coordinates approximately 26.3351° N latitude and 90.4178° E longitude. The country's mountainous terrain and unique cultural heritage make it a distinctive and sought-after destination for travelers.
Paro
Thimphu
Punakha
Gangtey
Bumthang
China
India
When to visit Bhutan?
Bhutan's climate varies significantly depending on the region and altitude, so the best time to visit can vary based on your preferences and the experiences you're seeking. Generally, there are two main tourist seasons that are popular for visiting Bhutan:
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Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Bhutan. The weather starts warming up, and the valleys come alive with colorful flowers and lush vegetation. This is a great time for nature lovers and those interested in witnessing the bloom of rhododendrons and other wildflowers.
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Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another highly recommended time to visit. The weather is clear, the skies are usually blue, and the temperatures are pleasant. The fall foliage adds a touch of magic to the landscapes, making it a favorite among photographers and trekkers.
These seasons are considered the best times to visit due to the comfortable weather and the beauty of the natural surroundings. However, Bhutan can be visited year-round, and each season has its own unique charm:
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Winter (December to February): While winter can be chilly, it's a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds. The skies are often clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.
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Monsoon (June to August): The monsoon season brings heavy rain and is generally considered the least favorable time to visit. While some trekking routes may be closed due to the rain and potential landslides, the countryside is incredibly lush during this time.
What is the currency in Bhutan?
The currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum, often represented by the symbol "Nu." The Ngultrum is abbreviated as "BTN." It's the official currency used for transactions within Bhutan.
Indian Rupees (INR) are also widely accepted in Bhutan due to the close economic ties between the two countries.
Before traveling to Bhutan, it's advisable to carry Bhutanese Ngultrum or USD for your expenses.
Bhutanese festivals
Bhutan is known for its vibrant and culturally rich festivals, many of which are based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar, so their exact dates vary from year to year.
Here are some of the most important festivals in Bhutan and their approximate timeframes:
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Paro Tsechu: One of Bhutan's most famous festivals, held in Paro. It usually takes place in March or April. The dates vary each year based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
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Thimphu Tsechu: Thimphu's largest festival is celebrated in the capital city. It typically occurs in September or October, showcasing elaborate mask dances and cultural performances.
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Punakha Drubchen and Tsechu: The Drubchen takes place in February or March, while the Tsechu is held a few days later. These festivals celebrate Bhutanese history and culture in Punakha.
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Jambay Lhakhang Drup: Celebrated in Bumthang, this festival usually takes place in October or November and includes the famous "Mewang" fire dance.
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Haa Summer Festival: Held in the Haa Valley, this festival showcases local culture, traditions, and cuisine. It usually occurs in July.
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Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu: Celebrated in Wangdue Phodrang in September or October, this festival is known for its mask dances and vibrant atmosphere.
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Black-Necked Crane Festival: Held in Phobjikha Valley in November, this festival raises awareness about the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate to the region.
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Trongsa Tsechu: Celebrated in Trongsa in December or January, this festival features traditional mask dances and rituals.
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Nimalung Tsechu and Kurjey Tsechu: These festivals occur in Bumthang, with Nimalung usually in July and Kurjey in November.
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Mongar Tshechu: Celebrated in Mongar in November or December, this festival showcases the unique traditions of eastern Bhutan.
These dates are approximate and can change based on the Bhutanese lunar calendar.
Please click here to see tentative festival dates for 2024.
How to get to Bhutan?
Paro is Bhutan's only international airport (PBH). Flying into Paro provides a stunning aerial view of the Himalayan mountains. However, flights can be weather-dependent due to the challenging terrain. The national carrier, Druk Air, and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to and from Paro, connecting to cities from Bangkok, Singapore, Kathmandu, Dhaka and New Delhi.
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Bangkok, Thailand - 3hr 15min
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Kathmandu, Nepal - 1hr 15min
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New Delhi, India - 2hr 20min
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Singapore - 6hr 15min
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Dhaka, Bangladesh - 1hr 10min
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Kolkata, India - 1hr 15min
While visiting Bhutan, all foreign tourists must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times. Restricted areas require permits applied through the immigration office in Thimphu. Checkpoints are located at road junctions throughout the country and independent traveling by foreign tourists (except for citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives) is strictly prohibited.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
The Royal Government of Bhutan is pleased to announce on August 25, 2023 additional incentives and policy measures to boost its tourism sector, introducing a 50% reduction on its tourism levy, known as the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Bhutan's commitment to high value, low volume tourism is underscored by its SDF, which is now USD 100 per person, per night (down from USD 200 per person per night). The new, lower levy will be in effect until September 2027.
Bhutan started welcoming foreign tourists in 1974, and guests to Bhutan have always been required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee as part of Bhutan’s ‘High Value, Low Volume’ tourism policy. Funds from the SDF go to the government exchequer and are invested in a range of projects that are designed to support Bhutan’s preservation and progress, and ensure that Bhutan never becomes a mass tourism destination. The projects funded by the SDF include the provision of free healthcare and education for all Bhutanese; a range of sustainability and conservation projects; cultural preservation programmes; infrastructure upgrades; youth development programmes, and more.