Bhutan Travel Guide (South Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Bhutan

Bhutan is a South Asian country that is located in the eastern Himalayas. Also known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan is a small country where the people, culture and traditions are deeply rooted in Buddhism. Bhutan is famous for being one of the happiest countries in the world, with a unique approach to measuring progress called Gross National Happiness.

Travelers to Bhutan will be fascinated by the country’s untouched natural beauty, as well as the vibrant culture and rich history of this unique destination. This comprehensive tour guide will take you through the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink options, cultural customs, and transportation options in Bhutan.

List of Places to Visit in Bhutan

Whether you are interested in learning about Bhutan’s longstanding history and culture or exploring the country’s natural beauty, Bhutan has plenty of places to visit. Here are a few attractions to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

National Museum of Bhutan
Paro Dzong
Kyichu Lhakhang
Punakha Dzong
Buddha Dordenma Statue

Natural Attractions of Bhutan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Lhakhang)
Chele La Pass
Gangtey Valley
Bumthang Valley
Jigme Dorji National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bhutan

Bhutan’s mountainous terrain offers some of the best hiking and biking routes in Asia. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting, these routes offer unforgettable experiences.

Druk Path Trek
Snowman Trek
Jigme Dorji National Park Trek
Bumthang Owl Trek
Black Mountain Trek

Best Things to Do in Bhutan: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Bhutan. Here are some recommended things to do:

Whitewater rafting
Hot springs therapy
Rafting and Kayaking
Archery
Stargazing

Week-Long Itinerary for Bhutan

If you’re short on time or just want a sample itinerary, here’s a week-long tour route of Bhutan:

Day	Itinerary
1	Arrival in Paro and sightseeing at Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong
2	Hiking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
3	Exploring the capital Thimphu and museums
4	Visiting Punakha and Wangduephodrang
5	Hiking to Phobjikha via Lobesa vally and Chimmi Lhakhang
6	Hiking in Bumthang valley
7	Enjoying the hot springs of Phobjikha and departure

Food and Drink Scene of Bhutan

Bhutanese cuisine is unique and delicious, with a focus on spicy flavors and colorful ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

Ema Datshi (spicy chile and cheese sauce)
Phaksha Paa (pork with chilies and radish)
Jasha Maroo (spicy chicken stew)
Red Rice
Momos (steamed dumplings)

Local Beverages

Butter tea
Ara (traditional Bhutanese liquor)
Suja (salted butter tea)
Bangchang (locally brewed beer)

Where to Stay in Bhutan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are a range of accommodation options in Bhutan, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. Here are a few options:

Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimphu
Uma by COMO in Paro
Amankora Paro
Meri Puensum Resort in Punakha
Tashi Namgay Resort in Jakar

What to Buy in Bhutan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bhutan is known for producing high-quality handicrafts, including textiles, wood carvings, and paintings. Here are some suggestions for souvenirs to buy:

Hand-woven textiles such as kiras and ghos
Wooden bowls and carvings
Bhutanese masks
Traditional Thangka paintings

Local Culture and Customs of Bhutan

Bhutanese culture is deeply rooted in Buddhism, with customs and traditions that are unique to the country. Here are some important customs to keep in mind:

Respect for elders and authority figures
The importance of non-violence and compassion
The national dress (gho and kira)
The ritual of circumambulation
The tradition of offering butter lamps in temples

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

The best time to visit Bhutan is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and visibility is good. However, the winter months of December to February also provide an opportunity to enjoy the snow-covered mountains with clear skies.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bhutan

Here are some important things to keep in mind when visiting Bhutan:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions
Dress modestly and respectfully
Try the local food and drink
Learn a few words of Dzongkha (Bhutanese language)
Enjoy the natural beauty of Bhutan responsibly

Don’t:

Touch religious artifacts without permission
Disrespect the King, Queen or religious figures
Take pictures without permission at cultural or religious sites

Safety and Health

Bhutan is generally a safe and peaceful country. Here are some important things to keep in mind when it comes to safety and health:

Safety in Bhutan

The crime rate in Bhutan is low, and tourists are unlikely to encounter any trouble
Altitude sickness is common when traveling to Bhutan’s higher elevations

Health in Bhutan

Medical facilities outside of the larger cities are limited
Travelers should be up to date on their vaccinations and bring any necessary medications with them

Getting to Bhutan: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are a few ways to get to Bhutan, which include:

Airports Near Bhutan

Paro International Airport

Bus Stations Near Bhutan

Phuntsholing Bus Terminal in Jaigaon, India

Other Options

Private car hire
Guided tours

How to Get Around in Bhutan

While the country’s small size makes getting around easy, hiring a car is the most convenient way to travel in Bhutan.

Where to Go Next from Bhutan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to continue your journey, here are a few nearby destinations to explore:

Darjeeling, India
Kathmandu, Nepal
Ladakh, India
Lhasa, Tibet

Conclusion

Bhutan is a small but fascinating country with a unique identity and natural beauty that is hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking to explore the historical and cultural attractions or get lost in the country’s untouched wilderness, Bhutan has something for everyone. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your journey and experience the best of what Bhutan has to offer.