Bhutan, The Land of Thunder Dragon, is a Democratic, Constitutional
Monarchy that lays great Importance on the Happiness Level of its populace.
People here believe that the Success of any Country should be measured by the
happiness level of its citizens.
Bhutan opened its door for tourism in the 1970s and since then it has
quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about countries in the world.
With a population of approximately 800,000 people, a small, isolated country
landlocked between the superpowers like India and China How did it manage to
get so much attention?
The answer to this is Abundant Natural Beauty, Breath-Taking Landscapes,
Magnificent Monasteries, Ancient Buddhist Temples, Fluttering Prayer Flags and
Happy Faces throughout the Country of Bhutan. Bhutan exudes with traditions
like no other country on the face of Earth. It is the remaining part of mighty
Himalayan Kingdom of yesteryear, which remains endowed with mystery, culture,
and tradition. Bhutan takes pride in providing a novel sort of vacation, which
specializes on rejuvenation and minimalistic lifestyle.
- Reason Why to Visit the
Beautiful Country of Bhutan
- Best Time to Visit this Land
- How to Reach Bhutan from
India
- Visa and Permits Required
- Places to Cover during your
trip
- Top Things to do in Bhutan
- Tips to enjoy Bhutan
Reasons Why to Visit the Beautiful Country of Bhutan:
If I Said that there is a place with the most photographic mountains,
vast luscious green fields, jungles and wildlife safari that you could enjoy in
with a very amiable weather, full of monasteries, fortresses, subtropical
plains, and valley – then you’ll say that I am dreaming and there is no such
place that can offer everything at one place, Right?
But No, you are WRONG.
This Unique Land offers un-imaginable nature in its fullest,
bio-diversity, and different types of climate and terrain, all in a small
geographical area.
Here are some reasons that why should Bhutan be your next Vacation
Destination:
- Bhutan is known as The Palace of Great Happiness
- It offers Stunning Natural Beauty
- You can enjoy Mind-Boggling Adventures
- Trek up to Awe-Inspiring Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- See and experience Unique Culture, History and Ancient Traditions
- All year round, it offers Pleasant Climate
- Try Bhutanese Cuisine
- Bhutan is a Spiritual Haven to Discover Inner Peace
Bhutan is a place that is incredible throughout the year. Bhutan’s
Temperature and enjoyable climate, cultural festivals celebrated throughout the
year and ample heritage sites provide infinite happiness to the Visitors.
Taking all factors into consideration, The Best Time to go to Bhutan,
The Land of Thunder Dragon is during spring and autumn, as during that time
even the RHODODENDRON BLOOMS are its Peak.
- Spring
Season:
March, April, and May are the Months of Spring and the most beautiful time
of the year. It is the peak of the season for Tourists throughout the
world. The Land of Bhutan is ablaze with a spectacular array of bright
colours of nature.
- Autumn
Season:
September, October, and November are the Months of Autumn filled with
clear and plump blue Skies. It is the best time for hikers as the climate
is cool and weather is pleasant at this time, and for Photographers as the
climate at this time provides a grand view of rangy unclimbed mountains,
the solitude of parks, dzongs, and monasteries.
Avoid Visiting during monsoon due to Heavy Rainfall that this place
receives and during winter because of the Heavy Snowfall.
Now if the question that is bothering you – How to Reach Bhutan? Then
you are at the right place!
Until the late 1960s, it was very difficult to enter into the Kingdom of
Bhutan. The Dense jungles within the South and high frozen passes within the
North made the entry extremely difficult. However, now it is much more
accessible through many international and multiple domestic airports, roads due
to the planned economic development.
- Bhutan by ROAD:
- By
Private Vehicle: These 3 Bhutanese Town are the only land
borders open to world tourists :
- Phuentsholing: shares border with the Indian Town called Jaigon, West Bengal.
- Gelephu:
is merely 50 km away from Bongaigaon District in Assam.
- Samdrup
Jhongkar: is located around 150kms away from the capital city of Assam,
Guwahati.
- By
Bus: Siliguri
in West Bengal is the nearest Indian Cosmopolitan city to Bhutan.
Travellers wishing to take a bus route to reach Bhutan can hop onto buses
from Siliguri to reach the city of Jaigaon, which shares the borders with
Phuentsholing (Bhutan).
- By Train: Sadly, the Last Himalayan Kingdom has no direct entry through Railways. Nonetheless, Travellers wishing to reach Bhutan by train can hop onto a Rail from Siliguri, New Jalpaiguri, or Hasimara Railway Stations, and finally enter to the town of Phuentsholing by passing through Jaigaon using Road Route.
- Bhutan By Air: Taking a flight to reach Bhutan might be the one of the best plane journeys that you'll ever experience due to the majestic views of Himalayas that you can see through your flight. What makes is more interesting is that you can see four of the Highest Mountains in the World- Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. There are 4 airports in Bhutan and have many flights to and fro from Kolkata, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, and Bangkok:
- Paro International Airport: Country's only international airport, where only those flights are permitted to land that are flown by licensed pilots as landing and taking off from this airport is very risky.
- Gelephu Airport: Domestic Airport that is used for flying to the South- Central Bhutan.
- Yonphulla Airport: Domestic Airport that is used for travelling to Eastern Bhutan.
- Bathpalangthag Airport: Domestic Airport used for flying to Central Bhutan
However, Travel
through or to Yonphulla and Bathpalanthag Airports have stopped their
operations.
Except
the travellers from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, every other international
traveller requires a proper VISA to enter into Bhutan.
Travellers
holding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian Passports can easily obtain permit to
Entry at the point/port of entry on showing a valid passport with a minimum of
6 months validity. Note: Indian
Nationals can also show their Voters Identity Card (VIC) for the same.
All
other tourists must have a proper VISA before travelling to Bhutan. Visas are
to be processed through an Online System that is to be done by your Bhutanese
Tour Guide, booked either directly or through a foreign travel tour operator.
The
average expenditure incurred for a Bhutanese VISA is $250 each day during the
peak season, and $200 each day for the off-season which encompasses the costs
of transportation, accommodation, meals, water and some entry charges.
There
is No daily Visitor Fees for Indiana, Bangladeshis, and Maldivians as of now
but according to the New Rules of Bhutanese Government, there will be a daily
visitor fees starting from July 1st, 2020.
The
fees would be ₨ 1,200 for adults and Rs 600 for Children.
The
last perfect semblance of Shangri-La – Bhutan is known for its picturesque
landscapes and magnificent Buddhist monasteries. Bhutan is definitely a place
that will assist you in breathing fresh air of life within you. This Land of
Thundering Dragon has been a hiker’s paradise since a long time. You’ll be
amazed by the Bhutanese ways of taking care of its guest and its splendid
natural beauty.
Following
are some places that you must cover while travelling to Bhutan:
I. THIMPHU, the capital
city, is an alluring place cuddled in the laps of Himalayas with dazzling
sights of the CHUU River flowing by it. It is the ONLY city in the entire world
with no traffic lights. The main attractions of this place are- Tashichho
Dzong, National Chorten and Motithang Takin Preserve.
Tiger's Nest Monastery, Paro in Winters |
II. PARO, the major
attraction of tourist as the country’s only International Airport is here. Paro
is an exquisite gorgeous beautiful valley, covered by luscious green rice fields.
Paro is a town with many historic sites and buildings covering the entire area.
Along with towns- Jakar and Punakha, Paro forms the “Golden Triangle” of major
tourist attractions in Bhutan.
III. PHUENTSHOLING, a small town
near the international border of Bhutan and India, a perfect place for those
who wish to absorb nature and remain in solitude of life. The major tourist
places to visit in this town are- Amo Chhu, The Crocodile Breeding Center,
Chukha Hydrothermal Project, Bhutan Gate, and Karbandi Monastery.
IV. BUMTHANG VALLEY, the divine
provincial of Bhutan, is full of most historic and precious Buddhist sites.
Situated at a height of 2.600 meters, this scared hub of Bhutan with Jakar as
the main city in Bumthang valley and its rolling valley, which is brimming with
Apple trees and numerous temples.
V. WANGDUE PHODRANG, the last standing
town on the central highway of Bhutan, located in the south of Punakha provides
with the rick nibble able land for cattle. This town is famous for fine Bamboo
products, Slate, and Stone Carvings.
VI. MONGAR and LHUNTSE, these places
are on the itinerary of most travellers. Mongar, in the eastern Bhutan, is one
the most beautiful towns in the Himalayas. Lhuntse, situated at an elevation of
1460 metres, is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan.
VII. PHOBJIKHA and GANGTEY VALLEY
is
the glacial valley with a brook flowing through its open pasturelands, making
it one of the most bewitching landscapes of Bhutan. This Valley acts as home
for endangered Black Necked Cranes. The entire zone is called as Gangtey. Major
tourist attractions here are the Black Mountain National Park, Jigme Singye
National Park, Gangtey Monastery, and the enchanting view of diverse flora and
fauna.
VIII. HAA VALLEY, valley filled
with temples and fortresses, is more popular of its scenic views. This valley
houses Lhakhang Karpo temple, Nagpo, Shekhar Drak, Tagchu Goemba, and Dobji
Dzong.
IX. PUNAKHA, the stunning
destination in Bhutan, acted as the capital city from 1637 to 1907. Visit this
town to fully understand the essence of Bhutanese history and enjoy its captive
natural beauty. Things that you’ll enjoy visiting here are- Punakha Dzong,
Chhimi Lhakhang, and Limbhukha.
This
small neighbouring country of India, Bhutan, is a place that offers pure bliss
to the people who travel here. With its luscious green mountains, picturesque
waterfalls, and the smell of raw and fresh air wrapping the peaceful
atmosphere, it is a divine feeling for travellers.
Your
trip to this Happiest Country in the whole world will leave you content with is
colourful festivals, scenic greenery, enchanting weather, warm hospitality and
magnificent monasteries.
For
you, here is list of top things to do in Bhutan:
01. Exploring Bumthang Valley, often referred
as Switzerland of East, is one the best things that you can enjoy in Bhutan
while exploring enchanting panoramic view of beautiful temples and monasteries.
The area is a house for various enchanting little villages with warm hearted
folks wherein you can catch a glimpse of their daily life and beliefs. This
place is also the Birthplace of their Revered Saint Pema Lingpa.
02. Visit the place out of the
pictures- URA Valley, perfect spot for Photographers, this
valley is an alluring place that will you mesmerized with fanciful traditional
villages, potato fields that drape the area, and alluring sheep pastures. This
place looks like it is straight out of Children’s fairy-tale.
Taktsang Gompa, Paro |
03. Trek to Taktsang Gompa, commonly known
as Tiger’s Nest, a majestic monastery that was rebuilt in 1998, as it was
destroyed in a fire, is located 9480 ft. above the ground, one of best
locations in the world. This trek is one of the most difficult treks due to its
terrain i.e. perched alongside the far end of the mountain cliff and the path
is rocky and windy. Advice for the trekkers, No Matter What You Do, while
trekking here, DON’T LOOK DOWN!
04. Mountain Biking, relatively new
activity in Bhutan, is gaining mass popularity among the travellers here. Biking
on the path, that is approximately 2300 metres high on Sea level, provides with
a great excitement and thrilling experience to the riders. But to take this
dare, one need courage, zeal, sportsmanship, and vigour.
05. Archery, also known as
Da, is the national sport of Bhutan. Deck up in The Traditional Bhutanese
clothes and enjoy this sport with great sportsmanship and zeal. As challenging
this sport is, the pressure and tension that this sport omits outs acts as a
great motivation for people here to keep going. The trill of anticipating,
crowd cheering and dancing shows the great enthusiasm and exuberance that
people have here for this sport.
06. River Rafting
is
one the adventure that you can enjoy in Bhutan. Bhutan is a home for various
exquisite and immaculate rivers whose vicious waves invite people to experience
rafting here. The excitement of rafting amidst the Rocky Mountains gives an
experience that is beyond ordinary and incomparable. The best rivers for
experience this in Bhutan are – Par Chhu River and Mo Chhu River.
07. Luxuriate Yourself with Bhutanese
Delicacies,
inspired by Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese Culture, have a tinge of spiciness to
it. Here, Chillies are not used as a Seasoning but is used as the main
ingredient. The fact that you get to enjoy this delicacies in a small,
hill-side, and cozy cafes makes it more of experience that one must try. The
must try delicacies are-
a. Ema Datshi, or Ema Datse,
is the national food of Bhutan, is prepared with spiciest chillies and cheese
locally available. This is a vegetarian dish that is eaten by almost everyone
throughout the country.
b. Momos, available
throughout world, is a dish that originally belongs to the Himalayan kingdoms-
Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The authentic taste that you’ll get to try here is
something that you can never experience anywhere else.
c. Goep, a dish that
almost vanished from the surface of the world, is a dish that is still loved by
people here.
08. Bird Watching, heaven for
bird lovers, is one of the most popular things to do in Bhutan and this place
acts as a home for Himalayan Monal, Black-Necked Crane, Rufous-Necked Hornbill,
Ward’s Trogon, and Snow Pigeon. You can take a bird watching tour at Bundeling
Wildlife Sanctuary, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Jigme Dorji National
Park, and Thrumshingla National Park.
Shopping in Bhutan |
09. Shopping, one of the
most expected and important things on traveller’s list. Here one can buy everything
from Colourful embroidered boots to handmade paper and handicrafts. Some of the
popular things bought here are Carpets, colourful masks and jewellery, hand-
woven bamboo artefacts, silver items and hand-made wood products. Norzin Lam is
one of the best places to shop here.
ü Do not only rely
on Vehicles here.
ü Do not forget to
wear sunglasses here and apply sun-screen at regular intervals to protect your
skin
ü Carry power
banks, solar powdered charges and others with you as finding electricity is bit
difficult here.
ü Bring some
general medicines along with you.
ü Though you can
do digital transactions here, still it is better to carry local cash, Indian
currency or US dollars with you.
Travelling
to the happiest place in the world will be an extra- ordinary awesome
experience; as this green country will teach you how to find happiness in small
things, and how to be grateful for all that you have.
I
hope that this blog of mine will help you in planning a perfect vacation for
yourself and your family.
If
you have any more questions to ask, please feel free to ask me.
Wish to know more about International Destinations that you could travel from India under 30K, then Click Here.
Wish to know more about International Destinations that you could travel from India under 30K, then Click Here.