Travel Tips
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a tranquil country where you can explore the ancient cultures, beautiful landscapes and magnificent architecture. Bhutan, called Druk Yul by its people, is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. It is one of the world’s most beautiful, yet mysterious places. It is located on the eastern edge of the Himalayan Mountain region. A large part of the area is forested welcoming a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. The country stretches from subtropical valleys and plains to snowcapped mountain ranges. This landscape makes it the perfect place to trek through the majestic valleys or steep mountains to visit ancient architecture and Buddhist temples.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options...and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the country. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the Bhutan’s nearest consulate or embassy:
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options.
Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You'll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers...or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you'll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you're on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things to see & do:
Paro-The gateway to Bhutan. Home to Paro Airport, the only international airport. This is where you begin the journey to the land of happiness. Average elevation of 2,300 metres above sea level.
Tiger's Nest-The Tiger Nest Monastery (also known as Taktsang Goemba) is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Perched beautifully on top of a cliff, the Tiger Nest is indeed a wonder to those who managed to reach there. One can only imagine the architectural prowess required to build the monastery back in the year 1692.
Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong)-Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a heap of jewels) is built in the year 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Founder of Bhutan). The dzong is currently the administrative centre for the District of Paro and school of monastic bodies for the western region of Bhutan.
Kyichu Lhakhang- Built in the year 659, is one of Bhutan oldest surviving temples. This beautifully ornated temple still maintains the architecture and decoration of Bhutan in the 7th Century.
Chelela Pass-With an elevation of 3,988 metres, Chelela Pass is one of the highest passes in Bhutan. The pass offers a stunning view of the sacred mountain Jomolhari as well as Jichu Drake. Prayer flags hoisted all around the pass fluttered as the wind continues blow around this area. For nature lovers, Chelela pass offers a wide variety of roses in different colours. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons.
Drukgyel Dzong-The Dzong was built in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. However, in 1951, the Dzong was consumed by fire.
Punakha-The former capital of Bhutan, a quaint little town with much to offer. Average elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level.
Punakha Dzong-is also known as the palace of great happiness. The elegantly designed palace is the current administrative centre of Punakha District. Constructed in 1637 by Ngawang Namgyal the 1st Zhabdrung Rinpoche.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten-Built by her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is a temple build dedicated to the well-being of the Kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. This 4 storeys temple was built based on the Holy scripture rather than engineering manuals.
Chimi Lhakhang Temple-Built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa, Ngawang Choegyel, the temple was built in honor of Saint Drukpa Kunley also known as the Divine Madman.
Punakha Suspension Bridge-One of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 160 -180m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chhu. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong.
White-Water Rafting-Famed for the confluence of the two rivers and the scenic view along the Punakha Valley, White-water rafting in Bhutan is slowly gaining the attention of tourist to Bhutan. The first is the Mo Chhu river is a 10km course with 10 rapids of class 2-2+. The second choice will be the Po Chhu river, a slightly tougher course with 15 rapids of class between 2-4 spanning 16km.
Thimphu-is the Kingdom of Bhutan’s only city and its capital.
Institute of Traditional Medicine - This world-famous medical facility is said to collect thousands of medicinal herbs, roots and plants from the remotest parts of this Garden of Eden-like area. These botanical specimens are then used to manufacture ointments, pills, tablets and other medicines which are then distributed to healthcare facilities throughout the country.
Tashchichho Dzong - The Thimphu Dzong is a famous Buddhist fortress and monastery on the northern part of the city. This is the official office of the civil government's head or the Dharma Raja, who shares some powers with the kingship; it is also the country's official summer capital.
Cheri Goemba - This is Bhutan's first monastery and it's not too far from Thimphu. In fact, it's the oldest monastery in Bhutan, as far as we know. It's possible to reach the base of this magnificent structure by using a local cab.
National Institute for Zurig Chusum - This institution, better known as the “school of painting,” runs several educational programs in the 13 traditional arts Bhutan is famous for. The well-motivated students that come here can delve into elaborate forms of painting, embroidery, woodcarving, and statue sculpting, usually with the use of clay.
Buddha Dordenma - The Buddha Dordenman is a huge statue of Buddha high up in the mountains of Bhutan. Interestingly, the statue itself is the home for over 100,000 smaller statues of Buddha, made from bronze and gold.
National Memorial Chorten - This Tibetan-motif religious structure is the focus of worship for many Bhutanese. Built in 1974, it is a memorial to the 3rd King of the country. People visit here either for religious reason or to pay tribute; it is also a great site to visit for tourists. This site features magnificent Asian architecture, elaborately painted annexes, marvelous mandalas, and a shrine to the King.
Changlimithang Stadium (and sports grounds) - Built on a famous battlefield, this is where many fine cricket, football, and archery competitions take place. Not surprisingly, the residents of Thimphu are very talented and athletically-oriented people; this is evident from the quality of athletic performances (especially in archery) seen here.
Changangkha Temple-This is one of the most ancient temples of Thimphu valley. This is the home of gigantic prayer wheels, super-sized sacred scriptures and, most importantly, a sculpted figure of Thousand-armed Avalokitesvara, a lord/master that looks over the troubles/sadness of life, according to the Buddhist faith.
Bhutan Textile Museum - This great edifice can be found near the National Library of Bhutan. Operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs since 2001, this museum has become world-famous by featuring a rich tapestry of a wide array of very exquisite works of art.
National Library of Bhutan-Established in 1967, the library seeks to promote the rich religious and cultural traditions of Bhutan by displaying artifacts, works of art and pieces of literature, some of which date back to early times in the country's history.
Wangdue- To the south of Punakha is the valley of Wangduephodrang as the national highway heads towards central Bhutan. A brand new town carved out of terraced rice fields will soon replace the old town, a narrow street with single storied shops.
This valley is called Gangtey, the winter home to more than 400 highly endanger black-necked crane. It is a wide, flat glacial valley. This wide and rolling valley is surrounded with mountains on all side, creating a sense of deep isolation.
Trongsa-is the capital of Trongsa District in central Bhutan. It means "new village" in Dzongkha. It is one of Bhutan's most historic towns, with the first monastery built here in 1543 by the Drukpa Kagyu lama, Ngagi Wangchuk, who was the great-grandfather of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the person who unified Bhutan.
Bumthang- Bumthang is a region that is the religious heartland of the nation. 10 things to do in Bumthang: The Scenic Town of Jakar, The Bumthang Owl Trek, The Wild East Rodung La Trek, The Bumthang Valley, The Bumthang Krje Lhakhang, The Kurjey Tshechu Festival, The Jambay Lhakhang Festival, The Palace of Wangdichholing, Shugdrak Cave, Tamshing Goemba.
Mongar- The seat of the Mongar District, the town of Mongar is considered the primary hub for trade and travel in eastern Bhutan. The road approaching Mongar is one of the most awe-inspiring in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, passing over high cliffs and going through verdant forests. Catch a glimpse of Gangkhar Puensum (7541 meters), the highest mountain in Bhutan and considered as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain.
Trashigang- Bhutan’s largest river, the Dangmechu, flows through Trashigang. Dangmechu is a major tributary of the Manas River system that drains most of Eastern Bhutan into the Brahmaputra River in India.
Trashi Yangtse- Established as a district in 1992, is one of the newest dzongkhags (district) in Bhutan. It covers 1,437 sq km of sub-tropical and alpine forests, with an immense wealth of natural, historical and cultural resources.
