Bhutan

Understand

Perched high in the Himalayas, Bhutan is the world's only Vajrayana Buddhist country. Furthermore, as an initiative of the fourth king, it has developed the philosophy of Gross National Happiness, whereby development is measured using a holistic approach of well-being, not just based on gross domestic product. As part of this philosophy, all citizens receive free education and medical care.

Major sources of income for the kingdom are tourism, hydroelectric power, and agriculture. Culturally, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist with Dzongkha as a national language (although there are regional variations - such as Sharchopkha, the predominant language in Eastern Bhutan), and a common dress code and architectural style. Bhutanese people primarily consist of the Ngalops and Sharchops, called the Western Bhutanese and Eastern Bhutanese, and Lhotshamphas (Southern Bhutanese), a people of Nepalese origin, respectively. The Ngalops primarily consist of Bhutanese living in the western part of the country. Their culture is closely related to that of their neighbour to the north, Tibet. The Druk is the Thunder Dragon of Tibetan and Bhutanese mythology. As the national symbol of Bhutan, it appears on the national flag holding jewels in its claws. In Dzongkha, Bhutan is called Druk Yul ("Land of Druk"), and Bhutanese leaders are called Druk Gyalpo, "Thunder Dragon Kings".

Gross National Happiness The ideology of Gross National Happiness was the brainchild of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck who, having gained a modern education in India and the UK, realised that mere economic success did not necessarily translate into a content and happy society. Consequently, soon after his coronation in 1974, the young king began to float the idea of developing a new set of guidelines by which to govern the country. Slowly these ideas took shape, and in 1998 the GNH indicator was established. GNH stands for "Gross National Happiness" and is defined by the following four objectives: to increase eco

Getting there

Bhutan has one of the most restrictive visa policies in the world, and travel to the country is highly regulated under the government's "High Value, Low Impact Tourism" scheme. In accordance with this, virtually all nationalities require a visa to enter the country, except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.

Visas

As of summer 2023, tourists can independently arrange transportation, accommodations, and guides—requirements for travel beyond Thimphu and Paro. Visa extensions can also be processed while in the country. The government imposes a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$100 per day on visitors from all countries except India and Bangladesh. However, the SDF is waived for a one-night stay at any of the three border entry points: Phuentsholing, Gelephu, and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Bhutan Entry Permit for Indian tourists For citizens of India, visas are issued on entry. A photograph and a valid Passport (or Voter ID Card for Indian residents only), is required (along with a photocopy of either). Fill the document with purpose "Tourism". At land border crossings you will only get 7 days for Paro and Thimphu at a cost of ₹1,200 per night in government sustainable development fees (SDF). Extensions can be applied for at Thimphu Immigration Office. Entry points There are 3 points to enter into Bhutan via land: Phuentsholing (western Bhutan), Gelephu (central Bhutan, Indian and Bhutanese nationals only), Samdrup Jongkhar (eastern Bhutan). Indian nationals can spend one night at any of these three points of entry without paying SDF. However, anyone heading beyond the local check posts will be required to pay the SDF tariff (Nu1,200 for Indian nationals), reserve a hotel, and arrange for a guide. List of guides and travel companies are available at the immigration offices. What documents are required to obtain the Entry Permit?

Passport copy/Voter ID card + 2 photographs (you must carry originals also for verification). For children below 18 years wit

Getting around

Addresses Bhutan does not have addresses, though streets in the bigger towns, such as Thimphu, have been designated names, which come before the suffix lam, meaning street or road. As an example, the main street in Thimphu is Norzin Lam. Monasteries are called by their specific names, followed by the word for monastery or temple in Dzongkha - Lhakhang or Goempa (Gompa). As an example, Khurjey Lhakhang is a famous monastery in Jakar.

By plane Plane travel is a fast and relatively safe alternative to tackling Bhutan's twisty roads, but schedules are sparse and flights are cancelled at the drop of a hat. Druk Air and Bhutan Airways (aka Tashi Air) fly from Paro (Thimphu) to Yongphula Airport near Trashigang and Bathpalathang Airport in Jakar, Bumthang region, and to Gelephu close to the Indian border, in the southern central region.

By bus

The roads that cross the country are characterised by their twists, turns, and steep inclines, but despite the difficult topography, they are generally very well-maintained and safe. Local and inter-district bus services are not so comfortable and stop frequently. Your local tour operator will provide a vehicle and driver for the duration of your stay. This cost is included in the daily tariff. However, travelling by local or inter-district bus or taxi can also be organised. The quality of road surface is variable with endless mountainous hairpin bends, so travel sickness tablets are recommended. Online bus booking website: https://www.drukride.com/ (but the website registration or app rarely work).

Hitchhiking As the public transport running between towns in Bhutan is infrequent, hitching is a very common way to get around. The thumb in the air symbol, however, is not recognised, and you will need to flag down a passing vehicle in order to get one to stop. As some drivers pick up passengers as a means of supplementing their incomes, it is customary to offer payment when getting out of the vehicle (the amount depends roug

See

The majority of tourists do "cultural tours" where they visit important destinations. Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Jakar are popular destinations. Further afield, the unexplored region of Zhemgang (birders paradise, excellent wildlife viewing) and Eastern Bhutan have just been opened up to tourism. All foreigners are expected to pay a fee to enter certain religious sites or buildings of national significance, and the price can range from Nu500 to Nu1,000 - even foreigners who are working in Bhutan or who are paying the daily US$100 government sustainable development levy are subject to these fees.

Monasteries

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), Paro. This is one of the most important Buddhist sites in the world, and Guru Rinpoche visited here in the 8th century on his second visit to Bhutan. It is the most recognised and visited monument in Bhutan. It is believed that he arrived on the back of a winged tigress, hence the name, Tiger's Nest. The temple is built on a 1,200-m