Bhutan Tourism Guide

Bhutan, also known as the “Land of Thunder Dragons”, is a beautiful Himalayan kingdom and one of the most peaceful travel destinations. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, this country has become a popular choice among tourists due to its untouched natural beauty, ancient culture, and commitment to sustainability. As one of the best Bhutan Tour Operators, AV Holiday World wants you to explore this majestic country with full preparation due to the mountainous terrains and strict travel regulations.

We believe that Bhutan is not just for sightseeing but also about experiencing authentic local culture and history. However, Bhutan maintains a controlled tourism policy to promote sustainable travel. So, you can plan your perfect getaway with easy access to all Bhutan visitor information online.

Welcome to Bhutan tourism guides and tips from AV Holiday World.

What Makes Bhutan Tourism Unique?

Here are some of the top factors that make Bhutan tourism unique:

• Mandatory sustainable development fee (SDF): Indian citizens need to pay an SDF of INR 1200 for each day of their stay in Bhutan. This has been implemented to fund free education and healthcare, along with developing infrastructure.
• Only carbon negative country: Bhutan is the only country in the world with “carbon negative status”, primarily driven by approximately 70% of the country’s land being covered by forests.
• Mandatory to be accompanied by a guide: Tourists travelling beyond Thimphu and Paro must be accompanied by a local guide so that safe exploration and travel can be ensured.
• Focus on “Gross National Happiness”: Bhutan’s government prioritises the happiness of its people, which is evident from a peaceful and unspoiled environment. In addition, meditation and connection with nature are at the core of the Bhutanese lifestyle.
• High-value and low-impact tourism policy: The Bhutanese Government limits the number of tourists to ensure that the culture and the environment remain unspoiled. This is a unique approach to tourism because it prioritises sustainability over the pitfalls of a massive tourist influx.

Top Experiences in Bhutan

Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy during your stay in Bhutan:

• Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), which offers an incredible view of the Paro Valley.
• Explore the rich history of Bhutan by visiting fortresses, such as the Punakha Dzong.
• Visit the massive Buddha Dordenma Statue in Thimphu, which is a 51.5-meter-tall gold and bronze statue.
• Attend the vibrant local festivals, such as Paro Tshechu, Thimphu Tshechu, Punakha Drubchen, and the black-necked crane festival.
• Camping in scenic valleys where you can enjoy starry nights and stunning landscapes.

Best Time to Visit Bhutan

Here is a seasonal breakdown for a Bhutan visit:

• Spring (March-May): This season is ideal for nature lovers because the valleys bloom with flowers during these months. In addition, trekking can be enjoyed during this season.
• Autumn (September-November): Widely regarded as the best time to visit Bhutan due to clear skies and major cultural festivals. Therefore, you can enjoy incredible sightseeing and exploration during this season.
• Winter (December-February): This is the season to view the endangered black-necked crane in Phobjikha Valley. However, due to extreme cold weather, especially at night, fewer tourists visit Bhutan during this season.
• Summer (June-August): The nature remains lush green due to heavy rainfall during this season. The views are absolutely pleasing to the eyes during these months, but landslides and continuous rainfall can create inconvenience.

Essential Tips for Bhutan Tour

Here are some of the essential tips for a smooth and hassle-free Bhutan tour:

• Book through a licensed tour operator: This is crucial because arranging everything in an unknown destination, such as permits, logistics, accommodation, travel itinerary, and a licensed tour guide, can be challenging. By booking through a licensed tour operator, you can receive all services in your package.
• Carry adequate cash: Although INR 100, 200, and 500 are accepted in Bhutan, it is still recommended to carry adequate Bhutanese currency. This is because in remote areas, INR might not be accepted.
• Follow cultural etiquette: While visiting monasteries and temples, you need to remove shoes, hats, and glasses. In addition, you must dress modestly based on covering your knees and shoulder whie visiting religious places.
• Drink packaged water: Tap water can cause stomach upsets in Bhutan due to microbial contamination. Thus, you should carry packaged drinking water throughout your trip.
• Pack warm clothes: The majority of the locations in Bhutan are at a high altitude, which makes the weather in such places cold. Thus, you need to pack warm and layered clothing along with rain essentials to enjoy a smooth travel and exploration.