Travel to Bhutan and Things to do. All You Need to Know
The small kingdom of Bhutan is not easy to find on the map. It is hidden between China and India, high in the Himalayan mountains, and the first foreigners entered it less than 50 years ago. It is one of the most beautiful countries, with no crime or poverty. A country where well-being is measured not by GDP but by the National Happiness Index. Today, we will tell you about one of the most unusual countries in the world, as well as how to get there and what to do there.
How to Get to Bhutan?
The Kingdom of Bhutan does not allow independent tourists; you can enter the country only as part of an organized group. It would be best if you also had a Bhutan Visa. But there is one nuance here — you can organize such a group yourself rather than joining strangers. Of course, if you do not have a company for your trip, it is better to trust a certified agency completely. Carefully read reviews of each company before trusting them to organize your trip to Bhutan.
Organizing a trip to Bhutan through a travel agency in the kingdom is quite simple, plus Bhutanese companies do not charge a commission for services. You must provide the details of all travel participants and 100% prepayment. An entry permit to Bhutan is issued within a few days and is sent by email. A Bhutanese visa is issued at the airport upon arrival. Already on the spot, you can rent a car and explore the country alone.
What to See in Bhutan?
The best option is to choose one of the Bhutan Tour Packages. The country’s calling card and the main attraction is the Taktsang-lakhang monastery, which translates to “nest of the tigress.” It is built on the side of a mountain, at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, and the climb to it takes about two hours. You can go to the monastery on horseback, but remember that residents can charge a very inhumane price for such a pleasure. Bargain—this will reduce the price tag several times.
Taktsang-lakhang is located near the city of Paro. The city is far from a modern metropolis but not without flavor. Look at the wooden facades and realize that many are several hundred years old.
The capital city of Thimphu is a link between the past and the present. Modern hotels and cafes coexist with medieval monasteries; the establishments have good Wi-Fi. In the capital of Bhutan, visit the Thimphu Chorten Stupa and the Tashinchho Dzong fortress, where the government operates. Tourists are allowed to enter the fort only after 6 pm. In the vicinity of Thimphu, there are two exciting monasteries: Tamchog Lhakang, which is reached by a suspension bridge made of forged chains, and Tango, which is standing on the top of a hill.
Remember that photography is strictly prohibited in Bhutan’s monasteries. Violating this ban may even result in fines.
If possible, visit the city of Punakha with its legendary fortress. According to legend, it houses a statue of Avalokitesvara made from rice grains. Once upon a time, Bhutan fought with Tibet for it, but now you can look into the hall where that very grain is stored only once a year.
The highest concentration of temples is in the eastern region of Bhutan — Bumthang. For example, the Tamshing-lhakang monastery is built more than 500 years ago. They say it was built on the spot where the imprint of the great Guru Rinpoche’s body was found on a stone.
Head to Manas National Park for natural beauty, home to Himalayan bears, Bengal tigers, and Indian buffalos. Dolphins swim in the rivers here, which you wouldn’t expect to see in a country at the foot of the Himalayas, right?
Bhutan Flights and Trekking can be the most exciting experience of your life. It’s not as easy as, for example, taking a last-minute tour to Egypt; it’s far from cheap, and the country’s climate and elevation changes during travel are also a test for the body. But all these disadvantages pale in comparison to the knowledge that you will visit one of the most unique countries in the world — the Kingdom of Bhutan.
Things to Do in Bhutan
Exploring Bhutan is not just about sightseeing. It is the door to the customs and daily life of the country. If you are an adventure seeker, Bhutan’s stunning landscapes will not disappoint you. If you’re interested in culture, local festivals and cultural centres offer a wealth of experience. So, get ready to discover the best things to do in Bhutan.
Experience Local Culture
Bhutanese people are very hospitable and humble. They are religious, respectful, hardworking, and polite. A Bhutanese never demands anything. He is always interested in the opinion of his interlocutor. At the same time, he will gently try to insist on his vision of solving this or that problem. Given this trait, you should not express your desire in a categorical form. It is always better to ask a local for advice and then lead him to the right decision in a detached manner. Even in markets and stores, you can hint at the possibility of offering discounts. Bhutanese are quite unsophisticated and are happy to make small concessions in communication. However, bargaining is not accepted here. Many foreigners consider local residents to be unfriendly and reserved people. However, they are just very shy.
There are many traditional places of worship in Bhutan. All of them can be divided into three types. These are “gompas” (monasteries), “Lhakhangs” (temples), and “chortens” (stupas that are installed at some memorial sites). You can also see the “dzong” in Bhutan. It is a fortified monastery that looks more like a large castle. Dzongs are the centres of the regions of Bhutan. At the same time, they perform religious and administrative functions. According to traditions, the stupa or temple is walked clockwise from the left. At the entrance to each gompa or dzong, there is a prayer drum called “kurde” with mantras. Often, several drums are installed at once, spinning which believers offer prayers. The main ideological reference point in Bhutan is the sacred Buddhist texts. From this, it becomes clear where the Bhutanese came from, and there is such a respectful attitude towards the book. No Bhutanese will throw away written paper; it will be burned.
Learn Traditional Costume
Bhutan has made it official to wear a national dress during office hours and in Schools. Traditional men’s clothing is the national robe “gho”. Since it is very long, tied with a wide cloth belt at the waist or pinned at the knees. Women in Bhutan wear the kira. This garment is very similar to a sari. The kira is wrapped around the body and secured with decorative elements. Without national clothes, a resident cannot get into the temple or any institution. To emphasize their status, Bhutanese tie a scarf of different colours over their left shoulder. If you see a white scarf, this is an ordinary Bhutanese. Yellow is for the King. Red for nobility or monk, and orange is an official for Minister. Tourists can easily wear loose European clothing. Formal attire will only be required when attending a formal event or visiting a local Bhutanese home.
Witness Local Traditions
According to tradition, Bhutanese eat with their hands while sitting on the floor. In large cities, there is an increasing trend toward using cutlery and kitchen tables. The lady of the house serves the food. The head of the family starts the meal first. A small piece of food is always left for local spirits and deities. A few decades ago, marriages were arranged by agreement, often between relatives. Currently, this custom is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The wedding is celebrated in a calm atmosphere. However, the rite itself consists of certain intricate rituals. According to tradition, the newlyweds are given symbolic scarves in addition to the usual gifts. In Eastern Bhutan, it is customary that after marriage, the wife leaves her home and moves in with her husband. In Western Bhutan, on the contrary, the husband moves into his wife’s house.
Additional Tips
The Department of Tourism produces special information booklets describing all aspects of travel in Bhutan. The tour operator is obliged to familiarize tourists with their contents.
When travelling to Bhutan at any time of the year, take warm clothes with you. In winter, wear fur-lined outerwear and warm underwear. Wear a fully insulated jacket and trousers, a warm hat, and strong mountain boots with thick socks when planning hiking trips.
Bhutan is a significant supplier of electricity to the Asian market. At the same time, the country is experiencing power surges and short-term outages. It is recommended to have portable chargers and, if necessary, uninterruptible power supplies.
As for tipping you can leave a small reward at your discretion. You can leave $5-10 per day for guides and tour bus drivers and $10-20 for guides on challenging walking routes.
Conclusion
Travel to Bhutan can be an unforgettable experience: friendly locals, exotic food, and stunning views. Select a tour, try to see all the attractions, and experience unmatchable ancient culture. This country will always remain in your heart.
