Bhutan

Bhutan Flag

“Land of the Thunder Dragon”

Why visit Bhutan?

Affluent luxury travelers seeking a unique experience of architecture, birdwatching, forests, game reserves, gorges, gorges, hiking, kayaking, monasteries, mountain biking, mountains, religious festivals, spas, temples, trekking and wildlife.

Paro Taktsang (Buddhist Temple), Paro Valley, Bhutan. Photo Credit: akash raut/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Handmade paper products, handwoven bamboo goods, masks, paintings, silks, silver, stamps, textiles and wood carvings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Asha Maru (chicken dish). Ema Datshi (chili cheese). Jasha Tshoem (chicken curry). Red Rice.
• Local Drink to Try: Ara (beer). Tsheringma (tea).

Rinpung Dzong (Monastery), Paro District, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Little MiMi/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Around 2000BC, shows inhibitable evidence elephants, stone structures,  stone tools and weapons.
• During 7th Century (601AD-700AD) Buddhism was introduced.
  
• In 1676, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689), French Traveler was a first voyage record.
  
• In 1827, historical records were destroyed in a fire (Punakha).
  
• In 1974, tourists were finally welcomed.
  
• During 1980s, a national dress code was established for conformity and unity.
  
• In 1990, government forcefully deported 107,000 Lhotshampa minorities.
  
• In 1999, country allowed access to the internet and television.
  
• In 2005, Chinese soldiers built bridges and roads in their territory without consent.
• In 2008, held their first election.
  
• Between 2007 - 2012, Lhotshampas refugees were resettled in United States and other countries.
  
• Since 2014, steadily incorporating electric cars.
• In 2019, banned plastic bags.
• The death of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (1594-1651) "The Bearded Lama", leader of Tibetan Buddhism was purposely kept a secret.
  
• Wooden roof hangings are thought to bring good crops and healthy children.
• During the Fire Blessing Festival (Bhumtang) natives run through burning hay with beliefs it purifies their souls.
•  Gangkhar Puensum peak is considered the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
  
• Home to the rare species, golden langur (monkey).
• Has no air force, aviation corps or navy. 
  
• Economy is agriculture, forestry, sale of hydroelectric power (India) and tourism.
  
• Large exporter of red rice.
• No UNESCO World Heritage Sites, several sites under consideration.
  
• First nation to ban smoking in the world.
• Varicolored scarves, (kabney for men, rachu  for women) are indicators of social class. 
• Traditional architecture uses no iron bars or nails in construction.
  
• In rural areas, arranged marriages is still practiced.
• Traditionally, daughters inherit their parents' house. Men are expected to make their own means in life.
• Polygamy is known to be accepted.
  
• National and popular sport is archery.
• Respectfully, the eldest daughter cares for her aging parents.

Buddha Dordenma (Gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha Statue), Thimphu, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Pradip Kar/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: Chorten Kora Festival (March), Gomphu Kora Festival (March), Ura Yakchoe (May), Haa Summer Festival (July), Black Necked Crane Festival (November) and Trongsa Tshecu (December).
• Holidays: Winter Solstice (January), Traditional Day of Offering (February), Losar (February), Birthday of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (February), Zhabdrung Kuchoe (April), Birthday of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (May), Coronation of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (June), Parinirvana of Buddha (June), Birthday of Guru Rinpoche (July), First Sermon of Buddha (August), Blessed Rainy Day, Dashain (October), Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (November), Birthday of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck (November), Lhabab Duchen (November) and National Day (December).

Valleys Of Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan. Photo Credit: VASUKI BELAVADI/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• No independent travel is permitted!
  
• Imposes travelers to a daily fee ($180USD-$290USD/or more) by the local government covering hotel accommodation and tour guide. Entry is free for citizens of Bangladesh, India and the Maldives.
  
• Avoid local dairy products, uncooked foods and tap water.
  
• Neither easily accessible or inexpensive destination.
• Restaurant sanitization does not generally meet our standards. 
  
• No traffic lights in Bhutan.
• Obtain a permit from the Department of Antiquities, as goods over 100 years old are not permitted to leave the country. Receipts recommended!
• Beware of symptoms of altitude sickness.
  
• Consult with your physician for immunizations: hepatitis A, influenza, meningitis, polio booster, typhoid and tetanus/diphtheria.
• It's customary, to only use your right hand to accept anything.
  
• Photography is not permitted in monasteries.
  
• It's not welcomed to sit with your feet pointed towards an elder.
• Never finger point at religious objects and paintings. Rather an open palm.
• Customary to walk clockwise around monastery, monuments and religious artifacts.
• Flights are often delayed due to unpredictable mountain weather.
• Has a continuous disputed border with China.
  
• Homosexual acts is illegal, subject to a punishable prison sentence between one month to under twelve months.
  

Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Melody Goh/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Monsoon Season is June - September.

• Best Time to Visit: April - May and October - November
• Coldest Months: December - March
• Hottest Months: June - September
• Peak Season: March - May and September - November

Chelela Pass, Bhutan. Photo Credit: Pradip Kar/Pixabay 

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                                    All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.