A trip to Bhutan is definitely not a "budget" trip, but everyone who has visited this beautiful Asian country thinks it's worth it. The number of tourists in the country is also increasing from year to year, and Gross National Happiness, the gross happiness of the nation, which is used to measure progress in the country, also contributes to this.
If you are not coming from countries like India, Bangladesh or the Maldives, then you will have some problems with the entry requirements for Bhutan. Not to mention the flight connections, for which you will deduct a fair amount of money. The small country, located between the political superpowers China and India, has a total of less than a million inhabitants.
Unlike other countries that measure progress by gross domestic product, Bhutan relies on the general happiness of the nation. This concept was introduced in 1972 by the fourth king of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, convinced that it is expedient to measure prosperity in the country on the basis of sustainable and just socio-economic development, preservation of the environment and promotion of culture. Ha, if only there were more of them!
Photo: Unsplash/Prateek KatyalIn Bhutan, you won't get the classic Asian travel experience where you leisurely travel by scooter between rice fields and stay in comfortable accommodations under palm trees. Independent country travel is still in its infancy, so you can only enter the country if your trip is pre-planned and guided. In addition, the state will charge you a "Minimum Daily Package", the amount you will have to pay for each day of your visit. Prices vary according to the season and include everything from meals to accommodation, transport and guides. In the main season (March-May and September-November) you will shell out from 250 to 290 dollars per day, and in the low season about 50 dollars less.
When to Bhutan?
The best time to visit Bhutan is spring. Between March and May, wildflowers bloom and the sky clears to reveal the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Photo: Unsplash/Karun GiriWhat should I see in Bhutan?
The biggest attraction is Tiger's Nest Monastery (note the Tiger's Nest monastery) or Taktsang Monastery, located near Para. You need some fitness to get to the monastery, as the ascent takes a good two hours, during which the 1000m difference in height is overcome. The monastery stands three thousand meters above sea level, and at the end you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the magnificent monastery, "attached" to the cliff. Monks still live in it today, but you can also see the interior of the monastery.
You will also get a lot of information about the history of Bhutan when you visit Trongsa Dzong, the former residence of the Bhutanese royal family. It was built half a century ago, and the fort offers a good insight into the events that marked the country's history. While visiting this beautiful Asian country, see the local archers. Archery is the flagship sport of this small country, and in almost every corner of the country you can find groups of men in traditional clothes shooting flaming arrows at distant targets. They are accompanied by groups of women who accompany the sport with dancing, singing and chanting. Every village in Bhutan has an archery field.
Photo: Unsplash/Jermy BezangerTournament Coronation National Archery and Yangphel are the biggest events on Bhutan's archery calendar. So that you are not just an observer at sports activities, put on your mountain shoes and go on one of the popular treks. One of the most beautiful is undoubtedly Trashiyangtse, which, among other things, is also an excellent starting point for visiting monasteries and a lush forest. Some tourists say that the energy in the surrounding area is incredible. They are no less enthusiastic about Memorial Stupa, which is built in memory of King Dorji Wangchuck. If you are more adventurous, then you can also walk on the suspension bridge that connects Phunaka Dzong with the tiny village of Phunaka. The bridge is considered the longest in Bhutan, and for many tourists it is a must-see when visiting this country. Like rafting on the Mo Chu and Po Chu rivers, which is most attractive between October and November.
You can also go kayaking along the rivers. The highlight of the year in Bhutan is the festival Tshech, which is celebrated on the tenth day of every Tibetan lunar month. It is one of the liveliest festivals in the country, with ritual dances, bustling commerce and some family and community gatherings. The highlight of every tsechu is the Cham dance, where monks don scary masks and elaborate costumes and perform energetic routines to raucous traditional music. Each dance has a moral message, especially about showing compassion to sentient beings, and is considered a form of lively meditation. When visiting Bhutan, do not forget Gross National Happiness, which takes into account the quality of life of the inhabitants, not economic growth. Seize the rare opportunity to discover new concepts and approaches to community and life where people's well-being and happiness are the most important and only goal.
Photo: Unsplash/Raimond KlavinsHow to explore Bhutan?
You can only travel in Bhutan with a registered guide, which means that you will be accompanied by a local on the way. If you decide to choose a car to discover the country, be careful. Accidents in Bhutan are extremely common. To avoid serious injuries, wear a seat belt and avoid driving at night, as mountain roads are poorly lit.
How much is a plane ticket to Bhutan?
Druk Air is the only airline that offers flights to Bhutan, and they are anything but cheap. You can fly to Bhutan only from airports in India, Singapore, Thailand and Nepal. A ticket from India to Bhutan will cost you a few hundred euros, at the time of writing this article as much as 700 euros. You can search for flight tickets according to your vacation date HERE.
Photo: Unsplash/Bradford ZakCovid-19 restrictions in Bhutan
Upon entering the country, you must present a certificate of a negative PCR test. Check all current information about Covid-19 restrictions HERE.
Accommodation in Bhutan
Miss Pema
Accommodation is located in the city of Paro, which is a good starting point for trips to the surrounding area and sightseeing. It boasts a pleasant garden and close proximity to the airport. Rooms are equipped with a seating area and TV, and balconies offer city views.
Gakyil Thimphu
There is an interesting accommodation in Thimphu that boasts a delicious culinary offer. All rooms are also equipped with a TV and cosmetics, and the airport is located 50 km away.
