The kingdom of Bhutan is a destination unlike any other in the world. Those who choose to travel there will discover a country with a well preserved cultural identity and breathtaking pristine landscapes. Bhutan is a small landlocked country located in the eastern Himalayas of South Asia. The country is bordered by two giants: India to the south and Chinese Tibet to the north. With such economic and political power-houses for neighbors, it is a marvel that Bhutan has protected its culture and way of life so well.
Up to the year 1974, Bhutan was entirely closed off to the outside world. In 1999, they turned on their first televisions! It’s hard to comprehend that a device so standard to modern life today didn’t exist there until so late.
For those who even know about Bhutan, it is an alluring bucket list destination. Aside from their guarded culture and their picturesque mountain valleys Bhutan also draws visitors who are curious to see there unique governing philosophy based on Gross National Happiness. Instead of measuring its success as a country in terms of Gross National Product, Bhutan chooses to use an index to measure the collective happiness and well-being of the population. Sounds unreal right?!?
The government of Bhutan is that of a constitutional monarchy with a parliament. The king, queen, and young prince are, without a doubt, the most famous and beloved people in Bhutan. Pictures of the royal couple and their young son are displayed affectionately throughout the country, and when you see them, it is easy to understand why they are so well-loved.
Are you interested in visiting Bhutan?
Before setting out on a plane to Paro, there is quite a lot to learn and understand. Of all the places we traveled to, so far, Bhutan took the most planning and preparation to get to. To make it easier for you we’ve put together some essential information for traveling to Bhutan.
Planning your trip to Bhutan
Tourism in Bhutan is strictly regulated and controlled by the government. All foreign visitors must arrange and book their trips with officially licensed tour operators. There is no other way to get in and see the country.
We booked our trip through India Odyssey Tours, and they were terrific. However, there are many travel agencies that you can choose from. The Tourism Council of Bhutan has a great list of approved tour operators on its website.
Obtaining a Visa for Bhutan
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, all other travelers to Bhutan will need a Visa. Fortunately, the visa application process will be handled by the tour operator you plan your trip through so it is a rather painless process, but it must be done and approved before your arrival.
You will be required to provide your tour operator with a picture of your passport and pay the $40 visa fee when applying. Once approved you’ll receive a visa clearance letter that you must bring with you and present to the immigration officer on arrival.
How much does it cost to visit Bhutan?
As mentioned, tourism is strictly regulated in Bhutan. The cost to visit is broken down to a daily fee. This fee ranges from $200 – $250 a day depending on the time of year you visit. At first, this can seem like a rather expensive tariff that Bhutan imposes on all visitors. But, this fee is inclusive of all your transportation within Bhutan, your fulltime guide, activities, meals and 3-star accommodations.
Like anything else though there is always the option to ‘upgrade’ your experience. For instance, you may choose to stay at 4-star hotels at an additional cost, as well as arrange personalized activities through your tour operator.
Getting to Bhutan
Most travelers will arrive in Bhutan by plane. It is important to note there are only two airlines that fly into Paro International Airport: Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines. These airlines have flights originating in Thailand, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Singapore. We flew Drukair from Kathmandu, Nepal and were delighted with our experience.
