Intrigued by the mysterious places of this world? Destinations that are different and unique, unlike anywhere else? A country that emphasises sustainable tourism through a quality-over-quantity approach? Want to know what it’s like travelling in Bhutan? This Bhutan travel guide covers everything you need to know, from how to get there to what makes it worth visiting. Our adventure took us to some of the country’s most impressive attractions, with our guide offering a deeper look at what travel here is really like. We highlight the sites that you simply can’t miss, along with practical tips to help you plan your own journey in this obscure destination.
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Bhutan, ‘land of the thunder dragon’. This name comes from the Buddhist belief that the sound of thunder is caused by dragons clashing in the sky. In a country full of ancient beliefs, this makes perfect sense. Home to thousands of shrines, temples, and religious sites, and with Buddhism deeply woven into everyday life, ‘land of the Buddha’ could also be a fitting description.
Why go to Bhutan?
A landlocked country in South Asia, this Himalayan kingdom is still ruled by a king. An exclusive and mythical land, Bhutan has long preferred to stay under the radar. With a tightly controlled tourism industry, visits to the country must be arranged through a licensed tour operator. For years, a US$200 per person, per night Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) made visiting Bhutan unattainable for many travellers. However, a new approach to tourism is now underway, with this hefty fee slashed by half. With this limited-time offer in mind, it could be now or never for those wanting to experience this spectacular and unforgettable kingdom. Impressive fortresses, mountainside monasteries, and spectacular scenery are just some of the attractions awaiting curious travellers. With a population committed to Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is a charming and captivating destination, offering an authentic trip of a lifetime.
Quick facts for travelling in Bhutan
- Capital: Thimphu
- Best time to visit: March to May (spring)
- Budget (mid-range couple): AU$400 per day
- Currency: Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
- Language: Dzongkha
- Visa requirements: Yes (required for most travellers)
- Travel difficulty: 2 (1 = basic & 5 = challenging)
Thimphu
Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Sitting at over two thousand meters above sea level, the air is fresh and crisp. Nestled in the Wang Chuu River Valley, it’s a picturesque place. There are no traffic lights or ritzy shopping malls here. Tradition is the theme, with much of the architecture remaining as it has for generations. Visitors often don’t spend much time in the city centre, with many of the main points of interest located in the hills surrounding the capital.
Getting to Thimphu
Thimphu is a scenic forty-five-minute drive from the airport. As travel in Bhutan must be arranged through a licensed tour operator, your guide and driver will be waiting for you when your plane lands, making getting into the city easier than ever.
Where to stay in Thimphu
Since independent travel isn’t possible in Bhutan, your accommodation will be booked by your chosen tour company. You will usually have a number of options, or you can request a preferred hotel. Many tourist-orientated hotels are located outside the city centre, meaning you may not have the opportunity to wander the streets at your leisure. When booking, make it clear that you’d like to stay within walking distance of downtown if you want the freedom to explore independently.
Where to eat and drink in Thimphu
Your tour package includes all meals. However, you are in complete control and can tell your guide where or what you would like to eat. We found them to be very accommodating. Bhutanese law forbids the killing of animals, so the country imports all its meat. As a result, vegetarian restaurants and dishes are everywhere. Traditional Bhutanese meals are a feast for the senses. A ton of different dishes arrive in beautiful wooden bowls, and they are delicious. Chilli cheese is the national dish and it’s served daily, alongside red rice. Locals use chilli and cheese as staples, and you’ll find them in loads of dishes. Foraging in the forests and hills is popular, with mushrooms, ferns, and various wild plants regularly on the menu.
- Get to Babesa Village Restaurant (this was our favourite dining experience during our time in Bhutan. All the local dishes are available to try, and they’re delicious. Set in a traditional setting, everyone sits on cushions around the low tables)
- Don’t miss Centenary Farmers Market (there are no large supermarkets in Bhutan, with groceries collected daily at the market. Centenary Farmers Market is Thimphu’s largest and most impressive. It’s clean, well-organised, and stocked with all sorts of local and imported products)
- Check out Ambient Cafe (one of the best places in Thimphu to grab a coffee. You won’t usually find coffee on the menu at your hotel, so you’ll need to ask your driver to make a stop)
Things to see and do in Thimphu
Your tour includes a packed itinerary, with stops at a wide range of places along the way, some better than others. It can feel a little rushed trying to fit everything in, but you absolutely shouldn’t miss these attractions.
Motithang Takin Reserve is the best place to spot Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Although these unusual-looking creatures are endangered, a dedicated breeding program is helping to save them. Within the reserve, they rescue and rehabilitate takins in a natural forest setting. You will also see yaks roaming the forested enclosure, along with a variety of other native animals. There’s a café serving decent coffee.
Buddha Dordenma sits high in the hills and keeps a watch over Thimphu. Costing more than US$50 million to construct, the enormous, gold-gilded statue dominates the skyline. Inside, your guide will explain the history of Buddhism is Bhutan and its importance to the Bhutanese people.
Simply Bhutan is a living museum designed to resemble a traditional Bhutanese village. Inside, you’ll find demonstrations of dancing, weaving, and traditional farming. It’s an interesting place and, in our opinion, the best pick of the cultural attractions in Thimphu. Be sure to try the archery.
DAY TRIPS from Thimphu
There are numerous day trips and excursions possible from the city. Depending on how much time you have, you may not be able to fit them all in. Whatever you do, don’t miss Punakha Dzong. It is well worth the trip. The journey itself is scenic, with a number of interesting sites along the way.
Punakha Dzong is one of the oldest and largest fortresses in Bhutan. Construction began in 1637, without the use of a single nail. The fortress is home to sacred relics and important national treasures. The dzong hosts royal weddings and king coronations within its walls. Sitting at the meeting point of two rivers and dotted with jacaranda trees, it is one of the most picturesque sites in the country.
If you have more time, consider staying in a homestay outside Thimphu or along the Punakha Valley. It’s a great way to experience rural Bhutan and makes it easier to explore nearby sights at a slower pace. Ask your tour guide about options.
Getting around Thimphu
Your guide and driver will take you everywhere. Get out whenever you can and wander through the old part of town. The detail on the buildings is amazing.
Impressive fortresses, mountainside monasteries, and spectacular scenery are just some of the attractions awaiting curious travellers.
Paro
Paro is Bhutan’s most historic town, set in a scenic valley. The surrounding hills are dotted with fortresses and stupas, watching over the valley as they have for centuries, while the wider area is filled with ancient monasteries and sacred sites. Its close proximity to the country’s international airport, along with the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, makes it a popular stop on most tours. Gift shops and cafes line Paro’s streets, making it a busy yet pleasant place to wander.
Getting to Paro
Paro is home to Bhutan’s only international airport, located just a few minutes outside town. Most visitors arrive as part of an organised tour and continue on by car with their guide and driver.
Where to stay in Paro
Paro has a range of hotels and resorts catering to travellers, scattered throughout the valley. Your tour package usually includes pre-booked accommodation, but you can still choose from a selection of properties. Staying in or near the town centre is ideal if you want the freedom to explore on foot. Options outside town can offer a quieter and more secluded setting, but you may feel more reliant on your driver for getting around.
Where to eat and drink in Paro
Your hotel will usually have its own restaurant, making it very convenient to dine on-site. Many serve Indian-style dishes, catering to the majority of visitors to Bhutan. Buffet-style lunches are also common, especially at hotels and tour stops. There are some great cafés in town, and it’s not difficult to find restaurants serving traditional Bhutanese dishes.
- Get to Mountain Cafe (a popular place in the middle of town with great coffee. The window seats are good for people watching)
- Don’t miss Babee Restaurant (serves a traditional buffet-style lunch with great vegetarian dishes, with meat also available. We enjoyed lunch here after our hike to Tiger’s Nest)
Things to see and do in Paro
Tiger’s Nest Monastery is synonymous with Bhutan, and a place you simply have to experience. On a clear day, you can spot it from town, perched precariously on the side of a cliff.
Sitting at over three thousand meters, it takes a bit of effort to reach. We started early, around 6:30am when the ticket office at the starting point opens. This is the best time to avoid both the heat and the crowds. It took us around an hour and a half to climb up, with the descent roughly thirty minutes quicker. There are several viewpoints along the way, with amazing photo opportunities, as well as a cafe, toilets, and plenty of places to stop and rest.
Inside the monastery, you’ll discover a series of temples dedicated to different deities. Be sure to descend all the way down to the actual Tiger’s Nest shrine. An unforgettable place.
National Museum of Bhutan sits high in the hills above the valley. Built in 1649, the historic watchtower houses a wide collection of ancient artefacts and items of historical importance. The natural history displays are also worth a look.
Paro Fortress overlooks the Paro River, with sweeping views of the valley. The fortress is often referred to as the ‘jewel among fortresses’, which is quite a statement in a country full of them. Its massive stone walls and intricate wooden architecture are a work of art.
Eco Farm Stone Baths offer the chance to experience a traditional hot stone bath. You enter a private room, climb into a warm wooden bathtub, and relax. The bath water is infused with local herbs used to soothe the muscles. Hot stones are placed into the water to warm it, helping to ease aches and pains.
We visited after our hike to Tiger’s Nest, an ideal time to relax and unwind.
Getting around Paro
Laws don’t allow for independent travel in the country. This means that you’ll be driven around with a guide and driver. The maximum speed limit is 60km, so moving between sights can take time. Roads are narrow and winding, but the scenery along the way is spectacular.
Getting to Bhutan
Bhutan is not a cheap or easy destination to reach. The country’s only international airport has a notoriously challenging approach, with only seven pilots qualified to land there. As a result, there are only a few flights each day, almost all from neighbouring countries.
We flew in from Dhaka, Bangladesh, and flew out to Kathmandu, Nepal. Arriving overland from India is also possible, with your guide meeting you at the border.
Useful things to know before visiting Bhutan
It’s very tidy, clean, and well organised.
You won’t see many Western visitors compared to other destinations.
Bhutan is a religious country, respect local customs and religious practices.
Shorts or short skirts are not permitted in temples or monasteries.
Donations are often requested at temples and monuments, but they are not compulsory.
We found the Wise Multi-Currency Card works well here, making payments and ATM withdrawals easy – grab yours here and support our adventures.
Bhutan tours can be packed with activities, so research tour companies carefully and choose an itinerary that suits your interests and travel style. We loved our five-day tour, which provided a great introduction to the country.
Final thoughts on travelling in Bhutan
Bhutan is, without doubt, different. It feels almost like another world, a world which time has forgot. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability and the environment, along with the preservation of traditions and beliefs. Receiving relatively little global publicity, many people are completely unaware of what this magical land has to offer. For those who are familiar with Bhutan, the cost of entry and travel can make it seem out of reach. With the government temporally reducing the fee by half to entice more visitors, it’s now or never for many of us.
The fact that Bhutan is the only country on the planet with such a hefty daily fee is a shame, as the majority of people will never get to experience such a breathtaking and extraordinary place. With tourism in many parts of the world now out of control, you can understand the intention of such a fee. Quality over quantity is a compelling idea, but is using money as a prerequisite to visit the right way to go about it?
Bhutan wouldn’t be the same with hordes of unruly tourists, undoubtably. Do more people deserve to know about Bhutan and its amazing people, absolutely. For those drawn to mystical lands, one thing is certain – the time to visit Bhutan is now.