Bhutan: An Insider’s Guide
Basic Bhutan
Welcome to the serene rooftops of the world! The Kingdom of Bhutan enclosed between China and India with population of roughly 750,000 people.Besides the stunning natural scenery, the enduring image of the country for most visitors is the strong sense of culture and tradition that binds the kingdom and clearly distinguishes it from its larger neighbors. Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist nation in the world, and the profound teachings of this tradition remain well preserved and exert a strong influence in all aspects of life. Due to its pristine environment, harmonious society and , the tiny Kingdom of Bhutan has been called “The Last Shangrila.” Bhutan is also the world’s only carbon negative country that means the cleanest air on the planet and unique Gross National Happiness index.
1.How do I get to Bhutan?
You can travel to Bhutan by either air or land.
By Air: The main entry point is Paro International Airport, which is served by Bhutan’s national airlines, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Airlines. Flights are available from cities such as Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, and Singapore.
By Land: Travelers can also enter Bhutan via the Phuentsholing border gate from India, with additional crossings available at Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
2.Do I need a visa to enter Bhutan?
All International tourists wishing to enter Bhutan require a visa which must be per-arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. Visa clearance must be arranged by your tour operator prior to travel. Your passport must be valid for minimum of six month throughout duration of stay in Bhutan.
3.Why Booking Through a Tour Operator is Ideal for Your Bhutan Trip?
Booking your trip to Bhutan with a tour operator brings numerous benefits. For one, they handle all essential logistics—such as applying for visas, arranging permits, and paying the mandatory Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) required for all foreign visitors. This makes the planning process smoother and less stressful, particularly for first-time travelers unfamiliar with Bhutan’s unique travel regulations. Managing these requirements independently can be complex and time-consuming.
Tour operators like Longchenpa Tours & Treks can also tailor your itinerary, ensuring you experience both Bhutan’s iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, with transportation, accommodations, and meals all arranged ahead of time. Additionally, in many regions untouched by regular tourists, having a guide is mandatory.
4.What food can you get in Bhutan?
Bhutan is a world unto itself, and the food from the country is a strong part of that world. Though Bhutan serves a variety of cuisines–such as Indian, Tibetan, Nepali, Chinese and western–for travelers seeking somewhat familiar taste and the country’s own food is as delicious as it is distinct.
Bhutan cuisine is, therefore, a pleasant rich mix of many different foods, giving you a uniquely Bhutanese experience. Despite the variety, one thing is constant: the Bhutanese love their chilis and spices like no other. With agriculture as their backbone, the country is awash with fresh produce. Not only that, it is mostly organic produce. But the main staples of the Bhutanese diet are potatoes (and, again, chilis) and rice.
Ema Datshi, a dish consisting of cheese and chili, is considered to be the national dish of Bhutan. Though the dish is commonly found across Bhutan, its taste can vary. Expect some variations with this dish.
For vegetarians, the delicious Ema Datsi comes in different versions wherein vegetables are added to the mix. Expect to find Shamu Datsi with mushrooms, Kewa Datsi with potatoes and many other styles with spinach, asparagus and other such ingredients added. There are also leafy vegetables available, sometimes cooked in a soup-like form known as Jaju
Bhutanese cuisine caters as well to meat eaters, with pork and beef commonly available, along with chicken and fish.
5.What is the best time to visit Bhutan?
The best times to visit Bhutan are in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Here’s why these seasons stand out:
- Spring (March to May): Bhutan’s landscapes come alive with vibrant rhododendrons, magnolias, and other wildflowers. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for hiking, cultural tours, and trekking. Festivals like Paro Tshechu also take place in spring, offering visitors a chance to experience Bhutanese culture and spirituality.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and mild weather make this the peak season, especially for trekking in the Himalayas. The landscapes are lush post-monsoon, and the views of the snow-capped mountains are often breathtaking. Major festivals, such as the Thimphu Tshechu, are celebrated during this time, offering a deeper cultural immersion.
6.What months are considered the off-peak season in Bhutan?
The low season in Bhutan generally falls in the summer (June to August) and winter (December to February). During these times, visitor numbers tend to be lower, so you may find more affordable travel options, though weather conditions differ between these seasons:
- Summer (June to August): This is Bhutan’s monsoon season, with heavy rainfall, especially in the southern and central regions. Some trekking routes and outdoor activities may be limited due to rain, clouds, and muddy trails. However, if you don’t mind the rain, the landscapes are lush, green, and beautiful. This season offers a more serene experience of Bhutan, as there are fewer tourists.
- Winter (December to February): Bhutan’s winter season brings cold temperatures, especially at higher altitudes, but it’s generally dry and clear. While some high-altitude treks are not recommended due to snow, lower-altitude regions, including popular sites like Paro and Thimphu, remain accessible. Winter is also a good time to witness rare migratory black-necked cranes in the Phobjikha Valley.
These low seasons offer quieter travel experiences with fewer crowds and sometimes reduced hotel rates, ideal for travelers seeking a more peaceful journey.
7. what is Social Etiquette and Important Tips for Visiting Bhutan?
In Bhutan, social etiquette is deeply influenced by Driglam Namzha, the national code of conduct, and rooted in Buddhist values that emphasize respect, humility, and harmony. Here are some key etiquette tips and things to be mindful of during your visit:
1. Dress Modestly and Respectfully
- When visiting religious sites, monasteries, and official buildings, dress conservatively by covering your arms and legs. Avoid wearing hats, sunglasses, or revealing clothing in these areas.
- Bhutanese nationals wear traditional attire (gho for men, kira for women) at formal events and sacred sites, showing their respect for cultural traditions.
2. show Respect at Sacred Sites
- Walk clockwise around temples, stupas, and prayer wheels as a sign of reverence.
- Avoid pointing your feet toward religious items, statues, or people; when sitting, keep your legs crossed or tucked under you.
- Photography inside temples and monasteries is typically restricted; ask your guide for specific rules before taking photos.
3. Greetings and Communication
- Greet people with “Kuzuzangpo La” (Hello) along with a slight bow, as it’s a polite and traditional greeting.
- Offer or receive items with both hands as a gesture of respect.
- Keep your tone gentle, especially in formal settings or with elders, as loud voices and direct eye contact may be seen as disrespectful.
4. Dining Etiquette
- Before eating, Bhutanese often offer a short prayer, and it’s courteous to follow your host’s lead in this tradition.
- It’s polite to try each dish and to serve others before yourself, showing appreciation for the meal.
- Leaving a small portion on your plate indicates satisfaction, but avoid wasting food as it’s considered disrespectful.
5. Respect for the Royal Family and Leaders
- The Bhutanese hold the royal family in high regard, and it’s best to avoid critical comments about the monarchy or government.
- Show respect for images of the king and royal family, which are often displayed in public and private spaces.
6. Tipping and Gift-Giving
- Tipping isn’t required but is appreciated, especially for guides and drivers.
- If giving a gift, offer it with both hands. Modesty is valued, so simple, thoughtful items are preferred over extravagant gifts.
7. Environmental Respect
- Bhutan takes pride in preserving its natural environment. Avoid littering, disturbing wildlife, or collecting items from nature, such as stones or flowers, in national parks or sacred sites.
8.General Conduct
- Public displays of affection are uncommon and may be considered inappropriate in certain settings.
- Use an open hand, rather than a single finger, to gesture or point, as this is seen as more polite.
8.How to Get Around in Bhutan?
In Bhutan, most travel is arranged through pre-booked tour packages that make getting around smooth and hassle-free. Visitors usually travel in private vehicles, often SUVs, with an English-speaking guide provided by the tour operator. This option offers the most comfort and flexibility for exploring the country’s unique landscapes and cultural sites.
Bhutan’s primary route, the National Highway, winds through mountain passes, scenic villages, and valleys adorned with fluttering prayer flags, offering spectacular views along the way. Although buses and taxis are available, tourists tend to use them less frequently, favoring the convenience and personalized experience of guided tours.
9.What are interesting facts about Bhutan you need to know?
1. Bhutan’s phallic art
For centuries, Bhutan has celebrated the phallus. They are painted on homes, or carved in wood, installed above doorways and under eaves to ward off evil, including one of its most insidious human forms, gossip. They are worn on necklaces, installed in granaries and in fields as a kind of scarecrow. They are used by masked jesters in religious festivals and at one Chimi Lhakhang (temple) in Punakha as a blessing of fertility. The tradition of painting or carving phallic figures has its roots in a 15th-century Buddhist monk named Drukpa Kunley, who was also known as the “Divine mad-man.” According to legend, he offered blessings in the form of sex, and his penis was referred to as his “flaming thunderbolt of wisdom.”
Bhutan’s phalluses are not considered explicitly sexual, in essence, the phallus represents the center of the male ego, and not a celebration of sex .It reminds onlookers that if this force is harnessed properly and it will fuel productivity and creativity rather than wanton lust.
2. The largest Guru statue
The world’s largest statue Of Guru Padmasambhava, with the total height of 173 feet, stands imposingly on the Takila mountain slope, which is one of the most beautiful scenic spots in Lhuntse district, overlooking the entire valley of Tangmachu. Belonging to the Tangmuchu community, an old monastery (Lhakhang) exists at the site of Guru Statue.
It is believed that the statue was built after the sacred prophesy of the the great terton Lerab Lingpa (1856 – 1926), who prophesied that, ‘At one point of time, there will be a war of horses in Kurtoe valley. To prevent this war, a statue of Guru Nangsi Zilnoen should be built’. Similarly, the late Lama Sonam Zangpo in the 20th century, the most revered Yogi of Bhutan, emphasized that, for ensuring continued prosperity in the world in general and Bhutan in particular, a giant statue of Guru Rinpoche should be built in Takila, Lhuntse district in eastern Bhutan. The statue is built by the late Ven. Khenpo Karpo Rinpoche.
3.Buddha Dordenma statue
Great Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the mountains of Bhutan celebrating the 60th anniversary of fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold.The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuk, the thirteenth Druk Desi, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Construction began in 2006 and was planned to finish in October 2010, however construction did not conclude until 25 September 2015. The completed work is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.
4.The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)
The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), the most iconic landmark and holy site in the Kingdom, clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the seventh century. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche flew there on a tigress and meditated in the cave for three years in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have made pilgrimage there. Located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at 3,100 meters altitude, Taktsang is reached after an approximately two and a half hour hike through beautiful, shady pine forests.
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