Bhutan Travel Guide 🇧🇹
Everything a traveler should know before visiting Bhutan — monasteries, valleys, Himalayan landscapes, visas, rules, culture & budget
🌤 Live Weather — Thimphu
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📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital Thimphu
🌄 Terrain Himalayas · valleys · forests
💱 Currency Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
🗣 Language Dzongkha (English widely used)
⏱ Time Zone GMT+6
🔌 Plug Type Type C · D · G — 230V
Famous for: Tiger’s Nest Monastery · Gross National Happiness · Paro Valley · Dzongs · untouched landscapes
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa required for most travelers Book via licensed Bhutan tour operator SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) applies- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Guided or approved itinerary is mandatory
- Indian nationals have relaxed entry rules
Travel is regulated to preserve environment & culture.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌸 Mar–May Spring flowers · pleasant climate
🍂 Sep–Nov Best trekking weather
☀️ Jun–Aug Monsoon — lush valleys
❄️ Dec–Feb Cold but clear skies
Autumn is most popular for festivals & mountain views.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget (rare, basic stays) — BTN 3,000–5,000 / ₹3,000–₹5,200 / $35–60 per day
- 🏨 Mid-Range — BTN 6,000–10,000 / ₹6,200–₹10,300 / $70–120 per day
- 👑 Guided / Premium — BTN 12,000+ / ₹12,500+ / $150+ per day
Costs vary depending on SDF fees, guide inclusions & region.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Paro Tiger’s Nest Monastery Thimphu Punakha Dzong Bumthang Valley Phobjikha Valley Dochula Pass🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- No rail network · road travel only
- Private car with driver commonly used
- Public buses limited between towns
- Mountain roads can be winding
Self-driving is not recommended for first-time visitors.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Main providers — TashiCell · B Mobile
- SIM available at airport & cities
- Good 4G in major towns
- Remote valleys may have weak signal
Passport is required for SIM purchase.
💵 Money & Payments
- Cash widely used
- Cards accepted in hotels & tour offices
- ATMs available in major cities
- Indian Rupees accepted in many places
Carry cash for rural & monastery regions.
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Emma Datshi (chili cheese)
- Red rice
- Momos
- Butter tea
- Yak cheese dishes
Food is mild to spicy — chilies are a staple ingredient.
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Paro Tshechu Festival
- Thimphu Tshechu
- Punakha Dromche
- Masked dance ceremonies
🛡 Safety & Common Scams
- One of the safest countries to travel
- Respect monastery rules
- Do not photograph religious objects without permission
- Altitude caution in higher valleys
Locals are polite, helpful & welcoming.
🙏 Local Etiquette
- Dress modestly in temples & dzongs
- Walk clockwise around stupas
- Shoes must be removed indoors
- Public affection is discouraged
🎒 What to Pack
- Warm layers (cold evenings) li>Comfortable walking shoes
- Scarf / shawl for monasteries
- Universal adapter
Mountain climates change quickly — pack layered clothing.
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Cool mountain climate
- Mild summers
- Cold winters
- Monsoon rainfall in summer
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — Paro Valley & local monasteries
- Day 2 — Hike to Tiger’s Nest
- Day 3 — Drive to Thimphu
- Day 4 — Punakha Dzong & suspension bridge
- Day 5 — Dochula Pass scenic viewpoints
🚨 Emergency Numbers
🚑 Ambulance 112
👮 Police 113
🔥 Fire 110
🧳 Tourist Help Tourism Council of Bhutan
❓ FAQs
Is Bhutan expensive?
Costs are higher due to sustainability-based tourism policy.
Can I travel independently?
Guided or approved itineraries are required for most visitors.
Is English spoken?
Yes — widely used in cities & tourism services.
Is Bhutan safe?
Yes — extremely safe & peaceful.
🎟 Tours & Activities in Bhutan
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