Bhutan Tour Guide 2024 Top Attractions, Itineraries, and Travel Tips for 2024

Bhutan, also known as the land of Thunder Dragon, is known as the happiest country in the world. Its diverse culture, surreal unspoiled mountain landscape, friendly people, and distinctive ways of life captivate tourists from all over the world. Bhutan is a promising but extremely exclusive Asian country that caters to a wide range of travel preferences, including adventure seekers, culture vultures, and those looking for escapes from the contemporary world. It encapsulates the richness of numerous local features.

In contrast to other tourist destinations in Asia that welcome large numbers of visitors, Bhutan restricts the annual number of international visitors. Furthermore, it is unlikely that you will be able to travel independently in the country unless you have booked a trip through Bhutan Travel Agency. You can only enter the country if you book a Bhutan tour in advance through travel agencies that have been licensed by the government.

Bhutan has been a lesser-known nation up until now because it was cut off from the outside world until 1974. Bhutan was seen by many as a somewhat mysterious nation that seemed to exist in a different reality. Three main factors have turned Bhutan from a little-known Himalayan jewel into a highly fascinating Asian travel destination: its unique culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and incredibly friendly people. With additional alternatives for services and amenities, Bhutan’s tourism infrastructure has significantly improved in recent years. Although Bhutan has opened up to the outside world, its tourism industry nevertheless adheres closely to important values that support sustainable tourism development, indigenous culture preservation, and safeguarding the environment. This is why, you need to reach out to the best Bhutan tour operator if you want to enjoy and treasure your trip here. 

Overview

Bhutan is a landlocked Asian nation that is beautifully situated in the heart of the famous Himalayas. This tiny nation, which is just about 38,400 km2 in size, is located between India and Tibet, directly east of Nepal, and north of Bangladesh. Because of its unique location, the majority of Bhutan’s land is composed of hills, valleys, and mountain slopes.

When to Travel – Climate

Bhutan has varied climates in different parts of the country and at different elevations. The climate in the southern regions is subtropical, with summer monsoons. While most mountainous areas to the north, home to many snow-capped peaks, have a polar climate, highland areas usually have mild weather. 

Bhutan typically experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year: Winter lasts from December to mid-March, summer lasts from June to August, autumn lasts from September to November, and spring begins from late March to May. Bhutan’s afternoon and nighttime temperatures differ significantly from one another. While it can rise as high as 30 degrees Celsius during the day in July, it gets considerably colder at night. During Bhutan’s rainy season, which runs from June to September, it may rain a lot at night but less to none at all during the day.

Generally speaking, autumn (from the end of September to the end of November) is the ideal season to visit Bhutan because of the good weather, bright blue sky, and dry, sunny days that are ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and amazing for all the social media buffs! In Bhutan, autumn, particularly September to October, is a time of celebration with several traditional events held around the nation, allowing visitors to fully experience Bhutanese culture through the best Bhutan tour operator. Summer is a good time to travel to western regions like as Paro, Punakha, Thimphu’s capital, and other major cities. A journey to Bhutan in the winter is a really exciting experience if you prepare for mild weather and sometimes if you enjoy snow activities.   

You have to visit the country to find out why it is one of the most untamed yet serene places to visit and create a memory of a lifetime – Bhutan Travel Agency Representative 

Getting Bhutan Visa

Before visiting Bhutan, everyone needs to have a travel visa. Bhutan still has few official diplomatic posts overseas, therefore you can’t even visit the Bhutan embassy or apply for a visa at the airport like in many other nations. Applying for a visa to enter Bhutan might seem a challenging process, therefore you should seek assistance from the best bhutan tour operator agents to prevent any further issues once you reach there. 

Bhutan Entry & Travel Guidelines for Indians:

Visas are not a requirement for the Indian nationals to visit Bhutan. However, one should get a permit to enter the country and certain regulations needs to be followed which are as follows – 

Visa & Permit:

Indian citizens do not need a visa to visit Bhutan. However, you will need a government permit to enter Bhutan. This can be applied online before your trip or through a Bhutan Travel Agency or through the hotel. There are hotels who has the right channels to apply on your behalf and get it done. You can also get the permit upon arrival at the entry points (Phuentsholing, Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar, or Sarpang/Gelephu). 

The Permit Application Options are as follows – 

• Online Application – which can be done in advance to avoid waiting times.
• Upon Arrival: As soon as you arrive, you can get into the lines  – which is often seen with long queues – and get the permit done. 
• You need to make sure that you have the Passport-size photographs, and all the valid documents (Passport or Voter ID).
• Indian tourists traveling to Bhutan have to declare their intended travel plan when applying for a permit. This includes providing all the relevant details of the places you plan to visit, the duration of your stay at each location, and your accommodation details.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):

Indian tourists are required to pay the SDF of ₹1,200 per person per night. This fee is payable when you are applying for your permit; so you can get it paid either online or in person.

Travel Insurance:

While not mandatory to get a travel insurance but it is always advisable to have travel insurance done because it will cover medical emergencies and other unforeseen events.

Bhutan received more than 52,000 tourists in 2023 which is a positive trend in the tourism industry’s resurgence – Bhutanese Tourism Official

Documents for Bhutan Entry Permit

• Sponsor Letter: It is necessary to have a letter from a local host or counterpart (travel agency, hotel, or guide) in Bhutan.
• Voter ID card or valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months after the planned departure date from Bhutan. Voter cards or a passports can be used as proof of identity.
• Children under the age of eighteen must have a birth certificate.
• The application should be properly and correctly completed.
• Extra Records (if necessary): Throughout the evaluation process, the Department of Immigration may ask for more papers.

Online Bhutan e-Permit Application for Indians

1. Visit the Website: https://visit.doi.gov.bt/ register and create account.
2. Fill up all the information and pay the fee and get the permit ready.
3. You can visit the official Bhutan Immigration website for more details. 

Offline Bhutan Permit Application Process for Indian Tourists

For Indian nationals, entering Bhutan is a simple offline application process which can be done at the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border. All you have to do is reach the Pedestrian terminal which is open 24-hour-a-day Pedestrian Terminal at the Jaigaon-Phuentsholing border.

System for Pre-Registration:

At the terminal, enter your name and information in the Pre-registration System. Even if you only intend to remain in Phuentsholing, this is still necessary.

Submission of Documents:

1. Send in the required paperwork, including:
2. Voter ID or a passport (for adults)
3. Certificate of birth for children under the age of eighteen
4. Keep passport-sized photos on hand in case you need them.

Permit Issuance:

You must apply for a permit at the Regional Immigration Office, which is located 200 meters from the Pedestrian Terminal (next to the Druk Hotel) in Phuentsholing, in order to proceed beyond the Rinchending Check Post.

1. Application Form for Indians to Enter Bhutan: 
2. Complete the application and send it in with the necessary paperwork. After verification, the permit will be granted.

Sustainable Development Fee (SDF):

1. For the length of your stay in Bhutan after Phuentsholing, you have to pay the mandated SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) once you get the permit.
2. You can continue with the rest of your travel plans into Bhutan after passing the Rinchending Check Post after you get the permit.

Getting there – By Road or by Air

Paro, just an hour’s drive from Thimphu, is home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Drukair and Bhutan Airlines are the two national airlines that fly to Bhutan. Bangkok, Thailand; Kathmandu, Nepal; New Delhi and Kolkata, India; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Singapore are among the departure locations. And from 28th October 2024, there will be twice weekly flights to Dubai. 

Some also Prefer to Reach Bhutan by Road from India 

Jaigaon-Phuentsholing is the primary border crossing. Two more are located at Samdrup Jongkhar and Gelephu. Private cabs can be rented from a number of locations, including Siliguri stand and Bagdogra Airport, and the rates range from 2000 to 3000 Indian rupees. It can take five to six hours to go from Phuentsholing, which is on the Bhutanese side of the border, to Thimpu. As you go through different subtropical regions or even alpine zones, the trip is quite picturesque. A road trip can be an exciting way to go to Bhutan for people who enjoy the idea that the route is just as important as the destination. 

Indian-registered Vehicles Touring Bhutan: 

Indian visitors are permitted to drive their cars inside certain areas for free. However, a Green Tax of Nu 4,500 per day is imposed if a vehicle passes the Rinchending Check Post in Phuentsholing. All required paperwork must be carried, including the original driver’s license, a vehicle registration certificate that is no older than ten years, auto insurance, and a roadworthiness and emission certificate.

10 Must Visit Places 

If you are a first-time visitor to the country, the Bhutan Travel Agency will make sure that you visit the following places – 

• Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (Paro): This is a religious hotspot as well as the most iconic cultural attraction in Bhutan. 

• Punakha Dzong (Punakha): Deemed as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan and the Palace of Great Happiness.

• Chimi Lhakhang (Punakha): A sacred temple yet the most explicit example of the phallus belief in Bhutan.

• Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu): This majestic dzong is the place that hosts one of the major traditional festivals of the country in autumn.

• National Memorial Chorten (Thimphu): One of the most revered landmarks of Thimphu which was built to pay tribute to the former revered 3rd King of Bhutan.

• Buddha Dordenma (Thimphu): A huge golden statue of Buddha from where you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city.

• Gangtey Monastery (Wangdue Phodrang): One of the most ancient monasteries that is famous for the Black-necked Crane traditional festival.

• Dochula Pass: Exceptionally scenic viewpoint on the way connecting Thimphu and Punakha.

• Trongsa Dzong (Trongsa): This is the largest of all dzong structures in Bhutan.

• Haa Valley: Enjoy the pristine beauty, of Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo temples.

Common Etiquette to Know Before Travelling

When you visit Bhutan’s sacred or tranquil locations, you should dress appropriately. Visitors are not allowed to snap pictures inside certain attractions.

It is illegal to smoke in public areas including dining establishments, streets, halls, etc.

Money 

The value of the Bhutanese currency, known as Ngultrum (BTN), is correlated with that of the Indian Rupee. In Bhutan, the Indian Rupee is accepted as legal money, however, in India, the Ngultrum is not. The quantity of available ATMs is restricted.

Mobile and internet connectivity 

Wifi is typically available in all the accommodations however, there might be some issues at the higher altitudes. You can choose to get international roaming enabled for Bhutan. 

Language spoken in Bhutan

In Bhutan, most people speak English, and Bhutanese/Dzongkha and most people can speak Nepali and Hindi. The majority of people can talk in Hindi and Nepali and have a solid understanding of the language. In Bhutan, travel advisors undergo instruction in a variety of languages, including Chinese, Spanish, French, and others, as part of their certification process. Therefore, you can always ask your travel agent to assign you a guide who speaks the language you understand if you don’t understand Hindi, English, Bhutanese, or Nepali.

Bhutan is changing quickly, especially in Thimphu and Paro, where a lot of new buildings and structures are coming up. These locations have already begun to lose their serenity given the rapid influx of tourists. If visitors want to experience traditional Bhutan, they should take an internal flight from Paro to Bumthang, which is located in the country’s center. If you are considering a trip to Bhutan, you should make the decision as soon as possible!

Bhutan’s tourism sector has witnessed a significant influx of tourists in the first quarter of 2024 i.e. from Jan 01 to March 31st. The numbers almost doubled to 25,000 tourists which was 12696 during the same period of 2023. 

The breakdown of visitors in 2024 shows that about 60% of the tourists are from India while the other countries that contributed to Bhutan’s tourism are the US, China, the UK, Germany, Singapore, France, Italy, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Australia. India has always remained one of the top markets for Bhutan’s tourism landscape.