Bhutan Travel Planner

Where is Bhutan?

  1. Approximate Population of Bhutan: 763,092


Hotels in Thimphu


Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan

Thimphu has an approximate population of around 114,551 people and you can typically expect to pay around £1.96p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.

About Thimphu in Bhutan: A small town on the edge of the world, Thimphu is Bhutan's capital. Besides being the seat of government, the town is famous for its Buddhist monuments. The colossal Tashichho Dzong, a fortified monastery and palace with white-leafed roofs, is an internationally revered Buddhist monument. The Memorial Chorten, also a whitewashed building with gold leaf roofs, is also revered as a sacred temple. The Peace Memorial and the Royal Lodge, both painted in symbolic colors, are other important structures in Thimphu.

A relatively small country of approximately 3 million people, Bhutan prides itself on its commitment to ecological conservation. It has established several national parks and wilderness areas. A major attraction in Bhutan is the Thimpu River, which provides an excellent view of the majestic Himalayas. The small country's only airport, in Thimphu town, serves international flights from major cities around the world. Tourism is minimal and supports the Bhutan's reforesting efforts.

About Thailand: Although not actually part of Thimphu territory, Thimphu is home to many Buddhist monasteries, which are famous around the world. One popular Buddhist temple is Wat Khanon, on the outskirts of Thimphu. This temple complex was built in honor of Buddha, and many still believe that he dwelled here. Other temples include the Drepungpa, in Bophut, and the Lashuna, in Lhuntse.

What vaccinations do I need before travelling to Bhutan

Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Bhutan are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Is it safe to travel to Bhutan

For up to date information around safety and security in Bhutan read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Bhutan.

Bhutan Flights


Best time to visit Bhutan?

October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutanas the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder, but from then until April the climate remains dry and pleasant and in late spring the famous rhododendrons bloom spectacularly.

Festivals in Bhutan

Festivals in Bhutan are a great time for tourists to visit the country and take part in the many different activities. The most popular festival is Tshechu, which means "tenth day" and is held at all monasteries throughout the country. The day is important because it coincides with the birthday of the eighth-century Guru Rimpoche, the first Dalai Lama. It is important to note that the exact month will vary from temple to temple.

Thimphu Tschechu is the largest festival held in Bhutan. The three-day celebration takes place during the ninth lunar month and combines many rituals to invoke the gods. The highlight of this festival is the Cham dances, which depict scenes from Padmasambhava's life and represent the triumph of good over evil. During the two-day festival, many locals dress up in traditional costume and participate in the performance. Bonfires and traditional dances accompany the festival.

The most important festival in Bhutan is the Gomphu Kora festival, which takes place in the eastern part of the country. The Gomphu Kora region is the home of several mural paintings from the 10th to the 15th century. It is a three-day event, held each year. It is one of the most sacred and popular festivals in Bhutan. If you're considering visiting Bhutan, consider visiting the country at one of these festivals and see how the people celebrate this traditional ritual.

Tshechu is a religious festival held at Trongsa in central Bhutan. It lasts four days and attracts thousands of people. During this time, visitors can see monks and other devout Buddhists perform fascinating rituals and enjoy beautiful costumes. The festival is also a great time to take part in the Tshechu dance. In the evening, the Thongdrol is unfurled to welcome the Buddha to the earth.

The Taktshang Festival takes place every year on the 10th day of the eighth lunar month. During this festival, both the lay population and the monks wear traditional clothing. This festival is the oldest Buddhist festival and one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan. The name is derived from a cave used for meditation. This event is celebrated for three days and is free to enter. The Taktshang Tshechu has been held at the same site for the past 350 years.

During this festival, tourists can watch masked dances, rituals and ceremonies. The most prominent of these festivals is the Tshechu Fire Ceremony, where pilgrims run naked under a door surrounded by dried grass. During the festival, visitors can also witness the enchanting Fire Dance and the Tshechu Prayer, which are held to honor the gods of the world. This is one of the most famous Bhutanese festivals.

Bhutan Trips & Guided Tours


Bhutan Tourist Attractions

Do I need a Visa?

You will need a passport and visa to enter and exit Bhutan. Visas are only issued on arrival, but you must apply in advance through a tour operator and receive visa approval before you travel

See which forms you may need for entry into Bhutan.

What currency do i need for Bhutan?

The official currency of Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum & Indian Rupee (BTN). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Bhutan you can grab amazing Bhutanese Ngultrum & Indian Rupee deals via Wise.com (GBP to BTN).

What wildlife live in Bhutan?

Well known and keytone wild animals of Bhutan are Asian Elephant, Tiger, Red Panda, Himalayan Black Bear, Black Necked Cranes, Himalayan Musk Deer, Asiatic Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Leopards and Gray Wolf. In addition, Bhutan is also home to the tiger, one-horned rhino, red panda and the Tibetan wolf.

What is the traditional food of Bhutan?

Bhutanese food? Ema Datshi is among the most famous dishes in Bhutanese cuisine, recognized as a national dish of Bhutan. It is made from chili peppers and cheese; "ema" means "chili" and "datshi" means "cheese" in the Dzongkha language of Bhutan.

What Languages are spoken in Bhutan?

Dzongkha, or Bhutanese, is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by over half a million people in Bhutan; it is the sole official and national language of the Kingdom of Bhutan. You can learn some basic Bhutanese before you travel to Bhutan and really impress the locals!

How much do you tip in Bhutan?

The currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum & Indian Rupee (If you are trekking in Bhutan then other trek staff (such as horsemen/cooks) should be tipped around £5 per day for a short trek, for treks over 5 nights we recommend £5 per day.).

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Emergency Numbers

  • Police: 113
  • Ambulance: 112
  • Fire: 110
  • UK Embassy: +975 17 61 85 53

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    Time Difference

    What is the time difference?

    The GMT time difference is 6 hours

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