Bhutan Quick Guide

When planning your next Himalayan trek, it's a good idea to plan your trip in advance by using an accurate Bhutan travel guide. Not only will you be well informed about where to visit, but you'll also be prepared for any unexpected surprises along the way. Bhutan, a small Buddhist country on the foothills of the majestic Himalayan ranges, is best known for its picturesque landscapes, monasteries and spectacular mountain ranges. In the High Himalayas, spectacular peaks like 7,316m Jomolhari are highly popular trekking destinations.

The Himalayan region of Bhutan is one of the most beautiful places to visit. It is widely recognised as a paradise, offering amazing mountain scenery and abundant natural resources. Most visitors to Bhutan travel to the country's high passes, which provide fantastic views across the vast, untouched landscape of the densely forested valleys of the country. But most people do not realise the scope and variety of attractions in the small country, which are worth exploring even when you are not trekking up the dangerous Himalayan peaks.

In addition to the high passes, Bhutan's landscape is also very attractive, particularly when it comes to choosing a Bhutan travel guide to explore. The hills, rivers and plateaus of the country are very diverse, offering travellers a chance to view different environments and landscapes every day. A Bhutan travel guide is recommended to take an interest in the country's natural attractions. Some of these include the mighty Thimpu, the graceful Thimpu Gorge, the world's highest forest, the Thimpu Valley and, at the lower level, the Thimpu Valley Floor, all of which are full of sights to see and opportunities to photograph. Other attractions include the Zangthoperi National Park and the ethnic minority groups of the Buddhist plateau.

The capital city, Bhutan, is also a great place to explore. The capital city of Bhutan, Bimpipong, offers visitors an ideal opportunity to explore the ancient Buddhist temples, monasteries and cultural heritage of Bhutan. Travellers who fly into Bimpipong could also consider staying at the Sankranti International Airport, which has a wide range of accommodation options including budget hotels, resorts, guest houses and lodges. The Sankranti International Airport also has an excellent array of transport links to the major cities of Bhutan like Phetchabun, Jimbaran, Thimpu and Jimalung.

There are many activities for tourists can participate in when visiting Bhutan. One of the activities that travellers can enjoy is trekking. In Bhutan, trekking is one of the main attractions and there are several trekking tours available. Travellers can select from different categories like Adventure Trekking, Classic trekking, Light trekking and Himalayan trekking. A Bhutan travel guide can assist in organising a suitable trekking trip for tourists on their tour.

Another important activity tourists can participate in is mountain climbing. In Bhutan, people climb the great peaks including Lungtse, Nyingthar, Dolpo, Chyangra, Thimpu, Tsang. These mountains range in height from five to eleven thond meters. A Bhutan travel guide can assist with arranging a suitable mountain climbing adventure for tourists travelling to Bhutan.

While in Bhutan, tourists should also consider procuring a Bhutanese visa, required for entering the country. The Bhutanese visa proves that the tourist has been registered as a resident of Bhutan, and the tourist is eligible for obtaining a Bhutanese passport. On returning to the US, you will need to again obtain a Bhutanese passport and you can then return to bhutan using your new passport. Alternatively, if you have already arranged a flight to Bhutan and are planning to stay there for a couple of weeks or months, you can obtain a Bhutanese tourist tax which will be required when collecting your plane ticket or your room in Bhutan.

Bhutan Travel Guide also provides information on Buddhist temples in Bhutan. The Buddhist monks are highly respected because of their serene lifestyle, which includes no contact with the outside world. They live in a monastic community called "Dhamma Rooms". Visitors are not allowed to touch the monks or enter inside their room. The rooms are regularly cleaned and orderly. Tourists should purchase a minimum daily package and pay the minimal amount required by the government in order to obtain an entry into the Buddhist monasteries.

What vaccinations do I need?

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?

Best time to visit?

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.

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?

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 about the wildlife?

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?

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?

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?

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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Useful Numbers

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

Time Difference

The GMT time difference is 6 hours

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