A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Bhutan is renowned as the land of smiles (with due respect to Thailand). The nation’s guiding principles emphasize collective happiness and community harmony, marking its gradual emergence onto the global stage. While navigating visa and permit requirements can pose challenges for travelers, the rich experiences that await more than justify the effort.
Bhutan is a remarkable, isolated country nestled in the Himalayas. It may not be the most accessible destination, however, the reward is significant for those seeking a truly unique travel experience. I recently spent one week in Bhutan, appreciating every moment of my visit.
Bhutan is one of the most fascinating and remote travel destinations in the world. Its tourism model and visa system are famously unlike any other globally.
People decide to visit the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan for many reasons. Some are drawn by the majestic mountains and pristine environment, others to the rich spiritual heritage of its Buddhist monasteries and temples, and some visitors by a simple curiosity to experience one of the world’s least-visited and most exclusive countries.
Determining the perfect time to visit Bhutan largely depends on your travel preferences. The ideal seasons for traveling, in terms of weather, are spring (March to April) and autumn (October to November). However, your visit might also be influenced by specific interests such as trekking, crowd levels, or attending vibrant festivals.
A road trip through the remote and exquisitely picturesque Himalayan valleys of Bhutan stands as one of the most thrilling travel experiences.
Both destinations promise incredible mountains, delightfully spicy food, and unique cultures. However, which should you visit?
Since opening to tourism in 1974, the Kingdom of Bhutan has long fascinated travelers. This small yet majestic country offers a stunning Himalayan landscape that requires time and expertise to navigate.
Since opening up to tourism in 1974, the Himalayan kingdom ofBhutanhas gained renown as one of the most pristine and exclusive destinations to visit. Stringent measures on tourism and elevated daily tourist fees have played a critical role in preserving the rich Buddhist culture that is swiftly fading in other Himalayan regions. Notably, in 2022, these fees surged, coinciding with the reopening of borders post-pandemic.
In the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, a country that values happiness above everything else, children are welcomed with open arms.
Communities come first on Bhutan’s restored long-distance hiking trail, promoting slow travel and socio-economic opportunities for remote villages.
The Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, nestled high in the Himalayas, is unveiling a sacred hiking trail after 60 years of closure. This is an extraordinary opportunity for those eager to explore the world, reconnect with nature, and take on new challenges. Why not be among the first to embark on this memorable journey?
Bhutan offers a dizzying dose of precipitous adventure pursuits. The country’s policy of Gross Domestic Happiness, a principle officially regarded as more important than measures like Gross Domestic Product, may be the reason Bhutanese collectively sport a permanent smile (or maybe they just have an inside line on what a well-kept secret the nation represents for adventurers seeking raw and undeveloped experiences).
Mention Bhutan to savvy travellers and you normally get two reactions. First comes a wistful ‘aaahh’, as people summon up hazy images of a pristine Himalayan kingdom, of colourful Buddhist festivals and a traditional culture that seems lost in an earlier age.
Bhutan may be a tiny dot on the map, but its topography is epic, even daunting, in scale. Measured in terms of altitude change rather than miles, this is a big country to explore. Beyond the gateways of Thimphu and Paro, there are countless valleys in which to lose oneself and discover some of this Himalayan country’s less obvious gems. These include places where global influence is less apparent, where nature is at its most untamed, and where traditional Buddhist culture continues to thrive.
As I started traveling more frequently, I felt compelled to explore destinations beyond my home country India. Consequently, I decided to venture into Bhutan for the following reasons:
For adventure lovers, a Bhutan trek is high on the list. After climbing Kilimanjaro, trekking to Everest Base Camp, and tackling the Arctic watershed, we were excited to finally explore the Land of Thunder Dragon.
Many travelers only spend a few days in Bhutan due to the $200 USD per person per day fee. To maximize your experience, we have outlined the must-see sites and activities to make your trip truly unforgettable.