Situated high in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a marvelous place. A nation where rice is red and chilies are viewed as a vegetable, where development is estimated not by its Gross National Product, yet by Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is the world's last Buddhist Kingdom. A trip to Bhutan will carry you vis-à-vis with old religious communities, fortifications (called Dzongs), and old sanctuaries with prayer flags always flying high and the warmth of its people. For a memorable trip to Bhutan be prepared and have a trip worth remembering.

Best Places to visit

Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)

Located on a high cliff, the notorious Taktsang Goemba (monastery) is the unofficial symbol of Bhutan and one of the holy locales. A horse ride is accessible to the 'cafeteria', which is a wooden teahouse-eatery situated on the edge, offering an incredible view of the religious community. Regardless of whether the fact that you are a spiritual person or an adventurous one, this is an invigorating excursion offering stunning perspectives en route. To enter the monastery, guests require a special permit, which should be obtained ahead of time. You definitely should make time on your trip to Bhutan to visit this heavenly place.

Trashi Chhoe Dzong

An absolute necessity on each guest's rundown, this amazing structure with enormous brilliant Bhutanese-style towers on top is the seat of the national government, the national library, royal chamber of his Majesty the King of Bhutan and the country's biggest religious community. It is additionally the scene of the acclaimed Buddhist festival, Thimpu Tshechu. A trip to Bhutan is incomplete without visiting this place.

Best Things to do

Rafting and Kayaking

If you are looking to go rafting and kayaking, then you must visit the lower Paro Chhu River which extends for around seven kilometers and has numerous little stone rapids. Another place that you can go to is the Mo Chhu which is increasingly reasonable for amateurs and as the waterway moves through the valley, you get the opportunity to experience rafting/kayaking in a full-fledged way.

Trekking on the Snowman Trek

The Snowman Trek is one of the most testing and dangerous treks on the planet. It begins at Paro and leads you through Lingshi and Laya to the remote corner of the Lunana Valley. Many people go on this trek and hike for more than 5,400 meters crossing four distinct passes to a camp at high elevations. The best time to visit Bhutan for this trek is September and October.

Best Food to try

Ema-Datsi

A dish made of new yak cheddar and chilies, Ema Datsi is the famous dish of Bhutan and is found in many cafés. This delicacy is the national dish of Bhutan.

Hoentoe

A fascinating interpretation of dumplings, Hoentoe are sweet-smelling buckwheat dumplings loaded down with turnip greens, datshi (cheddar), spinach, and other interesting ingredients.

Best time to visit Bhutan

The weather in Bhutan is quite unpredictable. Therefore, before making a trip to Bhutan here is a comprehensive guide through the months in Bhutan to help decide the best time to visit Bhutan:

March to May

This season is immaculate to appreciate nature. One can appreciate an unhampered perspective of the mountains and furthermore, they can enjoy the famous festival Paro Tsechu which is held during this time. Remember to convey warm clothes along, as it very well may be really cold.

June to August

The summer in Bhutan starts with an overwhelming downpour. The mountains are shrouded in mists and look totally dreamlike! The most extreme temperature is around 21 degrees Celsius and the base temperature drops to 7 degrees Celsius. Since this is the wettest season in Bhutan, you must ensure to bring suitable clothing along.

September to November

The long stretch of September denotes the start of harvest time in Bhutan and is incredible for visiting. Guests are welcomed with clear skies and a wonderful climate. The most extreme temperature once in a while crosses 20 degrees Celsius and the base is around 4 degrees Celsius.

December to February

Winters in Bhutan are wonderful and less swarmed. It is additionally simpler to make sure about a lot on inns during this season. Days are radiant, however, night-times and evenings can be freezing. The most extreme temperature during this time is 9 degrees Celsius and the base temperature drops down to - 10 degrees Celsius.

Bhutan is a nation that shows you how to be happy with the little things in life. All things considered, this Bhutan travel guide will assist you in arranging an ideal trip for you.

Bhutan is a country set in South Central Asia and borders with China and India. Settled in the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most beautiful places that only a few explorers make it to because of the travel logistics. While it is an all-year-round destination, the weather in Bhutan is generally a pleasant one, thanks to its strategic location. Bhutan, as much as it has an amazing cultural heritage and the scenic landscape of the Himalayas, is not your typical holiday destination and you should know about the following before traveling to Bhutan.

Visa to Bhutan

All other nationalities except for Indians, Maldivians, and Bangladeshis are required to have a visa to enter the country. All must have a visa clearance before traveling to Bhutan so that the process is smoother. Further, the government charges all foreign tourists a daily fee visit as well as asks all its tourists to get special permits to visit certain areas. Therefore, it is recommended that you don't go alone. Rather, go along with a group of people and have the time of your life amongst the beauty of this nation with your loved ones.

Preparation

Before traveling to Bhutan, you must have a traveling itinerary set. All flights operating in Bhutan are weather-dependent and can be quite unpredictable. Since the weather in Bhutan commands its flight operations, you should keep all essential necessities with you in your carry-on baggage for any potential delays that might happen. Since Bhutan is a generally mountainous area, road accidents are quite common. You must wear a seatbelt at all times and avoid driving at night as it could be potentially dangerous.

Money

Before traveling to Bhutan, make sure that you either bring dollars or rupees as currency as these both are widely accepted in the country. While there are numerous ATM’s all over the country, you can easily exchange American dollars at the airport/hotel. Cash is the preferred  method of payment as there is quite an exuberant convenience fee for online payments.

Guided Tours

You can go around exploring Bhutan only with a registered guide - you can find them here on Indy Guide. Therefore, it is recommended that before traveling to Bhutan, you hire a local guide to show you around the country. Another perk of having a guided tour is that this local guide will be able to help you connect with the locals and help you overcome the language barrier as well.

Food

Before traveling to Bhutan, you should know that Bhutanese food is generally very spicy. In fact, the Bhutanese believe that any food without spice is unworthy. The most famous dish of Bhutan is the ema-datshi which is just red and spicy chilies which is topped off with a delicious cheese sauce. Other than that, localities will urge you to also try Ara, which is a hot, highly alcoholic treat.

Weather Forecasts

The weather in Bhutan is quite unpredictable. Usually, when clear skies are predicted, it pours cats and dogs and vice-versa too! Pack layers and be set up for numerous sorts of climate in one day - particularly in the event that you are doing any kind of trekking, as the climate can change rapidly at high elevations.

Connectivity

We recommend that you should get a local sim when traveling to Bhutan as it is possible that your cell phone may or may not get service in the country. Ask your local guide to help you purchase a local sim as soon as you arrive in the country to avoid any problems. While connectivity can be an issue here, Bhutan is a nation that is still to a great extent separated from the outside world, which is probably your main reason why you visit this heavenly place.

Bhutan may be costly to visit for any traveller. However, it will turn out to be a amazing trip. It is one of the few nations on the planet where despite everything you will want to step into this remote and non-westernized place and take in its beauty.

Trekking radiant mountains, exploring beautiful towns, reflecting inside tranquil monasteries and learning the historical backdrop of the Dzongs—there are a lot of activities in Bhutan that will certainly leave you hypnotised. The Bhutanese people are very joyful and they have an immense cordiality that makes a trip to Bhutan even more recommended. Here are only a few places to visit in Bhutan, so get ready to experience bright celebrations, old religious communities and jaw-dropping natural beauty.

Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest Monestary)

The trek to the Taktsang religious community in Paro, also called the Tiger's Nest, is an extraordinary trip. The start point of this trek is the Taktsang Cafeteria. It is also a good point to experience lip-smacking vegetarian Bhutanese food. The view of Paro Valley and the chants from the monastery will follow you all through the trek as you dive into the breathtaking nature of Bhutan.

Bumthang Valley

One of the best activities in Bhutan is the Bumthang Cultural Trek, which offers much more than just scenery. This trek specializes in the social aspect of visiting a new destination. You will be able to visit religious communities, sanctuaries and the curious local towns while sleeping at homestays. A real authentic experience made for photo enthusiasts.

Trashiyangtse

If you want to explore the natural beauty of Bhutan, then visiting Trashiyangtse is a must. It is a small town which lies in a beautiful natural reserve. It is a perfect spot for strolls and little hikes in a gorgeous valley. Not far from there you can also visit one of the well-known stupas in Bhutan. Chorten Kora stupa is situated close to the Kulong Chu River in Trashiyangtse. 

Trashiyangtse is also the starting point for a lot of fabulous climbing routes. This spot is one of the best places to visit in Bhutan if you are a nature lover. You can even see black-necked Cranes that move here from Tibet during the winter periods.

The Memorial Stupa

If you are looking for the experience of true peace and harmony, head to The Memorial Stupa in Thimphu, which was built in 1974 in the memory of lord, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is an outstanding sight in Bhutan with its sparkling finial, flawlessly cut models of gods, distinctive compositions and the extreme harmony that this place offers. A few recluses and committed Buddhists frequently stroll into the mountains for a long period of time for meditation.

Dochula Pass

Situated at a height of 3,100 meters, the Dochula Pass is a mountain pass between the cities of Thimphu and Punakha. If you are interested in a trek or climb, this is one of the best and most beautiful places in Bhutan, particularly if you are an adventure freak. 

One of the reasons to visit the Dochula Pass is the 360-degree perspective on the Himalayas, particularly the Gangkar Puensum, which is the most noteworthy top in Bhutan. Some other stunning attractions that you can discover are the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang sanctuary and Bhutan's first Royal Botanical Park.

Tshachus - The Hot Springs

The local name for hot springs is Tshachus. It is said that the water of those hot springs is healing and can fix illnesses like joint pain and body aches. There are several of them spread across the country. Some natural hot springs in Bhutan give stunning views on the natural beauty of Bhutan, situated close to the waterway banks like at Gasa Tshachu, Dhur Tshachu, Chuboog Tshachu and Duenmang Tshachu. The experience of a hot spring treatment is also one of the best activities in Bhutan.

Bhutan is a place that has so much to offer for every kind of traveler. If you visit Bhutan be prepared to be mystified as you dive into this absolute heaven of a place.