Bhutan

The Last Shangri La

Bhutan at a glance

Bhutan, a realm of enchantment nestled in the Himalayas, is no ordinary destination. It’s the last great Himalayan kingdom, where traditions embrace modernity, and Gross National Happiness is the measure of success.

In Bhutan, nature reigns supreme. This tiny kingdom, open to visitors for just 45 years, prioritizes environment, culture, and well-being over economics. Bhutan absorbs more carbon than it emits, making it a haven for trekkers, nature enthusiasts, and Buddhist pilgrims alike. From the awe-inspiring Tiger’s Nest monastery to the serene prayer halls of Gangte Goemba, every moment in Bhutan feels like a step into a world where happiness isn’t a pursuit but a way of life.

Whether you venture to Punakha, Bumthang, or Mongar, you’ll be greeted by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and locals in vibrant traditional attire, their smiles as warm as the Bhutanese sun. At Inescape Travel, we embody the Bhutanese spirit, always ready with a smile to answer your queries and meticulously plan your journey.

For the most adventurous souls, fully-assisted treks through ancient pine forests, past yak herders and remote villages, await. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks and high-altitude lakes. In the crisp mountain air, savor the comforting delights of thukpa, the local hot noodle soup, and meat-filled momos. And don’t miss the soothing Bhutanese dotsho, a hot-stone bath—a perfect ending to days filled with exploration and discovery.

Key Facts

CAPITAL CITY

Thimphu (population approximately 115,000)

POPULATION

794,091

CURRENCY

Bhutanese ngultrum (BTN)

LANGUAGE

Dzongkha

TIME ZONE

(GMT+06:00) Astana, Dhaka

CALLING CODE

+975

ELECTRICITY

Type D (Old British 3-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth) Type G (Irish/British 3-pin) Type M (see D)

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Things To Do In Bhutan

As you journey through Bhutan, a sense of tranquil contemplation envelops you. Monasteries, known as dzongs, dot the landscape, offering not just spiritual solace but also breathtaking vistas. Standing atop Changangkha Lhakhang monastery and gazing down at Thimphu, the capital, you’ll realize the wonder of being in a Himalayan Buddhist kingdom that measures its progress by Gross National Happiness.

Paro, a town with over a hundred temples and monasteries, boasts the iconic Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest monastery, perched 10,000 feet above sea level. To reach it, you’ll trek through lush oak and rhododendron forests, ascending a vertiginous slope to its entrance. This monastery is not just a historic site; it’s the very birthplace of Buddhism in Bhutan

Whether you venture to Punakha, Bumthang, or Mongar, you’ll be greeted by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze and locals in vibrant traditional attire, their smiles as warm as the Bhutanese sun. At Inescape Travel, we embody the Bhutanese spirit, always ready with a smile to answer your queries and meticulously plan your journey.

  • Sample a Slice of Buddhist History in Bumthang

    The spiritual monastery town of Bumthang is one of the most important religious centers in the country. The numerous temples and monasteries are impressive testimonies of the country’s Buddhist history.

    The walls of the Tamshing Lhakhang temple are adorned with some of the oldest historical Buddhist paintings. The ‘Kurje Lhakhang’ is one of the holiest places in all of Bhutan. The popular dzong in this region is the Jakar dzong, which overlooks the Chamkhar valley in the region.

  • Spot a Black-necked Crane in Gangtey Valley

    Watch the rare black-necked cranes in Gangtey Valley, also known as the Phobjikha Valley, which is part of Black Mountains National Park, There are also tigers, leopards and Asian wild dogs to spot in this most important game reserve of Bhutan.
    The hallmark of this beautiful valley its the rich biodiversity – there are marshes, green pastures, coniferous forest, unique dwarf bamboo and apart from the rare crane, it is also home to 13 other globally threatened species.

  • Visit the Taktsang Monastery in Paro

    It is often said that the monastery, known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is the most beautiful in the entire Himalayan region, making it one of the top attractions in Bhutan. Embark on a steep hike amid thick oak and rhododendron forests, surrounded by scenic vistas as you make your way to the entrance of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It is here that Buddhism began and Bhutan and spread to other parts of the country, making it a key landmark in Bhutanese culture.

  • Savor Views of the Himalayas from Punakha

    The most beautiful view of the Himalayas is from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong is an impressive monastery building that stands majestically in front of this breathtaking backdrop. The Punakha Dzong is one of the oldest and largest dzongs in the region. This six-stories Dzong was built in the 17th century. A combination of timber, stones and earth add to the stately appeal of the Dzong.

  • Explore the Capital City of Thimphu

    Enjoy Thimphu’s diverse sights – from monasteries and museums to tiny streets with shops displaying a variety of colorful local crafts. Learn how to cook traditional Bhutanese dishes at the home of a local and while you traverse the streets of Thimphu, make sure you sample Ema Datshi or a stew made of chilies and cheese along with the famous Bhutanese red rice!

    The national sport of Bhutan is archery, so don’t be surprised if you see people practicing the sport across Thimphu!

Best Time To Visit

The best time to travel to Bhutan depends on what you wish to do. Winter is ideal for rafting and birding, while springtime is ideal for hiking. Our destination experts share an overview on when to travel to Bhutan.

Best time to visit Bhutan

Travel Guide

Misty mountains, magnificent monasteries, looming castles and lush green valleys. Discover the top highlights, activities and attractions of Bhutan.

Bhutan travel guide

Safety

Bhutan is by and large the safest country to travel in. As with any other destination in Asia, we advise you to take some basic safety measures to ensure a stress-free vacation.

Is Bhutan Safe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Bhutan

Bhutan experiences monsoonal weather between June and August and consequently is not a particularly pleasant time to visit the country.

The best times to visit are the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November, with the later months being particularly pleasant as rainfall is lower and the views tend to be clearer.

December to February sees snowfall in many areas but it can be a beautiful time to visit thanks to the snow covering the mountainous landscape.

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