Things to Know Before You Travel to Bhutan

Things to Know Before You Travel to Bhutan

travel-to-bhutan-page.jpg

Bhutan is a unique destination, and a unique destination calls for unique travel conditions! For a country that only opened its doors to tourism in 1974, they are ahead of the game in sustainable tourism, with restrictions in place to make sure it is environmentally friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable. 

Bhutan (which is called Druk Yul locally) means 'Land of the Thunder Dragon' and the country is as epic as it sounds. You'll be in good company if you don't know much about this small part of the world, mystery could be its second name and you'll most definitely be heading to a place that none of your mates have been to.  

If there is one thing you can be sure of it's that the Bhutanese people are a happy bunch and if you join a Bhutan tour that has respect for their culture and way of life, they'll return it by the bucketload!

This article will let you in on all you need to know about travelling to this epic part of the world, from visa requirements to safety on the streets and Bhutan culture.

 

Where is Bhutan?

Bhutan is in Asia, located right in the Himalayas. It is a landlocked country east of Nepal, sandwiched between India, China and Tibet but has never been colonized! It is a largely Buddhist nation and the capital is Thimphu. Out of all of the regions in South Asia, Bhutan is the second least populated nation after the Maldives - there are just over 800,000 people living here.  

Do you need a visa to travel to Bhutan?

YES. With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan will need a visa. 

You can’t travel independently to Bhutan, you’ll need to book with a registered tour company or directly through an affiliated travel agent abroad (like us!). This keeps things pretty simple as your tour operator will apply for your visa, you’ll just need to send the photo page of your passport to them. The visa’s are processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan once full payment of your holiday is received, including a $40 US visa fee. 

The tariff to enter the country is currently $200 US per day in low season and $250 US per day in high season. This may seem high but it actually includes accommodation for your stay (3* or above), all meals (at a 3* restaurant), an English speaking Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay, internal road transport and camping equipment for treks. It also includes a development fee of $65 which goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation and infrastructure.

However, if you would like a bit more, nicer accommodation, better restaurants, more activities and a company that will answer all of your questions and prepare you in the best way possible... you should get in touch with us! 

Fly to Bhutan

Most people fly into Bhutan and the only point of entry by air is Paro. When you arrive in the airport you’ll receive a baggage declaration form to complete, you’ll need to list any equipment you are carrying ie camera, laptop. This is to ensure that you’re taking it all away with you leave, so make sure you hold on to that piece of paper because you’ll need it again. If you lose the form, let your guide know before you’re headed back to the airport.

To reach Bhutan by road you’ll have to enter via the border towns Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar or Gelephu. If you drive you must have the correct documents to transit through India so you should contact the nearest Indian embassy to see what you need.  

 

What to expect in Bhutan

Bhutan is a clean, safe and peaceful country that is slowly adjusting to a more modern way of life. The land consists mostly of steep and high mountains crisscrossed by a network of rivers which form deep valleys. It's also pretty high up! The average altitude is 2438m above sea level. Mild effects of altitude sickness do not tend to come into effect until you're higher than 2,500 metres, but there are ways to prepare for this. You can visit your GP before heading overseas to see if you should take Diamox, it is used to reduce symptoms of altitude sickness.  

Is Bhutan Safe

Bhutan is a very safe country to visit, crime is uncommon, even petty crime! The country has no traffic lights, there are traffic wardens instead and the locals love it. The production and sale of tobacco are illegal, as are hunting and fishing (except for catch and release). It is forbidden to climb high peaks (where spirits dwell), and employees must wear traditional clothing during work hours. 

Social etiquettes in Bhutan pretty much align with its South Asian neighbours like taking off your shoes before entering a temple or house, refraining from wearing short clothing, and public display of affection.

Facts about Bhutan...

A common question is 'where is Bhutan?' Well, it's fairly hidden, surrounded by the Himalayas and sandwiched between India and Tibet.

There aren't many people here! The population in Bhutan is just over 800,000, most of which practice Buddhism.

It is known for its monasteries, dzongs and dramatic landscapes!

It is also extremely unique

Bhutan is the only country in the world to officially measure national happiness. They do this by taking social, wealth and environmental factors into consideration, as well as economic concerns. 

In 2010 Bhutan became the first country in the world to ban the production and sale of tobacco products. You can still smoke in private but if you're caught smoking in a public area, the fine will set you back a few months worth of salary. 

Inheritance is passed down to the eldest daughter and a man will often move into his new wife's home until he can earn his keep!

The national sport here is archery which they've been practicing as a sport long before it was even recognized. 

Plastic bags have been banned since 1999 (well ahead of the game). 

They didn't open up their borders to tourism until 1974!

Bhutan is carbon negative - that means that it produces less carbon dioxide than it absorbs, this is partially thanks to the constitution, it states that two-thirds of the country must be covered in forests (but they're currently smashing this with a whopping 72% still covered in forests). 

Explore Adventures in this Destination

Related Posts

5 Reasons to Choose Group Travel Over DIY

 

We've all been there: you spend hours and hours pouring…

Best Time to Visit Peru | Destinations, Climate, and Seasons

So, when is the best time to visit Peru?If you're…

Where to Travel in 2022: Top Adventure Trip for Each Month

So, you're ready to make 2022 a year of incredible…

Travelling to Europe During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Insider Guide

Since July 2021, we've been back exploring the breathtaking trails…

Podcast: Kit Parks Interviews Wendy, CEO, About the Merger of Active and Austin Adventures

Kit Parks from Active Travel Adventures and Wendy van Lieshout,…

Safe Travel in 2021: Why Small Group Adventure Travel is the New Normal

It's no secret that since March of 2020, the travel…

Keeping Up With Our New Zealand Guides

You’ve heard us say it before, and you’ll hear us…

Hiking Iceland: The Best Day and Multi-day Hikes

Iceland is a hiker's paradise. Its vast wilderness calls to…

Video: Where to Next, with Active Adventures?

We've been adventuring for more than 22 years now, and…

What to pack for your next day hike

It’s the night before the hike you and some of…

Video: Food and Wine with Active Adventures

New Zealand’s seasonal, local food is something we’re immensely proud…

Video : Choosing a pair of hiking boots

A lot of our guests wonder how to pick the…

Video: Our Accommodations

A quick look at some of our guests' favourite accommodations…

Staff Picks: Adventure Books and Movies to Stay Inspired

At Active, we’re all big travel and outdoor enthusiasts…I know,…

Staff Picks: Favourite Places in New Zealand

Here at Active Adventures, we consider ourselves pretty well-travelled and…

Things to Do in Auckland: Explore New Zealand's City of Sails

Auckland, known as the 'city of sails', was recently voted…

Things to know before visiting the Peruvian Amazon 

From Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain, Peru is a behemoth…

Discover the Best Things to Do in Lima, Peru

The once-called City of Kings, founded in 1535, is the…

Finding Flights to Patagonia

Sorting out Patagonia flights and Patagonia travel doesn't have to…

Best Time to Visit Patagonia

With years of experience in the travel arena under our…

Bolivia Culture and Customs

The culture and customs in Bolivia are unique and have…

Is It Safe to Travel to Bolivia?

If you’ve been thinking about travelling to South America, safety…

City Guide to La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, also known as ‘the city that touches the…

Little Guide to Uyuni, Bolivia

Uyuni is the land of the endless horizon, home to…

Video: Ultimate South Island Adventure trip

The 'Rimu' is our signature New Zealand trip. 14 days…

Video: What to Pack for a 2 Week Adventure Vacation to New Zealand

Lynette from our office talks you through what you'll need…

Video: An Introduction to Active Adventures

Not sure what Active Adventures is all about? Here's what…

Travel to Nepal: Everything you need to know

We're big believers in the journey being just as important…

When is the best time to visit Nepal?

So, you’ve decided you want to go to Nepal? Or…

Nepal Culture and Customs

How Not to Be Mistaken for a Tourist in NepalUnderstanding…

Hiking in Nepal: Multi-Day Treks

To hikers and trekkers from all over the world, the…

Challenge Your Trekking Guide With These Everest Base Camp Facts

Everest Base Camp represents either an origin or a destination…

Popular Religious Sites in Nepal

Nepal is a cultural mecca, it is architecturally rich with…

Discover the Mustang Region in Nepal

You may have heard quiet whispers, unconfirmed claims at truth,…

Bhutan Culture and Customs

Bhutanese people are known for being happy. You'll pick this…

Things to Know About Iceland Before You Go

Has Iceland been recently added to your bucket list? No…

When is the best time to visit Iceland?

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the best time to…

Trek the Tour du Mont Blanc: Learn About our Guided Itinerary

Strap on your best pair of hiking boots – this…

Hiking in the European Alps

A hiking & mountaineering dreamThe European Alps stretches across seven…

The best time to visit Tanzania

Tanzania is known for having some of the best safaris…

Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling in Patagonia

Patagonia has an almost surreal quality to it, so it's…

Gearlists and Packing Tips for Hiking in New Zealand

We all approach the task of packing for an adventure…

Multi-Day Hiking in New Zealand: How to Plan the Perfect Trip for You

New Zealand has earned itself a reputation as one of…

How to get to New Zealand

New Zealand is about as far away as it's possible…

How to Plan Your New Zealand Hiking Trip: An Easy 5 Step Guide

Not many travel companies will share these unbiased truths about…

Booking your Airline Ticket to New Zealand

Once upon a time, if you wanted to fly somewhere…

Hiking Safety Tips for Tramping in New Zealand

Safety’s not as hard as you may think – New…

Ultimate New Zealand's Great Walk Gear List

Summer is upon us and it's time to tackle a…

Best Time To Visit New Zealand

Thinking of joining us here in New Zealand for an…

How to Prepare for a Hike: 8 Fitness Tips for the 50+ Explorer

“Am I too out-of-shape for an adventure trip?” It’s the…

Why we Love our New Zealand Birds

We love our New Zealand birds at Active HQ! You may…

5 Reasons to Take up Adventure Travel in Your 40’s

You mean you haven’t already done it yet? That’s OK.…

6 Travel Apps You Absolutely Need When Travelling in South America

The smartphone has quickly evolved into one of the most…

Peru Vaccinations and Medical Checklist

Exploring the ancient streets of Cusco, trekking the Inca or…

Huayna Picchu Hike: How Fit Must you be to Climb?

So you've made it up to Machu Picchu. After months…

Inca Trail Packing List: The 12 Most Important Items and Why

You've done it… You've finally decided to go hiking the…

7 Things to Know About Traveling to Peru

Sometimes surprises when you're travelling can be good - a…

How to prevent and deal with Altitude Sickness

Most hikers will never experience altitude sickness, (sometimes called acute…

Multi-day Hiking in New Zealand's Backcountry, and 8 Reasons to Go Guided

The team here at Active Adventures are an outdoorsy bunch!…

The Best Places to Eat in Peru

There is no place quite like Peru. And no, we’re…

Why Joining a Small Group Tour is the Bee's Knees

I better start by explaining the term ‘Bee’s knees’… I’ve been doing…

Benefits of Travelling Alone & Tips to Plan Like a Pro

Solo travel is on the rise and we’re stoked about…