Bhutan - The Land of Happiness

A Bhutan Travel Guide

We have traveled to Bhutan for the past 10 years to see what adventure looks like on this tiny Himalayan Kingdom, making our way from the urban city of Paro to the sparsely populated, adventure-rich Trashigang

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a tranquil country where you can explore the ancient cultures, beautiful landscapes and magnificent architecture.

Bhutan, called Druk Yul by its people, is known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”. It is one of the world’s most beautiful, yet mysterious places. It is located on the eastern edge of the Himalayan Mountain region. A large part of the area is forested welcoming a diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna. The country stretches from subtropical valleys and plains to snowcapped mountain ranges. This landscape makes it the perfect place to trek through the majestic valleys or steep mountains to visit ancient architecture and Buddhist temples.

Bhutan has a rich culture where most of its 700,000 inhabitants practice the Buddhist religion. This secluded land has a rich history embedded into the society and shows through the festival reenactments. Bhutan’s ancient cultural traditions have continued to grow despite the current technological restructuring. Only since the mid 1970’s technology has come to Bhutan. It has become the ultimate tourist destination for adventurers, spiritual awakenings, and serene visages.

Kuzuzangpola

Bhutanese greetings commonly used to say hello to each other

How to get to Bhutan

What you need to know

Drukair, The Royal Bhutan Airlines has flights that enter through the illustrious Paro Valley. The airline operates out of nine cities in six countries. No matter where you are in the world, Drukair will get you to the most peaceful place on Earth. Representatives can help you schedule the best way to fly to Bhutan. Expect expert service and care when you fly Drukair.

Flights from Bangkok, Thailand and Kathmandu, Nepal have daily arrivals. Other flights use Singapore, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Sydney, Australia, and Kolkata, Bagdogra, and Gaya, India.

High Value - Low Volume Tourism

A high volume of tourism may seem like a good thing for Bhutan’s economy, but for the Bhutanese, protecting their culture and environment is most important. Bhutan’s Royal Government used to limit the number of tourists entering the country. Officials believed that unrestricted access to the country would have a negative impact on the natural environment and ancient cultural traditions. This belief led to the notion of “High Value, Low Volume” tourism. Tourism, like all Bhutanese industries must be sustainable and environmentally friendly.

The government wanted tourists to understand the feel the deep-rooted culture and traditions, so they would have a higher appreciation for their surroundings.

Tourism has become the second highest economical contributions to the Bhutan economy, after the agricultural industry. Recently, the government decided to increase the tourism rate. The Tourism Council of Bhutan extended the tourism areas to include once protected communities, natural reserves, and ancient cultures.

Festival Calendar

Check out our upcoming Festival here

Plan your trip in conjunction with the festival.

Gross National Happiness

Why is Bhutan known for the word Happiness?

Bhutan is known famously as the first country in the world to measure progress based on happiness. To do so, the 4th Druk Gyalpo coined the term Gross National Happiness (GNH). From then on, GNH was used to measure the country’s development instead of Gross National Product (GNP).

The happiness of the Bhutanese is more important than material growth and there should be a balance between to two. A GNH Commission was created to take an annual measure of how the people fare. The poll is based on an index of nine domains. Living standards, education, health, cultural diversity and resilience, community vitality, time use, psychological wellbeing, ecological diversity, and good governess are the nine domains that are taken into account. According to the GNH Commission, 81.5% of the population of Bhutan is deeply happy. The Commission is still working on ways to achieve total happiness for 100% of Bhutanese.

Gross National Happiness

Districts & Zone

Bhutan currently has 4 zones and 20 Districts, with each districts being unique by itself and provide our travellers with new experience.
Learn more about each districts in Bhutan

Western Bhutan
Central Bhutan
Eastern Bhutan

Bhutan Visa System

Visa's will be issued to you when you enter Bhutan, but you must have prior authorization before your trip. An authorized Bhutan travel company can arrange for your Visa, accommodations, and tour packages.

Learn More

Why should you visit Bhutan?

Find out what Bhutan can offer you

There are many reasons to visit Bhutan. For those who want a relaxing vacation, you will be treated like royalty with traditional massages and hot stone baths. Others may want to travel along the mountain ranges and bask in the glorious landscapes. Some may seek spiritual fulfillment. Visiting monasteries and temples may offer an air of enlightenment.

Top 10 Attractions

  • 1. Tiger's Nest – Also known as Taktsang, is said to be the most spiritual place in Bhutan. The temple sits on the edge of a mountainside above the Paro Valley. The walk is 3,000 feet over the valley where you can experience the peaceful and tranquil Bhutan landscape. The temple was built to commemorate Guru Rinpoche. He came to that location the back of a flying tigress. After meditating for 3 years, Rinpoche worked to convert the Bhutan people to Buddhism.
  • 2. Punakha Dzong – Surrounded by Jacaranda trees, the Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautifully crafted dzongs in Bhutan. It was the second dzong built in the kingdom as its capital. Later in the 1950’s, Thimphu became the country’s capital city. The Punakha Dzong rests on the edge of the convergence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu Rivers. Over the years, a flood, an earthquake, and several fires have damaged he fortress, but it continues to be rebuilt with its ancient architectural integrity.
  • 3. Festivals/Tshechu – Tschechus are religious festivals honoring Guru Rinpoche. Families gather to receive blessings and enjoy masked dancers as well as other performers that entertain the crowd. The festivals are held in several dzongs and goembas throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen, which is the only festival that reenacts the 1634 Battle of the Five Lamas.
  • 4. Bumdra Trek – Bhutan offers a 2 or 3-day trek to the Bumdra Monastery. This guided tour is complete with the addition of a cook, assistant, and horses to carry your belongings. Starting at the Sang Choekhor Buddhist College, you will journey through a clearing that holds magnificent views of the Bhutan valleys and mountaintops. The first night will be spent in The Cave of a Thousand Prayers, which is just beneath the Bumdra Monastery. Visit the monastery and then travel on down the mountain to the Taktsang Monastery and on to the Paro Valley.
  • 5. Soi Yaksa Trek – This trek is a 12-day tour of the Bhutan Kingdom. The trekking level is moderate, meaning that some of the terrain is smooth and easily travelled, while other parts are quite arduous. Reaching elevations of 4700 meters, you will explore wildlife, mountain peaks, and ancient temples.
  • 6. Bumthang Valley – Bumthang Dzongkhag is a massive region that is made up of the Choekhor, Tang, Chhume, and the Ura Valleys. Choekhor Valley is the largest of the region as is considered the Bumthang Valley. This peaceful valley is filled with apple orchards, dairy farms, potato patches, and rice and buckwheat fields.

    The first Swiss cheese making facility in Bhutan began in Bumthang. The factory is also a brewery that houses the best beer in Bhutan named the Red Panda. Guests can tour the brewery and cheese factory during specified hours.
  • 7. Uma Punakha – The Uma by COMO Punakha is a resort style retreat that offers 11 luxury rooms with exquisite views of the Punakha Valley. The hotel contains a romantic restaurant with intercontinental and traditional Bhutanese cuisine and a luxurious spa with relaxing hot stone bath treatments.
  • 8. Black-Necked Crane – The crane is a wildlife creature that comes to the Phobjikha Valley every winter. It is an endangered species and is celebrated by the Bhutanese annually with the Black-Necked Crane Festival. This 9-day event is intended to bring awareness to the bird’s importance. The Crane Festival is held on the King’s birthday, November 11th.
  • 9. Traditional Textiles – Traditional textiles are generally created by Bhutanese women. The material is handwoven and dyed with intricate patterns making each garment unique. The National Textile Museum is in Thimphu.
  • 10. Gom Kora – The Gom Kora or Gomphu Kora is a beautifully erected temple that is covered with Buddhist carvings. This is the site where the Guru Rinpoche meditated. He left his impressions on a rock. It is said that Rinpoche was meditating in a cave and was so startled by an approaching demon that he left his imprint on a rock. Once he turned into a garuda, he left an imprint of his wings on nearby rocks. Guru Rinpoche struck a deal with the demon to allow him to finish his meditations. The deal was sealed with two fingerprints left on the rocks that can still be seen.

Outdoor Adventures

Unique adventure unlike no other

There is a lot to do in Bhutan and no limited amount of outdoor activities. Whether you want to commit to an overnight trek, explore river rafting, or tee off on a relaxing golf course, your tour advisors can help to provide you with an appropriate itinerary.

  • Golfing – The Royal Thimphu Golf Club, located in the capital city of Thimphu, is a 9-hole course. It has a direct view of the Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the King’s palace. This golf course is the only one that is open to the public.
  • Biking – Many of the biking trips are on paved roads, but there are quite a few off-road trails. Some of the terrain may be more challenging as you enter the mountainous region. Biking in Bhutan can take you through towns and small villages where you can experience the Bhutanese culture.
  • River Rafting and Kayaking – Rafting and kayaking tours take place on 6 major rivers. The water’s current varies. Some currents can be somewhat rough, while others are smooth. During these trips, you will be able to see natural wildlife, ancient temples, and unique landscapes.

Fitting in like a local

  • 1. Wear a gho, for a man or kira, for a woman. They are traditional Bhutan garments. You can grab one and wear it at one of the festivals.
  • 2. When visiting Bhutan, hang some prayer flags along places of spiritual importance to bless the surroundings.
  • 3. See what it is like to stay with a large Bhutanese family overnight. Druk Asia can arrange for an overnight stay at a local farmhouse.
  • 4. Try traditional snacks and cuisines. Grab a quick snack of yak cheese or a silver of jellied cow skin. Have a delightful Uma Burger made with yak patties and Bumthang Gouda cheese for dinner.

Pamper Yourself in Luxury

Bhutan’s high-end luxury resort hotels offer quality relaxation packages. The Dotsho, or the traditional hot stone bath, is available in most hotels. The Terma Linca Resort & Spa has a large wooden rooms reserved for the tranquility needed for yoga and meditation. Uma Paro offers massage and yoga for your body and mind. Taj Tashi has authentic Indian beauty and wellness treatments at the Jiva Spa. Zhiwa Ling offers classes in its Meditation House with views of the most spiritual site in Bhutan, the Tiger’s Nest.

Bhutan Facts

Some facts to get you started

Wildlife & Sanctuaries

70% of Bhutan Land Mass is considered Sanctuaries

There is a diverse amount of flora and fauna in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Because of the varying temperatures, creatures enjoy the subtropical and arctic climates.

Although there are some rare animals in the National Park, trekking through the mountainous regions will give a glimpse of a variety of wildlife animals, like the blue sheep. The blue sheep is a cross between a goat and a sheep. It has a bluish hue during the winter months and can be viewed between 1800-4300 meters. Yaks, wolves, musk deer, fat marmots, and takins also love the high atmospheric temperatures.

Bhutan is home to 3 species of langurs and 600 species of birds. Langurs are monkeys with both gray or golden-brown fur and interesting black faces. The birds migrate to the wondrous and peaceful Bhutan country at different times of the year. The raven is the national bird. It represents one of the Bhutan deities, Gonpo Jarodongchen. The protected black-necked crane another bird that is revered by the people.

Over 50% of the country protects its wildlife. Whether in national parks or wildlife preserves, the conservation efforts exist to maintain the animals’ life and culture.

Bhutan Architecture

Bhutan is filled with stunning architectural building, such as dzongs, goembas, and lhakhangs. Dzongs primary function, beginning in the 17th century, was as a fortress. Today the buildings are used as administrative offices for each of the 20 dzongkhas (districts) in Bhutan. Dzongs are made of stone or pounded mud and timber with wooden shingled roofs. Even though fires caused many of the dzongs to be rebuilt, reconstruction method are consistently traditional with the exception of iron roofs instead of wooden.

Goembas are monasteries. Each goemba contains an autonomous community complete with a temples and a dormitory. Goembas have a khemar just beneath the roof, in fact all religious buildings in Bhutan have this large red stripe. Brass plates are placed on the khemar to represent the sun. Goembas often have painted murals that depict the Wheel of Life, the Six Symbols of Longevity, and the Guardians of the Four Directions. A geometric poem on a small quilt is dedicated to Zhabdrung is often at the entrance of goembas.

Lhakhang have yellow roofs with a bell-shaped ornament painted in gold on the top. Similar to goembas the entrances of Lhakhang have painted murals depicting with the Guardians of the Four Directions or the Wheel of Life. People walk outside of the building in a clockwise direction and spin the prayer wheels located on the lower level outside of the lhakhang. After spinning the prayer wheels to release positive prayers, you will enter the temple into a great hall. The walls will be covered with astonishing Buddhist paintings with an altar that sits at the end of the hall. A statue of an ancient Buddhist figure, Guru Rinpoche or Jampa, dominates the area.

History of Bhutan

Founded in early 2000 B.C., Bhutan was known by many names. Some of the names included Lho Jong, Lho Mon Kha Shi, Lho Jong Men Jong, and more. During the 17th century, it became officially known as Druk Yul, the "Land of the Drukpas". Drukpas referred to the religion of Buddhism that the people began to practice, which is now the dominant religion of the country. Previously in the 7th century, Bonism was the religion in Bhutan until the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and Guru Rinpoche introduced and taught the people the details of Buddhism.

Ngawang Namyel, the first Zhabdrung, established his power after he arrived in 1616 A.D. He defeated several Tibetan armies and unified battling Bhutan tribes. He started a governing system that was followed until his death. The system broke down and infighting began. A new system of government began with the establishment of a monarchy. The first Druk Gyalpo, or Dragon King provided rules for Bhutan citizen to have a better way of life. In 1971, Bhutan officially became a participating member of the United Nations.

The Bhutan Way of Life

Hear what the local have to say?

The isolate Himalayan country has preserved its culture and traditions for thousands of years. Bhutan still tries to preserve its culture even through the new modernization efforts and technological influences. Bhutanese practice Buddhism, the religion that was brought to them in the 7th century. While the majority of the country is Buddhist, the southern region practices Hinduism. The Bhutan people keep their religious traditions alive with festivals and other events that celebrate their history.

More than 60% of Bhutanese are farmers, breeding livestock and harvesting crops. These rural people are self-sustaining. They make their own clothing, food, decorations, and bedding. Only small amounts of people live and work in urban areas. Most work in the service industries where they can be tour guides, teachers, army members, or police officials. Women are able to work in these industries, in addition to producing weaving for additional household income.

When you vacation in Bhutan, you will come to realize that the Bhutanese are kind, open, and generous. They will leave you with a memorable friendly impression and a wonderful cultural experience after visiting the kingdom.

Guide to Bhutan

Here are tips on various topics we have created to help you on your trip to Bhutan.

Festival
List of Festivals in Bhutan
Bhutan Festival
Hotel
Hotels in Bhutan
Hotels in Bhutan
Food
Cuisines of Bhutan
Bhutanese Foods
Geography
District in Bhutan
Geography of Bhutan
Landmark
Landmark's of Bhutan
Bhutan Popular Landmark
Weather
Weather in Bhutan
Bhutan Weather

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