About Bhutan

About Bhutan – The Last Himalayan Kingdom of Happiness

Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a rare and remarkable destination—an untouched kingdom gracefully positioned between India and China. Often described as the “Last Shangri-La”, Bhutan offers an extraordinary blend of ancient culture, pristine landscapes, spiritual depth, and mindful living that few places on earth can rival.

For travelers seeking authentic experiences, tranquility, and meaningful journeys, Bhutan stands apart as one of the least commercialized and most spiritually enriching destinations in the world.

Geography & Natural Beauty

Bhutan’s dramatic geography stretches from subtropical lowlands and fertile river valleys to towering snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Over 70% of the country is covered by forests, and the Constitution of Bhutan mandates that at least 60% forest cover must be maintained for all time to come, making Bhutan the world’s only carbon-negative country.

Crystal-clear rivers, cascading waterfalls, alpine lakes, glacial mountains, and terraced farmlands cultivated using traditional tools—ploughs, oxen, and sickles—define the rural landscape. This extraordinary natural diversity supports a rich ecosystem of flora, fauna, and rare wildlife, making Bhutan a paradise for nature lovers and eco-tourists.

Culture, History & Living Traditions

Bhutan’s culture is deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive in daily life. Ancient fortresses (Dzongs), prayer flags fluttering across mountain passes, sacred monasteries clinging to cliffs, and vibrant festivals known as Tshechus bring history vividly alive.

Despite opening its doors to the outside world only in the 1970s, Bhutan has successfully preserved its identity by following a “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy—ensuring meaningful interactions rather than mass tourism. This approach allows visitors to experience Bhutan authentically, while protecting its heritage for future generations.

People & Way of Life

The people of Bhutan are known for their warmth, humility, and genuine hospitality. Life here is guided not by material wealth alone, but by the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH)—a holistic approach that values well-being, community, spirituality, and environmental harmony.

Traditional dress, local customs, and deep respect for nature are seamlessly woven into modern life, offering travelers a rare glimpse into a society that values balance over excess.

Religion & Spirituality

Bhutan is the only Vajrayana Buddhist kingdom in the world, and Buddhism permeates every aspect of life—from architecture and art to daily rituals and festivals. Monasteries, chortens, and meditation centers dot the landscape, offering a sense of peace and spiritual grounding that visitors feel instantly.

This profound spiritual heritage contributes to Bhutan’s reputation as a land of serenity, mindfulness, and inner peace.

Adventure, Trekking & Exploration

Bhutan is a dream destination for adventure seekers and trekkers. From gentle valley hikes to legendary high-altitude expeditions, trekking routes traverse remote villages, pristine forests, glaciers, and high mountain passes. Some epic treks extend beyond 30 days, offering unparalleled Himalayan exploration.

Whether it’s hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, exploring hidden valleys, or crossing snow-laden passes, every journey in Bhutan feels deeply personal and transformative.

Food & Culinary Experience

Bhutanese cuisine is hearty, organic, and rooted in tradition. Meals feature locally grown ingredients, farm-fresh vegetables, red rice, and distinctive flavors—most famously Ema Datshi, the national dish made with chilies and cheese. Dining in Bhutan is both a cultural experience and a celebration of simplicity and sustainability.

Modern Comforts with Traditional Soul

While Bhutan cherishes tradition, it is not isolated from modern comforts. Since the introduction of television and the internet in 1999, the country has thoughtfully embraced progress. Today, visitors will find boutique cafés, international restaurants, luxury resorts, and world-class hotels, including many proudly owned and operated by Bhutanese entrepreneurs.

A Journey That Begins Before You Land

One of the world’s most spectacular arrivals awaits at Paro International Airport—considered among the most scenic and exclusive airports globally. The descent into Paro Valley, framed by dramatic Himalayan peaks, offers a breathtaking introduction to the magic of Bhutan—and on clear days, views of the world’s highest mountains make the moment unforgettable.

Why Visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is not just a destination—it is an experience that enriches the soul. It is a place where nature remains sacred, culture lives on, and travel becomes meaningful. For those seeking peace, authenticity, luxury with purpose, and deep cultural immersion, Bhutan promises memories that last a lifetime.

If you are planning a journey to Bhutan, allow us to design an experience that reflects the true spirit of this extraordinary Himalayan kingdom. Contact us and begin your journey to happiness.

Frequently asked questions

There are 19 languages spoken in Bhutan, but the national language is Dzongkha. English is used throughout Bhutan’s education system, so it is widely used and understood.

Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied. In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer. In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes. Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work. From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language). Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.

Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan. Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.

No, there are no restricted nationalities in Bhutan.

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth. The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.

The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF. The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.

You may bring cash equivalent to US$10,000 into the country.