Best Things to Know About Bhutan – Best Holiday Destinations and the Happiest Country in Asia
Asia is the largest continent which has its lion’s share in terms of its size (44.58 million square kilometres) and population (more than 446.27 crores as per 2016 report), which means literally, there’s no dearth of things to see. There’re so many natural incredible things which are happening around us- the highest mountain in the world ( the Himalayas in Nepal), the sunniest beaches in the Maldives, land of the rising sun (Japan) and many more. Among the most amazing breathtaking sights across Asia, Bhutan, known as the happiest country in Asia is also inevitable to describe its incredible nature’s beauties.
Bhutan tourist destination
An amazing tourist destination in Bhutan (Image credit: Wikipedia)
Bhutan (Druk Yul), also known as Land of The Thunder Dragon is a South East Asian country, located in the eastern Himalayas. The landlocked country is bordered by China in the north, Sikkim in the west, Arunachal Pradesh in the east, and Assam and West Bengal in the south. Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government and the King is the head of the state.
For nature lovers who desire to visit the beautiful kingdom, here are few things you need to know about Bhutan:
Best time to travel to Bhutan: October to February.
It’s a festive season and during this period lots of festivals and events are organized at different places in Bhutan. Each of the district in Bhutan celebrates a fest called Tshechu annually at different periods of the season.
During monsoon (June to September), there is less number of tourists. Generally, the roads may get blocked due to heavy rains and landslides. Moreover, you may not be able to trek anywhere. So, the best duration to visit the beautiful kingdom is between October and February.
Arrangements to be done beforehand while travelling to Bhutan: Booking a Hotel & Vehicle through Agency.
During peak season, it’s very difficult to get hotels and vehicles on arrival. So, it’s better to book in advance at a nominal price; to be precise, budget hotels will charge around Rs 1000 to 3000 and for vehicles, it’s Rs 3000 per day. Kindly note Bhutan is one of the amazing foreign destinations that every Indian can visit without visa with your Indian passport.
Bhutan
Bhutan tourist destination Image Credit: indiaodysseytours
How should I carry my money?: Carry cash only while travelling in Bhutan for a short visit.
It’s difficult to find ATMs which support VISA or Mastercard. Credit cards or debit cards issued in India are not valid for payment in foreign exchange in Nepal and Bhutan.
For Indian nationals, you need not have to exchange into Bhutan currency i.e. Ngultrum. Indian Rupee currencies are accepted everywhere in Bhutan.
Food for thought: There are varieties of food cuisines available in the capital.
You will find varieties of restaurants to explore in Thimphu that provides Indian, Continental foods to name a few. Those who want to try the traditional delicacies, beware of the hot spices. Ema Datshi (chillies and cheese), Jasha Maroo or Maru (spicy chicken), Phaksha Paa (Pork with Red Chilies), Momos (Dumplings) are mouth-watering cuisines.
For Smokers and Drinkers: It’s a hell and heaven respectively.
My beloved drinkers, this is the right place for you. You will find pubs and bars every half a mile and at reasonable prices. Don’t miss the chance to try the local wines. Add to this, you can have some fun too with karaoke.
Smokers may find a hard time here, as Bhutan strongly agrees that “Smoking is injurious to Health”; and hence it is strictly banned in the country. However, foreign visitors are allowed to bring a maximum 300 cigarettes along with but there’s a condition that they can smoke only in private places.
One of the Tourist destination in Bhutan
Punakha dzong, Bhutan Image Credit: Wikipedia
People of Bhutan: Calm and peace loving.
The Bhutanese people are the most cheerful people you can find; there is no doubt that it is the happiest place on earth. People here are very helpful and hospitable. It is worth mentioning that they are much disciplined and they are strictly in the habit of following traffic rules.
Languages spoken in Bhutan: Dzongkha, an official language of Bhutan
Dzongkha is spoken by over half a million people in Bhutan. Nepali and English are also used commonly for documentation. Hindi is another language which is commonly spoken here due to the large volume of trade and commerce with India and a huge number of Indian visitors.
One of the Tourist destination in Bhutan
Jigme singye wangchuck national park in Bhutan Image Credit: Wikipedia
Places to visit: Bhutan is known for its monasteries, fortresses(or Dzongs) and spectacular landscapes.
With its picturesque landscapes and architecture, you may fall in love with all the places here in Bhutan.
Here is a list of major sightseeing which can lure you: THIMPHU, PARO, PUNAKHA, TRONGSA, JAKAR, PHOBJIKHA, WANGDUE PHODRANG and JIGME DORJI NATIONAL PARK.
I hope you should consider witnessing the beautiful natural wonders once in your lifetime.
Have a pleasant trip!
