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Bhutan

The Himalayan kingdom of happiness.

Bhutan is the only country that measures progress by Gross National Happiness, keeping its dzong architecture intact, over 70% forest cover and a high-value, low-impact tourism policy.

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Current weather — Thimphu

Updated —

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Best time to visit Mar – May, Sep – Nov

Time zone GMT +6

Currency BTN (Nu.)

Visa Visa via sponsored tour

Flight time 5 – 8 hrs via Bangkok

AI summary

Bhutan must be visited on a sponsored tour with a daily Sustainable Development Fee. The standard routing is Paro – Thimphu – Punakha over 5–7 days, centred on the Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Bhutan at a glance

Population 790,000 people

Area 38,394 km²

Capital Thimphu

Currency BTN (Nu.) pegged to the Indian Rupee

Language Dzongkha

Climate Alpine four distinct seasons

Visa Visa issued via tour plus USD 100/day SDF

Driving side Left

Power socket Type D, F, G 230V – 50Hz

Bhutan destination location

6 mapped locations

Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) The monastery clinging to a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley.

Thimphu The capital without traffic lights, home to the giant Buddha Dordenma.

Punakha Dzong Bhutan’s most beautiful fortress-monastery, set between two rivers.

Dochula Pass A 3,100 m pass with 108 chortens and Himalayan views.

Phobjikha Valley The wintering ground of black-necked cranes, in a glacial valley.

Paro The valley of the country’s only international airport and Paro Dzong.

Best time to visit Bhutan

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec

Excellent Very good Good Average Not ideal

Weather overview

Average temperature 5°C – 25°C Central valleys

Rainfall 800 mm Annual average

Humidity 50% – 75% Dry in autumn

Sea temperature No coastline Landlocked country

Travel styles in Bhutan

Culture Dzongs & monasteries Luxury Luxury lodges Adventure Himalayan trekking Wellness Meditation & hot stone baths Nature Valleys & forest Photography Photography

Signature experiences

Heritage Hiking to Tiger’s Nest

Culture Tshechu festival

Nature Phobjikha Valley

Wellness Traditional hot stone bath

Adventure Dochula Pass

Food Ema datshi & butter tea

Resorts Paro valley lodges

Shopping Bhutanese handwoven textiles

Sample itineraries

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5 days Bhutan Essentials Paro – Thimphu – Punakha From USD 1,450/pax 7 days Bhutan in Depth Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha From USD 2,050/pax 10 days Bhutan & the Tshechu Western circuit + festival From USD 3,200/pax

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel Bhutan independently?

No. All international visitors (except Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian nationals) must book through a licensed operator, with a guide and a pre-registered itinerary.

What is the SDF and how much is it?

The Sustainable Development Fee, currently USD 100 per person per night, charged separately from tour costs. Children pay a reduced rate.

How hard is the Tiger’s Nest hike?

Four to five hours round trip with a 900 m ascent. Most people of average fitness manage it; horses can be hired for the first half.

How do I fly to Bhutan?

Only Drukair and Bhutan Airlines serve Paro, connecting mainly via Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu or Singapore. Book early — frequencies are low.