Bhutan
Bhutan occupies a landlocked stretch of the eastern Himalayas, where dzongs — fortress-monasteries — anchor valleys of rice terraces and pine forest, and a national policy of Gross National Happiness shapes governance as visibly as altitude shapes architecture.
Overview
Bhutan sits between India to the south and China to the north, covering roughly 38,394 km² across dramatic terrain that rises from subtropical plains to peaks exceeding 7,000 metres. Thimphu is the capital and largest city. Dzongkha is the official language, though English is widely used in government and education. The currency is the Bhutanese ngultrum, pegged to the Indian rupee. Bhutan's identity is deeply rooted in Vajrayana Buddhism, a philosophy that permeates festivals, architecture, and daily customs.
Visa Requirements
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Bhutan, obtained in advance through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator or the Tourism Council of Bhutan's official portal. Indian, Bangladeshi, and Maldivian citizens are exempt. Visitors are generally required to book through registered operators and pay a Sustainable Development Fee, the specifics of which are published on the official tourism authority's website.
Airports in Bhutan
1 airportAirlines based in Bhutan
2 airlines
Famous Attractions in Bhutan
Paro Taktsang — the Tiger's Nest monastery — clings to a cliff face roughly 900 metres above Paro Valley and is Bhutan's most recognised image. The Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers in 1637, remains one of the most architecturally elaborate fortress-monasteries in the country. The Dochula Pass offers unobstructed Himalayan panoramas from 3,100 metres. Haa Valley, only opened to tourists in 2002, preserves largely untouched highland culture and traditional farmhouses.
Weather & Climate
Bhutan spans multiple climate zones. Southern lowlands are subtropical and humid; central valleys experience cool temperate conditions; higher elevations are alpine and bitterly cold in winter. Valley regions such as Thimphu and Paro see temperatures of roughly 15–25°C in summer and −5 to 10°C in winter. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer clear skies and the most comfortable trekking conditions. Pack layers regardless of season — elevation changes are dramatic and rapid.
Interesting Facts About Bhutan
- Measured national happiness as official government policy since 1972.
- Last country in the world to introduce television, in 1999.
- Only carbon-negative country on Earth absorbing more CO₂ than it emits.
- Tobacco sales have been banned nationwide since 2005.
- Constitution legally requires 60 percent forest cover be maintained.
Official Resources
- tourism.gov.bt — Tourism Council of Bhutan, official visitor information and visa guidance
- mofa.gov.bt — Ministry of Foreign Affairs, entry requirements and diplomatic information
- nab.org.bt — Royal Monetary Authority managing currency and financial information
- meteo.gov.bt — National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology, official weather forecasts