Bhutan: The Last Himalayan Kingdom Worth Visiting

Nestled in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is a destination unlike any other. Known as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” this small, peaceful country invites travelers to experience life where happiness is prioritized over material success, and ancient traditions still shape daily life. For those seeking serene landscapes, rich culture, and soulful adventure, Bhutan is truly a hidden gem.

🏞️ Why Visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is one of the few places in the world that has deliberately limited mass tourism to preserve its natural beauty, culture, and identity. Unlike crowded tourist hubs, Bhutan offers authentic experiences, whether it’s walking through pine-scented trails, chatting with monks in mountain monasteries, or simply watching prayer flags flutter in the breeze.

This is a country where the Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a guiding philosophy, reminding us that well-being matters more than wealth.

🏔️ A Beautiful Hill Country with a Timeless Lifestyle

Life in Bhutan moves at a gentle pace. The people, known for their warmth and hospitality, live in close harmony with nature. Most Bhutanese wear their traditional attire daily — men in the gho, and women in the kira. Rural communities still farm using time-honored techniques, and architecture remains untouched by modern concrete towers.

The green hills are dotted with whitewashed houses, terraced fields, and age-old dzongs (fortress-monasteries), making every village feel like a storybook scene. The air is clean, the skies are vast, and time seems to pause.

📍 Capital City: Thimphu

Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a rare blend of old and new. It is possibly the only capital in the world with no traffic lights—just a polite traffic policeman directing cars with smooth hand gestures.

While small in size, Thimphu has plenty to offer:

• The Tashichho Dzong – a majestic fortress-monastery and seat of government

• The Buddha Dordenma – one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world

• Craft markets, museums, and cafes with mountain views

With a population of approximately 115,000, Thimphu is peaceful yet lively, and ideal for a quiet, cultural escape.

🏨 Hotels to Stay in Thimphu (Midrange Recommendations)

Hotel Name Average Nightly Rate (USD) Highlights

Hotel Thimphu Tower $75 Central location, clean & modern rooms

Namgay Heritage Hotel $90 Traditional design with modern amenities

Gakyil Thimphu $80 Popular with international tourists

Kisa Hotel $85 Boutique feel, views of the hills

Tip: Many Bhutan travel packages include accommodation and meals. Independent bookings are best made via licensed Bhutanese travel agencies.

🍽️ Food & Local Cuisine

Bhutanese cuisine is flavorful, hearty, and often spicy. Don’t miss:

• Ema Datshi – chili cheese stew (Bhutan’s national dish)

• Red rice, dumplings (momos), and butter tea (suja)

• A midrange couple’s meal costs around $20–$30/day, depending on the restaurant

🚖 Transport Around Thimphu

• Taxi fare within Thimphu city: $2–$5 (short distances)

• Most travelers use pre-arranged car & driver packages, included in travel agency services

• Buses are available but not frequent for tourists

🛡️ Safety and Travel Tips

• Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists

• Friendly locals and high respect for visitors

• Follow local customs (e.g., remove shoes before entering temples)

• Travel insurance is recommended

• All foreign visitors (except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives) require a visa and guided tour arranged by a licensed operator

🧗‍♀️ Adventure in Bhutan: More Than Just Views

While Bhutan doesn’t offer elephant rides (to preserve wildlife ethics), it is rich in eco-adventures:

• Trekking is the top activity—try the Tiger’s Nest Hike (Paro) or the Dochula Pass trek

• Cultural immersion: attend local festivals (Tsechu) with vibrant mask dances

• River rafting and archery are also popular in certain regions

❤️ Final Thoughts

Bhutan is not just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you. In a world that moves too fast, Bhutan reminds us of the value of simplicity, culture, and happiness. Whether you're admiring the Himalayas or sipping tea with a local family, you'll feel a sense of peace that's hard to find elsewhere.

Make Bhutan your next meaningful travel adventure—and return with more than just photos. Return with a new perspective on life.

Bhutan

🗓️ 7-Day Bhutan Travel Itinerary

Based in the Capital: Thimphu

Day 1: Welcome to Thimphu – The Soul of Bhutan

• Arrive in Paro International Airport (the only international airport in Bhutan)

• Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Thimphu

• Check-in to your hotel and relax

• Evening walk at Clock Tower Square and nearby handicraft markets

• Dinner at a local restaurant – try Ema Datshi with red rice

🛏 Stay: Hotel Thimphu Tower or Namgay Heritage Hotel

Day 2: Dzongs and Buddha Views

• Morning visit to Tashichho Dzong – historic fortress and government seat

• Explore Memorial Chorten – a peaceful spiritual site

• Visit the Folk Heritage Museum

• Afternoon visit to Buddha Dordenma – 169ft golden Buddha overlooking the valley

🎫 Entry Fees: $2–$4 per site
🚖 Taxi fare total: ~$10
🍽️ Meal cost per couple: ~$25–30

Day 3: Thimphu Cultural Trail

• Morning tour of the Textile Museum

• Visit the School of Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum) to watch students create beautiful crafts

• Lunch at a café with local fusion dishes

• Evening visit to a local farmhouse for a cultural dinner experience

🌿 Add-on: Try traditional hot stone bath therapy in the evening ($20–$30 per person)

Day 4: Day Trip to Tango Monastery (Hike + Nature)

• Short scenic drive, then 1-hour light hike to Tango Monastery

• Enjoy panoramic valley views and peaceful forest paths

• Picnic lunch near the river or at a family-run teahouse

• Return to Thimphu for rest

🚖 Taxi & guide combo: ~$35–40 roundtrip
🧗‍♂️ Mild adventure feel, great for active travelers

Day 5: Weekend Market & Local Life

• Explore Thimphu’s weekend market – perfect for local spices, fruits, and souvenirs

• Visit the Royal Botanical Garden (15 km away in Serbithang)

• Optional archery session – Bhutan’s national sport!

🎯 Some hotels can arrange archery or cultural workshops for guests

Day 6: Visit Changangkha Lhakhang + Free Exploration

• Visit Changangkha Temple, perched on a hill with prayer wheels and valley views

• Afternoon at leisure: Visit book cafés, try hand-rolled incense workshops, or enjoy a relaxing spa

• Evening: Cultural performance or Bhutanese film screening (arranged via hotel or tour agent)

🧘‍♀️ Optional yoga or meditation classes available

Day 7: Farewell to Bhutan

• Enjoy your last local breakfast (butter tea & rice pancakes)

• Morning walk along the Wang Chhu River

• Return journey to Paro with scenic stops along the way

✈️ Depart from Paro Airport

💰 Estimated Daily Cost for a Couple (Midrange)

Category Estimated Cost (USD)

Hotel (4★) $80–$95

Meals $25–30

Taxi & Transfers $10–20

Entry Fees/Extras $5–10

Daily Total~$140–$160

💡 Note: Bhutan operates on a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for international visitors – check with a licensed travel agent to see what’s included in your package.

🔐 Safety Tips for Tourists

• Bhutan is very safe for all travelers

• Roads are winding – take breaks if driving through hills

• Use bottled water; Wi-Fi is available in most hotels

• Dress modestly when entering temples or dzongs

🌄 Is There Adventure or Elephant Rides?

• 🐘 Elephant rides are not available in Bhutan – the country focuses more on eco-friendly, ethical tourism

• ✅ But you can enjoy nature hikes, rafting in Punakha, and mountain treks

• 🎒 Adventure lovers can ask for the Dochula Pass day trip (views of 108 chortens and Himalayan ranges)

Visit Changangkha Buddhist Temple.

Enjoy the thrilling view down down the hills and visit one of the most spiritual places on the earth where Buddhist monks reside there and meditate to attain Nirvana. How you get there: 1 hour 30 minutes to drive from Paro Airport (or from Gakyil Thimphu Hotel -  $80/PP: Popular with international tourists) to the Changangkha Temple in Thimphu, Bhutan. The drive distance is roughly 36 km (22 miles). When the car journey is completed in Thimphu, you can take a 2-hour easy hike from Buddha Point to the temple. It's worth to go there though the journey involves Trekking of two hours.

Changangkha Lhakhang Buddhist Temple

Please click here to learn more about the Flight from Singapore (SIN). Many flights operate from New Delhi (DEL), Bangkok (BKK), Kathmandu (KTM), Kolkata (CCU) and even limited flights from Dubai to Paro Airport (PBH). From Singapore only one flights a week to Paro (PBH). Video clip here.

Bhutan Airlines Flight Video Clip from Delhi to Paro via Kathmandu

Please watch this Youtube Video Clip to get a complete idea about Bhutan and the tourist attractions in Bhutan. In this video clip you can evaluate why Bhutan is called the secret country in the world.

Video clip explains why this hidden gem of land with no pollution at all, is having one of the most interesting life styles and mesmerising cultures in the world. You will be thrilled and surprised to see how the temples were built on top of rocky-hills, and mountains which hidden to the world and closer to Himalayas. Don't forget to visit the iconic places like Tiger's Nest, Tashichho Dzong – historic fortress and government seat, Memorial Chorten – a peaceful spiritual site, Folk Heritage Museum, Buddha Dordenma – 169ft golden Buddha overlooking the valley