Bhutan s the only country in the world that doesn’t focus on GDP for national growth but on GNH or Gross National Happiness. Bhutan is a protectorate of India, India is responsible for security from external threats. As such Indians travelling to Bhutan don’t require any Visa, Passport, however Indians do need to carry photocopy of one identity and 2 passport sized photos. Foreigners however need to carry all relevant document. Also, Indians don’t need to convert their currency as Indian currency is accepted all over Bhutan.
As per latest news, Bhutan government is going to end free travel for Indians, charging Rs 1,200 per day for adults and Rs 600/- per day for kids from July 1st, 2020. The easiest way to reach Bhutan to take air route from Kolkata, Bagdogra or Guwahati to Paro, the only international airport. By land, Phuntsholing, also spelled as Phuentsholing is the entry point from India adjoining the town of Jaigaon, West Bengal India and is also an important cross-border trade location.a railway to connect Phuntsholing is on the cards for Indian Railways. Buses/taxi from Phuntsholing to all major towns/cities of Bhutan including Thimphu, Paro, Jakar are available.
Government of Bhutan though wants tourists to visit the country but to make sure too many people don’t crowd the nations it changes tourist exorbitant changes on variety of things, from making deposits as soon as tourist come in, to moving around with escort vehicles if travelling in own car/bike. People of Bhutan are very friendly especially towards Indians with many being crazy about Bollywood films and songs. Other than their own language, Bhutanese speak broken English, Hind and even Bengali.
October to December is the ideal time to visit Bhutan. If one wants to play in the snow, January end of February end is the best time. Winters are mostly very cold and windy here. Springs are mostly dry and pleasant. Bhutan is famous for its citizen dressing style, a unique dress called ‘kira’ that people, both men and women need to wear all time when at work. Bhutan is perhaps the only country in the world that doesn’t have a traffic management system. While Phuntsholing is the main economic centre in Bhutan while Thimphu is the capital and largest city. While Jakar is called Switzerland whereas Punakha is nature lovers and adventure seekers paradise.
There are numerous places to visit in capital Thimphu, these include Buddha Dordenma (one of the largest buddha statue in the world), Changangkha Lhakhang, Royal Takin Preserve (Takin is trhe national animal of Bhutan), Folk Heritage Museum, and Dochula Pass. There are numerous places to visit in and around Punakha, such as Punakha Dzong, Punakha suspension bridge (longest in Bhutan), Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Khamsum Yulley, Chimi Lhakhang, Teoprongchu village. Punakha is known for its popular trekking destinations. Paro valley at the height of 7200 feeti is a mesmerizing view for the eyes. The picturesque valley has several things worth a visit such as Paro Chu, Tiger’s Nest Monastery (also known as the Paro Taktsang), trek to Paro Taktsang equally stunning. Visit to Chelela pass, the highest motorable point in Bhutan is also must from Paro, the trip has some unforgettable scenery. Visit to National Museum of Bhutan and dining at restaurants for delicious Bhutanese cuisine is a must do for anyone visiting Paro.
While visiting Bhutan, travellers must try out the local Bhutanese cuisine. Some of the most important must try out delicacies are Ema Datshi,Shakam Datshi, Khewa Datshi, Red Rice, Jasha Maroo or Maru Phaksha Paa, Shakam Paa, Sicaam Paa, Yaksha Shakam, Suja or Bhutanese Butter Tea, Ara or Traditional Alcoholic Beverage, Zow Shungo Veggie Dish, Jaju Soup, Jasha Tshoem Spicy Stew, Khur-le Buckwheat Pancake, Puta Buckwheat Noodles, Momos, Hoentay or Fried Momos, Khatem or Fried Bitter Gourd, and Chicken Thukpa.
Adventure seekers can try out mountain biking, rafting and kayaking. The although open throughout the year. the best time to visit are from September to March. While most cities have budget hotel accommodations available, homestay are also a good option. Tourism in Bhutan aside from nature is centered around some spectacular festivals, some of the important and colorful festivals in Bhutan re Thimphu Tshechu Festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu Festival, Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen Festival, Paro Tshechu Festival, Matsutake Festival, Jomolhari Mountain Festival, and Nimalung Festival. Overall Bhutan is an expensive destination for travellers.
