Bhutan
A Himalayan kingdom known for its monasteries, fortresses (dzongs), and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys.
Unlock the beauty of Bhutan with our comprehensive guide to the best things to do and places to visit in this mesmerizing region. From nature's marvels to cultural gems, Bhutan has it all
Sightseeing
Explore Zuri Dzong, Bhutan's ancient fortress from the 14th century. Admire murals depicting rich history and enjoy panoramic views of Paro valley
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Experiences
Explore rural Bhutan in Lhuentse, untouched by urbanization. Discover pristine landscapes, ancient culture, and the Royal family's ancestral home
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Explore the sacred Tango Buddhist Institute in Bhutan, built on a cave. Delve into spiritual knowledge and discover intriguing legends at this tranquil site
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Trekking
Experience surreal beauty at Dagala Thousand Lakes, Bhutan. Ideal for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, the trek offers enchanting landscapes and a refreshing adventure
Best Time to Visit: May - September
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
7 day trek which will quench your thirst for adventure and thrill
Sightseeing
Visit Simtokha Dzong, a 1629 fortress-turned-museum in Bhutan. Explore linguistic wonders and delve into Dzongkha, making it a unique cultural experience
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Tourists can hike up to the Tango monastery or the nearby Cheri monastery
Sightseeing
Discover serenity at Talo Village, Bhutan. Embrace picturesque landscapes adorned with farms and a Buddhist monastery. A must-visit for those seeking solace and natural beauty
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
20 minutes from the parking location
Religious Visit
Rinpung Dzong, a 16th-century fortress in Bhutan, showcases stunning architecture and hosts an annual tshechu festival with vibrant mask dances and sacred rituals.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Sunday
Price: Free
Experience Rinpung Dzong's March-April festival in Bhutan's 16th-century fortress.
Sightseeing
Visit Bhutan's Chele La pass at 3,989 meters for stunning views of Jomolhari mountain, Haa Valley, and Paro valleys. Don't miss the Haa summer festival.
Best Time to Visit: March - November
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Explore Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's second-largest fortress, showcasing brilliant Buddhist architecture. Winter capital, cultural hub, and scenic destination.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Sunday
Price: Free
No photo taking is allowed in the monastery
Sightseeing
Visit Bhutan's iconic Buddha Dordenma Statue, a 169-foot tall gold and bronze marvel atop Thimphu hills, symbolizing the nation's dominant religion.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Explore Dochula Pass in Bhutan, adorned with 108 stupas honoring fallen soldiers. Panoramic views of the Himalayas make it a must-visit tourist spot.
Best Time to Visit: March - October
Timings: 06:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Best time to visit is early morning or evening
Trekking
Discover Bhutan's iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, a pilgrimage site on a cliff with legends of Guru Rinpoche. Half-trek with panoramic Paro views.
Best Time to Visit: March - November
Timings: 08:00-15:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Easy trek of 3 km one side
Sightseeing
Phobjikha, a 3000m elevated bowl-shaped valley, captivates with stunning landscapes, offering a chance to witness black-necked cranes in winter and diverse wildlife
Best Time to Visit: January - February, November - December
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Trekking
Embark on a trekking adventure to explore the untrodden paths around Chomolhari.
Best Time to Visit: May - September
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Trek is difficult & will take 7-9 days from starting point
Shopping
Norzin Lam, Thimphu's vibrant main street, offers bustling markets, authentic Bhutanese items, local cuisine, and a lively atmosphere for memorable experiences.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Carry cash only
Shopping
Paro's Main Street offers unique Buddhist souvenirs, traditional dresses, handmade crafts, and exquisite jewelry. Sunday market adds delightful Bhutanese shopping experiences.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-19:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Sightseeing
Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent fortress on the banks of River Wang Chu, serves as Thimphu's largest landmark, housing the throne room, King's office, and central monastic bodies.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Once a grand Buddhist monastery, Drukgyel Dzong's ruins in Paro tell a story of triumph over Tibet's invasion in 1649. Explore the historic site and its cultural significance.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Do not to miss the 5 pm changing of the flag
Wildlife
Explore the Motithang Takin Preserve in Thimphu, home to the rare takin species. This non-zoo sanctuary upholds Bhutan's commitment to preserving wildlife and fostering conservation
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-16:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 100.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Best time to visit is 9 am to 11 am. During this time Takin can be seen near the fence
Museum
Step into Bhutan's soul at Simply Bhutan Museum, a cultural haven showcasing authentic cuisine, traditional attire, and lively performances. Dive into the heart of Bhutanese village life.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 1000.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Experience adventure on Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan's longest, spanning 160 m over Po Chhu River. A photographer's delight draped in prayer flags, it's an adventurous must-visit
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Be cautious of the bridge's swaying
Religious Visit
Explore Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Bhutan, rich in folk tales. Legends say it's built on serpent's land or demoness's head, adding to its spiritual allure
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Explore the historical ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in Paro, Bhutan. Learn about the area's rich history, natural heritage, and ongoing restoration efforts
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 07:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Shopping
Explore the historical trading town of Samdrup Jongkhar in Bhutan, known for its silk and bamboo trade. Discover its rich cultural and economic history
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Wildlife
Explore the rich biodiversity of ThrumshingLa National Park in Bhutan, housing over 341 bird species and captivating landscapes like meadows and waterfalls
Best Time to Visit: March - May, September - December
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Religious Visit
Explore Bhutan's vibrant culture at Gangtey Monastery, marvel at its architecture, and enjoy spectacular valley views at 16,000 ft., a trekker's delight
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Roads to the monastery not well built, can be reached via trekking also
Museum
Step into Bhutanese life at Folk Heritage Museum housed in a 150-year-old wood and mud structure, adorned with colorful banners, a visual delight
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Monday
Price: 150.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Closed little eary by 1 P.M. on Saturday & Sunday
Wildlife
Explore Bhutan's wildlife at Jigme Dorji National Park, the second-largest park, spanning 1316 sq km, home to Bengal tigers, snow leopards, and more
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: 300.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Museum
Explore Bhutan's history and culture at Trongsa Tower, a unique museum with a circular structure and five storeys housing artifacts and treasures
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-16:30
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: 200.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Wildlife
Explore biodiversity at Royal Manas National Park, Bhutan's oldest. Encounter rare species, including Bengal Tigers and Gangetic dolphins, making it a wildlife lover's paradise
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: 500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Immerse in Bhutanese art culture at Choki Traditional Art School. Witness disadvantaged students mastering traditional arts, and bring home unique, vibrant souvenirs
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:30-16:30
Closing Days: Closed on Sunday
Price: 100.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Explore the art of handmade paper at Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory in Bhutan. Witness the intricate process and bring home unique, traditional souvenirs
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:30-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 50.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Discover Bhutanese textile art at Royal Textile Academy, blending contemporary architecture with heritage. Explore exhibitions and learn traditional draping methods
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-16:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: Free
Religious Visit
Experience Bhutanese festivals and spirituality at Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the largest monastery in Thimphu's northern fringe. A must-visit cultural landmark
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: Free
You can also see the flag lowering parade, every evenng at 5:00PM.
Sightseeing
Discover the secret sanctuaries of Bumthang, hidden in the Himalayas, offering solace to the devoted and adding an adventurous touch to your Bhutan trip
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Wildlife
Explore Bhutan's untouched Torsa Nature Reserve, a haven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and trekkers, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Wildlife
Discover the enchanting Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary in Bhutan, a haven for diverse wildlife and nomadic tribes, offering a retreat into the Himalayan ecosystem
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: 200.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Wildlife tours available; adhere to sanctuary guidelines.
Sightseeing
Explore Bhutan's artistic heritage at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, where traditional arts like painting and woodcarving come to life
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: Free
Interactive art sessions; buy handmade crafts.
Sightseeing
Discover Bhutanese treasures at Thimphu's Handicrafts Market, offering a colorful array of traditional items, from amulets to wooden bowls
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Sightseeing
Visit Thimphu Chorten, a serene Buddhist memorial dedicated to World Peace, featuring an impressive white structure with a golden spire
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday
Price: 500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Trekking
Embark on the Druk Path, a mesmerizing trek in Bhutan, revealing pristine landscapes, blue pine forests, ancient dzongs, and serene lakes
Best Time to Visit: May - September
Timings: 08:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Wildlife
Explore the UNESCO-listed Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for diverse bird species amidst lush green terrains in Bhutan's pristine landscapes
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: 200.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Explore Trashiyangtse, a small Bhutanese town known for traditional artistry and The School of Traditional Arts, offering a serene cultural experience
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-15:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Wildlife
Discover the rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Wangchuck Wildlife Sanctuary, a top Bhutanese tourist destination for nature enthusiasts
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Closed on Saturday-Sunday
Price: 150.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Sightseeing
Visit Thimphu's Philatelic Bureau, a unique post office where you can explore and collect stamps, including personalized ones with your picture!
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Sightseeing
Explore Bhutanese culture at Thimphu's National Library, established in 1967, showcasing the rich heritage and way of life through its treasures
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 09:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Experiences
Relax in Gasa Tshachu's natural hot springs, nestled in the serene Gasa District. A popular spot in Bhutan for soothing and refreshing experiences.
Best Time to Visit: January - February, November - December
Timings: 06:00-20:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Visitors are required to pay an entry fee to access the hot spring and are advised to bring their own towels
Experiences
Embark on a thrilling rafting adventure in Punakha, Bhutan, as the Mo Chhu River offers scenic beauty and exciting rapids, creating a memorable experience
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 08:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Experiences
Discover the hidden gem of Phuentsholing, a town near the Indian border, offering a unique blend of Bhutanese, Indian, and Nepalese cultures
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Explore the border town; check entry requirements.
Experiences
Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Bhutan crafts zany, rich flavors like Bhutan Dark Ale and Red Rice Lager, tantalizing taste buds with local essence.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 12:00-18:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Flexible (As per your budget)
Enjoy a tasting session; brewery tour available.
Experiences
Discover Haa Valley, Bhutan's hidden gem near the India-China border. This 1700 sq km paradise offers warmth, basic homestays, and stunning landscapes. A must-visit among Bhutan tourist spots.
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 10:00-16:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: Free
Museum
Discover Bhutanese art and cultural heritage at the National Museum of Bhutan, housing 3000 masterpieces spanning over 1500 years of history. Don't miss dance ceremonies and the enchanting evening view
Best Time to Visit: All Season
Timings: 9:00-17:00
Closing Days: Open all days
Price: 500.0 (Price is for 1 people)
Travel Guidelines for Bhutan For Indian Travellers
1. Place Information
Bhutan, often referred to as the "Land of the Thunder Dragon," is a Himalayan kingdom known for its stunning landscapes, preserved culture, and serene monasteries. It is nestled in the Eastern Himalayas and is one of the happiest countries in the world.
2. Travel Related Information
Entry Permit: Indian citizens can enter Bhutan without a visa. However, you'll need a valid passport or Voter ID card and an entry permit, which can be obtained at the border entry points.
By Road: The most common way to enter Bhutan is by road through border crossings in West Bengal, Assam, or other neighboring Indian states. The Phuentsholing border is a popular entry point.
By Air: Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan. Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operate flights to Paro from major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
3. Visa Related Information
As mentioned, Indian citizens do not need a visa to enter Bhutan for tourism. However, you must obtain an entry permit upon arrival.
4. SIM Card/Network Related Information
You can get a Bhutanese SIM card upon arrival at the Paro airport or in Thimphu, the capital city. B-Mobile and TashiCell are the two major telecom providers.
5. Govt Safety Guidelines
Bhutan is considered a safe destination for tourists. However, it's essential to respect local customs and traditions. Observe local rules and regulations, especially around monasteries and dzongs (fortresses).
6. Internal Transport Related Information
Local transport options in Bhutan include taxis, buses, and car rentals. Roads in Bhutan can be narrow and winding, so travel times may be longer than expected.
7. Special Mentions
Thimphu: The capital city with attractions like Tashichho Dzong and the National Memorial Chorten.
Paro: Home to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery.
Punakha: Known for Punakha Dzong and stunning valley views.
Bumthang Valley: Rich in cultural heritage and home to numerous temples and monasteries.
Phobjikha Valley: A beautiful glacial valley and a conservation area for the black-necked crane.
Local Cuisine: Try Bhutanese dishes like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew), momo (dumplings), and butter tea.
Festivals: Attend local festivals like Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tshechu to experience Bhutanese culture.
Trekking: Bhutan offers numerous trekking opportunities, including the Snowman Trek and the Jomolhari Trek.
Shopping: Buy traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and religious items.
Photography: Respect local customs regarding photography, especially in monasteries.