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Everything You Need to Know About Holidaying in Bhutan

MakeMyTrip Blog

Last updated: Sep 16, 2019

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See

Thimpu: Takin, the national animal of Bhutan at the Motithang Takin Preserve
Punakha: The ‘one hundred pillar hall’ at Punakha Dzong with its exquisite murals
Bumthang: Membartsho or the 'Burning Lake', one of the biggest pilgrimage spots of Bhutan

Do

Paro: Go for the Snowman Trek, one of the most challenging and adventurous treks in the world

Eat

Binge on pancakes, noodles, rice and ema datsi at Phuenzi Diner

Click

Punakha: Visit Chimi Lhakhang to click pictures of baby monks in training
Phuntsholing: Get yourself clicked at the ornate border gate between Bhutan and India
Trongsa: Click the magnificent Black Mountains from the Trongsa Dzong

Trivia

Did you know the first foreign tourists were allowed into Bhutan in 1974?

Want To Go ? 
   

Tucked away in the Himalayas, Bhutan has been shrouded in mystery and folklore for the longest time. A nation where success is measured in Gross National Happiness and where a Buddhist way of life meets modernity, Bhutan is home to stunning views of the Himalayas, peaceful Buddhist monasteries and fun loving people. 

Have a rejuvenating holiday on mind? Then here’s why you should head to Bhutan. 

Why holiday in Bhutan?

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Bhutan, the last great Himalayan kingdom, is also quite literally the ‘Last Shangri La’. Witness the breath-taking Himalayan landscape, where snow-capped mountains blend beautifully with lush meadows and primeval forests. The scenic landscape brings clean, pure air; not a surprise when Bhutan is the first and only carbon negative country in the world, meaning, it actually absorbs more carbon than it emits! 

While Bhutan has something for every kind of traveller, Indians especially have a reason to cheer! With Visa on arrival and a waiver on royalty fees (other nationals pay USD 250 as minimum spend per day in Bhutan), it is an easy holiday destination. You will feel absolutely at home as you dig into Indian delicacies and transact easily with Indian currency. The Bhutanese also welcome you with warm hospitality, most of whom speak and understand Hindi! A melting pot of the ancient and modern, Bhutan is endlessly fascinating.

What to do in Bhutan?

There is enough and more to explore in Bhutan. A must-visit place is the Taktsung Palphug Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Perched atop a cliff at 900 meters from the Paro valley, a trip to the monastery is rewarding with panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding forest and valley; well interspersed with the sight of fluttering prayer flags. 

This place is a delight for nature and wildlife lovers; considering about 70% of the land area is nurtured as a natural preserve, it's not hard to find a national park nearby that houses the national animal of Bhutan - the Takin, Snow Leopards, Black Necked Cranes and even Tigers! Adrenaline junkies can enjoy long hikes or treks as well as rock climbing, kayaking, fishing and more. And then there is the fascinating Bhutanese cuisine. You know your taste buds are in for a treat when chillies aren't just a seasoning, but the main dish.

What Is the Best Time to Visit?

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Bhutan is a year-round destination but the best time to visit Bhutan is either in the spring (April to July), or autumn (September to November). These months draw a lot of tourists because of the Tsechus Festival (festivals of dances). Trekkers, or those looking to simply unwind, should travel between March and May to catch the mountains blooming with flowers, or between September and November for best views of the mountains. Even the monsoon season, between July and August, is a good time as the rain showers in Bhutan are not very heavy and will not affect your itinerary.

How do I select the best holiday package for Bhutan?

Specific packages that cater to your purpose of travel are available. You can take your pick from honeymoon/romantic packages, packages for families or for those who are young at heart. While there are packages that offer bundled services, an option of customizable packages is also available for those wishing to explore Bhutan their way. Packages with direct flight connectivity, especially from Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, are also available. Whatever your flight option, make sure you do not miss the breath-taking view of the serene Himalayan mountain ranges, including the towering peaks of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjungha, as you fly to Bhutan. Varied stay options across categories are available in Bhutan. Whether it’s a quaint hotel in a relatively secluded area or a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city - every hotel offers a stunning view of this Land of the Thundering Dragon!

Packages starting from INR 15,707*

Book Your Bhutan Holiday Now!

*Prices may vary

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