Bhutan Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Thimphu.

Geography:

Bhutan is located in the eastern Himalayas, bordered to the north by China and to the south, east and west by India. The altitude varies from 180m (590ft) in the narrow lowland region to over 7,300m (23,950ft) in the Himalayan plateau in the north, and there are three distinct climatic regions. The foothills are tropical and home to deer, tigers, leopards and the rare golden langur monkey as well as much tropical vegetation, including many species of wild orchids. The Inner Himalaya region is temperate; wildlife includes bear, boar and sambar, and the area is rich in deciduous forests. The High Himalaya region is very thinly populated, but the steep mountain slopes are the home of many species of animals, including snow leopards and blue sheep.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Drukair (www.drukair.com.bt) and Bhutan Airlines (www.bhutanairlines.bt) are the only airlines flying into Bhutan. Between them, they run flights from Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai. The Kathmandu-Paro flight has fabulous views of the Himalaya on the left-hand side.

Departure Tax

None.

Getting There By Road

The only land borders open to tourists are Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Domestic flights between Paro and Bumthang run intermittently.

Road Quality

The country has a fairly good internal road network with well over 3,000km (1,800 miles) of surfaced road. The average speed is less than 40kph (25mph).

The main routes run north from Phuentsholing to the western regions of Paro and Thimphu, and west-east, across the Pele La Pass and Thrumshing La Pass to the central valleys and eastern regions. The northern regions of the High Himalayas have no roads.

Tour operators arrange all internal travel for tourists, which is usually by road.

Side Of Road

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Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Bhutan's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Bhutan set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, see the Bhutan government's visa entry page or contact the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave Bhutan.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You must have a visa to enter and leave Bhutan.     

Applying for a visa

You must apply for your visa in advance. The authorities will pre-approve the visa and issue it when you arrive in Bhutan. 

You can arrange a visa through a Bhutanese tour operator, through a Bhutanese hotel or directly through the Department of Immigration's website. You will need to pay a non-refundable, one-off visa application fee of 40 US dollars.

If you're travelling for business or other non-tourism reasons, you must arrange your visa through your sponsoring organisation in Bhutan.

Make sure the border control officer stamps your visa in your passport.

Permits

You must have permits to travel to some states in Bhutan. Your tour guide will help to get these.

If you want to extend your stay in Bhutan, go to the Department of Immigration in Thimphu to make a request.

Entry and exit points

You can enter or exit Bhutan by air through the international airport in Paro, or by the land entry point in Phuentsholing.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Bhutan guide.

Sustainable development fee

All adult visitors must pay a daily sustainable development fee (SDF) of 100 US dollars per night. There is a lower daily charge for children. Read more information about the SDF.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Bhutan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.   

It is illegal to take antiques out of Bhutan. Customs officials may inspect items that appear to be antiques.

Taking tobacco into Bhutan

You can bring a small supply of tobacco for personal use. You will need to pay taxes and duties and be able to show proof of tax and duty payments if the  authorities ask you to at any point during your visit.

Taking money into or out of Bhutan    

You can take up to 30,000 Bhutan ngultrum into or out of Bhutan. 

If you plan to take foreign currency worth 10,000 US dollars or more into or out of Bhutan, you must declare it and get clearance from the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan.

Indian rupees are widely accepted in Bhutan.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Bhutan

Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Bhutan, attacks cannot be ruled out.      

Crime  

Crime levels are low across Bhutan, but you should take the same precautions as you would at home.

Keep a copy of your passport's photo page and visa, and your flight ticket separate from the originals when travelling.

Laws and cultural differences

Bhutanese people take their customs and traditions very seriously. Respect them at all times to avoid giving offence. Particularly avoid criticising HM The King of Bhutan. If in doubt, ask your tour guide.      

Dress code

Dress respectfully when visiting temples and Dzongs (fortified buildings, like castles), so that you do not cause offence. Your tour guide will be able to advise.

Alcohol laws          

Alcohol is legal in Bhutan, but there are restrictions on how much alcohol tourists can buy at one time. Check with the vendor what the limit is.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans

It was illegal to sell or buy tobacco products in Bhutan until 2020. It is currently legal, but smoking is still frowned on. Be mindful of where you smoke – for example smoking near religious locations may cause offence. 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

There are strict penalties for possession, use and trafficking of illegal drugs. If convicted, you could get a prison sentence and heavy fine. Sentences range from a minimum of 3 years to a life sentence depending upon the type and quantity of drugs.

LGBT+ travellers  

Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in Bhutan in 2020, and there are no censorship laws restricting the discussion or promotion of LGBT+ topics. Same-sex marriages are not recognised. There is no legal recognition of transgender individuals.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.  

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs 

Environmental conservation is critically important to Bhutan. You could be imprisoned for harming protected species. It is illegal to litter anywhere in Bhutan.     

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

You need to use tour guides when visiting places of interest. Otherwise, you may be refused entry.

Mountaineering and hiking

Mountaineering is banned in Bhutan, but there are trekking options across the country at a wide range of altitudes. Take advice from your tour guide.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Bhutan, see information on driving abroad.

Car rentals come with a driver. If you want to drive your own vehicle, you must hire a guide to travel with you.

Any car you bring into Bhutan must meet the requirements of the Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority. You must have a driving licence, insurance documents, pollution control documents and an entry permit. You will need to pay a daily charge of 4,500 ngultrum. The same fees and rules apply for motorbikes.   

For a stay of more than 90 days, apply for a Bhutanese driving licence from the Bhutan Road Safety and Transport Authority. You must show your UK driving licence.

Driving conditions

Car and motorbike accidents are one of the biggest causes of injury and death in Bhutan. If possible, avoid travelling at night. Always travel in a well-maintained vehicle with seatbelts.

Road conditions can be dangerous, particularly in monsoon season. There are no traffic lights in Bhutan.

Air travel  

Weather conditions regularly affect domestic and international flights.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Monsoon

Monsoon rains can cause landslides that cut off some roads for days. Always check your route before setting off and take extra care during the monsoon season.

Earthquakes

Several parts of Bhutan lie on active fault zones. Limited emergency vehicles, equipment and medical facilities are likely to increase the impact of an earthquake. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Wildfires

There is high risk of wildfires, particularly in central and southern areas of the country. You will be fined if you cause a wildfire, even if it is accidental. The level of the fine increases if the wildfire is caused intentionally.

Flooding

Flooding, including flash flooding, can be caused by many natural events such as monsoon rains and earthquakes. Both rural and urban areas are vulnerable.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Bhutan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Bhutan.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Bhutan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

If you're carrying a large amount of medicine or medicine that's not for your personal use, check with the Bhutanese Embassy in Brussels.

Healthcare in Bhutan

Healthcare facilities vary in quality across Bhutan. One hospital (Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital) in Thimphu can provide surgery and emergency treatment. Outside of Thimphu, hospitals generally provide only basic healthcare. Treatment for more complex issues is not available in Bhutan and you would need evacuation to India or Thailand for treatment.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance that covers the cost of medical treatment abroad, emergency helicopter evacuation and repatriation.

English is widely spoken in Bhutan and doctors are likely to speak some English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Bhutan

Ambulance: 112

Fire: 110

Police: 113

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• dealing with a death abroad
• being arrested or imprisoned
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

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Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Diphtheria	Yes
Hepatitis A	Yes
Malaria	Sometimes
Rabies	Sometimes
Tetanus	Yes
Typhoid	Yes
Yellow Fever	No*

Overview:

Full medical insurance is strongly advised. Medical facilities are good but not always close at hand. Officials in Bhutan have reported repeated outbreaks of bird flu during 2012.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by all travellers coming from an infected area.

Food Drink:

Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Mineral water is widely available. Milk should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Hepatitis E occurs; hepatitis B is endemic. Giardiasis is common. Meningitis is a sporadic risk and vaccination is advised. Tuberculosis exists. There is a small risk of Japanese encephalitis in southern lowland areas. Altitude sickness may be a problem. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Currency Information:

1 Ngultrum (BTN; symbol Nu) = 100 chetrum (Ch). The Ngultrum is pegged to the Indian Rupee (which is also acccepted as legal tender). Notes are in denominations of Nu500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Nu1, and 50, 25 and 20 chetrum. Smaller denomination notes and coins have been discontinued but are still in circulation and are legal tender. US Dollars are also widely accepted.

Credit Cards:

Most cards have limited acceptability. ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards.

ATMs:

ATMs only accept Bhutanese bank cards.

Travellers Cheques:

These can be exchanged in any branch of the Bank of Bhutan or at all BTCL hotels. Travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1500, Sat 0900-1200.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency, but foreign currency must be declared upon arrival.

Currency Exchange:

Leading foreign currencies are accepted but traveller's cheques are preferred and receive a better exchange rate. Major hotels in Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing will also exchange foreign currency.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
BTN	Nu

Exchange Rates

71.41

84.32

67.90

Language

Dzongkha is the official language. A large number of dialects are spoken, owing to the physical isolation of many villages. Sharchop Kha is spoken in eastern Bhutan. Nepali is common in the south of the country. English has been the language of education since 1964 but there is growing emphasis on learning Dzongkha to strengthen national identity.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
Traditional Day of Offering	2024-01-12 00:00:00	0
Losar	2024-02-10 00:00:00	0
Birthday of His Majesty the 5th King	2024-02-21 00:00:00	0
Birthday of the Third Druk Gyalpo	2024-05-02 00:00:00	0
Lord Buddha's Parinirvana	2024-05-23 00:00:00	0
Drukpa Tshezhi (First Sermon of Lord Buddha)	2024-07-09 00:00:00	0
Birthday of Guru Rinpoche	2024-07-10 00:00:00	1
Thimphu Tshechu	2024-09-12 00:00:00	0
Coronation of the Fifth Druk Gyalpo	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Birthday of the Fourth Druk Gyalpo	2024-11-11 00:00:00	0
National Day	2024-12-17 00:00:00	0

Note:

Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Bhutan by tourists without incurring duty:

• 1L of alcoholic beverages.
• Personal effects.

The sale of tobacco is banned in Bhutan. Tourists can import 200 cigarettes or three 50g tins of tobacco for personal consumption, but these are subject to 100% tax.

The following goods may be imported by Bhutanese residents without incurring duty:

• 2 bottles of alcoholic beverages of up to 2L each.
• 50g of gold.
• 1kg of silver.
• 60ml of perfume.
• 10 items of each type of clothing.

The total value of the above items must not exceed US$1,000.

.

Banned Imports:

Prohibited imports include narcotics, pornography and antiques.

Restricted imports include arms and ammunition, drugs and pharmaceutical products, used and secondhand goods and equipment, gold and silver in excess of baggage allowance, live animals and their products, plants and chemicals.

Telephone:

The telephone service is reasonable though getting a line can be slow at times.

Mobile Telephone:

Coverage is extensive but since the mobile network is now superseding the landline service, oversubscription can lead to problems.

Internet:

Access is growing. There are Internet cafes in large towns and access in major hotels across the country.

Post

Mail from Bhutan is liable to disruption because of the high value of Bhutanese stamps; they may be steamed off the envelopes en route.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1700, Sat 0900-1200 (summer); Mon-Fri 0900-1600, Sat 0900-1200 (winter).

Media:

Fears of outside influences undermining the country's monarchy, freedom and culture meant that for years Bhutan had a deliberate policy of isolation, including a ban on television. The state-run Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) launched the first TV service as part of celebrations surrounding King Jigme Singye Wangchuk's silver jubilee in 1999. Radio broadcasting began in 1973 and the first Internet service was introduced in 1999. There are no private broadcasters, but cable television is thriving though 'undesirable and irrelevant channels' have been filtered out.

Wangdue Phodrang

Right in the centre of Bhutan, Wangdue Phodrang is famous for its castle-like dzong, built in the 17th century atop a curving ridge at the confluence of two rivers. The district is known for its slate carving and bamboo weaving, and for many centuries, this was the seat of one of Bhutan's most powerful dzongpens (regional governors).

Scramble up to Drametse Goemba

The views are spectacular as you drive up a rough, vertiginous dirt track to Drametse Goemba. This is the most important monastery in the east of the country, and its chapels are full of memorial chortens, gold Buddha images and curiosities gathered by the monks over the centuries. A massive thondrol (giant thangka painting) is unfurled here every November.

Climb a pass for epic Himalayan views

Travelling from one valley to the next in Bhutan involves climbing over breathless mountain passes, and all offer spectacular views. Crowned by 108 memorial chortens, the 3,100m (10,171ft) Dochu La, between Thimphu and Punakha, offers a breath-taking vista of the eastern Himalaya, while the 3,810m (12,500ft) Cheli La near Paro, is the highest motorable pass in the country.

Attend an archery competition

Archery is a national obsession in Bhutan, and archery competitions are held across the country, with huge crowds admiring, and betting on, the skill of local archers. Traditionally, the Bhutanese used handmade bamboo bows, but these days, high-tech carbon fibre bows are all the rage. Archery competitions are major social events in Bhutan, alcohol flowing freely.

See rare birds in pristine forests

The mountain valleys and jungle-cloaked hills of Bhutan are home to more than 600 species of birds, including rare black-necked cranes, which winter in the Phobjikha and Bumdeling valleys. Specialist tour operators offer birding tours to sanctuaries across the country, particularly during the crane season from October to February.

Trek into the Bhutanese Himalaya

There's no better way to experience Bhutan's stunning mountain scenery than to see it as the locals do, on foot, on the walking trails that criss-cross the hills and peaks. The high altitude Snowman Trek (25 days) is the most famous route, but most people opt for shorter, less costly walks, that still offer captivating cultural interactions and magnificent mountain views.

Heed the calming call of Tashi Yangtse

Travellers who roam to the remote valleys of Trashi Yangtse leave the crowds far behind. In this serene part of the world, women spin on the doorsteps and mountain streams burble beside rice fields and ancient chortens. The gateway to this tranquil Shangri La is Tashi Yangtse, the leaping off point for hikes to nature reserves, mountain monasteries and paper workshops.

Be beguiled by Bumthang

Trongsa is the gateway to beautiful Bumthang, where four sacred valleys hide a string of ancient monasteries and captivating country towns. Most visitors head for Jakar, the most substantial settlement, and then roam along the scenic Chokhor Valley, visiting ancient chapels and chortens set amidst sublime mountain scenery.

Trace royal history at Tongsa Dzong

Many visitors stay close to Paro and Thimphu, but it's worth roaming further afield to Trongsa in central Bhutan, where the nation's largest monastery creates an impressive profile against the surrounding hills. This is the ancestral home of the Royal Family, with nearly two dozen separate chapels and a fascinating museum housed in the watchtower on the hillside above.

Be captivated by the colours of Punakha

Straddling the confluence of the Mo and Pho Rivers, Punakha Dzong was the second Buddhist monastery to be built in Bhutan, founded by the father of the nation, Ngawang Namgyal. Set against a backdrop of trickling water, the fortress is particularly atmospheric in spring, when jacaranda trees burst into pale purple flowers along the riverbanks.

Take in a tsechu

Bhutan's Buddhist festivals are some of the most colourful celebrations on Earth. All of the nation's dzongs and goembas (monasteries) host tsechus – animated dance festivals, where monks don rainbow-coloured costumes and fearsome monster masks and dance to the tune of horns, drums and gongs. It's a vital, invigorating introduction to the customs and legends of Bhutanese Buddhism.

Wander Paro’s monasteries and museums

Paro is the main port of arrival for most visitors, and a typical bustling Bhutanese country town. Paro Dzong is one of the nation's finest monuments, and the National Museum provides a handy introduction to the culture and history of Bhutan, before you head into the hills to explore more monasteries, ruins and ancient temples.

Trek to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Goemba

The trek to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Goemba tops the list of things to do in Bhutan. This revered monastery clings dizzily to the face of a 900m (2,952ft) precipice in the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a magical tiger and meditated in a cave before continuing his journey to spread Buddhism across the Himalaya.

Watch ancient arts come to life in Thimphu

The weekend market in Thimphu is crammed with vendors selling Bhutanese handicrafts – delicately embroidered shawls, thangka paintings, fearsome Buddhist masks, rolls of prayer flags – and you can see the artisans at work in the National Institute of Zorig Chusum campuses in Thimphu or Trashi Yangtse. This government enterprise was founded to preserve ancient arts such as embroidery and thangka painting.

See the institutions that drive the world’s happiest state

Thimphu is the administrative and religious capital of Bhutan, and the focal point of both enterprises is Tashi Chho Dzong, home to the government ministries, the king's throne room and the largest monastery in the country. The monumental monastery is presided over by the Je Khenpo, the chief abbot of Bhutan, and home to over 1,600 monks.

Explore historic Thimphu

Set in a broad valley in the west of the country, Thimphu is Bhutan's only proper city, but the modern and medieval world come together with surprising harmony. The Bhutanese capital is awash with historic sights: essential stops include the mighty dzong (fortress monastery) of Tashi Chho, Thimphu's bustling weekend market and the towering statue of Buddha that rises above the city.

Overview

Markets are held regularly, generally on Saturday and Sunday, and are a rich source of local clothing and jewellery, as well as food. The Handicraft Emporium on the main street in the capital is open daily and offers a magnificent assortment of hand-woven and handcrafted goods. Some hotels have a souvenir shop. Silversmiths and goldsmiths in the Thimphu Valley are able to make handcrafted articles to order. Bhutanese stamps are collectors' items. Shopping is otherwise limited and bargaining is not customary. Phuentsholing has a small department store, the only one of its kind in Bhutan.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sun 0800-2000 for most shops.

Overview

Bhutanese food is simple and rustic, based on the limited ingredients that can be grown in the challenging environment of the Himalayas. The core of Bhutanese cooking is rice – both white rice and red rice (eue chum), a nutty-flavoured variety grown for centuries in the Bhutanese hills – but many farmers also raise buckwheat and maize. Chilli arrived by way of India and China, and it adds punch to many Bhutanese dishes.

Chicken, eggs and dried yak meat are popular sources of protein, as is datshi, traditional unpasteurised cheese made from cows’ milk, which is melted into soups and stews. Tibetan staples such as momos – wheat-flour dumplings stuffed with pork, beef, vegetables or cheese – are commonplace, and many dishes feature apples, asparagus and wild mushrooms from the hills. Tibetan-style tea with salt and butter is sipped everywhere in Bhutan.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Not widely practised by locals. Your guides will expect a tip at the end of your trip and US$5-10 per person per day is appropriate.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

Traditional hotels, cottages and guest houses approved by the Department of Tourism are usually comfortable with hot and cold running water, electricity and sometimes room telephones though international calls may be via reception. There are a few luxury hotels but these do not come cheap. Accommodation is booked by Tour Operators. Expect a surcharge on the basic rate for upmarket resorts and be aware that at festival time, hotels are booked long in advance so you may need to be flexible. Tourists incorporating a trek in their itinerary may camp. For further information, contact the BTCL (see Contact Addresses).

History

The ancient history of Bhutan is shrouded in mystery, as few records survive, but early Tibetan manuscripts talk of states called Monyul and Lhomon in the area now covered by Bhutan. The Buddhist history of Bhutan is known with more certainty as a written history was maintained after Mahayana Buddhism was introduced into the country in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Widespread conversion to Buddhism followed some time after. According to local legend, the Indian ascetic Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) converted the Bhutanese people after subduing eight classes of demons and converting the local king. For the next thousand years, Bhutan existed as a series of rival monarchies in separate mountain valleys.

Bhutan first became a coherent political entity around the 17th century as Tibetan lamas established a centralised administrative and political structure over the area. Bhutan was officially unified under Ngawang Namgyal, who subdued rival Buddhist sects and founded the first of Bhutan’s dzongs (fortress monasteries).

Amazingly, Namgyal’s death in 1651 was kept secret for 54 years to prevent the kingdom from fragmenting. His heirs ruled Bhutan until the 18th century, when the British Empire started nibbling away at its southern borders, seizing Bhutanese territory and imposing tithes on the Bhutanese rulers.

In 1907, the Tibetan diarchal system, with power split between equal political and spiritual leaders, was abandoned and a hereditary monarchy was established, with Ugyen Wangchuck elected as the first Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King). His successors introduced some elements of modern government, but it was only when Jigme Dorji came to power in 1952 that Bhutan modernised in any meaningful way.

Tourism to Bhutan began in 1974, after the Bhutanese government agreed to open its formerly restricted territory to outside visitors. In 1991, Bhutan’s policy of a daily tourist fee was introduced, allowing visits only on organised trips arranged through local agencies, to protect Bhutan’s traditional culture from outside influences.

Bhutan is still nominally a monarchy, governed by the 5th Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, but an elected parliament makes most decisions. The move to democracy was not without problems, and many refugees fled to Nepal in the 1990s, where they continue to live in a legal limbo. Bhutan has also become entangled in conflicts between Assamese and Bodo separatist guerrillas and the government of India.

Did you know?
• Rather than measuring prosperity in GDP (Gross Domestic Profit), Bhutan measures prosperity by the happiness of its people, or GDH (Gross Domestic Happiness).
• The Bhutan constitution requires 60% of the country to remain under forest cover.
• Bhutan was the first country in the world to recognise the rights of the environment in its constitution.

Religion

The Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism (Drukpa Kagyu) is the state religion; the majority of Bhutanese people follow the Drukpa school of the Kagyupa sect. Those living in the south are mainly Hindu.

Social Conventions

The lifestyle, manners and customs of the Bhutanese are in many respects unique to the area. The strongest influence on social conventions is the country's state religion, and everywhere one can see the reminders of Buddhism and the original religion of Tibet, Bonism. There are no rigid clan systems and equal rights exist between men and women. The majority of the Bhutanese live an agrarian lifestyle.

In 1989, it was made compulsory for citizens to wear national dress and failure to comply at official functions or in government buildings incurs a fine; the men wear a gho, a robe resembling a dressing gown with upturned white cuffs and knee-high socks, whilst the women wear a kira, a sari-like garment that is furnished with ornate brooches, and worn over a blouse. Bhutan has outlawed the sale of tobacco products, and also banned smoking in public places. Healthcare and education are free. The political leaders of the country have also been religious leaders historically.

For years the country has deliberately isolated itself from visitors, a policy which is now to some extent being reversed. But Bhutan continues to bear the hallmarks of seemingly peculiar customs borne from legacy and legend. Giant phalluses can often be seen painted onto walls, etc, in order to ward off evil spirits and ensure good crops and healthy children. Climbing some of the Himalayan peaks is banned due to the belief that the mountains are the repository of the gods and all life, animal or plant, is treated with respect as a divine gift.

Best Time To Visit:

The climate varies with altitude, with the highest temperatures and rainfall occurring in the south which bears the brunt of the monsoon between June and September.

Temperatures drop dramatically with increases in altitude though days are usually very pleasant with clear skies and sunshine. Nights are cold and require heavy woollen clothing, particularly in winter. Generally, October, November and April to mid June are the best times to visit - rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures are conducive to active days of sightseeing. The foothills are also very pleasant during the winter.

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Required Clothing

Lightweight cottons in the foothills, also linens and waterproof gear, light sweaters and jackets for the evenings. Upland areas: thick, warm clothing for evenings, particularly during the winter months.

Dialing Code:

+975

Area(sq km):

38364

Population:

771.608

Population Density(per sq km):

19

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

No

Main emergency number

112