If there is any place on earth that can be termed as Paradise then it is Bhutan. A magical land located in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas and landlocked by two giants, India and China, the land of Bhutan is the most unique county in the world. Steeped with mystical landscapes, ancient sites and legendary tales, Bhutan is considered as the place where every Buddhist should visit once in a lifetime.
Isolated for generations, the country has been able to preserve its natural beauty and old-age culture which has helped the country to stand out from its neighbouring countries. Placed in the Tibetan plateau, Bhutan is a Buddhist-dominant country with a population of around 8 lakh people that follows a rich culture and traditions admired worldwide. Apart from natural beauty and rich culture, Bhutan is also known for its food cuisines that are considered to be one of the most unique food delicacies in the world. From mesmerizing landscapes to rich culture, the land of Bhutan is a perfect destination for all types of travellers.
Capital: Thimphu
Best Time to Visit: October to December
Visa & Formalities
Unlike other countries where you can get a visa on the basis of fortnight, weeks and months, Bhutan charges every visitor a Sustainable Development Fee or SDF which is charged on the basis of the number of visiting days. SDF is a fee charged by the government of Bhutan which is later utilized towards the development of children's education and infrastructure of Bhutan. Bhutan follows a philosophy of ‘High Value, Low Volume’ which emphasizes offering quality tourism experience to its visitors. Although SDF fees are expensive people from India enjoy some relaxation.
Visa and Formalities for Other Internationals
Citizens from foreign internationals other than India, Bangladesh and Myanmar have to pay a sum of $100 as a part of SDF which needs to be paid at the time of the entry checkpoint. They may also need to book a local tour operator as travelling alone in Bhutan is prohibited. Individuals visiting Bhutan, need to have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months of validity.
Visa and Formalities for Indians
The citizens of India have to pay a sum of ₹1200 as part of SDF. However, they are not required to pay SDF for the first day of stay in the border cities of Bhutan. Also, citizens do not need visas to enter Bhutan, however, they need to obtain a permit pass from the pedestrian terminal located beside the Bhutan gate.
Dos & Don’ts
Dos
-Adhere to the appropriate clothing code when entering places of worship and offices.
-Preserve silence at historical, architectural, and religious locations.
-Always have current travel documentation with you, and be prepared to show them when needed.
-Walk in a clockwise direction whenever you pass historical and religious sites.
-Note: Report any loss of travel documents to the closest TCB, police, or immigration office.
-Exporting antiques and religious artefacts requires the appropriate permit.
-Have comprehensive coverage for unanticipated medical needs.
Don't
It is considered disrespectful in the local culture to touch any of the temple's holy paintings, murals, or artefacts.
-It is completely forbidden to smoke in public places and is punishable by law. Thus, refrain from smoking in Bhutan's public spaces.
-It is prohibited to take pictures and videos in certain places. Thus, kindly do not take photos without permission.
