Bhutan Travel Blog

If the fact that flying to Bhutan alone and planning the whole solo-trip is the idea, then yes, it is possible for a female to travel solo to Bhutan. However, when it comes to exploring Bhutan, it is not possible for a solo female traveler to do it all alone unless she is a citizen of India, Bangladesh, or Maldives. The reason being the country’s tourism policy. Bhutanese government requires that a tourist visiting Bhutan should come in only through an authorized local tour agency and must be accompanied by a tour guide. This is to protect and preserve the country’s natural environment and unique culture.

Bhutan is the leading green destination in the world. It was awarded the “Earth Award” in 2018. Bhutan was selected as the winner amongst the top 100 sustainable destinations. The award recognizes a destination’s effort in promoting responsible tourism. The award ceremony was held on March 7th 2018 in ITB (International Tourism Bourse) in Berlin, Germany. 

Even though the government imposes a fixed minimum daily tariff for travelers visiting Bhutan, there are a certain money-saving tips that you can follow while planning your trip to cut down on your travel budget. This article guides tourists on the best time to visit Bhutan and shares some tips on how to plan their trip that will allow them to travel cheap to Bhutan.

The mountainous terrains in Bhutan have led to the construction of roads at unusually high elevation connecting different districts within Bhutan. With significant increase in elevation, the environment in terms of vegetation, climate and air are distinct at these mountain passes as compared to the valley. These mountain passes offer an amazing undisturbed and magnified view of the Eastern Himalayas. With the rising popularity of these destinations among the tourists, cafes and restaurants have been built to cater to the needs of the travelers. Two most visited mountain passes are Dochula (3100m) and Chelela (3800m)

All tourist visiting Bhutan with the exception of Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian are subject to the minimum tariff levied on daily basis times the number of nights spent in the country. The stipulated daily tariff for a group of 3 persons or more is as follows: USD 200 per person per night for the months of December, January, February, June, July and August USD 250 per person per night for the months of March, April, May, September, October and November

The museum is an exhibition of Bhutanese heritage highlighting the traditional way of life during the medieval era. The documentation about the ancient rural life through the restoration and conservation of ancient artifacts is initiated to promote the folk heritage among the new generation and also curate a vibrant experience for tourists. The museum is a restored 150 years old house furnished with an 18th century interior setting. A walk around the house can give tourists a glimpse of medieval Bhutan. A collection of tools and rooms designated for specific purpose gives way to understanding the activities people engaged in at the time.

In Tibetan Buddhism, it is believed that Tertons are born with a purpose of discovering spiritual treasures hidden by their master Guru Padmasambhava. One such Terton was born in Bumthang district in the 15th century. According to the narrative, Pema Lingpa had a vision where it was revealed to him that a treasure lay hidden in the lake. The local ruler and the community cynical of his claim, Pema Lingpa leapt into the lake with a burning butter lamp and is said to have reemerged from the lake with the treasures and the butter lamp still lit. Hence the lake was named Mebar Tsho.

Panbang community lies adjacent to the Royal Manas National Park which is home to over 86 different mammals, 365 birds and 900 plant species. The community is also home to the largest river basins. The Cofounders of the company say they are extremely proud of their rich cultural and natural heritage and that they love the river. They are passionate about showing their home to the rest of the country and the world.

Tsechu is an annual religious festival celebrated across the country in honor of Guru Padmasambhava, a saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. In the event, the monks perform a series of meticulously choreographed religion inspired dances. The monks perform the dance wearing spectacular colorful silk costumes and exquisitely crafted mask. Tsechu is a sacred event and locals believe that attending a Tsechu confers blessing and spiritual protection.

Bhutan was threatened with numerous attacks from Tibet in the mid-17th century and the temporal ruler at the time built the Paro Ta Dzong (watch tower) to protect the Paro Rimpung Dzong against these invaders. The watch tower is built above the Paro Dzong. According to the history, the Dzong’s fourth floor was used as a prison cell in the past. A removable bridge connected the prison cell with the third floor and the fifth floor isolating the fourth floor. This strategic design was used to successfully confine the prisoners.  An underground passage is said to have existed connecting the Dzong to the Pa Chu River. The secret tunnel was used to fetch water during times of war.