Bhutan is a kingdom in the Himalayas that measures "gross national happiness", wears traditional dress and preserves Buddhist dzongs. The main picture is the Taktsang monastery ("Tiger's Nest"), stuck to a cliff above the Paro valley. A trip to Bhutan is quiet, mountain trails and thoughtful, unhurried tourism.
The country receives a limited number of tourists, so a journey to Bhutan requires preparation: the visa is arranged in advance through official channels, there is a mandatory daily tourist fee (SDF), and the only international airport is in Paro (PBH).
Why independently
- In advance and without surprises. The route and accommodation are convenient to plan in advance, and hotels operate under clear rules.
- Nature and culture. Dzongs, festivals, treks and quiet valleys.
- Few people. Bhutan deliberately keeps a small flow of tourists.
When is it best to go
The best seasons are spring (March — May) and autumn (September — November): a clear sky and festivals. Summer is the monsoon, in winter it is cold in the mountains, but in the valleys it is milder and calmer.
Visa and entry
Entry requires a visa arranged in advance and payment of the tourist fee; the conditions and amounts change, so check them on Bhutan's official tourism portal.
Where to stay
- Paro — the Tiger's Nest, the airport, Paro Dzong
- Thimphu — the capital, markets, dzongs
- Punakha — the river valley, the ancient capital
- Bumthang — the heartland, temples and festivals
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