A Journey To The Land Of Happiness- Bhutan Travel Guide
December 3, 2019exploreindialuxury0 Comments
Being named as the land of delight, Bhutan is filled with charm in its ambiance. The comfortable and heart-melting land is powerful enough to allure your mind and heal it with calmness. The pleasant weather, spectacular views, and the remarkable monasteries perfectly explain the glory of Bhutan. No words can explain the true beauty of this country.
A journey to this wonderland is a magic in itself and offer you a box of memories that one can relish lifetime. Although it is impossible to grab every drop of its oceanic wonder here is the best guide that can help you come up with the best Bhutan journey. This country is also known as “Land of the Thunder Dragon” as thunders flow through the valley that seems like a dragon releasing fire.
What Are The Best Possible Ways To Reach Bhutan From India?
By Flight
Reaching Bhutan from India is a simple process now. There are two airlines named as Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate between Delhi, Gaya, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Mumbai and Guwahati to Paro, Bhutan. The former one also serves the client exclusive offers if approached by email.
By Train
If you are short of the budget then the best way to reach Bhutan is Rail. Hasimara is the closest railway station to Jaigaon, this town is located at the border of India and Bhutan. In kilometers, it is located at approx 17 km from Jaigaon. When it comes to trains, Hasimara is also connected with Kolkata, Delhi, Ranchi, and Kanpur, etc. Apart from these stations, Another station that connects with it is New Jalpaiguri. Although the train takes more time it is best for budget travel.
By Road
To reach Bhutan through road the best way is to connect through Jaigaon town based in West Bengal. Jaigaon is a few km from the town Phuentsholing at the border of Bhutan. You can travel through private cabs among these destinations. Even if you are reaching through Bagdogra or New Jalpaiguri you can reach through the cab. You will get a taxi ride from Bagdogra airport. If you are a budgeted traveler you can negotiate with the private cab drivers.
How You Can Avail A Bhutan Tourist Permit?
There is an immigration office based in Phusentsholing who issues permits for SAARC associated nations. Some necessary documents are required for the application of permit. It is also possible that you are flying directly to Paro, In that case, a permit can get from Paro International Airport.
Mandatory Documents For Permit
A correctly filled application form
A photocopy of your voter id card and passport.
A travel plan explained in A4 sheet
Present the hotel booking evidence at Thimphu or Paro.
Passport Size Photo
If you are visiting solo you need to give an undertaking letter (In case you are travelling solo)
Keep This thing Into Mind
Give a proper description of your job instead of mentioning private jobs or services only.
Reach here around 8 to 8:30 am to avoid long queues. Also, you will arrive at Thimphu and Paro by evening as it is at 5 to 6 hours distance.
You will get photocopy shops opposite the immigration office.
With this tourist permit, you are allowed to visit Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha. For Bumthang, you need to apply for another permit.
There are no charges for a tourist permit. In case of support from travel agents, you need to bear some service costs.
Hotel Bookings
Once you have planned your travel plan, you can start searching for a hotel as per your requirements. As Bhutan is the land of happiness one can find accommodations in various budgets. Also, you can choose the homestay option to connect with the real culture of Bhutan. Irrespective of your place in Bhutan you will always get the best option in your budget. These are some points which are needed to consider before completing the booking.
In the travel season, you may get a hotel in over 2000rs and in the offseason, it may cost around 1000 to 1500 rs.
The option of low budgeted hotels is also available but they may give you only basic stay experience.
You may encounter insect issues so it is better to check your room in advance. Must go for hotels above 1000 rs if you want to stay comfortably.
Significant Currency Details
Bhutanese currency is also known as Ngultrum which is counted as Ng 1 for every single rupee. The Indian denomination 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 rupees note are accepted throughout Bhutan. Also, keep this thing in mind that 500 and 2000 rs notes are not accepted in Bhutan.
What Are The Things Necessary To Backpack For Bhutan?
Warm Shawl or Jacket-: For all humans, these are the necessary things required at a religious place.
Raincoat and Umbrella-: For monsoon season these two things are a must to avoid any inconvenience. Keep clothes as per season. for example, light clothes are ok in summer and rainy season whereas woolens are needed for winters.
Swimwear-: this is required when you want to go for a traditional hot stone bath or hot springs.
Shoes-: Hiking shoes and normal shoes to hang out comfortably.
First Aid Box-: As Bhutan is filled with curvy roads, the First aid box is mandatory.
What Are The Destinations To Explore In Bhutan?
You can travel down to Thimphu, Paro and Punakha o single permit coupled with Phuentsholing(no need of permit). Here is how you can explore these four places
Phuentsholing
This destination is located at the border of Bhutan perfectly resembling the insight of Bhutan. The culture speaks through the various smiling faces, pure ambiance, well-arranged houses and stores, and calm traffic, etc. As it is covering less space in Bhutan land, its travel points can be explored in one day. The popular travel point includes the Karbandi Monastery for a stunning view of Bengal grasslands. The monastery is well known for completing a wish for childless couples. Apart from this the Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang– a Buddhist holy site located in the middle of town and devoted to Guru Rinpoche is a point to explore. Also, you may visit the crocodile breeding center known as Amo Chhu. Phuentsholing has many shops to complete your thirst for international goods such as purchasing fabrics at cheaper rates. At many food points, one can enjoy Bhutanese, Chinese and Indian cuisines. The bar option can also be availed at Bhutan. Phuentsholing is well connected and a few km from many tourist points such as Thimphu, Paro, Bagdogra, and Siliguri, etc.
Transport Available To Travel In Phuentsholing And Connected Travel Attractions
Buses are available to travel from Phuentsholing to various tourist points. These bus stations are operated by the Road Safety and Transport Authority of Bhutan (RSTA). The size of the buses could be small so you can also hire private and shared cabs as well. In the case of Indian currency, you will find the option of currency exchange at the various hotel as well.
Thimphu
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and is enough to show you how Bhutan exists, its tradition, culture, people and other things. It is situated at a driving distance of 5 to 6 hrs from Phuentsholing. This city offers you a perfect picture of modern life along with maintaining its age-long traditions. You can witness the multiple floor buildings. Some of them are quite tall while others displaying age-long Bhutanese art form in their structure. It consists of a busy market which offers you a great option for shopping. Here is the list of attractions to cover at Thimphu.
Do Not Miss Points In Thimphu
Memorial Chorten-: It cost you around 300Ng if you haven’t made your booking through travel operators.
Buddha Point, Kuenselphodrang
Tashichho Dzong
Simtokha Dzong
Takin Reserve
Handicrafts Shops
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Institute of Traditional Medicine Services
Simply Bhutan Museum
Folk Heritage Museum
National Textile Museum
Jungshi handmade paper factory
Changangkha Lhakhang Monastery
Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar which is opened on Tuesday and Wednesday
Zangto Pelri Lhakhang
National Library of Bhutan
Things To Do In Thimpu
In a Buddhism based nation, you may have thought that bars will not be available there. This is not true, Thimphu is as special in the night as in the day. To experience the joyful nightlife you will find endless options in bars that remain open most of the time. Thimphu nightlife can be seen through Ace Club, Viva City, Mojo Park, and much more. No, where you will get such an authentic dining experience as in Thimphu. Must taste Bhutanese cuisine in the capital city. Ema Datshi is the national cuisine of Bhutan and when taken with rice gives you a mouthwatering experience. Apart from this, you can purchase Thangkas, masks, prayer wheels, Buddha statues, Mandala paintings, and many more things. Never miss the locally fermented alcohol known as Ara and Tashichho Dzong sunset view.
Transport Available To Travel In Thimphu
You can book a cab or use a taxi to cover all the best travel points of Thimphu in a single day. The bus is another option for travelers but it is not more suitable than a cab. You can also explore a travel point in Thimphu through a walking tour. Cab will drop you at the location and with a map, you can discover your path.
Punakha
Punakha is a breathtaking valley-based at the intersection point of popular rivers Mo and Pho of Bhutan. This is based at a distance of 85 km from Thimphu in the east and world-renowned for its Dzong/Fortress. The Dzong of Punakha plays a significant role in its history. Also, it was the capital of Bhutan capital at an age long back. Also, it is housing holy remains and Rangjung Kharsapani. Being famous attractions this destination is drawing lots of visitors while the Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen.
Things To Do In Punakha
Along with exploring Famous Dzong of Punakha, river rafting is what one can experience here. The Pho Chhu in Punakha Valley is curled on a that meanders on a 16 km route. This is covering approx 15 rapids of grade II-IV which is the highly recommended point for Bhutan. The next interesting point for river rafting is Mo Chu extended to 10 km route consists of rapids of grade II and II+.
Transport To Reach Punakha
You can take cabs from Punakha from Thimphu city. Apart from these buses are also available which are operated through RSTA.but timings may not be suitable as per your schedule. To reach Punakha on time it’s better to take a cab in the morning.
Paro
Paro is the well-scattered valley in Bhutan. Landscapes are breathtaking here that can touch any traveler sole who visits here. Nestled at the meeting of Paro and Wang Rivers at Chuzom this is spread up to Mt. Jomolhari. This mountain is at the border of Tibet in the North. This is a paradise where anyone can dream to reside. Paro is comprised of houses, stores and eating points all are well arranged in the broad part of the valley. To complete the tour of Paro these are the major attractions of Paro. They will definitely serve you with the relishable moments.
Main Travel Attractions To Explore In Paro
Rinpung Dzong
Ta Dzong or National Museum of Bhutan
Drukgyel Dzong
Paro Taktsang or Tiger Nest
Kichu Lhakang
Farm House
Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang
Druk Choeding
Ugyen Pelri Palace
Nearby Attractions From Paro
Haa Valley
Chele La Pass
Dzongdrakha Goemba
Things To Do In Paro
Paro always stands on top for honeymooners. This is the destination that doubles the strength of your love bond. Apart from this, Paro also offers great options for adventure seekers such as trekking, mountain biking, rafting, and kayaking, etc. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery trek is a never miss trek in Paro. also, take the majestic view of the snow-covered Jomolhari also known as the bride of Kangchenjunga. Apart from this, you can take the joy of the sunset view of the city from the Paro Museum. Also, adore the view of flights saying bye to Paro International Airport.
How You Can Explore Paro?
Exploring Paro on foot is the best way to relish its beauty. For visiting its attractions cabs are also present. Tiger nest at 11 km from the city, it’s necessary to take a cab up to its bottom. Not less than a wonderland in any way, Bhutan is considered as the land of delight. This is because residents of Bhutan remain happy and thankful for whatever they get from life. Travelers visit here gets this lesson and find changes in their way of seeing life. Must visit this place at least once in your lifetime.
