Things to Do in Bhutan

About Bhutan

Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country on Earth. The kingdom sits wedged in the Himalayas, where the government tracks Gross National Happiness instead of GDP, and monks in crimson robes outnumber tourists on mountain trails. Worth seeing. This place chose tradition over growth. Dzong fortresses dot the valleys, prayer flags snap in wind that carries juniper incense from temples built before most nations existed. The air is clean—genuinely clean, the kind that makes you notice how polluted everywhere else has become. They call it the Land of the Thunder Dragon. The name fits. Sunrise over Paro or Thimphu hits different when you're watching from 10,000 feet, surrounded by peaks that scrape into low clouds and rhododendron forests older than your country. Monks walk paths worn smooth by centuries of pilgrims doing the same thing. Buddhism here isn't weekend meditation—it runs through daily life like electricity through wires. You can't avoid it, and you shouldn't try. Bhutan operates on its own clock. Development happens slowly, deliberately, with one eye always on what gets lost while gaining something new. The landscape shifts from subtropical jungle to alpine tundra depending on elevation, each zone with its own temples and traditions.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book domestic flights with Drukair 2-3 weeks ahead—Thimphu to Paro costs 3,500-4,500 ngultrum ($42-$54) and saves hours on mountain roads. Hire taxis through licensed tour operators for 2,500-4,000 ngultrum ($30-$48) daily including driver. Avoid hitchhiking as tourist regulations require organized transport.

Money: The ngultrum is pegged to the Indian rupee (1:1), and both currencies are accepted. Exchange at Bank of Bhutan for consistent rates around 83 ngultrum per USD. Budget 1,500-3,000 ngultrum ($18-$36) daily for meals and local activities, excluding the mandatory sustainable development fee.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly in traditional clothing when visiting dzongs (fortresses)—gho for men, kira for women can be rented for 500-800 ngultrum ($6-$9.60) daily. Remove shoes when entering temples and walk clockwise around religious structures. Photography inside temples is usually prohibited.

Food: Try ema datshi (chili cheese stew) and red rice at Ambient Café in Thimphu—traditional meals cost 250-450 ngultrum ($3-$5.40). Sample yak cheese from local markets for 100-200 ngultrum ($1.20-$2.40) per piece. Drink bottled water costing 20-40 ngultrum ($0.24-$0.48) as tap water quality varies.

When to Visit

Bhutan's dramatic altitude variations create distinct seasons perfect for different experiences. Spring (March-May) brings rhododendron blooms and clear mountain views, with temperatures ranging 15-25°C in valleys, though nights remain cool. This peak season sees 20-30% higher accommodation rates. Autumn (September-November) offers crystal-clear skies, comfortable 10-20°C temperatures, and harvest festivals, making it ideal for trekking and photography—expect premium pricing similar to spring. Winter (December-February) transforms Bhutan into a serene wonderland with temperatures dropping to -5°C at higher elevations, but sunny days in valleys reach 15°C. Accommodation costs drop 40-50%, making it budget-friendly despite cold nights. Summer monsoon (June-August) brings heavy rainfall (200-300mm monthly) and misty landscapes, with warm temperatures (20-30°C) but frequent afternoon showers—rates are lowest, dropping 50-60%. Major festivals include Paro Tsechu (March/April), Thimphu Tshechu (September/October), and Punakha Drubchen (February/March). Photography ensoiasts should choose autumn for clarity, while budget travelers benefit from winter's lower crowds and costs. Trekkers should avoid monsoon season but will find spring and autumn ideal for high-altitude adventures.