10 Points To Consider Before Your Trip To Bhutan, The Land Of The Dragon

Posted: July 9, 2018

Planning a trip to Bhutan? Here’s what you need to know, before you head out on your journey to the happiest country in the world!

Ah, the Kingdom of Bhutan! A land known for its rich culture, beautiful weather, breath-taking views and welcoming people. Landlocked between the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and India, Bhutan is located in the Eastern Himalayan mountains. It shares its borders with India’s Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam.

Here is what you must keep in mind before you plan your trip to the happiest country in Asia!

Nature and humans coexist in harmony!

Peace and religion in harmony!

Start discussing about your trip with your travel agent in Bhutan at least 4-5 months in advance.
Ensure all the required identity proof/documents are provided to your Bhutanese travel agent in advance to ensure timely visa application.
If you reach Bhutan via road on a weekend and plan to start your tour on a weekend, then you will need an e-visa, which your agent will process. Ensure all the documents are provided to him in advance. In such a case you will have to avail the service to a tour guide for your entire journey, which we did and it was very helpful. This clause is not mandatory if you apply for the routine paper visa if you start your tour in Bhutan on a weekday.
Carry sufficient Indian currency notes of Rs. 10, 100 and 500. Usually, Rs.2000 notes are not widely accepted. We tried to draw cash from the Bank of Bhutan ATM (main branch), but could not do so. However, we tried to withdraw from another Bank of Bhutan ATM at the mart, and could withdraw Bhutanese Ngultrum. However, a fee of Rs. 200 was charged for this transaction!
Most of the restaurants and shops do not accept credit card or debit card.
If you plan to trek up to Tiger’s nest, ensure that you practice to develop stamina by walking /trekking for at least a month before the trip.
Carry warm clothes – a light sweater and a warm jacket.
Carry socks and sneakers to wear throughout your trip/road trip in Bhutan. These protect you from cold and are comfortable when walking long distances by foot.
Be prepared for long road trips and leisurely paced long walks.
One may rarely get South Indian dishes, so be ready to savor the standard north Indian dishes like, roti, paratha, dal, poori, potato curry and masala chai!

Moreover be prepared to be happy and remain happy, always!

Serene locales and beautiful fortress

First published at author’s blog.

All images belong to the author.

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