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Sep 3, 2021 · In a world where culture is increasingly packaged and branded for tourism so often that sometimes only facsimiles of the true Indigenous local culture remain for the traveller to see, Bhutan is unique in that, in ways large and small, Bhutanese people live and breathe the myriad facets of culture that the visitor finds fascinating. For instance ...
- Independent travel is finally possible, but a tour operator is still the way to go. Since reopening in 2022, Bhutan has scrapped its all-inclusive tour-package minimum, and initially raised the Sustainable Daily Fee (SDF) to US$200 before reducing it to US$100, valid now through September 2027.
- Book early for festivals and trekking in the high season. Since reopening, there are no longer incentives for offseason travel, except for occasional hotel deals.
- Travel insurance is mandatory. Per Bhutan’s Tourism Rules and Regulations 2022, you must have travel insurance that covers accidental death, permanent disability due to accidents, emergency medical evacuation and hospital charges in case of sickness.
- Only two airlines fly to Bhutan. Bhutan is served by two national airlines: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Because of the challenging landing conditions at Paro International Airport, surrounded by peaks as high as 5500m (18,000ft), only a select few pilots are authorized to fly there.
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Although the Thimphu Valley has supported small settlements for many centuries and a dzong has existed there since 1216, the city didn't really develop until the king declared Thimphu the new capital in 1961. Vehicles first appeared on the streets a year later, and slowly the city began to adapt to its role as the nation's capital. Currently the to...
By plane
Nearly all visitors arrive via plane from Paro, currently the country's sole International airport, a 45 minute to 1 hour drive from the capital. An International airport is nearly completed in the south central district of Gelephu and there are three domestic airport and two domestic carriers.
By bus
All inter-district buses arrive and depart from the city's bus station, located across the river from the city center. It is a six to seven hour drive (mostly through Chukha (district) from the border town of Phuentsholing. Travelers should be aware that road-widening work will take place on the highway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu until 2011. During this time, there may be significant hold ups and other inconveniences. Work on the Paro to Thimphu section was complete in 2008. Various pr...
The city centre is small enough to negotiate on foot. 1. Taxi: There is a set rate for taxis plying city routes. Maximum is around 60nu. There are taxi ranks on Norzin Lam (across from the cinema hall) and at the inter-district bus station. Taxis also cruise and can be hailed at any point. 2. Bus. The city operates an efficient, albeit infrequent, ...
Although lacking the charm and culture associated with ancient capitals, Thimphu is well endowed with attractions.
The National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Serzhong Lam. Tel:+975 2324-647 - an excellent place to have any chronic ailments diagnosed and treated using herbal compounds. Ensure to keep the pr...The National Library, Pedzoe Lam. Tel:+975 2 322-885 - houses a rare collection of Buddhist texts on the second floor, and there is a small selection of English books on Buddhism (mostly donated fr...Jigme Dorji Wangchuk Public Library, Top end Norzin Lam (left side). This small library has a good selection of English books, but appreciates donations of popular titles, especially those on Buddh...When in Thimphu, make sure you go to the local post office. The local post office has a large collection of stamps which are kept for sale. The special feature of the post office is that you can ge...Bhutan's small population means demand for new and innovative goods is small. Basically, Thimphu has three kinds of stores: clothing, handicraft and hardware. Between these, there is a small assortment of stationery-cum-bookstores and supermarkets. Almost all stores stock the same goods, so if you cannot find the required items in the first couple ...
It is important to note that most restaurants (including those in hotels) in Thimphu stop serving food between 9PM and 9:30PM.
Bhutan is not a place for coffeelovers as most cafes only sell the instant variety. Below is a list of places that sell the real stuff. However, only Ambient and Karma's have professional coffee machines. The others either sell only filter coffee or use an automatic coffee machine. 1. Ambient Cafe, 1F R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam (between the Traffi...
Budget
1. Hotel Ghasel, Norzin Lam (Opposite Clock Tower). Tel:+975 2323-341. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom and hot water facility, cable TV. Restaurant, bar and fast food facilities. 2. R. Penjor Lodge, Norzin Lam (between Traffic Circle and Clock Tower - opp PNB Bank). Tel:+975 2325-578. Centrally located. Clean and pleasant rooms with attached bathroom, cable TV and wifi. Restaurant and coffee shop facilities. 3. Hotel Norling, PO Box 327 Norzin Lam. Tel:+975...
Mid-range
1. Wangchuk Hotel, PO Box 507 Changlam 17, Thimphu. Tel:+975 2 323-532, 325484. E-mail: htlwchuk@druknet.btA pleasant hotel located near the city center and over looking the river and hills beyond. Sauna, massage and steam bath facilities. Standard single - 1,150Nu, standard double - 1,450Nu. 2. Hotel Jumolhari, PO Box 308, Thimphu. Tel:+ 975 2 322-747, 325506. E-mail:hoteljumolhari.com . A modern facility in the city center. Massage and recreational facilities. Standard single - 2,000Nu, sta...
Splurge
1. Taj Tashi, PO BOX 524, Samten Lam. Tel:+975 2236-699. Opened in 2008, a large and centrally located hotel offering full amenities. Nightly rates start from US$275 (off season), US$350 (peak season). 2. Amankora Thimphu, Near Kuenga Chhoeling Palace, Upper Motithang. Tel:975 2331-333. Part of the Aman super luxury hotel chain. A sixteen room lodge offering five star plus facilities. US$1,000+
Getting things done in Thimphu is relatively straight forward. All offices are computerized and the staff are well trained and helpful. However, it is often said that Bhutan has one of the world's highest rates of meetings and workshops per working hours. This cannot be substantiated, but certainly meetings are very much part of the civil service c...
Sep 29, 2023 · Discover the hidden gem of Asia with our comprehensive Bhutan travel guide. From visa requirements to cultural etiquette, we've got you covered.
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Dec 7, 2016 · Bhutanese Himalayas. I embarked on a journey that may have changed me forever, one that taught me about compassion, about acceptance and about the impermanence of it all. Here is everything you need to know about traveling to Bhutan, from planning when to go on a trip, what to see, what to do and where to stay. The complete guide to Bhutan.
Thimphu (ཐིམ་ཕུག།) is the capital of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and with a population of around 115,000 (2017), it is the nation's largest city.
Apr 9, 2021 · Last Updated on November 10, 2022 by Audrey Scott. Have you ever dreamed of traveling to Bhutan or wondered what it’s like to visit this remote kingdom tucked away in the Himalayan mountains?
