Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Treks Planner Nepal
Bhutan Travel: What You Should Know Before Visiting Bhutan. Bhutan is a small Buddhist kingdom that has earned the title of “the last Shangri-La” for its abundance of natural beauty, commitment to sustainable growth, and long-standing preservation of its cultural heritage. It is understandable why it is one of the most prestigious tourist spots in the world and worth taking a trip to. But before you travel to Bhutan, there are a few things you must be aware of.
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How Can I Enter Bhutan?
Flying at Paro Airport is one of the most popular ways to enter Bhutan. Additionally, Overlanding trips like Bhutan tours from Nepal are growing in popularity among travelers in general and those leaving from Nepal in particular. The greatest choice, if you’re looking for an exhilarating journey, is to go overland from Nepal to Bhutan via India. You will go from Kathmandu through Kakarbhitta (Nepal’s border with India), Panitanki (India’s border with Nepal), Darjeeling (West Bengal’s major transportation center), and Phuentsholing (Bhutan’s border with India). Following that, you can go to Tibet as well. You must therefore have the necessary documents with you to cross the Indian border.
How to obtain Bhutan Visa?
All visitors to Bhutan require visas, with the exception of those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. If you choose a guided tour, the visa will be handled by your travel company. Just send them a copy of your passport and a photo. Once you have made the required payment, which includes the US $40 visa fee, the Department of Immigration of Bhutan will process your visa later.
Rules for Tourists in Bhutan
Every country in the world has its own cultural traditions. When traveling to another country, you’re supposed to accept the local culture and customs. The Kingdom of Bhutan is a country with unique culture, beliefs, and folk customs. Although Bhutan is still poor and backward, Bhutanese care little about the materials, instead they weigh a lot on the protection of the traditional culture. Although they lack sophistication, they are highly welcoming to visitors.
- When visiting Bhutan, you are not allowed to give the locals food, candies, medicines, or other items unless your tour leader gives you permission.
- The protection of Bhutan’s culture is very important to the country’s leadership. Purchasing cultural artifacts without a government permit is prohibited.
- The top priority for many international tourists is taking pictures. However, visitors to such a devout nation should be aware that taking pictures inside holy temples and landmarks is prohibited.
- The Bhutanese government further specifies that before tickets are offered to foreigners, the airline must request that passengers present government-issued visa application documentation. The government further requires that foreign visitors must join tour groups with a tour guide accompanying them rather than traveling there on their own.
- Additionally, you must obtain permission from Bhutanese people before taking their photo. Or, the local population can feel offended.
Bhutan: Where Should I Go?
Bhutan’s most notable locations are located in and around Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha in the western and central areas. Visit various renowned Buddhist sites, the breathtaking Himalayan trip, and Bhutan’s cultural cities in these well-known cities. For instance, the Paro Valley is home to Tiger Nest, the Thimphu Valley is home to Changangkha Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong is in Punakha, etc. are all well-known tourist attractions in Bhutan. Is Bhutan a Safe Travel Destination? Bhutan is among the safest nations to go to in South Asia, which is not unexpected. There is rarely any crime. The killing of animals, fishing, and hunting are all prohibited, as are the production and selling of tobacco. Due to religious tenets, climbing the top summit is prohibited. During working hours, you may see government officials dressed traditionally.
Conclusion
Many tourists are attracted to Bhutan’s natural beauty and well-preserved cultural history. Therefore, we can assist you with trip planning, organization, and booking if you’re considering a Bhutan vacation. You can get in touch with us and let us know the specifics of your itinerary, spending limit, and desired destinations.