Hike to Tiger's Nest
Climb through pine forest and prayer flags to the cliffside monastery. The walk up takes about two to three hours.
Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom between India and China, known for its forested valleys, snow-capped peaks and great white fortress-monasteries called dzongs. Called Druk Yul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, by its people, it measures progress by Gross National Happiness and protects its forests, culture and traditions with great care.
From the cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro and the capital, Thimphu, to the riverside Punakha Dzong, the 108 chortens of Dochula and the crane valley of Phobjikha, Bhutan offers peaceful landscapes, living Buddhist culture and colourful festivals. For Indian travellers it is also one of the easiest trips abroad, with no visa needed and a short flight or a drive in from the border.
See snow peaks from high passes such as Dochula and Chele La, and drive through forested valleys, rice terraces and quiet farming villages.
Visit centuries-old dzongs, temples and monasteries where monks still study, pray and celebrate as they have for generations.
Watch masked dances at tshechu festivals in Paro, Thimphu and Bumthang, when whole communities gather in their finest traditional dress.
Indian citizens do not need a visa, the ngultrum is pegged to the rupee, and Paro is a short flight from Delhi or Kolkata.
Unhurried days, clean mountain air, traditional hot stone baths and few crowds make Bhutan ideal for a calm, restorative holiday.
The green Paro valley is where most journeys to Bhutan begin. Explore the towering Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum in the old Ta Dzong watchtower and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, then hike up to the famous Tiger's Nest.
*The Paro Tshechu, held at Rinpung Dzong each spring, is one of Bhutan's most popular festivals.
Bhutan's capital blends tradition with modern life. Visit the grand Tashichho Dzong, join locals circling the National Memorial Chorten, look out over the valley from Buddha Dordenma and browse handicraft shops and the farmers' market.
A wide glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, Phobjikha is home to the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery and, in winter, to rare black-necked cranes that fly in from the Tibetan plateau.
*Black-necked cranes usually winter in Phobjikha from late October to February, and their arrival is celebrated with a festival at Gangtey each November.
Climb through pine forest and prayer flags to the cliffside monastery. The walk up takes about two to three hours.
Paddle the Mo Chhu on a guided rafting trip, with views of the valley and Punakha Dzong along the way.
Walk across one of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, swaying high above the Pho Chhu river.
Stroll through rice fields to this 15th-century hilltop temple linked to Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman.
Meet the takin, Bhutan's unusual national animal, at the Motithang preserve on the hills above Thimphu.
Drive up from Paro to one of Bhutan's highest roads, lined with prayer flags and, on clear days, views of Mount Jomolhari.
Browse stalls of chillies, red rice, cheese, fruit and fresh produce at the Centenary Farmers' Market by the Wang Chhu.
*Bhutan offers a peaceful mix of mountain hikes, ancient monasteries and living culture — perfect for families, couples and groups alike.
Experience Bhutan's living Buddhist traditions by watching masked dances at a tshechu festival, spinning prayer wheels at a chorten, cheering at an archery match, visiting weaving centres and farmhouses, and seeing locals in the traditional gho and kira.
Bhutan can be visited all year. Spring (March to May) brings rhododendron blooms, clear days and the Paro Tshechu. Summer (June to August) is the monsoon, when the valleys turn green but mountain views are often hidden by cloud. Autumn (September to November) offers crisp skies, Himalayan views and the Thimphu Tshechu. Winter (December to February) is cold but sunny, with fewer visitors and black-necked cranes in Phobjikha.
Bhutan's climate changes with altitude. Paro and Thimphu, at around 2,200 to 2,300 metres, have mild summers with daytime temperatures of about 20°C to 25°C, and cold winters when nights often drop below freezing. Lower valleys such as Punakha stay warmer and pleasant even in winter.
Peak Season: March to May and September to November, when clear skies, festivals and flowering valleys draw the most visitors.
Off-Peak Season: June to August and December to February, when there are fewer visitors and quieter monasteries, trails and roads.
Bhutanese food is simple, hearty and full of chillies, which are cooked as a vegetable rather than used as a spice. Try ema datshi, the national dish of chillies and cheese, with nutty red rice, steaming momos, kewa datshi made with potatoes and cheese, and suja, Bhutan's salty butter tea. Vegetarian and Indian meals are easy to find in most hotels.
Most visitors fly into Paro, Bhutan's main international airport, on a famously scenic approach between the mountains; Drukair also links Kolkata with Gelephu in southern Bhutan. Travellers from India can also enter by road at Phuentsholing, across the border from Jaigaon in West Bengal, about four to five hours by road from Bagdogra Airport.
Drukair and Bhutan Airlines fly to Paro from Delhi and Kolkata, and Drukair also flies from Bagdogra and Guwahati. Seats are limited, so book early for spring and autumn.
Indian citizens need no visa. An entry permit is issued on arrival or online on showing a passport valid for six months or an original voter ID card. A daily Sustainable Development Fee applies, and travel beyond Thimphu and Paro needs a route permit. Check current requirements; we assist with permits.
Bhutan has no railways, so towns are linked by winding mountain roads. Most travellers explore by private car with a driver; Paro to Thimphu takes about an hour and a half, and Thimphu to Punakha about three hours over Dochula.
No. Indian citizens need an entry permit instead, issued on showing a passport valid for at least six months or an original voter ID card, and pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee. Rules can change, so check current requirements before you travel.
March to May and September to November are best, with clear skies, pleasant temperatures and popular festivals such as the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus.
Fly to Paro from Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra or Guwahati, or travel by road to Phuentsholing on the West Bengal border and continue by car to Thimphu.
Five to six days covers Paro, Thimphu, Dochula and Punakha. Add two or three days for the Phobjikha Valley or Haa.
It is a moderate uphill walk on a well-used trail. Most people take about two to three hours to climb and a little less to come down, so go at your own pace and carry water.
Yes. The Bhutanese ngultrum is pegged at par with the Indian rupee, and rupees are widely accepted. Carry enough cash, as card payments can be limited outside the main towns.
Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, remove hats inside, and take off your shoes where asked. Photography is not allowed inside most temple shrines.
Pack warm layers, a jacket, comfortable walking shoes for hikes, sunglasses and sunscreen. Carry a rain jacket in summer and thermals for winter evenings.
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