Bhutan Tourism- Explore The Kingdom Of Happiness

KINGDOM OF HAPPINESS 

Bhutan is a Buddhist Kingdom in the Eastern Himalayas. It was mostly hidden from the world until recently when it opened for external world some 25-30 years back. China borders in north and India in the south and can only be approached  from Indian side. 

Though Bhutan is a Kingdom with a King there is a full fledged democratic  constitutional system. Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion with about 20% Hindu population.

Bhutan has 60 percent of its land under forest cover and 51% of the Kingdom is protected land, highest percentage for any country in Asia. It is mostly a mountainous country with Subalpine vegetation on the higher elevations and lush subtropical in southern plains. Bhutan's highest peak is Gangkhar Puensum which stands at 7570 meters or 24840 ft is claimed to be not climbed till date.

Historically speaking during the 17th century Bhutan as a kingdom was spread across large parts of north east India and Nepal. During the British India Bhutan ceded large parts during the Bhutan War November 1864. Bhutan had no regular army, and security forces existed were of dzong guards armed with matchlocks, bows and arrows, swords, knives, and catapults. After British left the subcontinent India and Bhutan recognized each others sovereignty and shares a very cordial mutual relations. 

Bhutan opened to tourists in the year 1974 in effort to earn foreign exchange and promote their very unique culture and traditions to the outside world. Bhutan promotes  "high value, low impact" tourism and charges daily fee of US$ 250 for tourists from countries other than SAARC nations.  All tourists (groups or individual) has to travel on a  guided tour package. Foreigners cannot travel independently in the kingdom and required to be accompanied by a guide. Indians however are free from such restrictions as of now and can travel freely.

Thimpu is the capital of the country with most tourists activity centered here. Paro and Taktshang Monastery(Tiger's Nest) overlooking the Paro Valley is also one of the most visited destination. Bhutan is mainly a nature, cultural and spiritual holiday destination and is in stark contradiction with other popular holiday destinations like India, Thailand, etc. Destinations other than Thimpu and Paro include Punakha, Bumthang, Phobjikha and Haa Valley offers vast expanses of scenic beauty. Trekking and camping is a also a way to absorb the essence of the beautiful  carbon negative countryside.

 Plan A Perfect Itinerary

If you are planning Bhutan tour there are three ways you can approach Bhutan.

The most convenient yet a costly option is to fly into the city of Paro which is the only airport in the Kingdom of Bhutan. There are direct flights from Indian cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati & Bagdogra Airport. These flights are operated by Drukair  and Bhutan Airlines. From Paro you can commence your tour and end it and fly out to onward destination. This is the shortest way to avail a Bhutan Tour Package.

Alternatively you can fly in to Bagdogra Airport which is in West Bengal connected by all Indian Airlines operator from all major cities of India. This is much economic option but you need to enter Bhutan after travelling by road for 170 Kms. and enter through Phuentsholing. Phuentsholing can also be approached by train & road from Rail heads like New Jalpaiguri, Hasimara, New Alipurduar, etc.

Bhutan trips start from 4 Nights 5 days with 2 Nights stays at Thimpu and Paro each. If you are not in a hurry then you can add one more night stay at Punakha town. If you are approaching via Bagdogra and then by road then Phuentsholing is a good option for overnight stay and enjoy a break from long road journey and enjoy some great views of the gradually declining Dooars region.  Phuentsholing is also the entry point where most Indian tourist enter the country hence you need wait for some time to process the permit formalities. Other than Punakha Haa Valley, Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang and Wangdue is also important places in a Bhutan tour package Itinerary. It is entirely upon the tourists interest and available time to plan a Bhutan Tour.

If you are more inclined towards adventure like trekking, camping, rafting, etc. then Bhutan tourism is one of the most safest destination even if you are a solo female traveler. People are most welcoming and tourist friendly. The most popular trek in Bhutan is the Tiger Nest Monastery one both for leisure tourist and pilgrimage. Then there is a 3 days Owl Trek to even 21 days Snowman Trek and many others in between of different duration. For Whitewater Rafting and Suspension Bridge head for Punakha, for Rock Climbing visit The Nose, Thimphu & for Kayaking – Wang Chhu, Puna Tsang Chhu.

Bhutan is a unique destination unlike any other in the world. Nature, Culture and tradition and spirituality is only on offer in this country where development is not measured in terms of Gross National Happiness rather than Gross National Product. Known as Kingdom of Happiness it is also the only carbon negative  country in the world. Use of plastic bags, smoking in public places, use of vehicular horns are either banned by law or avoided by the citizens voluntarily. 

By Air

The best way to Bhutan from India is by air. The only international airport in Bhutan is in Paro and it is called Paro International Airport. It is around 7 kms from the city. Direct flights to Bhutan are available from Kolkata, Bagdogra, Guwahati  and Delhi. Connecting flights from cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai is easily available.   Bhutan’s has two airlines, Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines and operates flights from Paro airport to Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, Dhaka, Kathmandu and Bangkok.

By Road

Bhutan by car is a popular way to reach Bhutan especially for those people who love going on road trips. There are three border points - Jaigaon – Phuentsholing Border, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar. Phuentsholing only have immigration facilities for tourists trying to reach Bhutan by road. It is around 170 kms from Bagdogra in West Bengal. It is easily accessible and you can even halt here before you head on towards Bhutan. 

By Train

Bhutan does not have a train network. From India tourists can reach rail heads like Siliguri(NJP), Hasimara, New Alipurduar, etc. and then avail taxi or bus to reach Bhutan. Hasimara Station is only 17 kms from Phuentsholing.