CategoriesTravel Guide By NEPALGOPAL

Festival Dates 2024

SL #

FESTIVAL

PLACE

Date

1

Punakha Drubchen

Punakha Dzong, Punakha

16th -18th March

2

Punakha Tshechu

Punakha Dzong, Punakha

19th -21th March

3

Tharpaling Thongdrol

Tharpaling Lhakhang, Chumi, Bumthang

24th March

4

Gomphukora KoraFom Kora Lhakhang, Trashigang17th – 19 March

5

Talo Tshechu

Talo Gonpa, Punakha17th-19 March

6

Gasa Tshechu

Gasa Dzong, Gasa

17th-19 March

7

Zhemgang Tshechu
Zhemgang Dzong, Zhemgang
17th-19 March

8

Paro Tshechu
Rinpung Dzong, Paro
20th -24th March
(Thongdral on last day)

9

Chhorten Kora
Chorten Kora,
Trashiyangtshe
25th March & 8th April

10

Domkhar Tshechu
Domkhar, Chumni, Bumthang.
18th -20th April

11

Ura Yakchoe
Ura Lhakhang, Bumthang
20th -24th April

12

Nimalung Tshechu
Nimalung Dratshang,
Chumni, Bumthang
14th -16th June

13

Kurjey Tshechu
Kurjey Lhakhang,
Choekhor, Bumthang
16th June

14

Tour of the Dragon
(Mountain Bike
Race)
Bumthang to Thimphu
2nd Sept

15

Thimphu Drubchen
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu
8th Sept

16

Wangdue Tshechu
Tencholing Army Ground,
Wangduephodrang.
11th -13th Sept

17

Tamshing Phala Chhoepa
Tamshing lhakhang,
Bumthang
13th -15th Sept

18

Thimphu Tshechu
Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu
12th -14th Sept

19

Gangtey Tshechu
Gangtey Gonpa,
Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang.
16th -18th Sept
(Thongdral on last day)

20

Thangbi Mani
Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor,
Bumthang
17th -19th Sept

21

Jhomolhari Mountain
Festival
Dangochong, Thimphu
14th -15th Oct

22

Chhukha Tshechu
Chhukha Dzong, Chhukha
10th -12th Oct

23

Jakar Tshechu
Jakar Dzong, Choekhor,
Bumthang.
10th -12th Oct

24

Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Jambay Lhakhang,
Choekhor, Bumthang
17th -21st Oct

25

Prakhar Duchhoed
Prakar Khakhang, Chumig,
Bumthang
18th -20th Oct

26

Dechenphu Tshechu
Dechenphu Lhakhang,
Thimphu
3rd Nov

27

Black Necked Crane Festival
Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha,
Wangduephodrang.
11th Nov

28

Mongar Tshechu
Mongar Dzong, Mongar
9th -11th Nov

29

Trashigang Tshechu
Trashigang Dzong,
Trashigang.
9th -11th Nov

30

Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham
Jambay Lhakhang,
Choekhor, Bumthang
15th Nov

31

Pemagatshel Tshechu
Pemagatshel Dzong,
Pemagatshel.
9th -11th Nov
(Thongdral on last day)

32

Nalakhar Tshechu
Ngaa Lhakhang, Choekhor,
Bumthang
15th -17th Nov

33

Druk Wangyel Tshechu
Douchula,
Thimphu
13th Dec

34

Trongsa Tshechu
Trongsa Dzong,
Trongsa
8th -10th Dec
(Thongdral on last day)

35

Lhuentse Tshechu
Lhuentse Dzong,
Lhuentse
8th -10th Dec
(Thongdral on last day)

36

Nabji Lhakhang Drup
Nabji Lhakhang, Nabji,
Trongsa
15th-16th Dec

37

Samdrupjongkhar Tshechu
Samdrjupjongkhar
13th -15th Dec

NOTE:

Religious festival dates are tentative so please confirm with us prior to confirming your holiday plan.

CategoriesPolicies Travel Guide By NEPALGOPAL

Visa Entry Permit

With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa. 

Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).

All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan.  Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa.  The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account.  Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.

At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Online Regional Permit System

In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.

CategoriesTravel Guide By NEPALGOPAL

Get into Bhutan

Best Visit Time

Trip to Bhutan can be planned throughout the year but best months are Mar, April, May, September, October, November. Also there are several festivals taking place during these months, offering an added attraction. Winter in Bhutan is from mid November to mid March and at this time of the year, climate is dry and sunny for the most parts with perfect blue sky, temperatures peaking at around 15c in the daytime and falling below zero at night. The monsoon usually arrives in mid-June, with light rain falling mainly in the afternoons and evenings.

Travel to Bhutan

By Air

The common arriving and departing by air is Paro. The national airline, Druk Air operates international flights to Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi, Rangoon, Bodhgaya in Bihar and Calcutta.Druk Air operates two 72-seats BAe 146-100 four engine jet aircraft.Druk Air used to operate 2 Downier.These planes are now obsolete and the airline has upgraded its fleet with two Boeing.

Druk Air announces schedule changes at least a week in advance in Kuensel, the National Newspaper.Flights are often delayed because of weather and Druk Air recommends that you travel on non-restricted tickets and allow at least 24-hours transit time with your connecting flight in order to minimize the complications of delays.

All landings and take offs are by visual flight rule ( VFR ), which means the pilot must be able to see the runway before landing, and the surrounding hills before takeoff. For the same reason no flight can be operated at night or in poor visibility.

Druk Air on its way to Paro flies over 8 of 10 tallest peaks of the world.These mountains are, Mt. Everest ( 8848 m ) in Nepal/Tibet; Kanchenjunga ( 8586m ) in Nepal/Tibet; Lhotse ( 8511m ) in Nepal; Makalu ( 8463m ) in Nepal; Cho Oyu ( 8201m ) in Nepal/Tibet; Dhaulagiri (8167m ) in Nepal; Manaslu ( 8167m ) in Nepal and Annapurna ( 8091m ) in Nepal.

Further, Bhutan has another private air by the brand name Bhutan Airlines. This very flight/carrier is operated by Tashi Group of Companies.

By Road

Other entry to Bhutan is by land from Kolkata ( Inida ) and Kathmandu ( Nepal ) via Phuentsholing, the commercial center in south sharing border with Indian State of Bengal.

CategoriesTravel Guide By NEPALGOPAL

Travel Tips

Health and Insurance:

Currently there are no vaccination requirements but it would be advisable to ensure that visitors coming from an area infected with yellow fever or cholera are required to get required vaccination, ten days before arrival in Bhutan

Insurance
We recommend that all travelers obtain a short-term traveler’s insurance policy, which covers everything from life and emergency medical care to lost baggage.

Direction to Bhutan:  (arrow to Bhutan)

All visitors to Bhutan require a visa to enter the country (put Druk air filght schedule). Visa clearance must be obtained before coming to Bhutan and travel must be booked through a Bhutanese tour operator or international partner.  Indians, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals will receive a visa on arrival and it is not necessary for them to book travel through a tour operator, however it is recommended.  In the case of Indian nationals a passport or voters card are acceptable on entry.

Please note visa fee is US $40 per person.

Money
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee(INR) which is accepted as legal tender in the country.
Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.

ATMs are located throughout the main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. For concerned travelers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.

In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.

Bhutan Road Distances

FromToApprox. Distance (Km)Approx. Driving Time
ParoThimphu

 

 

65 kms01 hour
ParoHaa65 kms1.5 – 02 hours
ThmphuHaa115 kms03 – 04 hours
ThimphuPhuentsholing176 kms07 – 08 hours
ThimphuWangduephodrang70 kms03 hours
ThimphuPunakha77 kms03 hours
ThimphuPhobjhika (Gangtey)135 kms5.5 – 06 hours
PunakhaWangduephodrang13 kms45 minutes
PunakhaGangtey (Phobjikha)78 kms03 hours
PunakhaBumthang212 kms08 hours
BumthangGangtey (Phobjikha)188 kms05 – 06 hours
Gangtey (Phobjikha)Trongsa120 kms4.1/2 – 05 hours
GangteyWangduephodrang65 kms2.5 – 03 hours
TrongsaWangduephodrang129 kms4.5 – 05 hours
TrongsaPunakha142 kms06 hours
TrongsaBumthang68 kms02 hours
BumthangMongar198 kms07 – 08 hours
MongarLhuentse76 kms03 hours
MongarTrashigang91 kms03 – 04 hours
TrashigangChorten Kora52 kms02 hours
TrashigangSamdrup Jongkhar180 kms07 hours
TrashigangTrashiyangtshe55 kms02 hours
Samdrup JongkharGuwahati (Assam, India)110 kms03 hours
Samdrup JongkharPhuentsholing400 kms10 hours
PhuentsholingBagdogra (West Benal, India)165 kms4.1/2 hours
PhuentsholingSiliguri (West Bengal, India)155 kms04 hours
PhuentsholingDarjeeling (West Bengal, India)200 kms06 hours
PhuentsholingKalimpong (West Bangal, India)185 kms05 hours
PhuentsholingGangtok (Sikkim, India)220 kms07 hours
PhuentsholingDooars (Chalsa) (West Bengal, India)110 kms2.1/2 hours
CategoriesAbout Bhutan Travel Guide By NEPALGOPAL

Why Visit Bhutan?

Bhutan is the last independent Mahayana Buddhist country. Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan in the 8th century by Guru Padma Sambhava and is home to many sages and saints and sacred places. However, it was Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who unified Bhutan in 17th century into one state one rule. He established the government system in 1652 and developed an administrative system, a code of law, but, the theocracy ended with Ugyen Wangchuk as the first king of Bhutan by popular consensus in 1907. Bhutan has been fortunate to have benevolent monarchs and on 31st December 2007, the country made a historic move towards democracy, initiated by His Majesty, the Fourth King. Although the majority of the population are Buddhists, we also have Hinduism in the southern Bhutan. Every aspect of life in Bhutan is influenced by Buddhist beliefs, culture and traditions.

Bhutan has adopted a policy of “high value-low volume” tourism that controls the number of tourists and types of tourism based on the principle of sustainability that tourism should be environmentally and ecologically friendly as well as socially and culturally acceptable and economically viable. Since its initiation in 1974, the government has maintained the number of tourists at a manageable level.

Bhutan is famous for its pristine environment and efforts at culture preservation as well as for its concept on GNH. Bhutan believes in Gross National Happiness (GNH) more than Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The philosophy of GNH was conceived by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck in the 1970s. Happiness and well-being has always been the concern of the Fourth king of Bhutan and that the purpose of development is happiness. GNH stresses that the government must depend on how well its policies and actions support this goal. It is founded on the belief that the realization of happiness lies in balancing between pursuing material and spiritual needs. GNH offers a holistic approach that the mind receives equal attention as well as gives equal importance to non-economic aspects of wellbeing and does not discard GDP completely.

The concept of GNH is often explained by its four pillars of good governance, sustainable socio-economic development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. The four pillars have been further classified into nine domains in order to create widespread understanding of GNH and to reflect the holistic range of GNH values. The nine domains are: psychological wellbeing, health, education, time use, cultural diversity and resilience, good governance, community vitality, ecological diversity and resilience, and living standards. The domains represents each of the components of wellbeing of the Bhutanese people, and the term ‘wellbeing’ here refers to fulfilling conditions of a ‘good life’ as per the values and principles laid down by the concept of Gross National Happiness (www.grossnationalhappiness.com)

CategoriesAbout Bhutan Policies Travel Guide By NEPALGOPAL

Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan

Bhutan is a global leader in sustainable tourism, offering visitors a unique chance to experience its unspoiled nature, rich culture, and spiritual heritage. With its “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy, Bhutan emphasizes quality over quantity, ensuring that tourism supports environmental conservation, preserves culture, and benefits local communities. Bhutan Tour Info is dedicated to providing you with eco-friendly, responsible, and enriching travel experiences.

1. Bhutan’s Commitment to Sustainability

Bhutan’s sustainable tourism policy aligns with its Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy. This holistic development approach considers environmental preservation, cultural heritage, and the well-being of citizens above pure economic growth.

Low Impact Tourism: Bhutan restricts the number of tourists by charging a daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), ensuring a low environmental footprint.

Nature Conservation: Over 70% of Bhutan is covered by forests, and the country remains carbon-negative, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it produces.

Cultural Preservation: Bhutan promotes its rich traditions by encouraging tourists to engage in cultural practices while maintaining respect for local customs and beliefs.

2. Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

As a responsible traveler, you can contribute to Bhutan’s sustainability efforts by following these eco-friendly travel practices:

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Opt for hotels and lodges certified for their environmental sustainability.

Pack Responsibly: Avoid bringing single-use plastics and carry reusable water bottles, bags, and containers.

Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, avoid disturbing natural habitats, and stay on marked trails.

Support Local: Purchase locally-made products, eat at local restaurants, and hire local guides to boost the economy.

3. Top Eco-Friendly Destinations in Bhutan

Bhutan is home to some of the most pristine landscapes and culturally significant sites. Here are a few eco-friendly destinations worth exploring:

Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): One of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks, perched on a cliff, accessible only by foot, making it a minimal-impact site.

Phobjikha Valley: This glacial valley is a sanctuary for the endangered black-necked cranes and a perfect place for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts.

Jigme Dorji National Park: A UNESCO-designated national park known for its biodiversity and unique trekking routes that allow close interaction with nature.

4. Sustainable Tour Packages

At Bhutan Tour Info, we offer sustainable tour packages designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing cultural exchange and local support.

Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in Bhutanese festivals, traditional arts, and rituals with respect for local customs.

Adventure Tours: Hike Bhutan’s pristine trails, explore hidden valleys, and enjoy eco-friendly camping experiences.

Wildlife Tours: Visit conservation areas to witness Bhutan’s rich biodiversity and learn about ongoing wildlife protection efforts.

5. Travel Responsibly: Bhutan’s Tourism Policies

Bhutan’s strict tourism policies encourage responsible tourism and ensure the protection of its environment and heritage.

Daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): Bhutan charges a daily fee that supports environmental conservation and community development projects. This fee also ensures a controlled number of tourists.

Minimum Daily Package: Bhutan requires tourists to book through licensed tour operators, ensuring a seamless and responsible travel experience.

6. Why Choose Bhutan Tour Info for Sustainable Travel

At Bhutan Tour Info, we are passionate about promoting sustainable tourism in Bhutan. We collaborate with local communities, support conservation projects, and offer eco-friendly tour packages that align with Bhutan’s high standards for responsible tourism.

Eco-Certified Tours: All our tours are designed to leave a minimal environmental footprint.

Local Expertise: Our guides are locals who offer deep insights into Bhutan’s culture and traditions.

Commitment to Sustainability: A portion of your travel fees supports community development and conservation efforts in Bhutan.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sustainable Tourism in Bhutan

What is the daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?

The SDF is a fee that contributes to Bhutan’s conservation efforts, education, and health services. It ensures that tourism remains sustainable and low-impact.

How can I make my trip to Bhutan more sustainable?

Choose eco-friendly accommodations, support local businesses, avoid single-use plastics, and respect Bhutanese customs and nature.

Are there eco-friendly activities available in Bhutan?

Yes, activities such as trekking, wildlife tours, cultural exchanges, and visiting conservation areas are perfect for eco-conscious travelers.