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BHUTAN News …

10 Things You Need to

Know Before You Go to
Bhutan
Jennifer Purdie | March 30, 2019

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PHOTO:Khanthachai C/Shutterstock

Here’s how to navigate your way in

one of the most isolated and
beautiful countries on earth.

Nestled between the populous powerhouses of China

and India, the much quieter Buddhist nation of Bhutan
contains no traSc lights, focuses on the citizens’
happiness levels instead of the Gross National
Product, and forbids smoking in public. You should
consider a visit now before sizable road construction
endeavors bring big city issues like pollution and
potential culture loss to this incredible country.

Here’s how to prepare for an unforgettable trip.

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1 OF 10

Flying into Bhutan

Watch any documentary on Bhutan and you’ll notice
the passengers clinging to their seats as the plane
descends into the country. As one of the most
challenging airports to Yy into in the world, only 12
commercial pilots have a license to land at Paro
Airport—the one international airport of the four in
Bhutan. Pilots must Yy under strict weather
conditions and during daylight hours. In addition,
visitors must board one of only three airlines, Bhutan
Airlines, Buddha Air and Druk Air, to Yy in or out of
Paro, limiting your destination of origin. (Most people
Yy from Bangkok or Singapore.) You’ll also need to
arrive with a visa secured ahead of time.

INSIDER TIP

Ask for a window seat and open the shade. You will
get rewarded with green, hilly views as you approach
Paro.

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2 OF 10

The Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Tiger’s Nest, the top tourist destination in Bhutan, will
provide breathtaking views. Located literally on the
edge of a cliff, Tiger’s Nest requires a bit of physical
prowess to reach. Expect to spend approximately four
hours, depending on your `tness level, for a round-trip
Tiger’s Nest hike. You will experience steep climbs,
stairs, and possibly mud, but a walking stick can help
ease the workout.

INSIDER TIP

Go late in the day to pick up a walking stick left

behind from other hikers.

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3 OF 10

Tourist Fees
You will need to shell out some cash to visit Bhutan.
To limit the number of tourists, Bhutan requires each
visitor to pay $250 per day. You also must travel
through a tour company, as this also helps the
country feel like they hold visitors more responsible
for their behavior. Luckily, tour companies build the
required tariff into their costs—you do not need to
carry that money on hand. To start planning, the
Tourism Council of Bhutan provides a list of
registered tour operators.

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4 OF 10

What to Eat
Spicy food enthusiasts should try the main dish of
Bhutan: chili cheese (known as “ema datshi” in
Bhutanese). The food is exactly like the name: chilies
mixed with a nacho-esque orange cheese. If you have
a tame palate but still want to try the country’s most
beloved dish, ask for tomatoes mixed in to lighten up
the spice level. Other popular dishes include kewa
datshi, similar to scalloped potatoes; shamu datshi, a
cheesy stew; and phaksha paa, sliced stir-fried pork.

INSIDER TIP

Vegetarian? No problem. Plenty of dishes will meet

your dietary restrictions.

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PHOTO:Caroline Pang/Shutterstock

5 OF 10

When to Go
Located in the Himalayas, Bhutan experiences every
type of weather, from snow to monsoons to sunshine.
The rainy and high humidity season lasts from June
to September; for trekkers, you will want to avoid
these months for safety. Fall lasts from October to
November, and with this season brings sun and slight
snow in the mountains. The best time to visit is in the
spring, from March to May, when you will `nd
blossoming Yowers, meditation retreats in
abundance, and the Paro Tschechu—a well-known
festival and largest springtime event in the country.

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6 OF 10

What to Buy
One of the Bhutanese culture’s main staples is its 13
traditional arts and crafts, which include textile
weaving, paintings, and intricate wood carvings.
Tourists interested in shopping for such local wares
will `nd these products abundant throughout
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. For those looking for large
pieces, you can visit artist studios in town.

INSIDER TIP

The National Handicrafts Emporium sells authentic,

handwoven items by Thimphu women.

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PHOTO:Ipek Morel/shutterstock

7 OF 10

What to Wear
You should honor and stay respectful of this religious
country in how you dress. However, you do need to
feel comfortable too. Bring soft-soled shoes for the
worn streets and hiking terrain. The evenings can get
chilly up in the Himalayas, so bring a heavy jacket and
a couple of wool sweaters. Depending on the time of
year, layering your clothes helps as temperatures can
vary widely from day to night.

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PHOTO:Ipek Morel/shutterstock

8 OF 10

Experience Community-Based
Tourism Initiatives
A visit to a foreign country must include at least a
taste of the traditional lifestyle of the citizens. My
Gakidh Village allows visitors to see, feel, and hear
the Bhutanese way of life. A community of 21 rural
villages, Gakidh originated as a project designed to
empower rural youth with sustainable skills in an
effort to stop youth migration. Today, the program has
revived the arts scene, as well as created community-
based eco-tourism of which you can become a part.

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PHOTO:Siriwatthana Chankawee/Shutterstock

9 OF 10

There Are Phallic Symbols

Everywhere
You should plan to see phallic paintings and symbols
everywhere. These include wood carvings of every
size, vibrant paintings on walls of homes and
businesses, and key chains in the hands of locals.
Why? These symbols represent the Buddhist
teachings of Drukpa Kunley, an unorthodox saint who
loved wine and attractive Tibetan women. The phallic
obsession even has international reach: Women with
fertility issues often visit Bhutan to pray and make a
donation, all in hopes that this will encourage their
baby-making abilities.

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PHOTO:theskaman306/Shutterstock

10 OF 10

Staying Connected to Home

Phone and internet coverage remains hit and miss in
this remote country. Visitors should consider buying a
SIM card to make international phone calls. You can
purchase one from any Bhutan Telecom counter. For
internet access, most hotels offer free Wi-Fi, but you
might `nd the connection slow and sporadic. Do not
expect to `nd many Internet cafes, either. You might,
however, `nd Wi-Fi at higher-end coffee shops in the
big cities of Thimphu and Paro.

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