While I had just one hour before leaving office and later catching the flight to Bangkok, I got an email. It was an invitation to visit Bhutan with Makemytrip. I hardly had anytime to think how would I manage things at work. But it was one of those occasions when I decided to say yes first and think later! I am glad I followed my instincts. I simply loved Bhutan and I have such a bad hangover from the trip. When we landed in Paro, it felt as if I stepped back 50 years in time.
The most memorable part of my trip was the trek to the Tiger’s Nest in Paro but that is going to be a full post in itself. Bhutan is right there on the list of the most beautiful countries I ever visited. Since I came back, I have been plotting on how to go back! Here are some tips for you when (notice I did not say if) you go to Bhutan. The sooner you go the better! Monsoon is also a great time to visit.
Visa Requirements: Indians do not need a visa to enter Bhutan. You can travel on your passport or voter Id card. I used my passport and they simply stamped it. There is no visa fee for Indians. We are really lucky that we have such close ties with Bhutan. Most of the other nationalities have to pay US $250 per person per night to visit Bhutan.
Flights: Only Druk Air, the national carrier, flies into Bhutan. There is only one international airport at Paro. Flights are available from Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai. Another way is to fly up to Bagdogra in Sikkim and then do a road transfer via Phuentsholing, but this would need much more time. You might get a cheaper price if you book the Druk Air tickets via an agent or Makemytrip.
Currency: The local currency is Ngultrum (simply called Nu) but Indian rupees are accepted everywhere. I did not change money ever during my trip. As of now the exchange rate is at par.
Hotels: There are hotels to suit every budget. I stayed at Naksel Resort at Paro and Terma Linca at Thimphu. Both are stunning properties, part of the premium package of Makemytrip.
People: People at Bhutan are amazingly mild. Even at our best behavior we may come across as brash when we interact with them. They are deeply religious. Buddhism is the dominant religion. They love their king. After the coronation of the fifth king there is even a whisky in his honor called K5.
Shopping: As a lot of tourists pay $250 per day, shopping is quite expensive. The people of Bhutan don’t like to bargain, in fact they don’t bargain much. Only alcohol is super cheap at the duty free. I bought a bottle of K5. Officially they say they don’t accept 500 and 1000 rupee notes but the lady at the airport happily took a 1000 rupee note from me.
Weather: I was in Bhutan during the monsoon. I was told that monsoons are not a good time to visit but it was lovely. You also get everything cheaper. It did rain a bit but never so much as to spoil our plans!
Language: Almost everyone speaks Hindi in Bhutan thanks to the cable TV. Apart from the local language Dzongkha they are taught English in school. Between Hindi and English you will do fine!
Overall: Bhutan is an excellent destination for Indians, I would recommend it to everyone. We are lucky that India and Bhutan share very close ties and we don’t have to pay USD 250 per person per night to visit. But NRIs have to fork out that money!
If you are looking for packages Makemytrip has some excellent ones. They know Bhutan well and thanks to them I had a great a time.
Is that a temple behind the man in the first pic? It’s awesome! Love the snaps and descriptions!
Thank you Deepa. That is the most famous monastery in Bhutan popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is a stiff hike up to the monastery.
Lovely pictures and precise info, Mridula!
Just in time for me;)
Thanks a lot!
Enjoy your trip Amit.
Makemytrip paid flights, accommodation expenses?
If yes, then I have to say – WoW 🙂
Meal too Tushar and transport 😀
My dream destination, Bhutan. Especially that one – tiger on the hill – nest, monk, monastery, solitude….
It was a stiff climb to the Tiger’s Nest but it was so beautiful too.
I think this is a good Bhutan hangover! 🙂
Indrani 😀 I want to go again!
I would love to have this hangover. Bhutan is absolutely spectacular.
I am sure you will head there Niranjan. 😀
Thank you so much for the detailed information Mridula. And its so heart-warming to see Bhutan has easy T & Cs (in fact no T & Cs) for Indian travellers. Hope I get to see the Tiger’s Nest monastery sometime soon. 🙂
You will love it Ragini.
I’m dying t go to Bhutan!
Rachel do go you will like it a lot.
Thanks for the post. I visited Bhutan 15 years back and loved the place .
Abhimanyu have you written about it? If not do write and share the link.
Well, that was ages back. I dont know if it will make sense if i write about it now.
If you have any surviving pictures they would make for some great viewing 😀
Oh yeah..i guess i do . Will try to scan them and put ’em up (this was in the pre-digital era)
Bhutan is in my wish list ! lets see when dream comes true .
Mahesh I hope it will be soon for you. You will like it.
Bhutan is definitely up there in my list of destinations to travel….and I mean to do it via sikkim…..take a bus from gangtok into bhutan…..its super easy n super adventurous!!!
your images are heavenly!!!
http://www.myunfinishedlife.com
Thank you Sushmita. I too have to do the bus route once!
Been dreaming about Bhutan – now I want to go there even more than before. 🙂 Gorgeous photos.
It is a gorgeous place Chaitali!
Very crisp post full of information.
Thank you Rachit.
250 dollars per person per night OH MY GOD.. I definitely cant afford visiting this place then ..
I loved the place though , my friend in india had gone and shown me equally beautiful pictures as you have put up .. ALAS I guess this is one place i need not think of visiting even if it is so beautiful
Bikram’s
Bikram 😀 I know that is steep. In this case I was lucky.
Hi Mridula,
Cool write up and good tips. Was heartening to know that one can visit the country in the monsoons.
I just wanted to ask one question. If one is going to Bhutan in the monsoons, is it easy to find accomodatiom once you reach places there, or should one book in advance?
I tried Airbnb but it’s giving me very expensive places. Tried hotel booking sites, which is again throwing up super expensive places. Ideally I’d like a home stay.
Hi Nimish, you can find places after landing not an issue. As my trip was sponsored by Makemytrip I got to stay at expensive places 😀 But there is no dearth of accommodations.