Bhutan Travel Guide

Bhutan is a very interesting country. Especially when we consider the years we live in and the globalized world, Bhutan seems like it has been out of this world for a long time. It is a must-see place for those who love travel and, of course, seeing new places and cultures. For example, there are no traffic lights anywhere in Bhutan. Smoking is prohibited in public areas in the country. It is also forbidden to bring cigarettes into the country, if you smoke and bring cigarettes with you when entering Bhutan, you have to pay taxes for it.

If you make your hotel, flight and car rental reservations for your trips through Bitbook, you can benefit from an average of 20% cashback.

Where Exactly Is Bhutan?

Bhutan, which seems to be stuck between China (actually Tibet) and India in the middle of Asia, has been really influenced by these cultures; but it still does its best to keep its own special culture alive. It is surrounded by India to the west and south, and China to the north. In other words, it is located just south of the Tibetan Plateau.

What Kind of Country Is Bhutan?

Bhutan's capital is Thimphu and is ruled by a monarchy. The official name of the country is Kingdom of Bhutan. The name of the country is Druk Yul (meaning Peaceful Dragon's Land) in the local language. The current king of Bhutan is Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, who is well-educated and well-liked by the people, born in 1980.

Many precautions were taken in order not to spoil the local culture and the country remained away from technology for a long time. Nowadays, we can say that technology is being introduced into the country in a controlled manner and gradually. Television broadcasting started in 1999, the country that started the last television broadcast in the world. There was no road or railway in the country until 1961, transportation is provided on foot or with animals from mountain roads. Therefore, the number of people who came to Bhutan from other countries until 1961 remained very limited.

Although the rate of arable land in the country is 2%, some agricultural products are exported. In addition, the electricity produced in the hydroelectric power plants located on the rivers in the country is sold and contributes to the country's economy, this surplus electricity is sold to India, Nepal and Myanmar.

The surname is not used in Bhutan, the only person using the surname is the king. Citizens of the same name are distinguished by their place of birth, father's name and occupation.

Where to Visit in Bhutan?

Bhutan is generally divided into three regions; Western Bhutan, Central Bhutan and Eastern Bhutan. It takes at least 9-10 days to visit the whole country, which is quite costly.

Generally, the places you will see in Bhutan will be buddhist temples and monasteries. The most impressive of these is Taktsang Monastery, known as Tiger Nest, located in the city of Paro. Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpong Dzong in this city are among the places to be seen.

Punakha

The first place to visit in Punakha city is Punakha Dzong. While you're here, you can also stop by the 600-meter-long Punakha Suspension Bridge.

Thimpu

Thimpu is important as it is the capital of the country. Simtokha Dzong and the Memorial Chorten Stupa can be seen here, as well as the Motithang Takin Wildlife Park, which is also located here. Also, if you have time, the Dochula Pass, which consists of 108 stupas, can be added to the must-see list. The huge Buddha statue, Buddha Dordenma, whose construction has not been completed yet, is among the places to see too.

Trongsa

Located in the city of Trongsa, Tongsa Dzong is one of the most beautiful monasteries in Bhutan and a must-visit. Also on the list of places to see is the Ta Dzong Museum and the Trongsa Museum Tower. Another distinctive architectural structure that can be seen in Trongsa is Chendebji Chorten, a Nepalese-style stupa.

Apart from these, you can see and visit many monasteries and stupas, large and small, that I cannot count. Bhutan also has highly preferred trails for hiking. You can go to some monasteries only by walking or climbing.

Bhutan's official sport is archery. You will definitely see it somewhere, if you have the opportunity to try it, I say don't miss it. There is a high chance that you will come across a possible festival while you are in Bhutan.

There are several ways to save money while traveling during this period. BitBook, a blockchain-based booking platform, offers 20% cashback on all your hotel, flight and car rental reservations. BitBook is the best alternative to spend less while traveling.