Travel and Visa Requirements for Bhutanese

• A valid international travel passport
• A completed visa application form
• The applicable visa fee
• Evidence of permission to enter the destination country
• A photocopy of your passport data page
• Financial proof — an original bank statement
• A letter of invitation, where one is required

Exact requirements vary by destination and visa type — always confirm what your destination needs before you apply.

Bhutan is a tiny remote country with Thimphu as its capital and largest city. Because of its diverse climate seasons of Spring, Autumn, Summer and Winter, the months of September to December is the ideal travel time to visit Bhutan. Also, the air is clear and fresh with sunny skies during this period. Bhutan is home to several ethnic groups, with the 4 main ethnic groups being the Ngalop, Sharchop, Lhotshampa and the Bhutanese tribal and aboriginal people. The people of Bhutan majorly practise Buddhism and Hinduism while a smaller section of the population are either Christians or Muslims. The Bhutanese flavourly cuisine is one of the most significant aspect of its heritage and rich culture. Its most popular foods include red rice, spicy chicken dish, puta, (traditional Bhutanese noodles), chillies and cheese. Dzongkha is the official language spoken here but most Bhutanese are also fluent in English.

Paro International Airport is the only Airport operating in Bhutan. Intra-country flights do not exist as getting around Bhutan can only be done by road. The only way to see the cities of Bhutan is by foot or road using taxis and public buses. Bhutan is a remarkably safe travel destination, with petty crimes and theft at an all time low.

There are numerous festivals happening in Bhutan all year round. Festivals in Bhutan are usually a unique showcase of colourful dances in elaborate costumes, attracting the best of the Bhutanese people and a large draw of tourists as well. Festivals in Bhutan are known for their richness, vibrancy and happiness and if you are ever in Bhutan, you should attend, the Thimphu Tshechu Festival which is the biggest and most popular festival of Bhutan, there are displays of dance performances, plays and colorful mask dances. You can go see the Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival for a thrill of naked dancing, mask dancing, and fire dancing by masked dancers and monks. Or even experience the Paro Tshechu Festival, the Haa Summer Festival and the Chorten Kora Festival.

Bhutan will capture your heart with its beautiful landscapes and spectacular mountains. Some of the most fascinating attractions to visit in Bhutan include:

• Folk Heritage Museum, with displays of rural household artifacts,collections of typical household objects and offering a variety of traditional cuisines to visitors.

• Manas National Park, Bhutan’s National Park, which is home to more than 20 endangered species of birds and animals. It is also a biosphere reserve, a natural heritage site, wildlife reserve, project tiger reserve, and project elephant reserve.

• Trongsa Dzong which is the largest and most scenic fortress in Bhutan.

• National Museum Of Bhutan, with exhibitions of about 3000 famous Bhutanese art masterpieces, from the contemporary paintings to ancient statues. Its major attractions are the bronze statues, ancient paintings and galleries.

Accommodation options are readily available in Bhutan, from resorts, cottages, lodges, homestays to hotels. You will definitely be spoiled for choice here.