BHUTAN: The Land of Thunder Dragon

Khevna.P.Shah, INN/Bangalore

Content Writer

Bhutan is a perfect destination for a week’s vacation. The landlocked country situated in the Himalayas is bordered in the north by China and by India in the South. The breathtaking views, the majestic monarchies, the peaceful environment, and the friendly citizens are what make a trip to Bhutan unforgettable.

1.How to reach Bhutan?

Bhutan has access via air, road, and rail.

By Air: Flying to Bhutan from India is quite easy. There are two direct airlines, namely, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines that operate flights from Delhi, Gaya, Bagdogra, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati to Paro, Bhutan’s only international airport.

By Rail: One of the cheapest ways to reach Bhutan from India is by rail. Hasimara is the nearest railway station to Jaigaon, an Indian town on Indo-Bhutan Border. It is situated at a distance of 17 km from Jaigaon. There are trains to Hasimara from Kolkata (690 km), Delhi (1663 km), Ranchi (749 km), and Kanpur (1197 km). Another station that offers decent connectivity is situated in New Jalpaiguri. The tickets and timetable are available on Indian Railway’s IRCTC Website. Though trains take longer but are quite cost-efficient and are ideal for budget travelers.

By Road: The most common way to enter Bhutan from India by road is from Jaigaon town in West Bengal. It is only 4.3 km from the border town of Bhutan, Phuentsholing. Private cabs are available between the two places. People getting down at Bagdogra (by flight) or at New Jalpaiguri (by train) can also avail of cab services. The airport at Bagdogra has prepaid taxis as well.

2.The currencies.

Ngultrum is the Bhutanese currency, which is equivalent to the value of Indian currency. Though the notes of 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 of the Indian denomination are widely accepted and used in Bhutan, the notes of 500 and 2000 are not valid in the country.

3.The travel permit

The Immigration Office in Phuentsholing issues permits (for SAARC nations). There are few documents that need to get verified before the tourist permit is handed out. Those travelers flying directly to Paro can get their permits from Paro International Airport.

List of Documents required:

• A duly filled form
• Copy of Voter’s ID or Passport
• An Itinerary on an A4 Sheet
• Booked Hotel’s Voucher (It is mandatory to show hotel booking confirmation of at least one hotel in Thimphu/Paro)
• Passport Size Photo
• An Undertaking Letter (In case you are traveling solo)

4.The local cuisines

The trip remains incomplete without trying the local cuisine of Bhutan. The staple food is rice, buckwheat, and maize. ‘Ema Datshi’, Ema means chilli and Datshi means cheese, is made very spicy with chillies and cheese, and it is called the national dish of Bhutan. Similar to that, but made with potatoes and cheese is called ‘Kawa Datshi’, Kawa meaning potato and Dashi is cheese. Dairy foods, particularly butter and cheese from yaks and cows, are popular and are often stores during the winters. Popular beverages include butter tea, black tea and locally brewed ara (rice wine), and beer. Finding vegetarian food and vegan food in Bhutan is very convenient.

5.Places to visit.

Bhutan has wonderful sceneries and especially when you are traveling by road, you will witness a breathtaking view of the mountains, and the climate will top it all.

Thimphu

The country’s capital is one of its kind, a drive of about 5 to 6 hours from Phuentsholing. You will get to witness this modern town with an ancient look. The buildings are built in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style. A few of the site-seeing places are:

• Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
• Trashichhoedzong/Tashichho Dzong
• Simtokha Dzong
• National Library
• Institute for Zorig Chusum
• Traditional Medicine Institute
• The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)
• National Textile Museum

 Apart from sightseeing, Thimphu is a great place to enjoy the nightlife in Bhutan. There are a number of clubs and bars that stay open till late for people. Some of the best places for experiencing nightlife in Thimphu are Club Ace, Vivacity, Mojo Park, and Space 34.

Phunaka

Phunaka is a beautiful valley that is known for its Dzong/Fortress, which is situated on the confluence of two popular rivers of Bhutan, Mo, and Pho. The gorgeous and majestic dzong of Punakha is historically important, it was not only was the center/capital of Bhutan once but is also home to the sacred relic, Rangjung Kharsapani. The place has a lot of visitors (both locals and tourists) during the Punakha Tshechu and Drubchen.

Paro

It is one of the widest valleys in Bhutan, which will make you fall in love with its first glimpse of the picturesque view. Paro is a perfect destination for adventure freaks and the trek to the Taktsang Monastery/Tigers nest Monastery is worth the trip.  The places and activities to enjoy are fewer, but whatever this beautiful town in Bhutan has on offer shall remain etched in your memory forever.

Phuentsholing

The border town of Bhutan, Phuentsholing is indeed the reflection of what the country is all about. Clean locales, sound traffic system, orderly homes and shops, and smiling and humble-looking individuals. The major tourist attraction here is Monastery Karbandi, from where one can witness a breathtaking view of the Bengal plains and that of Phuentsholing town. The Monastery is popular amongst the locals as a place where prayers for fertility/bearing of a child is said to get fulfilled. There is also a Crocodile Breeding Centre, called Amo Chhu that can be an interesting place to visit.

Protocol to follow in order to enter Bhutan

All individuals wishing to travel to Bhutan have to present a negative COVID RT-PCR test certificate not earlier than 72 hours prior to leaving the country of origin, they also have to undergo mandatory institutional quarantine as per the COVID-19 protocols of the Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan.

A trip to Bhutan is a memorable experience, and the locals are very warm and friendly. The local cuisine is definitely the highlight of the trip. And the place has a lot more to offer than what you see. Soo beyond any doubt, Bhutan should be added to your bucket list.