Before You Go
- Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
- Check whether a tourist visa is required.
- Keep digital copies of important documents.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Thimphu
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN)
Dzongkha
Mar–May and Sept–Nov
BTT (UTC+6)
Welcome to Bhutan, a remote Himalayan kingdom where towering mountains, ancient monasteries, and a deep commitment to happiness define daily life. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, the Tiger's Nest Monastery is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world, reached only by a scenic mountain hike. Bhutan measures its progress not just in economic terms but through Gross National Happiness, reflecting a culture that prizes wellbeing, tradition, and environmental preservation. The capital, Thimphu, remains refreshingly free of traffic lights and neon signs, preserving a peaceful, traditional atmosphere. Vibrant prayer flags flutter across mountain passes, while colorful festivals showcase centuries-old masked dances and rich Buddhist traditions. Bhutan's strict approach to tourism keeps its landscapes pristine and its culture remarkably well preserved. Dense forests cover over seventy percent of the country, making it one of the most environmentally protected nations on Earth. Bhutan invites travelers to experience a rare, untouched kingdom where nature, spirituality, and tradition remain beautifully intact.
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Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.
Discover some of Bhutan's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.
Green or red chilies are cooked with Bhutanese cheese into the country’s famous spicy national dish.
Potatoes are simmered with cheese, chilies and onions to create a milder variation of Bhutan’s datshi dishes.
Local mushrooms are cooked with cheese, butter and chilies for a rich and earthy comfort dish.
Pork is cooked with dried chilies, radish or leafy greens in a deeply flavored traditional stew.
Minced or chopped chicken is cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and chilies.
Steamed dumplings are filled with meat, cheese or vegetables and served with a spicy chili sauce.
Nutty Bhutanese red rice is grown in the Himalayan valleys and served with curries, vegetables and meat.
Buckwheat dumplings are filled with turnip greens, cheese and spices and traditionally associated with the Haa Valley.
Buckwheat noodles are tossed with vegetables, eggs, meat or cheese and seasoned with local spices.
Bhutan is famous for using Gross National Happiness as a guiding development philosophy, emphasizing well-being, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and good governance alongside economic growth. The Himalayan kingdom remained largely isolated from the outside world for centuries, and television and public internet access were not officially introduced until 1999. Traditional architecture is still carefully protected, so even modern buildings commonly feature carved wooden windows, painted symbols, and decorative forms inspired by monasteries and fortresses.
More than 70% of Bhutan is covered by forest, and the constitution requires that at least 60% remain forested for all time. Because its forests absorb more carbon dioxide than the country emits, Bhutan is often described as carbon-negative. The national animal, the takin, looks like an unusual cross between a goat and a cow and is found in the eastern Himalayas. Local legend claims it was created by a Buddhist saint who joined the bones of a goat and a cow after a feast.
Bhutan’s best-known landmark is Paro Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which clings to a cliff roughly 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley. Archery is the national sport, but traditional matches are also social events filled with singing, dancing, teasing, and elaborate celebrations. Bhutan has no traffic lights, and in the capital, Thimphu, traffic is famously directed by uniformed police officers using graceful hand movements from small roadside booths.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.
Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.
