Bhutan | Asia

Bhutan is a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west. Its geography is defined by steep mountains and deep valleys, and its economy is driven by hydropower and high-value tourism, with Thimphu serving as the capital city.

History & Culture

Bhutan was never colonized and has no specific independence day. It was unified in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and the hereditary monarchy was established on December 17, 1907. 75% of the population practices Vajrayana Buddhism, while 22% are Hindu. National Day (December 17) is the primary holiday. Social etiquette is governed by Driglam Namzha, which mandates the wearing of national dress (Gho for men, Kira for women) in official buildings and schools, and strict protocols for physical conduct and speech.

Language & Communication

The official language is Dzongkha. English proficiency is Medium to High, as it is the medium of instruction in schools and the primary language for government business. Major regional dialects include Sharchopkha (East) and Lhotshampkha (South).

Population & Economy

The population is approximately 792,000, with 58% residing in rural areas. Top export commodities are hydroelectricity, ferrosilicon, and calcium carbide. GDP per capita is approximately $3,800 USD. The economy is primarily driven by state-controlled hydropower sales to India and a regulated tourism sector.

Visa & Entry Policy

All tourists, except those from India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, require a visa and must pay a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of $100 USD per person per night. Visas are processed through an E-Visa system upon payment of a $40 USD fee. Travelers must be accompanied by a licensed guide for visits outside Paro and Thimphu.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), which is pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR) at a 1:1 ratio. Cash is the dominant medium of exchange outside urban centers. In Thimphu and Paro, card payments and mobile apps (mBoB) are widely used. ATMs exist in major towns but often fail to accept international cards; Indian Rupee notes (except the 500 and 2000 denominations) are widely accepted.

National Transport Grid

Movement between districts is restricted to the road network, primarily via the East-West Lateral Road. There are no railways. Domestic flights connect Paro International Airport to small airports in Yonphula, Bathpalathang, and Gelephu. Long-distance public buses operate between major towns, but private 4WD vehicles are the standard for mountainous terrain.

Digital Infrastructure

The primary mobile network providers are Bhutan Telecom (B-Mobile) and TashiCell. 4G coverage is available in all 205 gewogs (village blocks). 5G rollout is focused on urban hubs including Thimphu, Paro, and Phuentsholing. Signal reliability remains low in high-altitude trekking zones.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate varies by altitude: subtropical in the southern plains and alpine in the north. The monsoon (wet) season occurs from June to August. The dry season runs from October to May. Peak trekking months are March-May (Spring) and September-November (Autumn).

Health & Safety

There are no mandatory vaccines for entry. Altitude sickness is a significant risk for those traveling above 2,500 meters. Stray dog bites and rabies are persistent concerns in urban areas. The emergency number for Ambulance is 112, Police is 113, and Fire is 110.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Western Bhutan: Hub: Paro.

Central Bhutan: Hub: Jakar (Bumthang).

Northern Frontier: Hub: Laya.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: 35 BTN ($0.42 USD)

1 Domestic Beer (0.5L): 200 BTN ($2.40 USD)

1 Sim Card (10GB Data Plan): 500 BTN ($6.00 USD)

Facts & Legends

Bhutan maintains the Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary, a 750-square-kilometer protected area in the east specifically dedicated to preserving the habitat of the Migoi, the local name for the Yeti. Unlike neighboring regions, the belief in the creature is integrated into official conservation frameworks, though no scientific evidence of its existence has been verified.