BHUTAN

Happiness is a Place

Bhutan is one of those countries that very few people could pick out on a map, let alone claim they’ve been there. With strict limits on how many people can cross its borders, it’s easy to imagine how magical this small Himalayan nation can be. Come see what makes this country so fascinating while the limits are still low, and there are no crowds.

For photographers able to visit Bhutan, nestled in between India and China, they usually return home thinking they didn’t spend long enough time there. That’s the thing: for all the preparation you can do before you arrive, when you’re actually in the country, there’s much more to it than you can expect. If you’re going to plan anything, plan to be amazed.

Bhutan is not a very large country, and doesn’t have a lot of population. Neither does it have a lot of infrastructure, good roads, airports, good WiFi, or any the other things we come to expect these days.

But those are not reasons to avoid the country. That’s WHY you visit Bhutan. Just come with a sense of adventure, a desire to really experience a country without distractions, and plenty of memory cards.

When I think of Bhutan, it’s the people that stand out the most. Without exception, everyone you’ll meet is genuinely happy to meet you, and wants you to love Bhutan as much as they do.

In Bhutan, you’ll meet a full cross-section of the population, from farmers, to monks, to shopkeepers, teachers, dancers, schoolchildren, artists, and more. And every one of them will make your stay in the country memorable.

There are only a few flights available into Bhutan, and most go through Thailand, Singapore, or India. Contact me for details. Plan to come for at least a week, but since we’d be driving almost everywhere, the longer you’re here, the more you’ll be able to see. Ten to fourteen days would be ideal.

As always, the length of the journey is your call, since it’s your private tour.

BHUTAN HIGHLIGHTS

Bhutan's Natural Wonders

Bhutan's Natural Wonders

• Dochula Pass (10,000 ft)
• Chele la Pass (12,500 ft)
• Terraced rice fields
• Black-necked Cranes sanctuary
• Phobjikha Valley

Bhutan’s Cultural Visuals

Bhutan’s Cultural Visuals

• Punahka Festival
• Thimphu Festival
• Haa Festival
• Thimphu Memorial Chorten
• Buddha Dordenma
• Traditional arts and dress

UNESCO World Heritage sites

UNESCO World Heritage sites

8 tentative sites, including:
• Ruins of Drukgyel Dzong
• 2 wildlife sanctuaries
• 5 important Dzongs
• 2 National Parks
• Tamzhing Monastery

Unique Bhutanese Architecture

Unique Bhutanese Architecture

• Tiger’s Nest temple near Paro
• Punakha Dzong
• Jakar Dzong
• Paro Dzong
• Trongsa Dzong

When to Travel to Bhutan

Bhutan enjoys four seasons, and can truly be visited any time of the year.

•  The spring months of March through May are probably the best times to visit. The skies are clear and the humidity is lower than other times of the year. But with good weather comes the busiest travel period.

•  The summer months are the rainiest, but it’s not significant rain. This is low season, and most locations you’d want to visit are quiet. Rain isn’t frequent, as it occurs every couple of days for a short period.

•  Autumn months are another great time to visit, as temperatures are mild, with little or no rain. It’s also harvest time and festival time.

•  Winter months can bring snow in some parts of the country, particularly in the north at the foot of the Himalayas. The country is quiet, and if you don’t mind cooler days, it’s a great time to explore the country.

Combines Nicely With...

If you’re thinking of combining a visit to Bhutan with a visit to another country, you should consider:

THAILAND

Maybe consider combining your
trip to Bhutan with a trip to Thailand.
Check it out...

Thailand

At Private Photo Tours, the safety and wellbeing of our guests is very important. We do our best to keep up with the latest developments concerning the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, but things are changing pretty rapidly. So we rely on an outside source that collates the latest information in one handy location.

If you would also like more information about travelling to Bhutan during the current COVID-19 pandemic, please visit these websites for up-to-date details:  TravelBans.org or Sherpa

With this site, you can identify your nationality or residency, and it will give the most recent information about travel to each country, and any medical requirements or quarantines needed.