Bhutan

Overview

Overview

Bhutan is the best-kept secret in travel industry. Due to its isolation, the country was hardly known to the outside world until the 1960's. It was only after an article written for National Geographic described this asian paradise and as the Land of Thunder Dragon that the nation developed into one of the most desired holiday destinations in the world.

Unlike neighbouring countries which encourage mass tourism, the Royal Government of Bhutan has chosen a more cautious policy on tourism largely to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Less than 5,000 travellers visted Bhutan last year (compare this with half a million tourists who visited Nepal in the same time period). Visitors to Bhutan can experience the benefits of this policy with a rich and unique travel experience. Some travellers spend their time in Bhutan without ever coming across another tourist. There has never been a "visit Bhutan year", but rather, the country awaits to be discovered.

The country being a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.

Glance
Despite being small in size Bhutan is the perfect destination for those that what to get away from normal life to relax and unwind.

Visas
All foreigners (except for citizens of Bangladesh, India, and Maldives) must obtain a visa before visiting Bhutan. If approved, they are given a visa clearance letter, and must present it at the port of entry. The visa is then stamped into their passport.