City guides

Bhutan

Bhutan isn’t just a place on the map—it’s the world’s last remaining Buddhist kingdom, a place that measures progress by Gross National Happiness instead of GDP. Travel here feels like stepping into a living myth: ancient dzongs cling to sheer cliffs, prayer flags flutter across pine forests, and the world’s highest unclimbed peak, Gangkhar Puensum, still keeps its summit untouched. The catch? You can’t just show up—Bhutan’s high-value, low-impact tourism policy means every visit is intentional, guided, and far from the crowds.

Capital
Thimphu
Language
Dzongkha (English widely spoken in tourism)
Currency
Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN), pegged to the Indian Rupee (INR accepted)
Best time to visit
Spring (March–May) for rhododendrons and festivals; Autumn (September–November) for clear skies and trekking
Visa
Most nationalities need a visa pre-arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator; the tourist visa fee is part of the mandatory daily tariff

Cities

Thimphu

Compare Thimphu hotels by area, budget, and style. Get practical tips on etiquette, transport, and visas for a smooth stay in Bhutan's capital.

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