Isn’t it refreshing to take a break from my daily routine? Yes, it is Bhutan! 

Why did they name this calmest place as The Land of Thunder Dragons? I don’t understand. 

It was more refreshing as I was at a place filled with greenery, endless mountains, valleys, good food, relaxed people, and no honking. I spent ten days in this peaceful country, so there will be many blogs coming up on Bhutan destinations. This, however, will be an overview of Bhutan, giving you some tips to plan your trip to Bhutan and come up with sample itineraries.

Bhutan Travel Visa For Indian

A lot of people fly in and out of Paro. We drove into Bhutan from Siliguri. The drive was through Jaigoan, Phuentsoling, and forth to Paro. Indians can get their permits done at the Phuentsoling gate. You need to have a voter id card or passport for proof. However, I had an Aadhar card, and that worked as well. 

Pan card does not hold well. Note that with this permit, you can only travel up to Paro and Thimpu. If you are driving to remote places, one needs to renew their permit at Thimpu. If your vehicle is from India, that will also require a permit. 

Permit offices usually close by 6 pm, and it is best to get it done in the morning to avoid the rush. The rules for Indians are much more relaxed. If you are a foreigner traveling across Bhutan, then a Bhutanese guide must accompany you throughout the trip.

Bhutan Travel Itinerary

Though it is different for everyone, the usual one includes – Paro one day, Thimphu two days, Punakha one day, and it ends with the trek to Tigers Nest. This works when you have five/ six days in hand. 

We drove further down to central Bhutan, covering Trongsa and Bumthang valley. This needed nine days. In my upcoming blogs, I will tell you why it is a must-do. There is only one road that cuts across Bhutan from west to east.  

If you have good two weeks, you can proceed further to east Bhutan and come out to join Guwahati. However, the driver said the views are not as great as to drive to Bumthang. 

Google maps do not account for the time to ride in mountain terrains. Moreover, the roads are under construction, and you need to make room for roadblocks during the drive. So plan well with someone who has been to Bhutan.

What to Eat In Bhutan

Their national dish, which you can find in every menu and every other site recommends, is the Ema Datshi which translates to chilly cheese. Extremely spicy but yummy with red rice. 

Then various other Datshis like potato, pork, beef, chicken, spinach… Usually had with red rice and sometimes with noodles. To interpret the menu, anything ending with, Datshi means cheese, Pa means fry/dry, and Maaru/Rasa is curry. 

Momos with all kinds of stuffing are a must-try. The butter salted tea, and I was not a fan of it. They add cheese to different buttermilk. They don’t have desserts!! No wonder they are all in good shape!

Bhutanese Spread

Bhutanese Spread- ema datshi, Jasa maaru, kewa pa, red rice, dal

Remember, Bhutanese prepare food after you order, so you place the order, wait for an hour and then get your food. Also, the restaurants close by 9 pm, so dinner planning typically starts by 7.30 pm… 

Druk 11000 seemed to be the favorite beer for everywhere I saw it being had, and next was the red panda beer. The paan (doma pani), the addiction that prevails in Bhutan. 

The areca nut is raw and not dry like the Indian version is had along with beetle leaf and lime. It had a good taste, but the smell and color will linger for a while. Be soft on it, and I came back with the tooth cap in my hand !!

Thukpa is more of a Tibetan delicacy that you can find in some menus, and it is a soupy dish with noodles in it. But I couldn’t find any good-tasting thukpa so I decided to stick to Bhutanese cuisine. Also tried the Bhutanese Chaang made by fermenting rice along with eggs.

Also read – Places to visit in Paro – https://masalabox.co.in/bhutan-travelogue-paro-places-to-visit-and-tiger-nest-monastery/

Souvenirs from Bhutan

Souvenirs are very costly. I walked up and down several shops to find a decent prayer wheel within my budget. Bargaining would reduce around two to four hundred rupees… 

The dresses are handwoven; hence the work is costly. Bhutanese national dress Gho was the cheapest in Jaigaon… 

Kira is more wrap-around and trendy to buy for a woman. Apart from that, intricately woven shawls, belts, bags, sweaters, backpacks are available. The weaving of Bhutanese Rachu (scarf worn by women)

Paintings of various figurines, lucky Buddhist charms, replicas of eight symbols of luck are commonly found. 

Another most common one is the wooden phallus! It is believed to drive away evil and bring luck… Hence from a key chain to big-size painted ones, you can see phallus. 

Their national sport being archery and dart, you can see them also on sales. The cost of the souvenirs steadily increases from Phuentsoling to Thimpu. But there were few artifacts that I saw in Paro but could not find in Thimpu, so if you like them, buy it.

Do’s and Dont’s

• Even if you do not follow Buddhism, respect the religion and follow the guidelines. 

• Bhutan is mainly filled with Dzongs and Monasteries. While visiting the shrines, you cannot wear shorts, collared Tshirts are better, no slippers and no photographs. One guide told me a few of the old temples need you to wear full sleeves. Though the touristy ones did not demand that, for safety, I had a jacket with me throughout.

• The King and Queen are not to be photographed.

• Monastery proceedings are not to be photographed.

• There might be chairs in front of monasteries or in homestays which will have silk robe on it, it is meant for Gurus so please do not sit on it.

• Smoking is illegal.

Bhutanese people are the friendliest. They are very approachable. I stopped so many guides to inquire about the paintings and figurines in all the places, and they were all excited to explain it to me. 

I was amused when I was asked, “are you Tamil?” like I have it written on my face! 

One guy walked up and asked, “Eppadi irukka?” and I was flat. It looks like they come down to India for education and medical treatments. 

It was beautiful to feel at home and to discover such friendly neighbors. It is safe to venture out alone.

Also Read – Must visit places at Thimpu – https://masalabox.co.in/thimphu-the-most-happening-city-of-bhutan/

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