Bhutan travel guide
Bhutan is a small Himalayan kingdom that rewards slow travel. Cliffside monasteries, whitewashed dzongs above river valleys, prayer flags on high passes and terraced rice fields give the country a calm, distinctive character. Walking to Paro's Tiger's Nest, watching a mask dance at a tsechu and hiking through rhododendron forest are among the signature experiences. The western valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha make the classic first route, with the Phobjikha Valley near Gangtey adding wildlife and open scenery. Further east, Trongsa and the Bumthang valleys around Jakar hold some of the country's oldest temples, and quieter places such as Haa reward those with more time. Southern towns like Phuentsholing and Gelephu are mainly gateways from India. Spring and autumn are the usual seasons for clear mountain views and comfortable walking, while winter suits the cranes at Phobjikha and lower valleys such as Punakha. Bhutan suits culture lovers, hikers and photographers who prefer depth to speed. Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary city by city.
Capital: Thimphu.
Before you go to Bhutan
- Currency
- BTN Nu.
- Emergency number
- 112 / 113
- Plug type
- Type D, F, G, C
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard
- ATM fees
- Varies; ATMs limited to main towns
Cities in Bhutan
- Thimphu Bhutan's capital and largest city, set in a Himalayan valley along the Wang Chhu river. Known for the Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Dordenma,…
- Paro Home to Bhutan's only international airport and the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. A broad, scenic valley dotted with rice…
- Punakha Former winter capital of Bhutan, famous for the majestic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, and the…
- Gangtey Gateway to the glacial Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes and site of the 17th-century Gangtey Goenpa…
- Jakar The main town of Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Surrounded by some of the country's oldest and holiest temples and known for…
- Phuentsholing Bhutan's main southern border town with India (adjoining Jaigaon, West Bengal). The principal overland gateway and commercial hub for trade.
- Haa A quiet, less-visited valley near the Tibetan border, opened to tourism relatively recently. Known for the Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo temples…
- Trongsa Central Bhutan town dominated by Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in the country and ancestral seat of the royal family, perched…
- Gelephu A southern border town and site of the planned Gelephu Mindfulness City special administrative region. A growing gateway with a domestic…
- Wangdue Phodrang A district town in west-central Bhutan on the road east, known for its restored dzong above the river confluence and as a gateway to…
Frequently asked questions about Bhutan
- What currency is used in Bhutan?
- The currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum. Nu.1 is about ₹1.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Bhutan?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard. Typical ATM fees: Varies; ATMs limited to main towns. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Bhutan?
- Tipping in Bhutan: not expected. Not expected but appreciated; guides and drivers are commonly tipped.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Bhutan?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Bhutan use?
- Bhutan uses Type D, F, G, C plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Bhutan?
- Emergency: 112. Police: 113. Ambulance: 112.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Bhutan?
- SIM and eSIM available in Bhutan.
- What is the capital of Bhutan?
- The capital of Bhutan is Thimphu. Time there: IST + 30 min.