Bhutan's culture is one of the most well-preserved in the world, largely due to its historical isolation and the country's unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Bhutanese culture is deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is evident in every aspect of daily life.

Key elements of Bhutanese culture include:

• Gross National Happiness (GNH): Bhutan's development philosophy that prioritizes happiness and well-being over material growth. This concept guides governance and national policy.
• Buddhism: The state religion, Vajrayana Buddhism, influences everything from architecture to daily rituals. Monasteries (dzongs) serve as religious, administrative, and social centers.
• Traditional dress: Bhutanese people wear traditional clothing - the gho for men (a knee-length robe tied with a belt) and the kira for women (an ankle-length dress). These are mandatory in government buildings, schools, and formal settings.
• Arts and crafts: The country has a rich tradition of arts known as the Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts), including painting, woodcarving, embroidery, and statue-making.

Bhutanese festivals (tshechus) are colorful celebrations held throughout the year at monasteries and dzongs across the country. These feature masked dances, religious ceremonies, and social gatherings, providing insight into Bhutan's spiritual heritage. The most famous is the Paro Tshechu, held annually in spring.

Bhutanese cuisine reflects the country's geography and climate:

• Ema Datshi: The national dish consisting of chili peppers and cheese, often served with red rice
• Momos: Dumplings filled with meat or vegetables
• Phaksha Paa: Pork cooked with spicy red chilies and mountain vegetables
• Suja: Butter tea, a traditional drink made with tea, butter, and salt
• Ara: A traditional alcoholic beverage distilled from rice, maize, or wheat

Bhutan places a strong emphasis on environmental conservation, with a constitutional mandate to maintain at least 60% of its land under forest cover (currently at over 70%). The country is carbon-negative, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it produces, making it a global leader in sustainability.

Bhutan follows a "High Value, Low Impact" tourism policy to preserve its pristine environment and unique culture. All tourists (except Indian nationals) must pay a Sustainable Development Fee and travel with a licensed tour operator. This approach ensures quality experiences while limiting the negative impacts of mass tourism.

Here are some of Bhutan's most spectacular attractions:

Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): This iconic monastery clings to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The 2-3 hour hike to reach it is challenging but rewarding, offering spectacular views and a profound spiritual experience.

Punakha Dzong: Considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, this 17th-century fortress is situated at the confluence of two rivers. Its white walls, red roofs, and intricate woodwork exemplify traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Dochula Pass: Located at an altitude of 3,100 meters, this mountain pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range on clear days. It's home to 108 memorial chortens (stupas) built to honor Bhutanese soldiers.

Phobjikha Valley: A beautiful glacial valley and the winter home to endangered black-necked cranes. This conservation area showcases Bhutan's commitment to wildlife protection and sustainable tourism.

Buddha Dordenma: One of the largest Buddha statues in the world at 51.5 meters tall, containing 125,000 smaller Buddha statues inside. The site offers impressive views of Thimphu valley and symbolizes Bhutan's Buddhist heritage.

Transportation in Bhutan is shaped by its mountainous terrain, with winding roads connecting towns and villages through scenic landscapes. As a tourist, your transportation is typically arranged by your tour operator as part of your package.

• Road travel: The main east-west highway winds through mountains and valleys, offering breathtaking views but requiring time due to curves and elevation changes. Road quality has improved significantly in recent years.
• Tourist vehicles: Most international tourists travel in comfortable tourist vehicles (typically SUVs or vans) with a driver provided by their tour operator. This is included in the standard tour package.
• Public transportation: Public buses connect major towns, but they are basic, often crowded, and follow limited schedules. These are mainly used by locals rather than tourists.
• Domestic flights: Drukair and Bhutan Airlines operate limited domestic flights between Paro and Bumthang (Bathpalathang Airport), Gelephu, and Yonphula.
• Taxis: Available in major towns like Thimphu and Paro. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey or request a metered taxi.

Note: The terrain makes for relatively slow travel times, with average speeds of 40-50 km/hour on highways. A journey that looks short on a map can take several hours due to winding mountain roads. Allow ample time when planning your itinerary.

Border crossings: There are three main land border crossings between Bhutan and India: Phuentsholing-Jaigaon (southwest), Gelephu-Dadgiri (south-central), and Samdrup Jongkhar-Darranga (southeast). The Phuentsholing crossing is the most commonly used by tourists.

Bhutan has limited air connectivity, with just a few airports serving the country's aviation needs:

• Paro International Airport (PBH): The only international airport in Bhutan, located in the Paro Valley about 6 km from Paro town and 54 km from the capital, Thimphu. Flying into Paro is an experience itself, as the approach requires maneuvering between mountains, making it one of the world's most challenging airports to land at. Only a small number of pilots are certified to land here.
• Bathpalathang Airport: Located in Bumthang in central Bhutan, this domestic airport provides access to the cultural heartland of the country.
• Gelephu Airport: A domestic airport in southern Bhutan, near the Indian border.
• Yonphula Airport: Located in eastern Bhutan, serving the eastern districts.

Airlines: Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) and Bhutan Airlines are the only two carriers operating flights to and from Bhutan. They connect Paro with destinations including Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati (India), Bangkok (Thailand), Kathmandu (Nepal), and Singapore.

Airport Access: If you're traveling as a tourist on a package tour, your tour operator will arrange transportation to and from the airport. Taxis are also available at Paro International Airport for the journey to Thimphu or other locations.

Note: Due to the mountainous terrain and weather conditions, flights can sometimes be delayed or canceled. It's advisable to have flexible plans, especially during monsoon season (June to September) when visibility can be poor.

Bhutan has a unique approach to tourism designed to preserve its culture and environment through a "High Value, Low Impact" policy. This means tourists must book through authorized tour operators and pay a Sustainable Development Fee.

Key information for travelers to Bhutan:

• Visa requirements: All foreigners except citizens of India, Bangladesh, and Maldives require a visa to enter Bhutan. Visas are processed by your tour operator or guide after you've booked your trip.
• Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): International visitors must pay a daily fee of $200 USD per person per night (reduced from the previous $250 fee). This covers sustainable tourism initiatives, free education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• Tour booking: You must book through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator who will arrange your visa, accommodation, transportation, guide, and itinerary.
• Payment: The full payment for your tour (including the SDF) must be made before your visa is processed.

Travel Restrictions by Nationality

The following table provides general information about entry requirements for Bhutan:

Country/Region	Entry Requirement	Notes
India	Permit Only	Entry permit issued at border or through online system; no SDF required
Bangladesh and Maldives	Permit Only	Entry permit required; exempt from SDF
All other nationalities	Visa Required + SDF	Must book through licensed tour operator; pay SDF; visa arranged by tour operator

Restricted areas: Some parts of Bhutan, particularly remote areas and those near border regions, require special permits. Your tour operator will arrange these if your itinerary includes restricted areas.

Entry requirements: In addition to the visa, visitors should have:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of departure from Bhutan
• Confirmed and pre-paid tour arrangements with a licensed Bhutanese tour operator
• Return/onward travel tickets

Indian nationals: Citizens of India can enter Bhutan with a permit that can be obtained online through the Royal Government of Bhutan website or at the immigration office at the border. An identity document (passport or voter ID) is required.

Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather for travel in Bhutan. Many cultural festivals (tshechus) are held during these periods, adding to the visitor experience.