Bhutan is celebrating the 50th anniversary of opening its borders to tourists

This year, 2024, the Kingdom of Bhutan marks an important milestone as it marks the 50th anniversary of opening its borders to international tourists. Since welcoming its first foreign visitors in 1974, Bhutan has focused on sustainable tourism, prioritizing cultural preservation and environmental protection. This is achieved through Bhutan’s high value, low impact tourism policy. The government regulates tourism through a daily rate that includes accommodation, food, transport and a contribution to the Bhutan Development Fund. This approach not only helps preserve Bhutan’s fragile ecosystem, but also ensures that tourism directly benefits local communities.

Bhutan is located in the heart of the Himalayas between India and China. Often referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, this landlocked country is bordered by India to the south, east and west, and China to the north.

Here’s what you need to know before you visit.

What you need to know before visiting Bhutan

Traveling to Bhutan isn’t just about booking flights and turning up. There is preparatory work to be done. Travelers must obtain a visa through an authorized tour operator in Bhutan, as independent travel is not permitted in the kingdom. In addition, visitors must adhere to a government-set daily rate that covers accommodation, food, transportation and a sustainable tourism fee, ensuring that tourism benefits local communities and preserves Bhutan’s cultural heritage and pristine environment.

Also, while Bhutan offers amazing landscapes and spiritual experiences, it is important to note that it is important to respect the customs and traditions of the kingdom. Dress modestly, remove shoes before entering religious sites, and refrain from public displays of affection to show reverence for Bhutanese culture.

Also, due to the high altitude it is wise to pack altitude sickness medication just in case. Also, there is often quite a bit of driving from attraction to attraction and the windy roads can sometimes make people get motion sickness. Proper medication packaging is smart.

What to do in Bhutan

Although Bhutan is a small country, there is plenty to do and see, with each region offering its own distinct appeal. The capital city of Thimphu serves as a vibrant center of Bhutanese culture, where visitors can explore ancient monasteries, bustling markets and ornate dzongs (fortresses) while enjoying the flavors of traditional Bhutanese cuisine.

In Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, travelers can admire the majestic Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture located at the confluence of two rivers. The valley’s lush landscapes and abundance of wildlife, including the rare white-bellied heron, demonstrate Bhutan’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

No visit to Bhutan would be complete without experiencing the spiritual sanctuary of Paro. Home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff, Paro mesmerizes visitors with its ancient temples, terraced rice paddies and panoramic views of the Himalayas.

The culinary scene in Bhutan

What is Bhutanese cuisine? Spicy, hearty and bold flavors that come from ingredients produced locally in the mountainous region. From chili cheese to dried buckwheat dumplings, here are some local dishes to stir-fry.

Ema Datshi is an iconic dish and a staple on Bhutanese tables. Chili peppers, green or red, are cut lengthwise and cooked in datshi, which is a local cheese. Ema datshi is quintessentially Bhutanese and its versatility means no two ema datshi are alike, creating a unique experience every time it is eaten.

Shamu Datshi is a dish that combines two main Bhutanese ingredients: mushrooms and cheese. Local mushrooms are cooked with datshi to make them creamy and full of flavor.

Momo, or dumplings, are one of the most popular snacks in the country and can be found in every city. Small dough packets are filled with meat or vegetables and then steamed or fried. Hoentay are similar to momos and originate from the Haa and Paro valleys. A buckwheat dough wrapper is filled with a combination of spinach or turnip leaves and cheese, then the dumplings are steamed or fried and topped with ezay, which is a chili sauce.

What is another unique Bhutanese breakfast. It is popular with hikers who hike through the Rocky Mountains because this dried yak cheese can be chewed for hours before it melts. Chogo strings are common in all markets.

Complementing the meat-rich diet, goen hogay is a traditional cucumber salad and a vegetarian staple. Fresh sliced ​​cucumbers are mixed with chili pepper, tomato, cilantro, onion, Szechuan pepper and a little cheese.

Where to stay in Bhutan

There are various accommodation options in Bhutan, depending on what you are looking for. Here are some options.

Six Senses Thimphu is a luxury lodge close to the capital’s attractions. At 7,710 feet, Thimphu sits in a steep valley surrounded by forested mountains dotted with monasteries and temples, and is the only national capital in the world without traffic lights. The resort has 25 apartments and villas and is set among apple orchards and pine forests. The feel is both intimate and intentional.

Pemako Punakha is located in the Punakha Valley, known for its year-round temperate climate and Buddhist festivals. The journey from Thimphu to Punakha is around 2.5 hours and takes travelers through the famous Dochula Pass. The property consists of 21 pool villas spread over 30 acres. Each villa has a private pool, a large terrace and 360 views.

Paro Penlop Heritage Home is a unique experience in that it is the oldest home in Bhutan dating back 300 years. It overlooks the Paro Valley and the foothills of the Himalayas. It attracts those travelers who want to immerse themselves in local life.

Located in the Paro Valley, Zhiwa Ling Heritage has an indoor temple, a tea house that hosts traditional tea ceremonies, and a host of on-site activities, including the traditional Bhutanese game of archery.

What’s next for Bhutan?

Bhutan has announced plans to develop a new city dedicated to mindfulness. This new city — to be called Gelephu Mindfulness City Special Administrative Region (SAR) — will be located in southern Bhutan and will be funded by investments in green energy, physical and digital connectivity, infrastructure and education.

One of the reasons Bhutan is a desirable travel destination is that it is known for its philosophy of “Gross National Happiness”. This new city of mindfulness will feature a series of habitable bridges that are aligned with each of the nine areas of “Gross National Happiness” and double as transportation infrastructure combined with civic and cultural facilities.

Each of the bridges will include key locations: a new airport; a Vajrayana spiritual center that allows a glimpse into the daily practices of monks and mindfulness masters; a health center as a meeting between eastern and western medicine; university; a hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouse showcasing ancient farming practices and modern agroscience for daily travelers; a cultural center to educate visitors about Bhutanese culture and customs; and a Bhutanese textile market.

The last bridge, a hydroelectric dam, will be built on the western border of the city. It will feature a visitor-friendly retaining wall that offers viewpoints, stairs for meditative walks, and a temple.