When King Jigme Singye Wangchuck came to power at age 18 in 1974 he brought a couple of new policies. One was that Bhutan would open its doors to foreign visitors. His son, crowned in 2008, vowed to follow in his footsteps.
Time Magazine once designated Bhutan as one of the world's few remaining "Nanny States" where the government dictates many of the details of life. What is the guiding principle behind Bhutan's apparently draconian state control? It's not Communism. Bhutan's motivation for the unusual degree of control it exercises over life within its borders is simply survival, which is ensured by preserving its unique Buddhist culture.
It seems to be doing quite well. In March 2006, Business Week Magazine rated the isolated mountain kingdom as one of the ten happiest countries on earth.
Opening Bhutan to the Outside World
King Jigme Singye Wangchuck introduced new policies. First, he declared that 60% of his country would remain protected forest, ensuring a pristine natural world which helped promote tourism.
The second policy affected tourism even more directly: the king decided that Bhutan would welcome foreign visitors for the first time in modern history, but only on a limited and controlled basis.
Bhutan's Tourism Policy
Bhutan's tourism policy is simple. All tourists need a visa to be allowed into Bhutan, must pay a minimum fee per day spent in the country, and stay for at least five days.
While it is possible to arrange a visit to Bhutan in as little as 10 days, the Department of Tourism recommends making reservations six months in advance.
Minimum Fees for Staying in Bhutan
The minimum fee varies, depending on whether you are part of a group or traveling alone, and on the time of year. A Visa is about $30. But a visa cannot be obtained unless you pre-book an all-inclusive guided tour with an accredited operator. Minimum fee for any tour is $200 US per day.
Tour prices may vary slightly with season. June to August is the monsoon season and tourism is slow. September to November is considered the best time for trekking (one of the most popular tourist activities).
The daily tariff Bhutan charges for staying in the country is all inclusive. As a peak period traveler with a group of eight people, $200 a day covers your room, meals, services of a guide, transportation, entertainment, and more.
Bhutan's Attractions
Nature, culture, and religion are the biggest draws in Bhutan. Geography-based cultural tours are popular. These may include a seven day trip through Western Bhutan, with extensions to Punakha and beyond. Birding tours of up to 14 days are also available; Bhutan has 620 species of birds including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill and the Black-necked Crane.
Religious tours designed specifically for practicing Buddhists are also popular. A 16 day exploration of the art of weaving in Bhutan is on offer and trekking itineraries ranging in length from three to 24 days have become popular.
Practical Issues
Crime is rare in Bhutan, but the occasional pickpocket is around. Credit cards are not widely accepted and there are very few ATMs.; be prepared to pay with cash. Medical facilities in Bhutan combine Western and traditional medicine, the usual travel insurance is recommended.
Druk Air is the national airline and although you can enter or exit overland, a flight over the Himalaya is an experience not to be missed.
Smoking and Tobacco
If you are a tobacco user you may experience some stress in Bhutan. Since December of 2004 Bhutan has banned the sale of tobacco. Smoking in any public place is illegal and although visitors may import tobacco for personal use, the prohibitive duty imposed by customs is an effective deterrent.
Greg Cruey - Greg Cruey is an educator and journalist. He works as an educational interventionist specializing in a small, rural school in Central ...
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