Bhutan Celebrates 50th Anniversary Of Opening Its Borders To Tourists

14.03.2024 - 16:17 / forbes.com

This year, 2024, the Kingdom of Bhutan, marks a significant milestone as it commemorates 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 conservation. This is done through Bhutan's policy of high-value, low-impact tourism. The government regulates tourism through a daily tariff, which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, and a contribution to Bhutan's development fund. This approach not only helps preserve Bhutan's fragile ecosystem but also ensures that tourism benefits local communities directly.

Bhutan is located in 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 by China to the north.

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

Travel to Bhutan is not simply booking flights and showing up. There’s prep work that needs to be done. Travelers must obtain a visa through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator, as independent travel is not permitted in the kingdom. Additionally, visitors must adhere to the government-mandated daily tariff, which covers accommodation, meals, 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 its essential to respect the kingdom's customs and traditions. 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’s smart to pack altitude sickness medication just in case. Also, there’s often quite a bit of driving from attraction to attraction and windy roads can sometimes cause people to become motion sickness. Packing appropriate medications is smart.

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

In Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, travelers can marvel at the majestic Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture situated at the confluence of two rivers. The valley's lush landscapes and abundant wildlife, including the rare white-bellied herons, showcase Bhutan's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable