Bhutan is one of the most fascinating and remote travel destinations in the world. And its tourism model and visa system are famously unlike any other in the world.
29.12.2023 - 20:39 / lonelyplanet.com
Since opening to tourism in 1974, the Kingdom of Bhutan has long been a place that’s fascinated travelers. The country may be small, but criss-crossing its Himalayan terrain takes time and expertise.
When traveling in Bhutan, a car is the best way to get around, but it’s important to know the country’s unique rules first. Here’s our guide for how to make the most of your time in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon,” from the capital city of Thimphu to the spiritual center of Bumthang.
Getting around in Bhutan is no easy feat; the roads hug mountainside cliffs zig-zagging endlessly, and around any corner there may be a giant yak waiting. But road-tripping through Bhutan is one of the most exciting and beautiful journeys you can take.
Although travelers can now visit the country without going through a tour company, expert local ones like Illuminating Tours have made the process for travelers easy and efficient. The company’s local driver and guide organize all the transport and how to best get between the five main tourist destinations of Paro, Thimphu, Gangtey, Punakha and Bumthang.
Renting a car is the best and most popular way to traverse the country’s winding roads. But you won’t be driving yourself from town to town –every rental comes with a driver, and outside of Thimphu and Paro, you'll need to hire a guide too. And while it may sound like you’re giving up some travel freedom, as soon as you catch a glimpse at the roads in Bhutan, you’ll be glad you left driving in the hands of the professionals.
Although paved, most of the roads here are a series of hairpin turns that will make your stomach churn. So, if you’re prone to motion sickness, be sure to pack some medication with you. The vistas are stunning, so having a driver gives you time to focus your attention on the landscape rather than the road.
Taxis are an option if you’re determined to explore Bhutan without the same driver. Travelers can get a taxi from the airport of their hotel to their destination for a flat fee. The fees are determined by the Roads Safety and Transport Authority, but travelers often report room for negotiation. Be aware if you are traveling outside of Paro and Thimphu, you will need a guide to accompany you.
Buses are the only mode of public transportation in Bhutan. Travelers can hop on a bus with their guide to travel between destinations throughout the country. And while it may be an affordable option, with tickets ranging from $2.40 to $12 for hours-long journeys, it’s not always comfortable. Crowded and sometimes unreliable, buses aren’t the fastest or most convenient mode of transport in Bhutan, but the winding roads do make it exciting.
For buses between districts, you can book tickets at DrukRide or using the DrukRide
Bhutan is one of the most fascinating and remote travel destinations in the world. And its tourism model and visa system are famously unlike any other in the world.
If you're ever wondering aloud where the hottest mid-winter celebrations take place, those in-the-know might quietly respond, “St. Barts.” The island's luxe air of mystery and remoteness are part of what makes it a seasonal staple for jet setters and superyachts as they follow the sun to the Caribbean in winter. The festivities rage on until the St. Barths Bucket Regatta in mid-March, but what most visitors don’t realize is that the island is practically a year-round one, since the only time hotels typically shut is at the height of hurricane season (late summer).
Belize is a very small country, so it’s easy enough to get from one spot to another within a few hours at the most.
People decide to visit the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan for many reasons. Some are drawn by the mountains and pristine environment, others to the rich spiritual heritage of its Buddhist monasteries and temples, and some visitors by a simple curiosity to experience one of the world's least visited and most exclusive countries.
The perfect time to visit Bhutan depends on your reasons for coming. The best seasons weather-wise for general travel are spring (March and April) and autumn (October and November), but it will also depend on whether your main goal is trekking, avoiding the crowds or attending a specific festival.
A road trip through the remote, stunningly beautiful Himalayan valleys of Bhutan ranks as one of travel’s most exciting adventures.
The 2023-24 ski season is off to a rocky start in much of the U.S., despite an El Nino weather pattern having promised another snowy winter.
The second-largest country in Central America, Honduras is a sprawl of mountains, islands, coastal plains and tropical lowlands. But despite the distances involved and the varied topography, getting around is relatively straightforward.
In the 19th century, Boston was nicknamed ‘The Hub of the Solar System’ such was its importance at the heart of the young American nation. Ask any of the passionate locals — especially Red Sox baseball fans — and they’ll say it’s still an accurate description. The star at the centre of this particular galaxy is a compact 400-year-old downtown, home to a collection of historic sites that form the core of the Freedom Trail, and the harbour where the Boston Tea Party protest took place 250 years ago. You’ll find most of the best hotels in the Back Bay or South End areas, both flanking the downtown and close to the culinary and cultural action.
Colorful monasteries, snow-capped peaks, peaceful villages lined with chili farms: the beauty of Bhutan is visible around every turn of its hairpin roads.
High-rise Hong Kong has long been a hive of busy worker bees who depend on the city’s efficient transport system to whisk them from apartment to office to mall to restaurant and back again.
Merging hospitality with the world’s top Asian destinations, Remote Lands is at the forefront of the luxury travel planning industry. The operator offers itineraries to 38 different countries on the Asian continent, highlighting the cuisine, heritage, and standout features of each. The company has teamed up with hospitality brand Aman to add a personalized element to its trips by jet.