Bhutan boasts Thimphu as its capital, nestled at an elevation of 7700 feet. Thimphu, a quaint city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, strictly adheres to traditional Bhutanese architectural styles for all its constructions, imposing limitations on building heights. With visa free access for 3 countries .
April 2024 has brought promising news from Bhutan, as the Bhutan Development Update reveals the economy is on the brink of a robust recovery. For the fiscal year 2022/23, experts forecast a 4.6 percent increase in real GDP, a significant uplift attributed primarily to the surge in tourism activities. This upswing follows a challenging period of economic shrinkage over two consecutive years, a direct aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Projections for the fiscal year 2023/24 are even more optimistic, expecting growth to accelerate to 4.9 percent.
This year between January 1 and March 31, Bhutan received a record number of visitors. Of the more than 25,000 visitors during this period, 60% originated from India. March 2024 alone was the third-busiest month since the kingdom’s reopening, and during the month, 57% of the tourists were from India.
Bhutan has made travel for Indians simple as visitors only require a permit to enter the country at a fee that is lower compared to tourists from other parts of the world. This year, the kingdom is expecting around 150,000 Indian tourists, more than double of 2023 levels, Bhutan’s prime minister Tshering Tobgay said last month.
Celebrating half a century of tourism, Bhutan unveils an exclusive India Road Show, set to take place from June 17 to 21, 2024. This initiative highlights Bhutan’s summer travel prospects since its tourism inauguration in 1974, with India standing as a crucial market. As India gears up for its peak vacation period, the road show will traverse through four key cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. This gathering aims to facilitate interactions among travel experts, uncover new business prospects, and craft bespoke travel experiences within Bhutan.
Bhutan has emerged as a prime destination for Indian tourists, especially in the warmer season. In May 2024, the number of Indian visitors to Bhutan soared to 19,212, doubling from the previous month’s figures. This remarkable surge highlights Bhutan’s growing appeal among Indian vacationers.
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Top Destinations to Explore in Bhutan
Exploring Paro:
Paro stands out as Bhutan’s most sought-after tourist destination, renowned for its tranquil, pristine environment and fresh air. The city, encircled by majestic, rugged mountains, verdant fields, and historical edifices, hosts the nation’s only international airport, drawing travelers seeking serenity and natural beauty.
Thimphu: The Capital’s Captivating Charm
As the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu presents itself as a fascinating urban escape, perched in the lofty Himalayan ranges. The city offers stunning views of emerald forests and the picturesque Raidak or Chuu River, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
Punakha: A Haven for Adventure Enthusiasts
Punakha is another gem in Bhutan’s tourism crown, attracting thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts. Known as the ultimate spot for those craving the excitement of river rafting, the convergence of the Mo and Pho rivers provides exhilarating rapids that promise an unforgettable experience.
Trongsa: The Heart of Bhutan
Located centrally, Trongsa is an essential stop for anyone touring Bhutan. Its abundant flora and strategic position make it a perfect place for contemplation and exploration. The Trongsa Dzong, a significant and compelling attraction, adds to the town’s appeal, linking it to major destinations like Bumthang, Gelephu, and Punakha.
Wangdue Phodrang: A Town of Art and Tradition
In central Bhutan lies Wangdue Phodrang, a tranquil town known for its artistic bamboo products, slate, and stone carvings. It serves as a cultural hub, especially during the Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu, an autumn festival when the local dzong opens its doors to the public, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich traditions and heritage.
Crimson Hotels Private Limited has expanded its reach into the Kingdom of Bhutan, opening two new properties in Thimphu and Paro. Renowned for managing upscale and boutique hotels, as well as developing and franchising hotel brands, Crimson Hotels marks a significant milestone with this move. This expansion enhances the company’s diverse portfolio, adding two outstanding properties in one of the world’s most serene and culturally rich regions.
Popular hotels in Bhutan:
- Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront
- Le Meridien Thimphu
- Pemako Thimphu
- The Pema By Realm
- Silver Cloud Hotel
Bhutan experienced a notable surge in tourism with 41,394 visitors arriving in the country during the initial four months of 2024. This figure stands in stark contrast to the 26,465 arrivals recorded during the corresponding period in 2023.
An official from the Department of Tourism highlighted a surge in April visitors, with 16,391 tourists this year compared to 13,769 in April 2023. They noted that this April marked the third busiest month since Bhutan reopened its borders post the Covid-19 pandemic in September 2022.
The estimated revenue collected from Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) between January and April 2024 is around USD 13 million.
New charter flights to meet demand
According to media reports in India, the online travel agency MakeMyTrip has announced a new exclusive charter service between Mumbai and Bhutan. This service is part of its holiday packages, and the exclusive charter will depart once a week.
The service has been launched due to the increasing popularity of Bhutan among Indian travellers.
On the MakeMyTrip platform, Bhutan is among the five most-searched emerging destinations, with a year-on-year increase of more than 200 percent.
The charted flight is catered by Drukair and Bhutan Airlines from Mumbai to Paro and Bengaluru to Paro.
Currently, 12 charted flights are booked, five chartered flight with Drukair and seven with Bhutan Airlines, starting from April 27 to June 2 this year, each carrying around 120 to 130 passengers from three tour companies from India.
The Department of Immigration confirms that the data includes only visitors entering Bhutan as tourists and excludes those entering under any other category.
Drukair, Bhutan’s national airline, provides direct flights from Paro International Airport to multiple destinations across Asia. Travelers can fly directly to Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Kathmandu, Dhaka, Singapore, Mumbai, and Guwahati, facilitating easy access to and from Bhutan.
Located about 50 kilometers from Paro Airport and sitting at an elevation of 2,700 meters, Chomolhari or Jomolhari Mountain stands as a breathtaking destination in Bhutan. Nestled on the border between Tibet, China, and Bhutan, the mountain is affectionately known as “the bride of Kanchenjunga” due to its close proximity to the famous Kanchenjunga peak.
Paro Airport, Bhutan’s sole airport, is located in the scenic Paro Valley at an altitude of 2,235 meters. Positioned along the banks of the Paro River and surrounded by high peaks, it is recognized as one of the world’s most challenging airports to land at. Managed by the Department of Civil Aviation, the airport features a 1,985-meter-long asphalt runway and houses both a passenger and a cargo terminal. Currently, Drukair operates flights from Paro to destinations such as Bagdogra, Delhi, Kolkata, Gaya, Dhaka, Bangkok, and Kathmandu, ensuring connectivity despite the airport’s limited flight operations.
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