Travel in Asia
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country in South Asia, located at the eastern end of the Himalaya Mountains and bordered to the south, east and west by India and to the north by China. Bhutan was separated from the nearby state of Nepal to the west by the Indian state of Sikkim, and from Bangladesh to the south by West Bengal.
There are a number of rules you'll have to follow if you want to travel to Bhutan. No, they're not totally outrageous--and whatever you must do to get here is all worth it in the end.
All travel to this East Himalayan country is heavily regulated by the government. If you'ved decided to fly in, you must use the national airline, Druk, which flys from Kathmandu, Delhi, and Bankkok. And you must use a local tour operator for all tourism, which sets a daily requirement of the minimum dollar amount of what you must spend per day.
One look at the Tiger's Nest, or the Taktsang Goemba, perched precariously on the 2900 foot cliff is worth any penny you've spent to get to this most revered site.
Bhutan is known for their Dzongs; which are (or were) used for fortress, civil, and administrative purposes. The Taschichho Dzong was once the Royal Family's ancestral home.
There isn't much nighlife going on in Bhutan, but shopping is always is, it seems. The area is known for its textiles, clothing, and jewelry--and most interestingly enough, its stamps.
Try the Handicraft Emporium, open daily, for some wonderful gifts to bring home. Or, you can try a number of smaller markets that are usually open just on the weekends.
Eating around Bhutan is an adventure. Vegetarians will love it here, and the view of the apple orchards are divine.
Just be careful to only drink boiled or bottled water, and all milk should be boiled first. Meat dishes should be well-cooked, as a precaution.
It's best to have some vaccinations before arriving in Bhutan, but the biggest issue is mostly altitude sickness. This is some seriously high terrain; and many roads higher up in the Himalayas aren't even passable. La Pass is accessible, and one of Bhutan's most panoramic views from 3100 meters above sea level.
Be sure you've gotten your passport, return ticket, and visa (some citizens can get it upon arrival--just bring along 2 passport photos).
The wildlife found in Bhutan is surreal, including snow leopards and some 600 species of birds--including the black necked crane. Orchid lovers will fall in love with all the specimens of this regal botanical beauty.
There's no doubt that you'll think all 47-thousand square kilometers of Bhutan is beautiful, even the meaning of its name is beautiful--known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
