Bhutan: everything you need to know about the Himalayan Kingdom

As William and Kate touch down in the nation, get the lowdown on the royal tour’s latest destination
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Liz Connor14 April 2016

Nestled between Asian monoliths India and China, the remote kingdom of Bhutan has long been overlooked thanks to its high-profile neighbours. But the tiny kingdom has been firmly placed on the map this week when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made a royal visit to the Himalayas after touring New Delhi.

The secretive kingdom is not only filled with ancient monasteries and fortresses, but its natural beauty is formed from vast vistas of steep mountains, leafy pine forests and tranquil lakes.

This undiscovered paradise is little known by tourists, with plenty of rare sites in this mystic and spiritual land to inspire even the most seasoned explorer.

Where is Bhutan?

Landlocked Bhutan is situated in South Asia at the eastern end of the Himalayas. Bordering China to the north and India to the South, its capital city is Thimphu, which has an estimated population of around 770 thousand people.

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How easy is it to visit?

Bhutan has kept itself cut off from the world for centuries to protect its culture and it was not until the 1970s that the first foreign tourists were allowed in.

Things are changing rapidly - smartphones and karaoke bars are now common in the capital, Thimphu - but the authorities still monitor foreign influences.

For this reason, Bhutan remains relatively untouched by mass tourism because the government restricts the numbers of visitors to the country.

You can still visit, but it’s important to note that the country charges visitors from outside South Asia about $250 (£155) a day to be there.

Be sure to apply for a visa in advance of your arrival via an authorised tour operator. Visas normally cost around £29 per person and are essential for booking flights into the country.

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What can I do there?

Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Taktsang Palphug Monastery, known as Paro Taktsang, is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley above a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a magical tiger and meditated in a cave before continuing his journey to spread Buddhism across the Himalayas.

Hike the Bhutanese Himalayas

Bhutan’s stunning mountain scenery is a hiker’s paradise, and a brilliant way to see the country as the locals do, walking trails that meander the hills and peaks. The Snowman Trek, which takes a whopping 25 days, is the most famous route, but most people opt for shorter day walks that still allow hikers to take in beautiful mountain views.

Scott Dunn

Explore the capital

Set in a broad valley in the west of the country, Thimphu is Bhutan’s only proper city, where you’ll really be able to see how the ancient and modern coexist in the country. The Bhutanese capital is packed with historic sights: from the breathtaking fortress temple (or dzong) of Tashi Chho to Thimphu’s lively weekend market and the huge, golden statue of Buddha that overlooks the city.

Be part of a tsechu

All of the nation’s dzongs and goembas (monasteries) host tsechus – colourful bhuddist festivals where monks don rainbow-coloured costumes and fearsome monster masks and dance to local instruments like horns, drums and gongs. A brilliant way for tourists to become accustomed to the customs and legends of Bhutanese Buddhism.

Scott Dunn

Go bird spotting

The jungle covered hills of Bhutan are home to more than 600 species of birds, including rare black-necked cranes and other exotic creatures.

Get your cultural injection in Paro

The first port of call for most visitors, the town of Paro Dzong is one of the nation’s finest monuments, and the National Museum provides a handy introduction to the culture and history of Bhutan.

Enjoy the cuisine

The most distinctive characteristic of Bhutanese cuisine is its spiciness. Chillis are an essential part of nearly every dish and are considered so important that most Bhutanese people would not enjoy a meal that was not spicy. Ema Datshi is the National Dish of Bhutan - a spicy mix of chillis and the delicious local cheese known as Datshi.

What is the weather like?

Although geographically quite small, Bhutan’s weather varies from north to south and valley to valley.

In the north of Bhutan on the borders with Tibet it is perennially covered with snow. In the western, central and eastern Bhutan (Ha, Paro, Thimphu, Wandue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Trashi Yangtse, Lhuntse) you will mostly experience European-like weather.

The capital tends to have a hot, humid climate that rarely changes throughout the year. Temperatures can vary between 15-30 degrees Celsius, so Kate and William can expect a typically warm spring on their visit this week.

Thinking of following in Kate and William's footsteps?

Scott Dunn runs a Highlights of Bhutan itinerary which hits all of the must visit regions of this unique country including many of the places Kate and Will visited on their royal tour - including Paro, Bhutan, Thimpu and Dochuia Pass. The package includes flights, full board, private transfers and experiences, and costs £3700-£4200 depending on the season. For more information visit ScottDunn.com

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