Bhutan General Information & Facts

Full Country Name: Kingdom of Bhutan (Locally known as Druk or Drukyul, and its people are called Drukpa). Bhutan or Bhutanese is a Western term adopted more recently.

Area: 47,000 sq. km (18,200 sq. mi.)

Population: As of September 2021, estimated at 779,898.

Capital City: Thimphu (population estimated around 115,000). Altitude – 2200m.

Languages: Dzongkha is the official language, with many dialects spoken across the country. English is widely spoken and is the medium of instruction in schools. Sharchopkha, an Indo–Mongoloid language, is dominant in eastern Bhutan. Nepali is spoken in the south.  Read more about languages and learn a few words in Dzongkha…

Religion: Predominately Himalayan Buddhists with 20% Hindus and a few Christians.

Government: Constitutional Monarchy.

King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck – He ascended the throne in December 09 2006 as the 5th King.

Time: Only one time zone. Local time is 6 hours ahead of GMT (London, UK time).

Telephone: Country code is 975. To dial out of Bhutan: 00 + country code + number.

Electricity: Bhutan operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency, using C, D, and M plug types, just like its neighboring countries, India and Nepal. Depending on your devices, you may need a travel adapter with a step-up or step-down voltage converter. We also recommend using surge protection due to power surges or fluctuations.

Business Hours: Saturday and Sunday are the weekly off days for all Government Offices, including Banks. Private sector offices that close on Sundays and Saturdays are usually half-day. Business hours are usually from 9 am to 5 pm.

Money, Currency & Budget
The currency in Bhutan is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the value of the Indian Rupee, resulting in a similar exchange rate. While the rupee is also legal tender, larger denominations such as Indian Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 are not legally accepted due to some counterfeiting issues (shops seem to have no problem accepting them). Smaller denominations of Indian currency below Rs. 100 is legal tender.
Foreign currency notes such as US dollars and Euros 100 or 50 have a slightly higher exchange rate than smaller denominations. Banks may exchange smaller notes, but small currency below 10 euros or $ will be difficult to change.

Credit Cards & ATMS: Credit cards are accepted only at a small number of establishments, such as international brand hotels and some gift shops. While ATMs generally work, it’s still recommended to carry some cash, as some places do not have ATMs, and ATMs may not always work

Budgeting for expenses: If you have prepaid for all your meals, budget between $10-50 per day per person for additional expenses such as alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, offerings at temples, gratuities, a few souvenirs, and laundry.

Airports: Paro (PBH) is the main international airport located in Paro, which is a 55 km/50 min drive away from the capital, Thimphu. Bumthang in central Bhutan, Yongphula in the east near Trashigang, and Gelephu in the south are the other three airports for domestic flights. Plans are underway to make Gelephu an international airport.

Nestled within the majestic Himalayas, ensconced between India and China, lies the secluded kingdom of Bhutan. This independent nation has long thrived in isolation from the rest of the world, preserving its rich cultural and spiritual heritage through centuries-old traditions.

The introduction of the first surfaced road in the 1960s marked a turning point for Bhutan, opening its doors to a select few tourists in 1974, primarily at the government’s invitation. Even today, with very few people having the opportunity to visit Bhutan, the Royal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the country’s traditions and safeguarding its natural environment.

Upon arrival in Bhutan, visitors are enveloped in a unique charm and tranquility that permeates the kingdom. The Bhutanese people, deeply devout in their Lamaist form of Buddhism, imbue every aspect of daily life with spirituality. From the spinning of prayer wheels to the gentle murmur of mantras and the soft glow of butter lamps, religious practices are integral to urban and rural settings alike. Monasteries, temples, and religious monuments adorn the landscape, while crimson-clad monks, both young and old, are a ubiquitous presence in towns, villages, and markets.

Bhutan’s unparalleled biodiversity, with nearly three-quarters of its total area blanketed by forests, has earned it a place among the world’s top 10 environmental conservation hotspots. The country’s lush valleys, snow-capped peaks, and picturesque rural vistas leave an indelible mark on every visitor, showcasing the splendor of the Himalayan flora and fauna.

For even the most seasoned travelers, Bhutan remains a revelation, drawing them back time and again to bask in the kingdom’s beauty, charm, and spirituality. Few have the privilege of experiencing the warmth of the Bhutanese people and the wonders of their homeland firsthand, making a journey to this remarkable country an unforgettable adventure.

Further links & Reading

• Bhutan’s Weather & Climate
• Festival, Celebrations & Events Date
• Language and learn a few words in Dzongkha
• National Symbols (Emblem, Flag, Bird, National Animal, etc)
• Archery – the national game & favorite pastime
• Nature, Parks, Wildlife  & Fauna
• Bhutan Travel Guide Info