When King Jigme Singye Wangchuck came to power at age 18 in 1974 he brought a couple of policies with him. One was that would open itself to foreign visitors.
In August 2004, Time Magazine designated Bhutan as one of the world's few remaining "Nanny States" where the government dictates many of the details of life. Time Magazine recently designated Bhutan as one of the world's few remaining "Nanny States" where the government dictates many of the details of life. The guiding principle behind Bhutan's draconian state control of life? It's not Communism. Nor is it religion, per se. Bhutan's motivation for the unusual degree of control it exercises over life within its borders is more simple: survival.
It seems to be surviving quite well. In March 2006, Business Week Magazine rated the isolated mountain kingdom as one of the ten happiest countries on earth.
Opening Bhutan to the Outside World
When King Jigme Singye Wangchuck came to power at age 18 in 1974, he brought a couple of policies with him. First, he declared that 60% of his country would always be forested. That has helped promote tourism in the country.
The second policy affected tourism even more directly: the king decided that Bhutan would open itself to foreign visitors for the first time in modern history, but only on a limited and well-controlled basis.
Bhutan's Tourism Policy
Bhutan's tourism policy is simply. The Department of Tourism gets to decide whether you can enter the country. And all tourists who are allowed into Bhutan come for a prearranged itinerary, pay a minimum fee per day to be in the country, and stay for at least five days.
While it is possible to arrange a visit to Bhutan in as little as 10 days, the Department of Tourism recommends making reservations six months in advance.
Minimum Fees for Staying in Bhutan
The minimum fee varies, depending on whether you are part of a group or traveling alone, and on the time of year. A Visa is about $20. But a visa cannot be obtained unless you have pre-booked a Bhutan tour package. Those go for a minimum fee of $200 US per day. That fee will go up to $250 per day in 2009.
Tour prices may vary slightly with season. June to August is the monsoon season and tourism is slow. September to November is considered the best time for trekking (on of the most popular tourist activities).
The daily tariff Bhutan charges for staying in the country is all inclusive. As a peak period traveler with a group of eight people, $200 a day covers your room, meals, services of a guide, transportation, entertainment, and more. But because you are paying simply to be there, you do not get reimbursed if something goes wrong. If you order lobster and get flounder, or reserve the best room in town and end up in a tent, you still pay the $200 a day to be in Bhutan.
Bhutan's Attractions
Nature, culture, and religion are the biggest draws in Bhutan. Geography-based cultural tours are popular. These including a five day visit to the Druk-Yul area and a seven day trip through Western Bhutan. Birding tours of up to 14 days also exist; Bhutan has 620 species of birds including the endangered Rufous-necked Hornbill and the Black-necked Crane.
Religious tours designed specifically for practicing Buddhists are also popular. A 16 day exploration of the art of weaving in Bhutan is available and a variety of trekking itineraries ranging in length from three to 24 days have become popular.
Practical Issues
Crime is limited in Bhutan, but the occasional pickpocket is around. Credit cards are not very useful in the country; be prepared to pay with cash or traveler's checks.
Medical facilities in Bhutan are limited. Often they expect payment upfront, in cash, or treatment may be refused. Make sure your medical insurance will cover you overseas. A medical evacuation can cost you big bucks.
The national airline has stricter limits within Bhutan than most international travelers are used to.
Smoking and Tobacco
If you are a tobacco user you will probably experience some stress in Bhutan. Since December of 2004 Bhutan has banned the sell of tobacco. Smoking in any public place is illegal.
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