Bhutan : Measuring the Gross National Happiness – The Planning & Itinerary

Its been a year or two since we had been planning to visit Bhutan. Finally this October it materialized.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is a beautiful country nestled in the Himalayas known to be the happiest nation in the world and that got us curious. Bhutan is pretty big and given we had about 8-9 days we could cover only the north-west towns of Bhutan.

Bhutan is a country with a different view every 90 degrees- simple beautiful; right out of a picture postcard! You wont get tired of clicking pics.. Bhutanese people are very content and none are in a hurry to get anywhere. There are no traffic signals, no crime; an easy going life with immense love for the King. Almost everything in Bhutan is regulated by the Govt including tourism which helps control the number of tourists in the country and maintain the biodiversity. Its not too much of a DIY country in-terms of planning itinerary and booking your stay. We set out enquiring with a few recommendations we got from friends to find a good tour guide who recommended an itinerary, booked hotels, arranged for a car with driver and helped with the permit. Though the itinerary was designed by us they are more than happy to flex according to it – they do want you to be Happy!

Sakhyamuni Buddha

Getting to Bhutan from Bangalore was a long journey with a number of options. After many permutations & combinations we arrived at the most optimal route. We flew to Bagdogra and decided to drive thru tea gardens to the border Phuensholing where we had to get our passports stamped. Indian passport holders need a permit (no visa). The tour guide got us an e-permit in advance and we stopped at the entry point for biometrics and stamping and hello Bhutan it was! You get a 7-day permit but if you need to extend it you will have to do it at Thimphu. Also visiting places like Phobjhika and Punakha needs an additional permit which your tour guide can get it at Thimphu. Ensure you have that.

From Phuensholing we headed to Thimphu. The capital city, nestled between mountains is a quaint town. We spent a day in Thimphu visiting the Sakyamani Buddha & view point, Takin Zoo, where you see the national animal Takin, Changangkha monastery, Simply Bhutan & Folk museum which gave a glimpse into Bhutanese life and Memorial Chorten which was bang opposite our hotel.

Takin @ Takin Zoo

Food is great in Bhutan with mostly homegrown vegetables and even liquor is local made here. There are enough options for both vegetarians and non vegetarians. The local wine called Ara is made from rice and is quite strong.

Memorial Chorten Stupa

Bhutan is largely a cash economy so ensure you take a lot of cash with you when you visit. Indian currency notes can be used everywhere however in some places ₹2000 & ₹200 notes may not be accepted. Debit and credit cards of many Indian banks don’t work here as cards aren’t valid for payment in Nepal and Bhutan. This is mentioned on the card itself; so do check before you leave.

Bhutanese people are very sweet and friendly and believe that guests visiting their country should be happy. We were also surprised to see very few hospitals and pharmacies indicating that people don’t take ill very often. Given that quality & peaceful life is one of the measures of Gross National Happiness the Govt ensures that is met.

After a nice filling dinner we were off to rest for our onward journey to Phobjhika & Punakha over the next 2 days.

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