It’s undeniable that every destination is unique, but, if you’ll allow us, Bhutan is more unique. This is partly because of the country’s approach to visitors. The idea of Gross National Happiness is very important in Bhutan, so as far as being a guest in their country goes, you’re most welcome, but you will need to pay a minimum fee of about US$250 per person per day, to ensure the Bhutanese get the best value from tourism and the country isn’t overwhelmed. This is a magical Himalayan Kingdom where change has been slower to come, so it’s certainly unique in that sense as well, and the Bhutanese sense the value in keeping it that way. US$250, for many of us, is expensive. But that can include your food and transport and your official guide, which you have to have, so it’s not as bad as it first sounds. It does mean the prices of some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Bhutan look high, but when set against the daily minimum they make sense.
Bhutan is deeply Buddhist, and Buddhist values permeate everything here, so it can feel quite traditional, but this isn’t a country frozen in time, the people are generally very outward looking and well educated and informed, and it’s this careful blend of old and new, where the best bits are valued, that makes Bhutan such a fascinating place to visit. And that’s what makes some of the best places to stay in Bhutan so fantastic. Some of our favourite Bhutanese hotels are part of traditional lodge or palace complexes, where you’ll find ancient hot stone baths on modern spa menus, or elegant, modern rooms heated with beautiful traditional stove heating — or the other way around: traditional style rooms with underfloor heating.
Out of the windows of the best places to stay in Bhutan you’ll see the real reason many people come here. The Himalayan views of snow-dusted peaks and deep, primeval forests, of valleys carved by ice and dotted with temples, monasteries and story-book-worthy traditional villages. Bhutan’s slower, thoughtful approach to change means this landscape has remained the same for centuries, pristine almost, and the opportunities to walk in the Himalayas are second to none.
Where to Stay
- Thimphu is the capital city, and the largest in Bhutan. But it’s only been the capital since 1961, so, despite there being a dzong here since the 13th Century, it’s certainly not an ancient place. It’s being built into a very well planned capital city, but it’s not quite there yet. It does have lots of green space and well organised roads to the highlights, places like the National Folk Heritage Museum, the Alaya Gallery, the Royal Textile Academy and the three main dzongs: Tashichho Dzong, Trashi Chhloe Dzong and Simtokha Dzong.
- Paro has the international airport and is the closest city to the Taktsand Monastery, also called the Tiger’s Nest, which is one of the images synonymous with Bhutan, and which has probably drawn many of us to consider travelling here. Paro also has the National Museum of Bhutan, which occupies a former watchtower of the city, and several dzongs, though some are in ruins. Paro also has an impressive collection of monasteries.
- Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1961, and this is where you’ll find the regal buildings you would expect to find in an ancient capital. The dzong is the main attraction, it’s extremely photogenic, sitting on an island between two rivers. You reach it via a wooden bridge, and inside are all the treasures you’d expect to find in a royal palace.
- Jakar and the Choekor Valley is said by many to be one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, to give you an idea it’s often compared to Switzerland. But with many monasteries and sacred sites. The Jakar Dzong is one of the most famous in Bhutan, elegant and white, this is also where you’ll find Kurje Lhakhang monastery, and Jakar generally is known for being the first kingdom in Bhutan to adopt Buddhism.
- Trongsa is one of Bhutan’s most picturesque and historic towns, with an impressive dzong and a lively main bazaar on a traditional looking street of white, three storey houses.
- If you want to see more of Bhutan’s flora and fauna then head to Zhemgag, which is only just opening up to visitors.
Use our guide to the best places to stay in Bhutan and start to plan your trip to this fascinating little-discovered country.
