Bhutan & East India
2024
Highlights:
Summary
We hiked and rode our way through a less-traveled section of the Himalayas, everywhere you look is stunning architecture and color.
There are few countries like Bhutan. Nestled 2500m in the mountains it's a bastion of peace and long term thinking. They impose an expensive daily Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) on tourists which is what makes it one of the least visited countries on earth.
We also got to enjoy the celebrations of Diwali in the East-Indian region of Darjeerling, surprisingly it felt more like new years with endless screaming fireworks and fire crackers.
Scores
East India
Bhutan
Beauty
Affordability
Food
Hospitality
Safety
Accessibility
Video
Final Score
5 / 10
Advice
Trip Duration
5 days or 2 weeks if hiking
Currencies Used
Bhutanese Ngultrum BTN & Indian Rupee (Accepted in Bhutan)
Best Months
March - May
Daily Budget
$20USD + $100/250USD Daily SDF
Challenges
Bhutan essentially forces tourists to hire a guide and driver. Technically you can explore Paro and Thimphu without one but you MUST fly in to the airport, don't try to get there via car.
Do
Travel Bhutan in the off or shoulder season when the SDF is $100 per day instead of $250.
Rent a Himalayan motorbike and enjoy the pure peace that is the twisting yet safe and clean roads of Dochula Pass.
Dont
Try to avoid hiring a guide. They kind of suck and make the experience worse but without one many things become locked off and locals still won't engage with you.
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