The Essentials
Bhutan At A Glance
Before you step onto the plane, before you see the Himalayas unfold beneath the wings — here is everything you need to know about the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, distilled into the essentials.
National Symbols
| Official Name | Kingdom of Bhutan (Druk Yul) |
| Capital | Thimphu |
| National Language | Dzongkha |
| National Animal | Takin (Budorcas taxicolor) |
| National Flower | Blue Poppy (Meconopsis gakyidiana) |
| National Bird | Raven (Corvus corax tibetanus) |
| National Tree | Cypress (Cupressus corneyana) |
| National Dress | Gho (men) & Kira (women) |
| National Day | December 17 |
| Political System | Constitutional Monarchy (since 2008) |
Time & Currency
Bhutan Time (BTT) is GMT/UTC 6 hours. There is only one time zone throughout the entire country — a fitting simplicity for a nation that values harmony. Bhutan time is 30 minutes ahead of India, 15 minutes ahead of Nepal, one hour behind Thailand, and two hours behind Singapore.
The currency is the Ngultrum (Nu), pegged at par with the Indian Rupee. Indian Rupees are also accepted as legal tender throughout Bhutan (though notes of INR 2,000 and INR 1,000 denomination are not accepted). Foreign currency can be exchanged at Paro Airport, Bank of Bhutan, or Bhutan National Bank in Paro and Thimphu. Accepted currencies include US Dollar, Euro, Pound Sterling, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, and several others.
Connectivity & Electricity
Electricity in Bhutan is 220V/240V at 50Hz. Four types of plugs are used: C, D, F, and G — so bring an appropriate adapter. Internet and WiFi are available in major towns like Thimphu, Paro, Trongsa, and Bumthang. Most tourist hotels offer WiFi in lobbies, restaurants, and rooms. Bhutanese SIM cards (from Bhutan Telecom or Tashi Cell) provide 3G/4G data coverage and can be purchased upon arrival.
Protected Areas & Nature
Bhutan's commitment to conservation is unparalleled. The country has five National Parks, four Wildlife Sanctuaries, one Strict Nature Reserve, eight Biological Corridors, and one Botanical Park — together covering an extraordinary 51.44% of the entire country. Major protected areas include Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, Wangchuck Centennial National Park, and Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary.
A Country of Firsts
Bhutan's relationship with the modern world has been intentionally gradual and deeply considered. The first tourists visited in 1974. Trekking in western Bhutan began in 1978, and in central Bhutan in 1982. Radio broadcasting started in 1973. Television and internet were introduced simultaneously in 1999 — making Bhutan one of the last countries on Earth to receive television. Mobile phone service launched in 2003. Each milestone was embraced thoughtfully, on Bhutan's own terms.
Today, Bhutan is recognized globally as one of the safest and most unique travel destinations in the world — a place where tradition and modernity coexist in remarkable balance.
The more you learn about Bhutan before you go,
the more it will surprise you when you arrive.