Why visit
Bhutan is a destination in Asia where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
Country · Asia
Bhutan
natureadventureculture
At a glance
Location
27.5°, 90.5°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
38,394 km²
14,824 mi²
Country population
787k
20/km²
Subregion
Southern Asia
Currency
Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.)
BTN
Dial
+975
Language
Dzongkha
Demonym
Bhutanese
Internet
.bt
UN
Member state
ISO code
BT / BTN
Where in the world
27.5° · 90.5°
Bhutan
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Did you know
- Bhutan measures Gross National Happiness instead of GDP: it's the only country to do so officially.
- The country is carbon-negative: forests absorb more CO₂ than the nation emits.
- Bhutan only opened to foreign tourists in 1974, and visitors must pay a daily Sustainable Development Fee.
Bordering Bhutan
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Thimphu, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Bhutan
What is the capital of Bhutan?
Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan.
What currency does Bhutan use?
Bhutan uses the Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu.), ISO code BTN.
What languages are spoken in Bhutan?
The primary language is Dzongkha.
Is Bhutan landlocked?
Yes, Bhutan is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Bhutan?
Bhutan borders China, India.
What is the international calling code for Bhutan?
The calling code is +975.
Other Asia destinations
Xian
Xi'an is ancient Chang'an. Terracotta Army an hour out, 14th-century city walls you can bike, the Muslim Quarter's food street, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is Victoria Peak, Star Ferry, Mong Kok's markets, dim sum at its source, and Lantau and Lamma islands for the outlying side of the SAR.
Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is northern Thailand's cultural capital. 300+ temples, Sunday Walking Street, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and the hill tribes of Mae Hong Son.
Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Phi Phi and James Bond island day-trips, Patong's nightlife, quieter Kata and Kamala beaches, and Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Krabi
Krabi is Andaman limestone cliffs. Railay beach accessible only by boat, Ao Nang's base, Hong Islands, and the jungle interior at Khao Phanom Bencha.
Hoi An
Hoi An is a UNESCO-listed old port town. Lanterns at night, tailor shops by the hundred, An Bang beach 5 km away, and the Mỳ Sơn Cham ruins nearby.